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prue batten's avatar

I learned to type in my 40's (1990's) as by then, my writing was in full-swing and I needed to type up my handwritten manuscripts. At the same time, I learned my way around a computer with its idiosyncracies which proved handy as technology galloped ahead. (I'm still a techno-dunce tho') .

I still wrote my books by hand until the most recent couple which have been fully on the laptop. Not sure why I changed, except that my hands used to ache after a long session with a pen.

But I do have an old Imperial in the office. Brilliantly black, stylish and oozing nostalgia. It collects dust terribly which is why I'm glad it still has its hard fitted cover.

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Rosy Gee's avatar

I was the worst techno dunce but forced myself to learn and keep up. But being able to touch type must be a bonus for any writer. Ooh a black Imperial - I’m so envious!

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prue batten's avatar

It was my mother's.

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Rose's avatar

I do love the sound of clanking typewriter, but not for too long. There’s something beautiful about a typewriter as an object in itself. I guess that’s why Tom Hanks collects them.

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Rosy Gee's avatar

I love a good typewriter! Not so to work on anymore though as I believe Tom still uses them for his short form work.

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Rose's avatar

Maybe that's the secret to success we're overlooking? I'm sure we're just as brilliant as Tom. (Just a little less famous, perhaps.)

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Sandie Black's avatar

Once you have learnt to touch type it’s something you never seem to lose. I remember when I was taught we had a sort of apron around our necks and then the other end tied around the typewriter so we couldn’t see the keys whilst we typed . No chance of glancing down at all! The good old days eh!

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Rosy Gee's avatar

Yes! I heard about these but a stern look from our tutor was enough to stop us from looking at the keys. What memories!

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Renato Zane's avatar

I gaze at typewriters in shop windows, too! I completely agree with you about the spell these machines have on us and their ability to soothe our spirit.

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Rosy Gee's avatar

Oh so true. I don’t know what it is but they are magical.

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Jo Linney's avatar

Such wonderful memories. I never ‘learnt’ to type but I can remember the feel of the keys on a manual typewriter in my first temp job, the cassette for the ribbon on an electric typewriter. Yay have really got me thinking Thank you Rosy 😘

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Rosy Gee's avatar

Wonderful memories, Jo, of times gone by. Thanks for sharing.

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