Typewriters, Context, & Synths
Theme in storytelling with Damon DiMarco, updates to one of my favourite annotation apps, context is finally fixed in Superwhisper, image restoration in Replicate, and checking out the OP1 field.
Hey guys, here’s some of what stood out the most from my previous week.
On Writing
This past week, I watched this video interview with Damon DiMarco. He’s a writer who is always giving out very practical advice on storytelling. Interestingly, I found his channel a while back when I was looking for typewriters and I was trying to figure out which one to buy. I was surprised to discover there are still writers that continue to use typewriters and non-digital workflows to this day, so I’ve followed his channel ever since (I ended up buying a beautiful Lettera 22, by the way). This time, he explained the idea of theme in storytelling. Hearing Damon explains it as the guiding intention, like a compass for your story, really clicked for me.
In creative writing, I personally prefer to find my story as I write or edit, whereas Damon seems to plan everything carefully out beforehand. His way might be faster, but I enjoy the journey of discovering where my writing will go. Still, I can see how knowing your theme or direction from the start can be super helpful. It gives you a clear path and keeps you focused, which is something I hope to integrate more as I continue my own writing practice.
On Cleanshot
This past week I was excited to see an update to CleanShot. Here’s a video explaining what’s new. Before I discovered this app some years ago, I honestly didn’t think I needed an annotation app. Now I can’t imagine working without it 😄. The app gives me a quick way to take screenshots, add annotations, and send helpful responses to people online. A big part of what I do these days is help others figure out how to use apps or tools I’ve found or learned to use myself. Cleanshot makes it so much easier to get my ideas across clearly. BTW, the app isn’t just about screenshots either. It’s fantastic for quick video recordings and creating high quality GIF files. I hope to find the time and ideas to make a proper video about it someday - it deserves the spotlight.
On Superwhisper
This past week there was a big update to Superwhisper, and I’ve got some mixed feelings about it. I think this update was bigger than most users realize. While I wasn’t initially thrilled about some of the design changes, being part of the beta testing team gave me a front-row seat to the process. There were some bugs along the way (a few are still there), but was really happy to see that finally Neil restored the functionality of app context capture from input fields. This was a concern that I had for a long time—since it wasn’t working properly for several versions—but it’s back, and it significantly enhances the app’s flexibility.
Besides the context fix, there are other notable changes, mainly related to the new mini recording window. By the way, this update prompted me to also update Macrowhisper, so if you’re using it with Keyboard Maestro and these macros, make sure to check out that so that everything works properly.
I’m still not entirely convinced about some of the interactions with the mini. I strongly dislike that it can now be accidentally closed with mouse clicks after processing is done. I’m hoping the developer changes his mind about that, but anyway… I know my requirements for the app are more unique than most. Despite these quirks, this version is much more stable and faster, with fewer crashes. I’ve also updated Superwhisper’s documentation to include some of these changes, so feel free to check it out.
On AI
Lately, I’ve been exploring Replicate, a platform with several AI models for image and video generation. I’ve come across some impressive models, but they recently introduced Flux Kontext Pro which is particularly good at taking reference images and creating something with them. I saw on X that it was also good at restoring old photos and decided to give it a shot. Wow, I was genuinely surprised by the results. The restoration isn’t perfect, there’s still some artifacts (especially when there’s not enough detail in the original photo), and sometimes it takes a few tries to get it right… but when it does, the outcome is pretty remarkable.
When you specifically ask for photo restoration it seems to me that it doesn’t recreate the images with AI; instead, it fixes details much like a Photoshop job. Paired with Topaz Photo AI (which has a special face recovery feature), the results have been pretty great. Here’s my grandparents' wedding photo, before and after.
By the way, also related to AI. Have you seen the videos produced with Veo 3? Crazy. I have been so many amazing videos, but this one stood out because of its meta-philosophical content. I just wanted to share it with you.
On Arc
A few days ago, I read this article The Browser Company, and it made me revisit some thoughts about Arc. I was a fan of this browser since the early invite days. The experience and idea really captured me. However, the article confirmed what many of us have known for some time already: Arc’s development has stalled as the team focuses on their new browser, Dia. While they provided explanations in this text, honestly, it just doesn’t suffice for me. It feels like they had a great product and decided to abandon it for something that perhaps is even more uncertain.
Despite this shift, I continue to use Arc because it’s an incredible app with features I rely on daily. So far the closest alternative I’ve tried is Zen, but nothing matches Arc’s polish and functionality for me. Man, it’s disappointing to see such a promising project being sidelined. What a let down. I’ll stick with Arc for as long as I can, I guess, and then I might give Zen another try.
On Music
A few days ago I saw a video online—I think it was on YouTube—of a guy playing with this small synthesizer. About a decade ago I remember seeing this same tool and getting excited about it back then. It’s the OP-1 Field by Teenage Engineering. It’s like a small instrument and recording suite all in one. Here’s a video that gives you a good overview. It’s such a cool device. The issue now is that the new version came out and basically doubled the price. So yeah, it’s kind of crazy—2k USD for this thing.
Look, I don’t think you need to spend lots of money to be creative. Limitations can actually be great for creativity. But I also believe that if a device or physical object can motivate and inspire you—and you can afford it—then go for it. That’s exactly why I love working with my typewriter and why I use my fountain pen for practicing cursive and calligraphy. Some people might call these things gimmicks, but honestly, having a tool that was crafted with so much care makes a difference for me. I personally really appreciate design, and things that just feel good to use.
So with that in mind, I’ve got my excuse locked and loaded. Now I just need to convince my wallet.
On Cinema
Caught by the Tides (2024). This film reminded me a lot of Cameraperson by Kirsten Johnson. And perhaps the topics and the ideas are very different, but the main thing that connected with me in both of these films is the way that the editing seems to speak with so many metaphors and with so much emotion. Definitely more impresionistic and abstract kind of storyeling. I was not expecting it on this one. Such an honest and personal work. Really beautiful. Synopsis: Years after her boyfriend left her for the big city and promised to bring her there after he’s settled down, a Chinese woman sets out on a journey to be reunited with him.
A Cop Movie (2021). After watching La Cocina by Alonso Ruiz Palacios some weeks ago, I decided to look again through his filmography to see if I had missed anything. That’s how I discovered this documentary. I really loved it. Super special. In some parts I was not exactly sure if I was watching a documentary or a fiction film. I highly recommend it if you like cinema. Synopsis: This documentary walks the line between fact and fiction, delving into corruption in the Mexican police through the experiences of two officers.
Sinners (2025). Definitely a very different kind of vampire film. I loved its originality, but most of all I think I loved the ending. I think there were so many chances for this film to go wrong, but I admire how the director saved it and did a pretty amazing job. Really. Synopsis: Trying to leave their troubled lives behind, twin brothers return to their hometown to start again, only to discover that an even greater evil is waiting to welcome them back.
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