Comments on: Sophie and Benny – Role Models for Writers

By: Julie Ortolon

Julie Ortolon — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 15:45:49 +0000

So, does putting on my yoga clothes count as working out?

By: Linda Barrett

Linda Barrett — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 18:42:41 +0000

Julie – you are so right about the human contact. The second reason I go to the gym is to see people. Not friends, but to be part of life. There’s action, activity, energy. I have to make a conscious effort to pick up the phone/or email and arrange Saturday night activities. But it’s so worth it. I love being with my friends, I just don’t think about “play dates” when working on a book

By: Julie Ortolon

Julie Ortolon — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 15:11:29 +0000

I agree that it’s as important to have an active life as an active body. I realized recently that the bulk of my interaction with friends is done online. Since we’re all writers sitting at the computer all day, it’s easy to feel socially engaged without even leaving the house. For exercise, I walk my dog, which gets me out of the house, but there’s zero contact with humans. (Sorry, Cody, of course you’re my best friends and fabulous company.) This year, my goal isn’t so much to get my body in shape, but to spend more time with people.

By: Linda Barrett

Linda Barrett — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 18:55:48 +0000

Brandie – You’re right on with your observations about working from home. As important as exercise is, it’s more important to keep a busy life with real people in it. We all must be vigilant about not closing ourselves off. Good luck with your writing career.

By: Linda Barrett

Linda Barrett — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 18:52:49 +0000

I guess the blog either inspired or triggered guilt! Thanks for checking it out.

Christie – good luck with the physical therapy, another time suck but important. I’ve done it, too.

Linda W- I know how dedicated you are. No guilt for you! I’ve been told that water aerobics burns more calories than land exercise. That’s motivation for everyone.

Jo Anne – give Sven my regards. I’ve got his brother upstairs in treadmill form. It serves as a jacket hanger and guilt promoter.

Good luck to everyone with their choice. All I know is I’ll be at the gym today.

By: Jo Anne Banker

Jo Anne Banker — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 18:23:06 +0000

Linda, I am so guilty of each and every one of these. I write in the morning – 7 to 8:30 or 9. After a shower, I’m in my bookkeeping service (home) office from 10 to 6:30 or so. Love Sudoku, Spider Solitaire, jigsaw puzzles, reading, and stories on TV. Did you notice anything in that sentence that got my butt out of the chair? I’ve already ruined my knees with weight & lack of exercise. YIKES! And I’ve got a new grandniece!

Bought an elliptical trainer a year or so ago. He’s big & macho and lives in my bedroom and I call him Swen. I’ve only made periodic visits to work with him. I need to make him a priority this year.

Linda W – good for you on the water aerobics. If I can find a swim suit that covers enough of me, I’m gonna start that again come spring.

Thanks for the inspiration folks – I needed it!!

Jo Anne

By: Linda Warren

Linda Warren — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 16:17:33 +0000

Linda,
Wow, what two amazing people, and good examples. Someone we can all emulate.

Sitting in a chair all day can be a killer. I really, really know that. I do water aerobics and that helps. I exercise at home too. It’s a balancing act, but something we must do.

Cheers to Sophie and Bennie.
LindaW

By: Christie Craig

Christie Craig — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 16:03:02 +0000

Great blog, Linda and sooooo true. I just got out of physical therapy. Who know writing sixteen hours a day could be bad for your back? I’m back to exercising.

By: Brandie Nickerson

Brandie Nickerson — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 15:08:13 +0000

Linda, this really spoke to me.

I am fairly young(early 30′s), but for the last two years I’ve been at home trying to establish a full-time writing career. It is so easy to contact the outside world from inside your home that you could become idle and closed off.

You’re right, I want to be ninety and too busy to stay at home

Brandie