Since my physical health is not typical, the obvious, typical answer for me would likely not apply to, or benefit, most authors and aspiring authors. So, I will direct attention to another physical “matter,” which is sometimes a challenge and sometimes a blessing: Yes, I speak of the hours weContinue Reading
People always think it’s exciting to be a writer—perhaps they’re picturing Hemingway on a big safari game hunt—but the reality is that it’s more like being Homer Simpson in front of the TV: you sit and snack a lot on sugary, salty treats while your brain goes into overdrive. ProbablyContinue Reading
For me it was weight gain. With deadlines looming, I gave up my morning runs to fit in more work. This took a toll on my health and well being. It took me until recently to reclaim my physical health. I always, ALWAYS fit in a run or walk beforeContinue Reading
The biggest physical challenge for me as a writer, is neck and back pain. I find when I get immersed in my writing I don’t realize how much time has passed. Sometimes it can be a few hours. I know this is not good for my body and once IContinue Reading
Well, I do periodically have pains in my hands and wrists from typing too much. But this is generally remedied by getting yourself a good chair. It may sound ridiculous, but every few years I buy the best possible orthopaedic chair I can afford, so I can work comfortably. WhenContinue Reading
One of the biggest physical challenges for me is the amount of sedentary time that writing requires. Outside of writing I’m a fairly active person, so it often makes me feel restless to sit in a chair for hours on end. I tend to balance this out with some formContinue Reading
I blew out a lumbar disc probably ten years ago now. I no longer have a disc there, so it’s important that I preserve that space through muscle and movement, or I end up with pinched nerves and on steroids. Not good. Second is my weight. I’ve always had aContinue Reading
I’ve developed tendonitis in my right wrist, so I don’t type more than a few minutes without my hand brace or I start to have pain when I’m doing everyday activities like cutting food or brushing my teeth. On another note, I tend to do freelance assignments at a deskContinue Reading
In 2007, I retired from a very successful career as a performing musician and bandmaster in the Marine Corps. Along with many gifts and letters of appreciation, I left the Corps with backaches, sore feet, and arthritis in my shoulder. I also discovered I had a form of tendinitis inContinue Reading
I find I get very stiff if I sit in one position for too long. I’ve had neck pain for years, and I have to be pretty careful of my position. Also, I’m very antsy. I have trouble sitting for longer than about twenty minutes at a time. The Problem of SittingContinue Reading
Having a profession that requires you to sit all day is coming under increasing scrutiny as a health hazard. And I do find it hard to think deeply when I’m standing up—I just haven’t been able to make that switch. Trying to Avoid Neck and Shoulder Pain While Writing SoContinue Reading
For me the biggest challenge is getting enough exercise. Sitting at the computer all day is not healthy, but it’s easy to do. Fortunately, my dogs demand attention and distract me, making me get up and move around. Still, I do suffer from frequent back pain, the best remedy forContinue Reading