The Importance of Not Writing 5k+ Words In One Sitting [Writer's Blog #4]

Hello everyone, hope you're doing well.

It's been a while since I updated you all on anything remotely "personal." My break from social media definitely inhibited me from doing so, but suffice to say, it was a blessing in a not very well hidden disguise. I've been taking the time to take care of myself, both mentally and physically, and completely focus on finishing up my university semester.

Now that I have a little more time to work on projects, I wanted to share some of my writing tips. They're not so much advice on how to write (for that, I would highly recommend checking out authortubers and established authors' podcasts as I do not believe I have any authority to tell anyone how to construct even the most basic of sentences), but more writing adjacent factors that not many people think about before it's too late.

First of all, I'm sure all of you who are writers have heard about this ever looming condition that's cackling in the dark abyss that will come for us all: back pain caused by bad posture. This is your sign to do a posture check, you're welcome. I've been trying to find ways to correct my frankly disgusting posture for years now. As some of you may know, when I was producing self-made/directed films, I would sit in a chair for 13+ hours straight working on filming, editing, and writing. This, unsurprisingly, is a HUGE NO NO. Something that has truly been a godsend is a good chair. Now, before you all tell me I'm an idiot (I'm well aware), let me explain myself. I've always thought I had chairs with strong back support, until I tore up my gaming chair like an animal and got myself a proper office chair. Best investment ever. Picking out the right chair is genuinely so important, not just for your back, but for your overall comfort. Another habit I picked up was actually something I adopted from Brandon Sanderson and that is to lounge on a couch and do your work. After all, if you're laying down, you don't need to do posture checks. Plus, it's just a lot more comfortable.

The second thing I want to remind you all is the importance of taking breaks. As you can tell by the title of this post, I love writing. I love writing a lot. And I get carried away... a lot. I'm currently in the process of mapping out the chapters of the book extensively and I wrote EXACTLY 5736 words, over the span of 6 hours, without breaks (other than a trip to the kitchen to get ice cream, I'm not a complete monster). Please do not do this. Your hands will cramp and your keyboard will yell at you to stop smacking it a million times. As someone who gets swept away in the excitement and delirium of a story coming into fruition, it is not healthy for a human being to sit in one position for 6 hours straight, tip tapping away at their keyboard. Protect your hands. They are your most valuable tool, not just as a writer, but as a person. 

Something I have to constantly remind myself is to value and take care of my body and not treat it as if it's some sort of replaceable meat prison that houses my mind, heart, and soul. This last month, with all of my final exams, projects, and campaigns, I've tried my best to keep up with my workload in school and in my professional life and it has drained me to no end. I don't take care of myself enough and after reflecting on my 5.7k words in the span of 6 hours achievement, I realized that no matter how passionate I am about something, it is never worth putting my health on the line. I've done it for so many years. All those nights staying up, working towards my dreams and goals to bring stories to life, to the point where I wake up the next day with an aching back and shoulder and still be able to take my tests and finish my homework, I want to be able to say that it was worth it, but it wasn't. And it never will be.

I suppose this post was a little bit of a bait. I was supposed to just share tips on writing/writing adjacent methods, but if there's one thing you should take away from this post, it's this: You are precious. Your body is precious, your mind is precious, your heart is precious, and your soul is precious. Don't neglect yourself whilst pursuing your ambitions. Sure, some sacrifices need to be made, but when these sacrifices (late nights, all nighters, back pain, soreness, consistent sickness, constant stress, alarming heart palpitations, overwhelming anxiety, breakdowns, etc), become a constant, looming presence, they're no longer sacrifices. A sacrifice is a one time thing. A habit is consistent.

TLDR:

• Get a good chair, check your posture
• Take breaks
• Take care of your mental and physical health FIERCELY

I hope you all are taking care of yourselves, especially during these trying times and I hope this post reminds you to do so. 

Thank you so much for reading, take care.