George R.R Martin writes on a computer with no internet so he has less distractions. How do you think the internet has changed the way we write?
You discuss the layout of the keyboard and how is was designed to minimize time. With smart phones and tablets only increasing in popularity, do you believe that typing on these devices has changed the way we type on normal computers?
Why do you think people find is so fascinating that Martin uses WordStar? Why should we care about specific word processors author’s use?
1. in contrast to George R. R. Martin using WordStar in order to block out distractions, artists prefer to fully engage themselves with their surroundings for inspiration. In what ways are artists and writers different in the way they create?
2. There is a lot of discussion about the layout of keyboards and criticism on the inefficiency of switching between reading and edit modes in some word processors. If the world adopts technology so efficient that our thoughts instantly get put on the document, would this make future writing only comprised of the stream of conscious?
3. How much does the writer’s environment affect the actual writing process? What kind of environment do you prefer?
Given that the shift from using a type writer as a primary word processor to using a digital word processor was so significant given our current circumstances, do you think that witnessing and experiencing the shift to digital word-processing affected your writing process? Or affected you in any way? If so how?
With the advancement and widespread nature of technology for reading and writing is there a specific medium you prefer to write for or envision readers reading on? And is there a specific medium you prefer to read from?
In the case of George R.R Martin’s preference to use a computer with no access to the internet to write, do you think a machine like this would sell in this time period? Or is this just an isolated incidence?
NYU Gallatin First-Year Writing Seminar, Fall 2014