Typewriter in the Sky

by L. Ron Hubbard

It’s not easy living in someone else’s world, trapped in a reality over which you have no control. But that is the story of Mike de Wolf’s life … literally. The whole thing started at his friend Horace’s Greenwich Village apartment. Horace is a writer and he’s decided to model one of his villains after Mike. Sounds crazy … until Mike reaches to turn on a light and gets the shock of his life. Knocked unconscious, Mike wakes up to find himself tossing in a violent ocean surf and getting slammed against the rocks. That wouldn’t be so bad if it weren’t for the bullets flying over his head, followed by the swordfight, certain to end in death … if not for the wild, beautiful woman on horseback who comes to his rescue. This isn’t the West Village anymore. Apparently it’s the West Indies, some three hundred years ago, and Mike de Wolf is now Miguel Saint Raoul de Lobo, pursued across the Spanish Main by pirates, Englishman, and worse. He doesn’t know how he got here or why, but he does know he has to get out fast. Two first off, the bad guys in Horace’s stories never get out alive, and second, Mike’s not all that sure he wants to leave after all. Seems he’s fallen for that wild woman on horseback… What’s a guy to do? The answer’s written in the sky—in a wildly original, wickedly amusing novel in which, if you’re not careful, you might just find yourself getting lost. “An adventure story written in the great style adventures should be written in.” —Clive Cussler

Genres: Science Fiction, Fantasy, Adventure, Fiction, Pulp, Humor, Thriller

205 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1940

About the author

L. Ron Hubbard is universally acclaimed as the single most influential author and humanitarian of this modern age. His definitive works on the mind and spirit—comprising over 350 million copies in circulation and more than 40 international bestsellers—have resulted in a legacy benefiting millions and a movement spanning all cultures.

Reviews

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this ebook through Netgalley, the publisher, and the author in exchange for an honest review.

Mike De wolf is Horace Hackett's best friend. When Horace tells Mike that he will be his villain in his Pirate novel he is writing called Blood and Loot, Mike De Wolf laughs it off and tells him he wants no part of it. When he hits his head, he disappears and ends up in Horace Hackett's blood and loot world. Will Mike be able to survive the world so he can return to his own world in New York City? Read on and find out for yourself.

This was a pretty good Pirate fantasy story and my first ever read by L. Ron Hubbard. It is action-packed and full of fantastical elements. If you like Pirate and fantasy stories, definitely check this out for yourself. It is available wherever book are sold.

[Francesca kikkatnt 'Free Palestine, Stop Genocide' · Rating 3 out of 5]

Una raccolta di due racconti ambientati entrambi nel Mar dei Caraibi ma a quasi 3000 anni di distanza.

Il primo racconto lungo ha dato il titolo all'opera.

1) la trama fra le nubi (1942) ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Può un personaggio di un romanzo ribellarsi al suo creatore?

Miguel San Raoul de Lobo è un ammiraglio della marina spagnola, mandato nelle Indie Occidentali a combattere contro inglesi, francesi e pirati in nome di re Filippo III (o IV?) e dell'inquisizione.

Ma chi è realmente MIguel? E perché sulle assi di legno della Josef y Maria, la sua nave, c'è scritto Made in USA?

E cos'è questo debole suono, come un lontano battere di tasti su una macchina per scrivere, che pare provenga dal cielo?

Un originalissimo racconto lungo ambientato nel mar dei caraibi, fatto di duelli, di rapimenti, di battaglie navali e tanta avventura.

O forse no?

2) Il regicida (1949) ⭐⭐

Decisamente (molto) più sottotono questo racconto breve ambientato tra Cuba e St. Martin del 3922.

A capo dei Governi dello Spazio un uomo solo, l'Arbitro, che con il suo Consiglio regola e convalida tutto il sistema monetario e i traffici da e per la Terra.
Nessuno ha mai visto in faccia l'Arbitro e il protagonista viene reclutato per trovarlo ed ucciderlo.
Un'avventura spaziale che avrebbe dovuto essere di stampo umoristico, prendendo un po' in giro i romanzi di spionaggio dell'epoca.
Forse è invecchiato male, ma a me non è piaciuto un granché.

[Samichtime · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wild plot, tons of action.. Galaxy Audio’s narrator didn’t do half bad with this- managing a dozen unique accents! 🪐

Campbell (editor of Unknown) must’ve fallen out of his seat when he first read this. So many subtle jokes about him in the plot through the character Horace, the comparisons are endless. Campbell famously tried to urge Asimov to write under a pseudonym to appear less Jewish… obviously, we know who won that argument!! 🤣


100% this story is off the rails. I mean the main character is literally named Miguel Saint Raoul Maria Gonzales Sebastian de Mendoza y Toledo Francisco Juan Tomaso Guerrero de Brazo y Leon de Lobo! 🇪🇸🤺

[James Mourgos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Typewriter in the Sky


Some folks have drawn a similarity between this novel, written in the 1940s and the 2006 film ‘Stranger Than Fiction’, which both involve living inside a novel.

In Mr. Hubbard’s novel though, Mike DeWolf actually gets transported to the novel’s universe, complete with Carribean islands, 16th century galleons and the occasional anachronism such as Steinway – Chicago pianos showing up in living rooms.

Mike is trying to find a way to change the ending before Harold Hackett writes an ending for the character he plays, an ending that means his death!

It’s a fun bit of pulp fiction, entertaining and holds interest. Mr. Hubbard has mastered sailing terms and they are peppered throughout the book, with a thankfully complete glossary added by the publisher, Galaxy Press.

Recommended!

[Steven · Rating 3 out of 5]

When most folks think of L. Ron Hubbard we immediately think of "Battlefield Earth" or "Dianetics" and scientology, but he was a prolific writer who wrote in just about every genre. So this book of "speculative fiction" is not a surprise to come from a guy who wrote so much. But where some of his books are classics, this one just isn't. It's really a solid 3 1/2 stars, but for some reason I just can't get myself to rate it up as I normally do, mostly because I just can't see recommending it to anyone as a good read and use of time.

The plot is quite original. Horace Hackett is a writer on a deadline. One particular late afternoon he is entertaining his pianist friend Mike de Wolf when his agent comes over and demands progress on his latest book. Horace, who hasn't actually started it even though the deadline is coming soon, improvises and creates his villain based on none other than Mike. It satisfies the agent, but when they look for Mike he's gone. He has become the villain in Horace's book. Thus begins Mike's adventure as he now begins living in Horace's book. Horace determines the plot (thus the sound Mike keeps hearing of a typewriter overhead as he navigates through the 17th century world as a Spanish admiral taking on the English in the Caribbean) and Mike is forced to go with it. The only problem for Mike, besides missing his piano audition with the symphony and being stuck in a book, is that he's Horace's villain -- and Horace's villains ALWAYS die in the end.

Here's what gets me about this book. First, the idea is pretty cool. However, the plot shifts from the actual storyline of the story within the story to the storyline of poor Mike at intervals that don't really let you get into either one. Or rather, the focus from where you are reading the story is inconsistent enough to keep you from really getting involved enough in either world to care as much as you should. You want to not like Horace, but he's too removed from the story, so you're lacking a legitimate bad guy. You want to cheer for Mike, but neither Horace nor Hubbard makes him quite likeable enough. And then when the book ends, you're frustrated with all of them. Just unsatisfying on all fronts.

This is not a bad book by any stretch, but I wouldn't necessarily call it a very good book, and thus I just can't recommend it. The pacing is decent, the story is good for opening up possibilities, but it just isn't quite enough of anything, if you get my drift. If you just love L. Ron Hubbard, sure, take a swing at this and you'll probably enjoy it. But if you want to read books that make you feel like the time you spent in them was worth it, look elsewhere.

[Nick Matavka · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this book years ago, promptly forgot about it (I read WAY too many books, this wasn't a forgettable book), till I watched a movie in English class. There were no references or credits to Mr Hubbard, yet the film managed to copy Typewriter's premise in its entirety, updating it to the late 20th century (instead of seeing keys clicking overhead, the main character hears an eerie British-accented voice). The name of the movie? "Stranger than Fiction". People will refuse to read anything by Hubbard, and yet they'll love the movie.

I liked the book better, but the movie made the rest of the class think, and that was the goal. If you like Stranger than Fiction, you will love Typewriter in the Sky.

[Sean · Rating 4 out of 5]

Received copy from Netgalley for review.

I really enjoyed this little romp with a pirate/Mike De Wolf. I know it was an old book,released way before even I was born,but I found it a good read and although it is a small book was worth a read.

[Einzige · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5
A fun Story with a clever idea which is undermined by what it could have been. Typewriter in the sky is a fourth wall breaking satire that sets it sights on the pulp fiction writing and in this it does a good job.

That said this was a book that Hubbard was the perfect author for, not only did he have extensive experience in pulp fiction, but most importantly he had a very broad one writing across almost every genre which were published in pulps. This idea of having a protagonist suffer through being sucked into a pulp story would have been a brilliant opportunity for Hubbard to show this experience and poke fun at the tropes and cliches across numerous genres. Unfortunately, though even though it is a story poking fun at pulp fiction it still is ultimately a work of pulp fiction and subject to those limitations. Accordingly, that scope was beyond the goals of what the publisher wanted, and Hubbard delivered.

Bonus
If you read Hubbard’s early work Under the Black Ensign, you’ll be able to see a few little fun references.

[Kaj Samuelsson · Rating 5 out of 5]

What if you were the villain in a plot written by your friend, and you had to live that plot whether you wanted it or not? Well, that is what happened to Mike as he was sent to the Caribbean in the year 1640, or at least the Horace Hacket version of the Caribbean in the year 1640, with Steinway pianos and Pittsburg stamped Toledo swords.
Well, the plot had many twists and turns and Mike even had to endure refused parts that had to be rewritten, all while Mike could hear the Typewriter in the sky.

[Sara J. (kefuwa) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well, that was an fun/interesting, albeit short, read. A bit quirky with a rather abrupt ending that didn't exactly resolve much of what I wanted resolved in the end! I was rather taken with the main character (personality-wise) apart from his infatuation with Marion (but that could be the chains of the typewriter working there so, ho-hum). Sort of brought to mind pulp fiction though - or the idea of what pulp fiction is in my head anyway.

First finished: Sept 2018
Source: Netgalley backlog

[Jacqueline Tao · Rating 4 out of 5]

Honestly, not a bad book for the guy who started a crazy religion. I was looking into L. Ron Hubbard and was surpirsed at how prolific of a writer he was. For a book written in 1940, it was shockingly pioneering. This was a piece of a meta fiction in which the writer inserted a version of himself into the novel.

Typewriter in the Sky tells the story of Horace Hackett, a boozy pulp writer (hence the surname Hackett) forever enfolded in a dirty bathrobe, who, out of desperation, inserts his friend, Mike de Wolfe, into a novel he has been commissioned for. Hackett's publisher pays a visit to the perpetually broke and procrastinating writer who pulls out a summary out of thin air and thus, into thin air, his villain goes. As Horace tells the plot of his novel, Mike is listening while sitting at the piano, when suddenly, Mike is transported into the novel's world.

Mike is now Miguel de Lobo, the villain who must die, and is now in a world of pirates and Spanish conquistadors. Mike awakens on the island beach of St. Kitts and is immediately attacked by the locals thinking he is Spanish. He is rescued by Marion, the love interest, whom, according to plot, the villain also falls in love with. Throughout the novel, he tries to win her over, and at one point he does. Until, Horace changes the plot and Marion forgets it all. Afterall, they are characters in a book beholden to the whims of the God - the Typewriter in the Sky.

There are two concurrent stories in the book, one of Mike in the pirate world and one of Horace in the real world, though the majority of the book takes place in the pirate world. Determined not to die, Mike tries his best to outwit Horace, finding moments where the writer has taken his focus off the villain's story to use the brief moments of freedom to try and change his fate. Mike lies to Marion, telling her that he is not actually Spanish but Irish. However, that is upended when the hero, Tom Bristol, a maverick English nobel that had been cashiered out by his father for not following the rules returns to the island and reveals Mike's Spanish allegiance. They fight and Mike flees to Dios de Nombre to recoup. Mike recalls that the plot has him lay siege to the island of St. Kitts and to kidnap Marion, daughter of the governor of the island whose hand in marriage was promised to Bristol if he succeeds in the impossible task the governor had previously laid out to him. Trying to rewrite his fate, Mike instead goes to Tortuga and tries to - as peacefully as possible, take over the island. But his crew become deaf to him and pillage the island. While Mike comiserates, he suddenly hears the cries of a woman and finds Marion being dragged out by his crew. So he ends up taking Marion aboard as hostage after all. But as he finds time to say what is not written by Horace and, a pianist by trade, Mike plays beautiful, melancholic songs, Marion falls in love with him.

Meanwhile, in reality, Horace goes to a bar to converse with other writers. A rather comical scene in which each megamaniac writer wants to talk about their own stories and not listen to the other. In this, Horace likens writing to being a God (perhaps foreshadowing Scientology?). "When I go knocking out the wordage and really get interested in my characters it almost makes me feel like -- a god or something."

However, as the final climatic battle between Bristol and Mike approaches, his men turn mutinous against him after he punishes them for disobeying his orders and ravaging Tortuga. Mike's men leave him and go into battle with Bristol. Which they lose and the fleet is wiped out. However, on the shining side, Mike still has Marion's heart.

Back in reality, Horace's publisher doesn't like the climax and orders a change. So, in the novel world, things unwind and go back. Suddenly, Mike's fleet is back and is in charge again, but Marion hates him and has forgotten all about his courtship. Despite Mike's tactical and military skills, Bristol's ships never sink despite all the holes blown into them. And, of course, Mike loses and the hero gets the girl. The story ends, but the world remains. Mike, not dead but floating in an ocean, struggles ashore and finds Bristol and Marion. He duels one last time with Bristol but as their swords clash, the world begin to rumble and darken. Mike takes Marion and they try to outrun the end. But as the world closes in on them, Mike asks Marion if she recalls nothing of their previous encounters and she tells him to hold her.

Then it's gone. And Mike wakes up in New York again. In reality again. He stumbles around for a while feeling lost and broken. And while looking up at the sky, he thinks he sees a figure in a bathrobe scuttling by.

What I find most interesting about this novel is that it tells me what kind of writer L. Ron Hubbard sees himself to be. He's clearly not the kind of writer who plots extensively or takes decades to write a novel. Even the foreward said that he was a first draft kind of writer. He's the kind of writer who thinks that the story can write itself and that the characters have a mind of their own.

Though the book is obviously misogynist and racist, I was captivated enough to keep turning the page to learn what happened next. Sure, some of the descriptions was a little confusing and the lines not that beautifully written, also the characters lacking in depth, but it was a fun and easy read. And likely written in a couple of months, or even weeks! Now, that, is the most impressive aspect of this novel.

[Denis · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved liked this book more than I thought I would have. Hubbard, though at this time (early forties), was a hack, still came up with brilliant ideas, and this was a great and original book for it's time. If Hubbard would have persevered in his writing for the sake of writing, rather than going off with his other 'thing', he might have become a more notable "classic golden age" writer than he was.

[Christina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got this book as a giveaway from Galaxy Press through goodreads. I've never read a book by L. Ron Hubbard before, but definitely plan on reading some more. The book starts off with the author Horace Hackett, who is grabbing at straws trying to come up with the plot of his new book for his editor. He looks toward his friend Mike de Wolf, who's practicing at the piano, and says, see him, he's who I'm making the villain after. That statement starts the adventure for Mike. He starts to feel unwell, then heads to the bathroom to look for some aspirin. While in there, disappears and lands in his friends story. Throughout the story Mike is trying to change the outcome which he believes will be his death at the end of the story since he is supposed to be the villain. Throughout the story Mike can hear the sounds of the typewriter as Horace is working on the story. It also is how he knows when Horace is in charge of what is happening, or when he actually has some freedom to try to work out a way to survive the book. I was rooting for Mike the entire book, and was so happy at the end when he was brought back to his own reality. The premise of being transported somewhere and having to live out your life to someone else's story for you was fascinating to read about, and what thoughts were going through the characters minds as this was happening were spot on to what I think someone would probably think about it. I'd recommend this book. It kept me wanting to find out what Mike's fate would be, and had me rooting for there to be a way for him to get home the entire time.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gloriously meta, especially for a work written in 1940. This musician named Mike de Wolf is friends with a pulp writer, who of course writes his friend into the story as a villain named Miguel de Lobo. Mike finds himself living in the story as the character based on himself. Now he has to take control of the story.

This book just absolutely mocks the worse cliches of pulp novels and the authors who write them. The author himself is pretty self-aware of it all. The great humor addresses everything from bad portrayal of cultures to the butchering of history to the too-perfect characters. The lamp shading and meta humor can also apply to modern novels, and it kept me laughing.

At the very end, there is something thought-provoking, kind of funny, and unique for a novel written in 1940. It is beautifully meta, especially when read by an aspiring author. Paraphrased, the ending line is “God, a bored author in a dirty bathrobe?” Slightly egotistical, but reminiscent of more modern meta fiction where the author is the god of his own webcomic.

This meta novel is a masterpiece of parody and mocking its own genre. And of course, I never meta meta novel I didn’t like.

[A.R. Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are two worlds in this story; the real one and the fictional one. Mike de Wolf, the piano playing friend of a popular author, Horace Hackett, is destined to live in both of them. Mike’s accidental electrocution at the bathroom sink sends him from the first world into the second. He quickly realizes he is now inside Hackett’s story. After that, Mike deals with life as the Admiral of a Spanish fleet as best he can. He is forced to speak the Admiral’s dialogue, as it is written for him. He endures props popping up out of nowhere as needed. He enjoys new skills, such as swordsmanship and sailing knowledge, and he gradually remembers things about his character’s past. He is aware of the gaps in the scenes, while those around him go about their lives as if all is normal. He knows he is the villain, and he knows Hackett always kills off his villain, so Mike does his best to change the story and survive.

[Angie Boyter · Rating 2 out of 5]

I dithered between a 3- and a 2, but the crappy ending clinched it.
The idea sounded like it could be fun, but I never could quite decide what the author was trying to do. He could take a light track and just have fun, but there was much too much nasty violence for that to work. He could have been saying some perceptive things about humanity and our beliefs, but if so he was a bit too subtle for me. Or he could have decided this was a good chance to tell an action-packed story, in which case he didn't engage me at that level. The ending communicated to me that Hubbard is just toying with his readers.

[Jean Glass · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pirates of the Caribbean adventure, blended with a Stranger Than Fiction vibe

This classic fantasy is set in a lush Pirates of the Caribbean-style world, chock full of  adventure. But very unique.  It’s a story within a story. The main character, Michael DeWolf, is written into a novel by his best friend—with a twist. He’s cast as the villain. What a great way to celebrate International Pirate Month!
This swashbuckling Pirates of the Caribbean adventure, blended with a Stranger Than Fiction vibe, is so much fun to read. I was rooting for the villain while wondering how he’ll escape his doomed fate.
Highly recommended!

[Mildute · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have no idea why this book caught my attention in the library. But when I read ,master of stories – L. Ron Hubbard, I just had to bring it home with me. I was very intrigued, because I’ve never heard about him (turns out that I own a copy of ,Battelfield Earth, lol). It’s my first ever novel by him so I had my hopes up.
Sadly, the book could have been better. I think that there is so much more to do with the whole plot idea witch is amazing by the way. The book felt a bit empty.
Anyway, now I am even more tempted to read other works by L. Ron Hubbard!

[Terry Madden · Rating 4 out of 5]

Typewriter in the Sky is not only a good old-fashioned swashbuckler, but it pokes at big questions like the nature of reality and the limits of imagination. This book is for those looking for high adventure with an existential fantasy twist. Considering it was written in 1940, the language and portrayal of the female character fall within the norms of that time, though now would be archaic. It is certainly a blast to the past with a modern undertone.

[Pamela · Rating 5 out of 5]

A swashbuckling adventure! Written for readers who like adventure stories: this is an original story with a twist. The hero of the story, Mike deWolf is a real life friend of the author who ends up living the story as Horace, the author, is typing it. Mike, interestingly, tries to wrestle the story from the author and change the direction amidst his adventures, pirate battles, wooing a lady etc. I won't spoil the ending but it is a fun and enjoyable read.

[Tracyanne4 · Rating 3 out of 5]

So, I read this book not realizing who the author was. Dinner conversation with Dan and Ethan, brought out authors identity to me…. Now I really have to say ‘Hhhhmmmmmmm…..’

This is definitely one that made me go ‘hhhmmmmmm???’ But I do think that Christopher Nolan stole the ending for Inception…..

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I hadn’t read Hubbard before, though I’ve heard him praised often. Speculative fiction is not my typical genre, but the premise is intriguing. The idea of a character trapped in the world created by an author was unique at the time this was written, and has inspired writers ever since to try to emulate. It was well done, and I enjoyed it.

[John Hoffman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pulp that explores free will and memory and fun satirizing of the purple of sloppy authors who also aren’t careful enough to get their settings and details right. This feels like a remarkably early metafiction by a writer who’s often dismissed as a crank.

[Stuart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great fun. Decades ahead of its time. Battle scenes so vivid, you can almost smell the gunpowder!

[Forked Radish · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's a shame that L. Ron's megalomania destroyed him because he really could write.

[Geri · Rating 4 out of 5]

thoroughly enjoyed

[Martin Fleming · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5. It does what it says on the tin. I dunno about you but I had a cracking time. Questionable ending mind you but ‘mon, Dianetics was coming out soon x

[Frank · Rating 3 out of 5]

Typewriter in the Sky by L. Ron Hubbard is mildly amusing tale of an Irishman stuck in his friend's swashbuckling novel set in the Caribbean. The main character is a Spanish privateer with knowledge that he is actually Irish but that his actions are influenced by the story that his friend is allowing to write itself. Needless to say, our antihero falls in love with a beautiful red-haired damsel. The story runs along pretty well but ends in typical pulp fashion.

The abridged audio version is nicely done.

[Max · Rating 3 out of 5]

Likely one of the first in the genre of "book tripping" stories where the protagonist is drawn into the pages of a book (usually against their will) and have to get their bearings, decide how to treat their fellow characters, and do some deep soul-searching all while trying to figure a way out. Light and amusing!

[Robert Beveridge · Rating 2 out of 5]

L. Ron Hubbard, Typewriter in the Sky (Bridge, 1940)

Why I continue to dabble in the writings of good old Elron is completely beyond me. Perhaps it is because his writing style is the kind that will let you breeze through a two-hundred-page hardback in an afternoon. Or maybe to remind myself why I read so little forties pulp sci-fi. I don't know.

Typewriter in the Sky is, above all, the story of Horace Hackett, a very bad pulp fiction writer during the Depression. Horace has a friend named Mike de Wolf, a down-on-his-luck pianist with an upcoming audition. As we open, Horace is trying to fend off his agent, who wants a book and wants it pronto. Horace comes up with the idea, the plot, and the plot twists (all of which, we get the idea from his agent, are old news), and models his villain on Mike, who happens to be in the apartment at the time. All well and good, until Mike finds himself actually living out the novel as Hackett writes it, able to hear the keys going in some other dimension (the typewriter in the sky of the title).

All of this would be painful, were Hubbard not to inject some details to make it, well, funny. De Wolf, in his seventeenth-century swashbuckling Spaniard incarnation, has a habit of noticing things Hackett doesn't research or puts out of place (for example, de Wolf stays the night in 1642 in a castle not built until the 1700s, and finds a 1900s Steinway in another building), while every once in a while we go back to the present day and listen to Hackett agonizing over his book. The end result is saved from awfulness by a sense of self-deprecation.

Unfortunately, said sense of self-deprecation is not applied to Hubbard's own writing. The book is chock-full of painful one-sentence paragraphs, overloaded with exclamation points, and other such pulp conventions stolen from the pens of G. A. Henty and his contemporaries. They are slightly forgivable thanks to the humor, but that doesn't make the book any less painful a read.

Quick, easy, but not all that good. **