Ernest Hemingway Freewrite Signature Edition

Before I got my Hemingwrite, I would struggle to get 2,500 words a week. After having my Hemingwrite for only a week, I had written well over 6,000 words on it. It is extremely conducive to a focused work environment, it’s gorgeous to look at, and it’s an absolute joy to use. I find myself writing every single day now, and on weekends I’ll have multiple writing sessions in one day. If you’re on the fence because of the price, just finance it through Affirm and get it. It’s worth it.

I love the style of this freewrite. It is so helpful to have a dedicated writing machine to use to help keep focused. Highly recommend.

This was the needed evolution in writing I didn't know I needed. As a novelist, the first four books I wrote I did the first draft longhand with a fountain pen. It pained me to cross anything out on the page so I just kept moving forward without any edits. The fourth book was picked up for publication, but life got busier and transcribing my own handwriting into the second draft was a big pain and took forever.

Then I moved on to a typewriter so I could do an OCRM scan with my phone. Better, but the writing process was clunky and I had to learn the art of typewriter maintenance to keep the words flowing at a couple points in the process.

I had been eyeing the Freewrite for months, not sure if I should commit. After saving up for a while, I went for it, and I don't regret it. I write daily on it. If it's not fiction, it's a gratitude journal or notes that I want to have some focus on and then just send the work to myself via email.

My kids got into it too and it became a battle of who got to spend their time on the machine, so I wound up getting a second and last week my second oldest wrote 9.5k words in a week (she's 7, so I want to do whatever I can to fan the flames of creativity). I'm about 6 months into owning it and am still thoroughly enjoying it more than the cheap laptop I had bought for writing last year and the cheap screen and keyboard just weren't cutting it.

Pardon the Carville, it really is the ritual. The quality of the materials is apparent with every finger-tip skip across the keys, and operating the handsome case is a delight. Handling this gorgeous machine mirrors the preparation given to a favorite cigar on an inspired evening brimming with ideas. I could not be more pleased.

The following was written on the Freewrite Hemingwrite:

The Hemingwrite arrived just over a week ago, and I deliberately took my time before sharing my review. To put it simply, I am utterly amazed. From the moment the package landed on my doorstep, I was filled with excitement and couldn't wait to see what this device had to offer.

Now, a bit of backstory:

About a year ago, I purchased the Freewrite Traveler, a beautiful and highly functional device I used for drafting, journaling, and even writing most of my first novel – an unofficial novelization of "Halloween 5" from 1989. It did what it was advertised to do - be an inspiring and distraction-free tool that quickly became my go-to bedside companion.

Though aware of the "Smart Typewriter" at the time of my "Traveler" purchase, I opted for portability. However, as time passed, I wished for a desktop model. To put it mildly, the price tag was a concern (try a grand on an assistant teacher's salary), but with some discussion, some saving, and the option to split payments through Affirm (that was the real help, there), I decided it was time to treat myself after finishing "Halloween 5". Initially wanting the "Smart Typewriter" (I even bought the gorgeous "Freewrite Disassembled" print in my longing for the damn thing), I kept seeing images and a few videos of the "Hemingwrite." And having just watched a captivating documentary on Ernest Hemingway by Ken Burns, I knew it was the one I wanted (no - needed) to have.

When I received the package, I immediately noticed it came in a beautiful cognac leather case rather than a standard box. The smell of quality emanated from it, and upon releasing the latches and opening the case, I was greeted by an image of Hemingway himself, which, in all honesty, induced a bit of nervousness in me, considering the weight and importance behind the man. How could I, the novelist of an unofficial novelization of a legitimately maligned film, live up to the great Ernest Hemingway?!

The thoughtful "case candy," including an introduction from Freewrite about the device's origins, demonstrated the care and passion put into its creation.

Setting it on my desk, I admired its design without the case. The weighty aluminum construction, navy green keycaps, and the font used on the keys... Just... Wow. Images in my head of Hemingway carrying something similar during his time as a journalist in WWII filled my imagination. The Cherry MX Brown switches provided a satisfying sound, a significant upgrade from the scissor-switch keyboard on the "Traveler." Some have criticized the space bar sound, but personally, it was exactly what I hoped for – reminiscent of a typewriter's heavy clack.

Simply put, The "Smart Typewriter" is lovely, but the "Hemingwrite" is in a class of its own – it is built so well that it could be a true family heirloom. It is not only stunning and useful but, above all, inspirational.

Yes, it's undeniably expensive, but without a doubt, as I said for the "Traveler," worth every penny.