This is topic Q:Does writing wear you out physically? It seems to knock me on my a..? in forum Open Discussions About Writing at Hatrack River Writers Workshop.
I've really been making it happen with the writing lately but I was wondering.
How do you feel physically after writing?
I mean it knocks me on am a.. In fact lately as I finisht the book it seems I have to take a nap after every session?
Argh? Is that weird for a guy who normally when not writing almost never takes naps?
Thanks, Muogin
Posted by Elan (Member # 2442) on :
I often wear out physically way before I'm ready to quit writing. My eyes start going bleary and cross-eyed, my butt starts aching, and I have been known to fall asleep at the keyboard while typing.
I personally see naps as power-boosters. Once I've napped about 10-15 minutes, I'm raring to go again. Sleep at night is an inconvenience and I look forward to getting up early the next morning and writing again. (I'm a morning person most of the time.) So I don't think the nap thing is weird. Whatever works!
Posted by ChrisOwens (Member # 1955) on :
My problem is probably reverse, with fatigue, creativity is the first thing to go. When I come home, if I lack energy, its better I don't churn out worthless drivel, which is what it'll definitly be.
Posted by Kah-Lea (Member # 2627) on :
I find that if I have been writing something really exciting, like a fight scene or major battle, that it wears me out. I ride the wave of adrenaline with my characters, and when it's all over, I take a big sigh of relief and want a nap. If what I've been writing is normal, daily stuff, I don't have the same feeling of fatigue.
I find that when I finally finish a book, I have a feeling of excitment, seeing something complete, but also a terrible let down because I know I'll have to find something else to do!
I am a night person forced to be awake during the day - I have three boys at home. I'd rather stay up half the night writing than actually sleep, but I tend to fall asleep in my chair. I don't think drool is terribly good for the keyboard.
Posted by muogin (Member # 1963) on :
Maybe that's why I get fatigued, so many of my stories are wild rides through fantasy lands?
Muogin
Posted by autumnmuse (Member # 2136) on :
Whenever I do anything that takes intense creative energy, such as writing or acting, I feel physically drained afterwards for a time, and am as tired as if I had been working out very hard. But there is an overriding calmness as well, that is hard to describe, and a sense of accomplishment that is well worth the fatigue.
Posted by Blue_Rabbit (Member # 2634) on :
For me, it would sound like a problem to fix as fast as possible. No matter if you consider your writing art or craft, you put a bit of your soul into it. Why does touching your spirit exhaust you? Of course there is "normal" fatigue you get when sitting too much in front of your computer, or restlessness, because you lack physical exercise (which is a problem for me), or simply getting not enough sleep or working at the wrong time of the day. But if it's really wearing you out... find the problem and fix it, before it stops you from writing.
Posted by Keeley (Member # 2088) on :
It depends on when I write. If it's late in the evening, yes, writing tires me out.
But if I do it anytime else during the day, the opposite happens. I tend to get energized and find myself wanting to run through the house (not good when you have little kids underfoot).
