Many great writers in their time wrote longhand. For quite a while after that, typewriters were the main form of literary writing. Now most of use use laptops or desktops. I'm sure there are even a couple of writers out there who use a tablet. Sometimes it can be nice to get back to the old forms of writing. I usually write out the first draft of a short story in a composition book, and just the other day I wrote out the first chapter of a book on the Civil War on a manual typewriter. But is it really the best idea?- Fantasy: As long as you have The Writer's Complete Fantasy Reference, you should be okay without a computer. I recommend an electric typewriter to do the job, though, as it types just as fast as a computer for when inspiration strikes.
- Horror: If your horror is firmly rooted in history, then it might be good to have the internet at hand. Otherwise, go crazy! A manual typewriter or longhand would work best to give it an old-timey, slightly creepy feel.
- Science fiction: Write on a computer if it's hard SF, but if you don't care anymore use an electric typewriter.
- Historical fiction: If you feel confident that you know what you're talking about, feel free to use a manual typewriter. However, I recommend that you keep a few reference materials around in case you hit a dead zone.
- Mainstream fiction: You should do whatever you feel comfortable with. Sometimes not having the Internet around can be a blessing with a lack of distractions, but other times it may be the most natural to have a keyboard.
- Memoirs: Whatever you can write the fastest with. It's much easier to write a memoir when you just clear your mind and think of your life. I don't think pen and paper is the best choice, though, because it's much too easy to get writer's cramp.
- Nonfiction: Unless you have Internet sources, you should be fine with some kind of typewriter.
