Sunday, January 30, 2005PC's Role in Creative Writing Process; More than Here & Now?
Pretty interesting discussion of using computers in the creative writing process by Steven Johnson.
"But if the modern word processor has become a near-universal tool for today's writers, its impact has been less revolutionary than you might think. ... We use the computer to process words, but the ideas that animate those words originate somewhere else, away from the screen. The word processor has changed the way we write, but it hasn't yet changed the way we think."
He's right. Don't know about others, but when you say computers to me I think of word processors (e.g., Microsoft Word, Apple Appleworks) and searches on the 'inkernet' (e.g., Google, Wikipedia, about.com). If pushed I can go a bit more geeky and discuss my use of outliners (e.g., NoteTaker, MindManager). But all these tools are used by me mostly in the context of the 'here and now.' In other words, I sit down to create a short note or blog entry. I write a first draft, search for a few related/supporting ideas/terms, then re-write/finish the note. I create 'here & now', or maybe over a week or two; but that's it. If I'm lucky, I remember other stuff/ideas I've previously composed. What Steven Johnson describes is his method for evolving his writing; for connecting the 'here & now' with all his past research & works, without being limited by his memory alone.
And while this is very interesting to me, to apply his method at my age involves one substantial roadblock; getting my previous writing in one place so an application like DEVONThink can help.
On the other hand, most of us at least have much of our past work on one computer. Others may have much of what they've written in one weblog, etc. So there's hope if you want to follow Johnson's lead, at my age.
P.S. He doesn't say so, but I assume Johnson has no affiliation with Devon Technologies.
- Posted by William A. Riski - 11:02:36 AM - comment []
