So did the computer get you writing & why?

If you're like me you probably spend most of your time tap-tap-tapping away at the keyboard hunched over a screen

So why do you do it?

Is it simply because you enjoy it, or, is your motivation the pursuit of something more tangible - say maybe a big juicy contract with them there BBC or somebody else?

I started writing things down when I got a computer 10 or so years ago. I would never have considered doing it the old fashioned way like old Lord Geoff Archer with the paper and pen etc. My handwriting is grim and I can't imagine anyone taking the time to decipher it.

Me? I write first and foremost to amuse myself and if 20% or so like it all to the good really. 70-90% would be better but you gotta start somewhere.

I started out on short stories, because I enjoyed writing. Writing comedy just sort of happened when the BBC ran a sketch writing competition.

I am simply compelled to write and I can't explain why. I began writing about 19 years ago, with paper and pen, and I moved gradually through typewriter, typewriter word processor hybrid, early Amstrad pc etc, etc right though to my present MacBook. I have also tried different things; short stories, attempts at novels, humorous articles, straight articles to my current love of sitcom scripts.

I think about writing all the time and I can't stop myself from doing it. Regardless of where I am, I am always thinking about jokes and characters and plot ideas. I can be a total pain to be around I'm certain. I know I'm not the only one with this compulsion though so I feel accepted on a forum like this.

So did the computer get me writing? no, but they certainly seem like my loyal companions now.

Def.

A pen and paper got me writing. And my brain.

We had a few typewriters in the house when I was little, really '80s ones, and I used to write stuff on them. And on paper. I didn't have my own computer till I was a teenager, and I suppose I switched to that then. So no, the computer had nothing to do with it.

The computer was for games when I was growing up. I had a Commodore 64, so it had a keyboard, but it remained unused. Who needs a keyboard when you've got a joystick and a laser gun?

I also had a really old typewriter that I used to knock stories up on.

I had a Commodore 64 as well. A great machine. Boulder Dash. Jet Set Willy. Attack of the Mutant Camels... happy days!

Yeah I was just trying to remember if we ever used our Commodore 64 for typing on... My brother used to do programming on it.
Could you even get a printer?

Am so confused...

I've not been writing a year yet so it would have been silly of me not to use the computer.

I probably wouldn't write as much though without a computer because it does sound like a bit of a pain in the arse.

Quote: Chris Forshaw @ February 18 2009, 3:45 PM GMT

I probably wouldn't write as much though without a computer because it does sound like a bit of a pain in the arse.

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You should try holding the pen in your *hand*.

I like the computer because of the ease of editing. Once you've done the first draft, which is always a chore for me, you go through it editing it, and it feels like you're inside the script, like you're in the scene pulling and pushing and tweaking and deleting all the moments you don't 100% like. And then it's loads of fun.

The reason I started writing is because I like the feeling I get when people laugh at something I've done. The computer means you can show it to more people, make loads of copies. Plus my handwriting looks like a cats.

Quote: NoggetFred @ February 18 2009, 3:48 PM GMT

You should try holding the pen in your *hand*.

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I did wonder why people say to me it's not what I write, it's the way I write them that's funny.

Quote: chipolata @ February 18 2009, 3:40 PM GMT

I had a Commodore 64 as well. A great machine. Boulder Dash. Jet Set Willy. Attack of the Mutant Camels... happy days!

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Boulder Dash was brilliant! I used to play it on my Grandad's computer.

Quote: chipolata @ February 18 2009, 3:40 PM GMT

I had a Commodore 64 as well. A great machine. Boulder Dash. Jet Set Willy. Attack of the Mutant Camels... happy days!

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At last a point of compromise! Bless you, Jeff Minter!

Polyphonic sound, beige plastic, "sprites"... *sigh* Happy days indeed.