The sun’s rays gleam through the picturesque window as her fingers click the keys. A steaming cup of coffee sits within arm’s reach, and her calico cat sleeps on her lap. She languidly types on, the story flowing from her mind onto the screen. She smiles to herself. Her masterpieceContinue Reading
Do you have the writing blahs? You’ve probably heard of “seasonal affective disorder” or SAD, that form of depression that can take over in the winter months. Symptoms of SAD can include lack of energy, a low mood, social withdrawal, irritability, and difficulty concentrating. Sometimes winter weather can be aContinue Reading
While there are many physical challenges we writers face, it took me a while to find the time (and determination) to schedule physical exercise. My motivation, frankly, came from seeing my parents age and noticing what a difference physical health makes in a person’s quality of life. I realized ifContinue Reading
According to PBS, Herman Melville first thought of the idea for what would become Moby Dick after reading a 1839 article by Jeremiah N. Renolds entitled “Mocha Dick: Or, the White Whale of the Pacific.” For years he researched and thought about the story. It wasn’t completed and published untilContinue Reading
Biggest physical challenge of being a writer? Sitting for long periods of time. If I sit for too long my lower back hurts, then my legs and so on. It’s so unhealthy. I now have a stand-up desk where I spend my afternoons instead of seated all day. Afternoon walksContinue Reading
Is it possible to get a natural energy boost from a good-for-you beverage? After a long day, you want to get in at least a page or two of writing. When you sit down, your eyelids droop and your mind goes blank. Your day is catching up with you. ThatContinue Reading
For me, the biggest challenges have been aches from sitting too long and issues with my right hand and right wrist weakness. (I am right-handed.) To address the pain from long hours of sitting, I switched from a desktop computer to a laptop. Using a lap desk, I am ableContinue Reading
As a writer, you probably need to generate more energy. You are the generator in your life. The only energy in it comes from you. Don’t believe me? Spend a couple days depressed, tired, or apathetic. What happens in your world? Everything slows down, right? Sometimes it may come toContinue Reading
Setting goals. You either love it or hate it. But most likely, if you’re a writer, you’ve done it at least a time or two. “I’m going to publish a novel.” Even if you’re not a goal-setter, it’s likely you’ve made decisions like this that have moved your career forward,Continue Reading
Would you believe that over 80 authors have appeared on Writing and Wellness over the last almost two years? From those features have come a lot of inspiring, witty, and relatable quotes, so I thought it would be fun to include a collection of them here. Of course I couldn’tContinue Reading
“Christmas is doing a little something extra for someone.” ~ Charles M. Schulz “One can never have enough socks,” said Dumbledore. “Another Christmas has come and gone and I didn’t get a single pair. People will insist on giving me books.” ~ J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s StoneContinue Reading
What increases your stress, causes aches and pains, and messes with your sleep? Gadgets. Computers. Tablets. Smartphones. Overuse of these tools can also lead to burnout, and we all know that writers are especially susceptible because of all the tasks on our plates these days. There’s no doubt that onContinue Reading