I read an article not long ago that showed photos of the writing desks of notable authors.

It was interesting, a little, in the way going to an open house can be. Every writer seeks a space of control and comfort. I’ve been at this a long time and while I’ve never gotten it completely right, I can work with what I’ve got.

That’s an eight year old MacMini in front and an even older one on the left. Both work just fine, thanks. The star of the show is the old Samsung SyncMaster 2243 monitor that allows me to have two full pages on the screen at once.

Nirvana.

When I discuss comfy, I’m thinking of the kind of comfort that allows an aspiring violinist to practice for hours without causing a repetitive-stress injury. This is the kind of comfy that flows from technique and ergonomics.

Years ago, I was lucky enough to have an ergonomics expert show me how to sit in a chair while engaging my feet with the floor.

I practice it to this day.

Still, I am not good at sitting for long periods of time. When I manage to bang out a bunch of words in a day I spend a lot of time out of my writing chair. There’s nothing physically healthy about writing and I’m trying to minimize the injury.

So, no matter how plush or comfortable your writing desk is, please get off your ass often.

Your heart will thank you.

I have considered a standing desk, but I have a feeling it would simply create a physical shift in stress. My guess is from lower back to upper back.

Still, I may try it someday.