Reason #44 Why writing takes so long
#44 Death from Above
As you might have heard, writing can be a very hazardous profession. From repetitive strain injuries to back issues from spending to many hours BICHOK (butt in chair, hands on keyboard), one must learn how to take care of oneself properly.
But those pedestrian problems not all we face. Writers are in constant danger of falling down research rabbit holes that suck time and energy from our souls (like little vampires, you know) while they give rise to more and more rabbit holes and plot bunnies, until we need a full-on rescue from ourselves. Trust me, I know where of I speak. If you don’t believe me, have a look at a few of the ones I’ve fallen down!
We also regularly risk being smothered by our faithful feline companions as they search for an appropriate place to nap. The death blades they carry on their toes are a constant reminder of the consequences if we fail to provide adequate warm-blooded napping furniture.
Yet another oft ignored hazard lies lurking in the shadows, one that we rarely acknowledge and even more rarely talk about.
Death From Above.
Something strange and terrifying happens to our usually gentle feline companion when they reach heights exceeding six feet. They remember their ancestors were predators and that same blood runs through their veins.
The need to find prey, to hunt, and most importantly, to pounce from above overtakes their fuzzy little brains until nothing is safe from the lurking Death From Above.
Our only hope is to move carefully through the primordial jungle (or beside the bookcase, whichever the case may be), ever alert for the danger hovering above. One might consider bringing a tasty offering to the primeval predator in the hopes of distracting him long enough to make our escape.
Or, then again, there’s always the option of taking the long way from the kitchen to the desk and avoiding the bookcase all together.
Either way, it is wise to avoid Death From Above.
Good heavens! How on earth do you manage to write at all? Seriously, I think I might consider having shorter, wider bookcases? Thus thwarting one method of attack? Maybe some sort of protective headgear?
Good luck with both this and avoiding the rabbit holes!
:’D Love it. I was doing a live reading the other day & my studio companion hopped up right on my computer in the middle of it. If he’s a tatzelwurm, he’s the reason they’re known as addlepates.
Oh-my-gosh, that was hilarious and I love that photo. Wow! However, Maria… you said something in your post that made my little brain spark to life with something I have to share or at least point out. You said “(like little vampires, you know)” All of a sudden, I saw this little creature/bat/dragonesque if you will… attached to and/or tormenting a much larger dragon. Sort of like those fish that attach themselves to sharks. You’ve seen the pictures. Well, you are the author, and if you need an irritant in your dragon series… there you are. Vampires. You called it. Blessings, stay safe, and healthy.
Laughing. We don’t have any pets as my husband is allergic to dogs and cats. I did have a parakeet but he died recently. The danger with him is he would shit during flight when I chased him out of his cage for exercise. He also scared my son-in-law when he flew over him causing him to spill a drink one time. Best of luck to you in your research and writing. Stay safe. Sheila