The Exhausting Search For The Perfect Writing Set Up

[image error]My first novel was written on my PC, on a desk built in 1906. It’s a beautiful desk, but not conducive to long writing hours. I have no idea how I managed to write an entire book sitting at that desk. Including a revision. Or maybe six of them, but who’s counting. The drawer prevents me from pulling my chair in as close as I like, and I can’t put my roly foot rest thing under it since there is a shelf in the way.

I also started BUN FOR YOUR LIFE (BFYL) on that computer, but shortly gave up and bought a lap top. I happily finished BFYL on my side of our large dual reclining sofa, leaving the PC free for my husband. Then, I blissfully wrote RAISIN THE DEAD on said sofa, in cushiony comfort. Until the recliner part on my side stopped working. I couldn’t go back to the PC. I couldn’t banish my husband from his side of the sofa, leaving him recliner-less. What to do . . .

While contemplating a new sofa (still contemplating, by the way), I decided I needed my very  own reclining writing chair that I could set up away from the TV, and all other manner of distraction (except of course, Facebook). That worked for a while until my wrist didn’t like leaning on my lap writing desk, and my legs rebelled at having a lap top and lap writing desk on them for long stretches.  A long stretch for them apparently being four minutes.

I dragged my husband to Staples this past Friday, so I could find a desk that both my laptop and I would be happy with.  Found it! Along with a lovely chair to match. It won’t be in until next Tuesday. In the meanwhile, I’ve moved to the dining room table.

At this point, you must be breathing a sigh of relief that my problems are over, and also wondering why I didn’t do that in the first place. Because of my chiropractor. Per the esteemed Dr. Perfect Posture, looking down is not good for your neck. Ever. According to her, for your neck’s sake, your TV should be mounted high on the wall, so the top of it is touching the ceiling. I’m pretty sure that’s what she said.

You can imagine my horror when I discovered that sitting at the dining room table forced me to look down at my laptop. Not a good situation. I grab books to sit my lap top on and realize that’s not going to work because while my monitor is now touching the ceiling, a plus for my neck,  so is my keyboard. I can’t reach it.

I drag same husband to Best Buy where I buy a keyboard for my laptop. Now, my lap top is propped up, my neck is in proper alignment, and my fingers have a keyboard within easy reach. When I get my new desk all will be well with my writing world. Although, I think I may need a second monitor for my laptop. For research you know.