The concern expressed in Michael Heim`s recent column about use of word processors possibly harming the quality of writing seems allayed by a survey recently conducted among members of the Society of Midland Authors.
Although as critical of their own work as anyone could be, not one of the authors now using a word processor would give it up. However, they use word processors in various ways. Some are comfortable composing on the computer screen. Others still write their first draft in a more traditional way, then use their computers to save work in editing and revising.
One author said, ”I thought I`d never give up my pencil, but now that I have I`ll never go back to it.” Even so, she filled out the questionnaire with a pencil.
The consensus seemed to be that for creative writers, the important thing is not so much the method of getting words on paper but a willingness to revise until the work looks right. That hasn`t changed since the days of goose-quill pens. Ease of making revisions is one of the computer`s biggest benefits.
