Writing

Once Michener sat at his typewrite to begin writing a book, he would spend eight or more hours a day turning out his first draft. He felt that he while he might have been a good writer, part of the reason he was a successful writer was because he worked very hard.

 

introduction   •    Research    •    writing   •    Revision   •    Entry page
Michener at typewriter

Michener at Typewriter
JamesA. Michener Papers, Centennial Collection (RG 9 S9)

Michener typed everything using only his index fingers.

Letter from Michener to Robert Vavra

Letter to Robert Vavra
Robert Vavra Collection, Letters

Photographer Robert Vavra was a long-time friend of Michener's. They exchanged many letters over the course of their friendship.

First Draft of Chapter from Poland
James A. Michener Papers, Poland Collection (RG SC 1-21) Box 1

Keeping the momentum of the writing was important to Michener. He used compact typefaces and typed into the margins of a page so he wouldn't have to stop and add new paper as frequently.

 

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First draft of chapter from "Poland"
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Writing
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