Typewriter for Hire, Winning Participatory Budget Project, Return of Days in the Park and More

(Photo of the Day: Roland Penttila)

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Something Old is New Again

Armed with technology from the past, Nob Hill resident connects people in unique way

By Sequoia Rudolph

Writer and Nob Hill resident Woz Flint at work in the parking lot of People & Planet Refill during their recent Mindful Market. (Photo: Sequoia Rudolph)

Nob Hill resident and writer Woz Flint has an unusual gift for writing poetry on demand.

Flint didn’t start out a poet. Instead she began by writing essays and eventually published a book called The Distraction-Free First Draft. But street poetry wasn’t really on her radar.

Then came the request that took her writing to a new level. Her friend asked her to participate in a Galentine’s Day market at the El Vado Hotel, where she would write personalized poems for event goers. Flint was doubtful. She worried she wouldn’t be able to produce meaningful work that quickly.

But she brought her Smith-Corona Galaxie typewriter (her preferred writing instrument) to the event and started putting together original pieces for curious passersby. It turned out to be a big hit. It was so successful that she decided to offer the service for other gatherings.

Typewriter for Hire, Flint’s official side gig, is now a popular attraction for shoppers at local markets and guests at private events. She is selective about where she takes her typewriter poetry, “I want it to be a good match.”