The best gift in the world for a writer.

Even if that ‘writer’ is you.

You probably know my story. I was a digital writer, and then found the magic and beauty of typing on a vintage typewriter, which I primarily use for drafting.

After I got into the flow with a typewriter, such words as I never could have dreamed began to flow through my fingers.

So the quality of my writing improved.

Note that I had to brave the strange waters of writing without spellcheck. I'd vaguely remembered it from high school, and yet here I was.

I also had to build up some finger strength, particularly on the pinkies, so that I could keep up speed. Not to mention get in flow with one particular keyboard, so that I knew where the special and punctuation keys were without looking or hesitating. Much time is lost in searching for those little-used keys (which is why I don't recommend going from machine to machine, unless you want to type really slowly).

The speed is of the essence when it comes to tapping into the unconscious wellsprings of brilliance within you. Even the backspace key is on opposite sides from one machine to the other when you're in the Smith Corona world. Well, once you hit a certain year, they're consistent. But I had a few 30's portables, and whenever I went back to the other, I got all confused.

The point is, A typewriter was the greatest gift I've ever given myself as a writer.

Because:

1. It made me more fluent as a writer.

2. I was able to draft courageously and freely.

3. I had this symbol of my writer-hood

4. It inspired me to no end.

5. It's very low maintenance.

6. No batteries required.

7. The ritual has a center.

I also love Christmas, because people order typewriters from us and I get to hear stories of young or old writers opening them and weeping for joy.

***

Imagine the one you love opening the box to see something they’d never dreamed of, never even thought of being a possibility; and yet the machine’s always been running in the back of their mind.

Yeah, the same machine their favorite writer used.

Yes, with a hand-typed quote by their favorite writer, or a missive of love, or inspirational words.

We ALWAYS offer a hand-typed gift note.