High tech vs Low tech

By Corbyn · Oct 29, 2015 · ·
  1. It's been a rough week all around, but nothing has been worse than anticipating new toys. Two weeks ago, I bit the bullet and decided to replace my archaic laptop. I did so with Nano in mind. I have lots of tech toys from a tablet to a smart phone, but for me nothing beats a good old fashioned laptop. That's probably due in large part to the fact that I've been working on a larger keyboard/screen for so long that I've not been able to get out of the habit, and frankly I just missed lugging around my old friend.

    Which brings me to the title of this blog, low tech vs high tech.

    Most writers can go either way. Some loath the idea of dragging around equipment, and opt to feed their muse the old fashioned (to some) way. These scribes hoard away every napkin, receipt, or doodled on scrap piece of paper they can find when the time comes and that all elusive moment strikes. You know the one. It wakes you up at three in the morning, an idea for a story, or piece of dialogue thundering through your mind like a herd of wild horses. These writers flow poetic, even if they can't read their own writing, and only transfer it to tech media after the words have been polished to a high shine. And there is absolutely, positively nothing wrong with that.

    The second camp, lug their bulky circuit boards, or sleek waft thin machines to coffee houses all over the planet. They thrive in the land of free wifi, and java. Again, there is nothing wrong with this camp either. In fact there is something to be said for ease of use, and multiple save options. Yes, that's right.. Corbyn Dallas multipass.

    I myself have opted to pitch my tent somewhere in the middle of both camps. I've found that it was easier for me at a writer's retreat to jot down plot notes and rough character this and that, rather than booting up ol' betsy. To be fair though, betsy weighed more than three this gen laptops put together, and has been with me nearly fifteen years, in the tech world, that's ancient folks.

    But I also realized that bouncing between work, home, and the multitude of other place in between, that I would not be able to meet my Nano goals this year with out some help. I need to be able to work on the go seamlessly, with as little distraction as possible. For me that means no wifi (bad writer you get a wrist slap for spending to much time on Facebook and forums) and good music coupled with headphones. You should see the looks I get living in a back hole in the water place where it is NOT the norm to sit in restaurants/coffee shops and type on your lunch break.

    Anyway, regardless of which camp you fall into, find a spot that works for you. Your writing tools aren't much different than your writing style. Ultimately, you've got to try a lot of different things, and decide which is the right fit for you.

    Happy Nanowrimo (yes I know it's early but why fight it?)!:agreed:

Comments

  1. JustinCupcake
    Aww man i thought this was gonna be a blog post about Shadowrun :bigwink:. Oh well I will live. I fall into the second camp most of the time. I feel I am able to type faster than write ( or at least to the point of comprehension. A doctor I could have been with my script!) and so I lug around the lappy.
      Corbyn likes this.
To make a comment simply sign up and become a member!
  1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
    By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
    Dismiss Notice