Computers, Conferences, and Coffee

I didn’t write a Thanksgiving post. I did read several that I really enjoyed. However, I am nurturing a grateful spirit. Today, instead of information, I’d like to take a light-hearted look at items I appreciate; things not available when I started writing.

Home Computers: I do remember writing with pen in school, and scribbling stories on scrap paper. Around twelve, I had a manual typewriter my grandmother let me take. I reveled in the bell’s “ding” and slapping the carriage back. I didn’t delight in the strength it took to punch the keys. I was two-finger typing then. I learned proper typing in high school on an electric model, one hour a day. We had a computer lab. (I think we got to use those about an hour a week). I don’t miss ribbons or correction tape. I’m thankful daily for the miracle of cut and paste.

For nostalgic types, there are free programs that will bring the sound of a typewriter to your computer. If that’s you, here’s another fun link.

Emails: I don’t spend much money on stamps. *One book I read mentioned sending 40,000 pieces of mail in 20 years of writing. Wow. I still mail a few things, but I must admit I like hovering over that send button for just a second, hitting send and then seeing “message sent” appear (no postage necessary).

Information Highway: I still love libraries. I spent many days at my local library. It seemed so huge, and full of information. I went back home recently for my brother’s wedding. I went into that same library. It seemed surprisingly small. There is still much to be said for history in local libraries, but I am also glad information is more accessible.

Keurig: Yes, Keurig, that fancy machine that brews one cup of coffee. My wife and I received it as a wedding gift. We also have two of the mini filters that allow you to use regular ground coffee rather buying the expensive pre-measured cups. I like not making a whole pot. What does it have to do with writing? It’s coffee, piping hot, one cup at a time. Hello? I appreciate tea, but coffee in the morning helps get my thoughts in a row and my ducks in order (I need more coffee).

Conferences and Fellowships – When I started writing, I knew no one else who wrote. According to historical professor Ann Ruggles Gere in, “Writing Groups History Theory and Implications”, writing groups have been in existence for more than a hundred years. Although, today finding others writers, critique groups or a conference is easier. I’ve met lots of helpful and humble people. Even though it creates competition, there seems to be a writer gene that makes us want to gather with others and wrestle with words (I’m not sure what Edgar Allan Poe was wrestling with, or if he was ever in a writing group).

So those are mine, what are you grateful for today?

*Book Ref: 100 Ways to Improve Your Writing

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