Thanks for the thoughtful comment.

I go through phases where I do most of my drafting longhand. The pace of it seems to match the rate my brain works, if that makes sense. At the computer I'll type a couple of sentences, then pause while I think about the next thing - and that's where distraction sets in, with every web-site, video game and electronic notification just a click away. With pen and paper my hand seems to keep moving at a steady pace, and the pages fill up a lot faster.

I haven't fiddled about with the typewriters in a while. I may bring them out again but for now pen-to-computer seems to be working well.

"The Steel Centipede" is a great phrase. I might have to borrow that...

Calls to mind some classic Jack Vance: