Featured Writer on Wellness: Cari Lynn Webb

Writing is one of those job you can do at any time, in any place.

As I write this blog post, I’m sitting in my car outside my daughter’s school. I arrived early for the 8^th grade send-off so I decided to use the time to write.

I carry my laptop, a clipboard and pencil with me everywhere for the unexpected 10 or 15 or 20-minute time slots, like now, that I can use to write. With two middle school kids involved in different after school activities, my schedule seems to change daily. So I write when and where I can.

Unfortunately, the orthodontist’s waiting room, my car and the bleachers at the swimming pool aren’t exactly the most ergonomic places. And on those days I don’t want to get out of bed, I compromise with stacked pillows behind me and my laptop propped on the covers. I’m working, but still in bed. (Oh, the mind games we play.)

If only my back and neck agreed with all these “ideal” writing locations.

Writers Need to Suit Up for the Job!

My chiropractor puts everything back into alignment once a month. For the other thirty days, I’ve gathered a selection of items to help my body feel better.

I wear Tommy Copper everything: full arm sleeves, fingerless gloves and wrist bands for every writing session at home in bed or in my office or on the couch. I look like I’m suited up and ready for the coach to put me in the starting line-up, especially when I add the soft brace around my shoulders to keep me sitting up straight and not hunched over the keyboard. (Yes, it really does work).

My most recent addition is a Fitbit that vibrates on my wrist every hour to remind me to get up and walk around. I’m thinking it might’ve been better if it shocked me as the vibration is quite gentle and kind and sometimes I need to be blasted out of my office chair. But I doubt that’d be a popular suggestion.

And when I feel my mind drifting or I get stuck on a scene, I work-out to give myself a mental break and do something good for my body. I do all of this to counteract the dangers of sitting too much, which is linked to all sorts of health issues according to doctors in the know.

If Only My Writing Gear Shielded Against Self-Doubt

If only all of my “writing gear” was like a shield against those sneaky attacks of self-doubt. If only my “writing gear” protected me from getting overwhelmed by the business end of writing and the demands of marketing and social media and platform building.

But just as I put on my “writing gear” to correct bad posture and ease tennis elbow, I talk back to my inner critic (quite often) and make lists, lots of lists. On my lists, I’ve broken everything down into manageable bites. With every item I cross off, there’s a sense of accomplishment and growing sense of “I’ve got this.”

One my mentors and favorite writing teachers, Margie Lawson, taught me the List of Lists that I use often to keep myself in check. It involves a winner list (written in Sharpie and not to be revised), super star list and maybe list. Each day the winner list must be completed first.

Margie also taught me the “DUH plan”: Do it first. Understand it may difficult and do it anyway. Hooray! Celebrate when you’re done.

If I Quit on My Dream, I’d Be Showing My Daughters that It’s Okay

Margie was kind enough to teach me the List of Lists after we talked about my writing journey and giving up after years of rejections and a lot of tears. During our conversation, Margie told me if I quit on my dream, I would be showing my young daughters that quitting was okay.

That giving up was acceptable.

That was a life lesson I didn’t want to teach my daughters and that thought kept me focused on my writing goals and dreams, despite the rejections and doubt.

One of my best days was getting the call from my editor. My oldest daughter was in the car when that call came in. She ran inside the pool to tell her coach and entire swim team that her mom was going to be published.

I think my family celebrated even more than me and they continue to support and encourage me in this unpredictable, but fulfilling writing life.

Advice for a Young Writer: Believe in Yourself Despite the Negativity and Rejection

And to anyone who wants to become a writer, my advice: Believe in yourself despite the negativity and the rejection.

Believe you have something great to share and share it with the world. Surround yourself with people you trust to not only tell you the things you want to hear, but more importantly, to tell you the honest, hard truth and hold you accountable.

I know I wouldn’t be here today without my writing tribe and I’m grateful for them every day.

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Cari Lynn Webb lives in South Carolina with her husband, daughters and assorted four-legged family members. She’s been blessed to see the power of true love in her grandparent’s 70 year marriage and her parent’s marriage of over 50 years. She knows love isn’t always sweet and perfect, it can be challenging, complicated and risky. But she believes happily-ever-afters are worth fighting for. She loves to connect with readers.

For more information on Cari and her work, please see her website, or connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.

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