How long have you been using a computer? I wrote my first few short stories longhand, and had a brief flirtation with a thermal typewriter, but soon transferred to the Macintosh. I started with a Mac Plus and have bought almost every new and groovy machine Apple has produced, usually about a week before it is superseded! My life is divided between an 866MHz Titanium PowerBook running OS X and a desktop Cube with 17-inch flat screen running OS 9. The Cube is my favourite computer of all time - I can't understand why everyone hasn't got one!
Other than writing? I worked as a graphic designer for a few years, so I have Photoshop ) and Quark for prettying things up. I have various bits of information stored in FileMaker databases, and a few pieces of slightly buggy software that I wrote in REALbasic. I use Digital Performer to write and record music, and iCamMaster to watch scenic views around the world. My CD collection is on a 20GB iPod, and I have hundreds of pictures organised in iPhoto. When someone comes up with iShower and iBreathe, I'll doubtless be using them, too!
Stephen King's experiment selling his work online? The very first attempt, the short story, seemed to go very well. But for whole novels I think the problem lies in the fact that we don't feel that electronic data has inherent value: you can't hold it in your hands! We like objects, and are not yet ready to covet the virtual or see it as a worthwhile exchange for hard cash. The echo of the early cry that "information wants to be free" is still just audible, and I remember the furore the first time someone sent newsgroup spam and started turning the web into a commercial space. I'd say we're nearing the dessert stage of the free lunch.
Ebooks? Ebooks can be useful in giving someone a taster of a novel but, personally, I don't want to spend hours squinting at small print on a personal digital assistant that will run out of battery. There's a novelty value, I suppose. Perhaps we're just waiting for the right kit, an ebook reader that brings enough of the paper-book experience while adding new things, like the facility to quick-access favourite passages, or have the book read aloud.
Broadband? I got Telewest broadband about a year ago and it's completely changed the way I use the net. Not having a meter running is much more relaxing - and it's a lot cheaper, too. Combined with wireless access from an AirPort, which is beamed all over the house, it brings the internet much closer to being a part of everyday life. I love it.
Websites? www.theonion.com; www.ebay.co.uk; www.resexcellence.com; www.macosxapps.com; www.iconfactory.com; www.macoszone.com; www.cliesource.com; www.lostdestinations.com
Visit: www.michaelmarshallsmith.com
