A New Broom
By Juliet Marillier | January 3, 2008 |
Welcome to 2008. I don’t believe in New Year resolutions, but I do have a few suggestions for writers wanting to start this year with energy and enthusiasm.
We often talk about technical challenges on WU – plotting, character development, style, language and so on. We don’t deal so much with the health and wellbeing issues associated with a career as a writer. These can range from mild RSI to the state of mind people refer to as writer’s block. I just re-read the wonderful book I Capture the Castle by Dodie Smith, in which the protagonist’s father, author of one celebrated literary novel, suffers from excruciating writer’s block affecting his whole family. The solution to his problem is as quirky and pleasing as the rest of this novel..
I’ve recently had several reasons to consider health issues. The news that wildly inventive fantasy author Terry Pratchett has early onset Alzheimer’s disease made me consider my own mortality; Pratchett and I were born in the same year. Then there were my two cataract operations in December. Thanks to modern medical science, I now have artificial lenses in both eyes and as a result, better vision than I was born with. Having undergone the procedures while conscious, I vow that I will never again write an eye-gouging scene! It’s amazing to be able to see in focus without glasses for the first time ever. This has made me particularly aware of the value of good health.
I spent a lot of 2007 sitting in front of my laptop, and while there I drank a lot of caffeinated beverages and ate a lot of energy-boosting snacks. As a result, I ended the year heavier, less fit and generally feeling blah. I decided I’d better take things in hand, and read The Ultimate Holistic Health Book by Dr Deborah McManners. This is a useful, non-faddish guide to becoming healthier, with information on diet, activity and posture as well as issues like rest and peace of mind.
I know the main problems for me are unhealthy weight gain and poor posture, and I’m taking steps to address those. For writers in general, other likely problems include neck or back pain, inappropriate diet, lack of exercise and stress. All these things could contribute to a feeling of being creatively blocked.
We’re educated people, of course, and the solutions are obvious. But when we’re engrossed in our work it’s easy to forget to sit correctly or take stretch breaks. We may not even know we have a problem. As McManners explains, physical, biochemical and psychological health are interrelated. A postural problem may manifest in headaches. Unresolved emotional issues may affect the digestive system. And, I strongly suspect, writer’s block may arise from a combination of factors unrelated to the job of writing.
I know that’s over-simplification. But I’m sure you can identify at least one aspect of the way you work that could do with improvement for health reasons. So here’s a challenge. In 2008, work on one or more of the areas listed below and see if it improves your health and your writing:
1. Exercise: Do more. I walk my dogs twice daily. Because my older dog is slowing down now, the walks no longer exercise me adequately, though they provide valuable thinking time. I’ll be adding something else this year, perhaps yoga. If you decide to increase your exercise, do it gradually and choose an activity you actually enjoy.
2. Diet: Improve it! The McManners book contains very sound advice on healthy eating. Try to reduce processed, refined foods. Drink more water.
3.Work station: Make sure your chair, desk and computer are set up on sound ergonomic principles.
4. Breaks: Take a stretch break once an hour, and don’t use it as an eating opportunity!
5. Posture: Imagine you are a marionette with a string attached to the top of your head – this string holds you upright but relaxed. As you sit at the computer, remind yourself to straighten your spine and relax your shoulders. Don’t slouch. You’re a writer, not a vulture.
6.Caffeine: Reduce your intake. Substitute green tea or water for every second cup of tea/coffee/fizzy caffeinated beverage. If you must snack while working, have something healthy. You’re allowed chocolate when you finish your manuscript.
7. Stress: Stress in your life will impact on your ability to write effectively as well as on your physical health. Be aware of this and take steps to address it, but don’t expect miracles. My top 5 stress-busting activities are singing, dancing, gardening, cooking and meditation.
If I have any sort of resolution, it’s to end 2008 healthier than I am now. If you’re trying something similar, please post and let me know how it’s going. In particular, has your improved health had any impact on your writing?
© Photographer: Christine Nichols.
Agency: Dreamstime.com
Juliet Marillier has written twenty-four novels for adults and young adults and two collections of short fiction. Her works of historical fantasy have been published around the world and have won numerous awards. Juliet’s most recent series was Warrior Bards, of which the third and final book, A Song of Flight, was published in 2021. Her collection of reimagined fairy tales, Mother Thorn and Other Tales of Courage and Kindness, had its trade release in 2022. Mother Thorn is illustrated by Kathleen Jennings and published by Serenity Press.
Juliet is currently working on a two-book fantasy series. The first book in this duology, The Amber Owl, will be published by New Dawn in February 2025.
When not writing, Juliet looks after a small crew of rescue dogs.
These are great tips, Juliet. I force myself away from the computer at lunch and take a 40 minute walk whether I want to or not. It really makes a difference and helps me sleep better at night. I also gave up diet sodas and anything associated with artificial sweeteners. I immediately dropped three pounds, and I’ve lost my sweet tooth. It’s been both amazing and strange not craving chocolate anymore!
BTW, I read I CAPTURE THE CASTLE in the spring. It’s a great book about the freedom and constraints of writing. Highly recommended.
My ‘day job’ is as a physical therapist and I treat a lot of people with overuse injuries related to poor posture and computer use. While a break every hour is an excellent idea, there is some compelling research about the value of ‘micro breaks’, that is, a 5-10 second break every 15 minutes.
One way I incorporate this (both for my patients and for myself) is to take my hands off the keyboard/mouse and place them in my lap, palms up when I’m not actually typing or pointing. That helps break up the pattern of shoulder internal rotation and radial deviation at the wrist that can cause problems.
In addition, when I’m thinking, I shift my eyes away from the screen and focus on something in the far distance–looking out the window, for example. That has two advantages–it gives your eyes a rest, but also can relaxed weary neck muscles.
Good post on overall health. Thank you!
best,
lisa
I don’t believe in “New Year’s resolutions” either, but I vowed to myself that I’d reduce my caffeine intake from now on.
I’m pretty much like you, Juliet. But I don’t have dogs to walk (ahah) and instead take walks by myself each morning. Watching the sunrise in a beautiful park is wonderful.
This was a really interesting post. Though I’d add the importance of “sleep”. I don’t know about you, but sometimes I sacrifice my own sleep to get things done and after a few days of this, I feel awful.
Cheers from Portugal. :D
I’d love to deal with my stress, but apparently killing your children is illegal.
Damn.
Lisa, thanks for the expert advice on micro breaks – I’ve incorporated them this morning. I’m working through the editorial report on my new novel this month, so will be spending hours at the computer.
Good point about sleep, Carina. I don’t usually have that particular problem, but people who need to juggle their writing with the demands of kids and partner, a day job, study and/or other commitments certainly need to remember how important it is to get good sleep.
This was the first year in awhile where I made a few resolutions, both in a writing and health (physical and spiritual)capacity.
It’s January 3rd and I’ve already received three rejections. And I weigh two more pounds than I did two days ago.
What the heck?
Thanks for a great post, Juliet. And thanks, LJ, for adding some good tips, too. I love the idea of microbreaks, and I’m definitely going to try the “look in the distance” tip; my eyes are forever weary.
astrothsknot, let us know if you want to delete your post in case you need to cover any “evidence.” ;)
Cath, I think the holiday treats take a while to show up on the scale. That’s my excuse.
You’re welcome! If you are interested, here are links to some freeware programs that can help you keep track of breaks and schedule microbreaks. I’ve used oosiepause on my laptop and it’s slightly annoying, but helpful.
https://www.franzo.co.nz/oosie/
Timeout is a similar program for Mac, and while I’ve not used it, some of my patients have found it very useful. https://www.dejal.com/timeout/
Then there’s always the kitchen timer. :)
Oh, Juliet, I feel guilty; oh so guilty, I feel guilty and silty and tight…Well, I don’t know about the last two, but reading about exercise certainly makes me feel guilty. However, I have found a new Yoga class which I know will get me fitter if I go regularly, so finances permitting I’ll do that, at least, since I don’t have any dogs and hate walking in any case:-)
And Lisa, I have downloaded that micro exercise program. Of course, all this could be part of the New Year Good Intentions syndrome but being nearly 90kg & having high BP and cholesterol I hope it isn’t. Let’s check in with each other next month and see how we’re all doing!
I was born in 1957, and started writing seriously when I was 11. The result of pounding keyboards for years made itself felt in 2000, when my mild aches and pains bloomed all over the place. I spent a lot of time and money on treatments that worked not at all, the physiotherapist and doctor both said I’d just have to live with it… and my son suggested weight-lifting.
I took up weight-lifting. He’s a RAAFie, and taught me how to do it properly. I also took up walking, covering anything from 3 – 9 km a day, usually with dogs. The result is a 95% reduction of back and shoulder and arm pain, better muscle tone, a much bigger appetite, 5 extra kg and, alas, no change in the chronic pain in my hands.
On balance, I think it’s been a successful experiment. Isn’t it odd that people who suggest exercise as a weight-loss method conveniently forget to say you’ll come home STARVING? Fortunately, I was skinny to start with, so the extra kg is not too much of a burden.
I love your books. They are so well-crafted, I can only imagine how many hours you spend in front of this beast. I’ve joined an elderwomen myspace-type group and spend increasing amounts of time sitting here chatting with women all over the world.
I’m also a budding photographer, digital, so again – here I am, day after day. My saving grace, at the ripe age of 64, is to continue yard work. We’re renting, and part of our lease is to maintain the one-acre tree-filled grass yard, so I see it as fulfilling an obligation and also as getting exercise – the big bonus for me is just being outside, though keeping my body in reasonable shape is also a plus.
Keep up the good work – and the good play!
Juliet, I have read all your publications, in fact 4 of your books in just ten days after reading the Sevenwater Trilogy. Although my husband wonders what magic words you share to keep my up all night and glued to your pages, I have to say thank- you for creating such wonderous works and romantic tales. I eagerly await your up coming works and wish to know who’s writing inspires you, who’s books you cannot put down.- Many thanks
Michelle
After reading the blogs, I thought to add that besides diet and exercise, taking time out to enjoy a short holiday as well as many moments of laughter can heal the body and spirit tremendously. Only last week did I read an interesting article in the Economist UK edition dated 5th January 2008 page 64 titled “How to Live Forever”
Michelle
Joy and Michelle, thanks for your very kind comments on my books and your wise suggestions on the topic of health and wellbeing! My four year old granddaughter has made me a sticker chart for my health regimen, and has generously given me some of her stickers for my very own. I get a sticker a day if I eat sensibly and do some exercise over and above the standard dog walks. One month without missing a day earns me a trip to the movies.
Michelle, I might answer your question about whose writing inspires me and what books I can’t put down (and why) in my next monthly post for WU on Feb 7. Thanks for the suggestion!
Sally, I’m fascinated that weight-lifting proved a big part of the solution to your writing-related health problems. It’s often recommended for older people (50+) as part of an all-round exercise program.
Juliet, there is nothing like grandchildren to keep one young. Being 33, I have a fair way to go, for now I will settle with the movies!! I managed to get your suggestion of “I Capture the Castle” however if your writing skills were not so fabulous, I would have put down the last book I have in your range and finished Dodie’s book by now. On another note, I re-read my last correspondence to you and I am horrified by my failure to spell whose correctly. Writing incorrect grammer to a writer is like sending a FEDEX package to the state owned post office!!!
Anyway have a wonderful weekend, and I look forward to hear who touched your world as you do for so many readers. Over and Out