Yeah, I am old enough to remember learning to type on an actual manual typewriter complete with white out correction tape and a typewriter ribbon. I can still recall how irritating it was to make a mistake and then have to back space, get the white out and correction tape and very messily make a correction. Oh, yes, I forget about the carbon copy paper that I could utilize to well make carbon copies (mistakes abounded that no amount of correction tape could correct). It could take hours (even days) to type up a decent page.
Today, people younger than forty have absolutely no idea just what a pain it was to type on a manual typewriter. Did I mention the noise of the keys as they clacked and clacked as the typist’s fingers pounded out a letter?
Oh, yeah, those were the days! In fact, I think learning to type on a manual typewriter should be required in schools (maybe it would teach people to appreciate what they have with the computers, but I digress).
Looking back, I think about how typing on a manual typewriter forced my concentration on each and every word. I had to focus so as not to make an error. I couldn’t think of anything but what I was typing. I had to have laser focus to get it correct, or else I’d have to stop and make an immediate correction.
You could not have the attention span of a gnat and type on a manual typewriter; you have to be fully present in order to complete your writing project.
As I consider my upcoming week, I consider what my plans are for writing. What do I want to complete? What steps am I going to take to reach my goals? How am I going to inspire myself to write?
Well, how am I going to focus, as well? I am afraid that in this Post-Modern Age we have all developed the attention spans of gnats; we can not focus for longer than a few minutes before we shift our focus to something else. Thank you, internet (sarcasm!)
I have developed a strategy to jumpstart my creativity. And, I will share it with you.
I usually scan the dictionary and randomly select up to twenty words and try to write a short story or poem using those words.
Here is my list for this week:
Epitome. Jasper. Bundt cake. Indignation. Smite. Puddles. Badger. Obsidian. Appaloosa. Canyon. Alibi. Feathers. Pearls. Rhoda. Judah. Tennessee Walker. Moon. Burgundy. Owls.
Even if you don’t use all the words, it is fun to shake up the imagination and experiment with potential stories or poems. . .
So, consider writing this week and if you’d like to share what you came up with please let me know.
Happy writing and have a beautiful week!
Jenny W. Andrews copyright 2022
Jenny Grace's Poetry and Creative Writing Techniques 
I haven’t typed words on a manual typewriter. But I’d love to do so someday. Majority of the narratives I’ve read/heard from people who’ve had to use a manual typewriter is so fascinating (and painful, because it’s not as easy as typing on a computer/phone keyboard). Well done!
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It is definitely an exercise in concentration. I used to like my old manual typewriter because it helped me focus so much. In fact, I googled manual typewriters on Amazon. I saw one that is the prettiest shade of light blue. So, they are still available. Who knows, I might get one for myself just to remember those old days. Thanks for commenting on my blog. Have a wonderful day!
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