22 Comments
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Angela L Hoy's avatar

I had the same sort of problem with my spine and sitting so I got a desk riser and now I sit and stand as needed to work on my writing and other computer stuff. Sharing a link to what I have. Bought it in 2020 and it’s still going strong. Keep the faith on the book—your writing is wonderful!

Rocelco 32” Height Adjustable... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B015GCGOD8?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

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Barbara ONeal's avatar

Thanks, Angela. I do have an adjustable standing desk I bought before the pandemic, and I love it. I'm trying the standing today, though I am not sure I'd like standing for the writing part. I might just use it for everything not writing.

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Angela L Hoy's avatar

I’m glad you have one! Totally understand the need to be in the best groove to write. Wishing you all the creative flow and lots of kitty purrs. 😊

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P K Stuart (Pam)'s avatar

Congratulations on the art win!

I love your description of where you are with the novel. There's comfort in knowing that "lost in the middle" isn't just a me thing. 😊

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Barbara ONeal's avatar

I'm pretty sure the lost in the middle part is standard novel writing. :)

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LK Lohan's avatar

"Meditations for Mortals" was an eye-opener for me as well. I used the chapters as prompts for a month of journaling.

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Barbara ONeal's avatar

What a great idea on using the chapters as prompts.

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W. Michael Johnson's avatar

Similar problems and similar pleasures. I don't have back issues (usually), but I have been told by more than one doctor that I can't sit around for five or six hours every day (even if writing the great American novel) and expect good things to happen. So I built myself a stand-up desk (a clunky do-it-yourself version of the ones where the whole thing--keyboard and screen--raises and lowers), and found that within about an hour of standing and typing, I developed back pains. I will continue to look for a health plan that doesn't involve actual exercise.

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Shannon's avatar

I love simple answers that change everything. Why must they be so hard to find. 🤣🥰

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Barbara ONeal's avatar

Why???

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Lynn Cahoon's avatar

I do so much better with a schedule as long as I don't overschedule. I have a deadline at the end of the month, so I need to watch my output, but I love the idea of starting at ten. I've been trying to establish a morning routine - water, sun in my eyes, maybe a little reading, maybe a short workout - before sitting down to write. And trust.

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Barbara ONeal's avatar

Good plan.

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Edith's avatar

Oh thank you for writing about your process. It is so liberating to read your words here, as if a heavy load has just been lifted off my shoulders. And speaking of body parts I'm very sorry to hear about your back pain, so debilitating. I hope you find relief soon.

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Barbara ONeal's avatar

I'm so glad you found some relief!

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Laurie Lasala-Tuttle's avatar

I'm not a writer, but love peering into a writer's life. Thanks for mentioning the books you've enjoyed; I've put a hold on this one. It's a rather long hold, so I'll be pleasantly surprised when it's available. And, yay, another book written by YOU!! Here's to waiting for the good stuff!! 🥳🥳 Laurie

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Barbara ONeal's avatar

Non writers welcome, even more so. I just find it impossible to not talk about the process sometimes.

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Courtney Shosh's avatar

I prefer to go with the flow, but life seems to prefer I have a schedule. So, I compromise by writing things on a calendar and being forgiving with myself if the flexible items I listed to do on Monday don't get done until Friday, despite my best efforts. Thank you for sharing about Virginia Woolf's schedule. That does seem more doable!

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Barbara ONeal's avatar

Let me know if you try it. I'm kind of astonished at the liberating aspect of it, honestly.

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Audra B.'s avatar

I love the discoveries made in the deep, dark forest of a book ... but there is always the fear of not getting there ... until you do!

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Barbara ONeal's avatar

Yes, where does the path lead? Am I heading right for a cliff?

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Audra B.'s avatar

Maybe you’ll find something interesting at the bottom of that cliff!

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Judi's avatar

Yes, I have a schedule too. Probably too much of one for a retired person, but so what. Trouble is, so many things get in the way of the schedule, but I really try not to be too much of a grump and go with the flow. The world is not going to end if something interferes with my schedule.

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