"I don't want anything to do with anything mechanical between me and the paper, including a typewriter, and I don't even want a fountain pen between me and the paper"

Shelby Foote's quote suggests that he chooses to compose with a traditional pen and paper. He does not want any mechanical device, such as a typewriter, to come in between him and the paper. He even presumes regarding say that he does not want a water fountain pen in between him and the paper. This recommends that he chooses the most basic form of composing, which is composing with a pen and paper. He likely prefers this approach since it permits him to have a more direct connection with the paper and his ideas. He likely discovers that this approach permits him to reveal himself more freely and authentically. His quote likewise recommends that he values the traditional approaches of composing and does not wish to be impeded by any contemporary technology.