This post is for Alex Cavanaugh’s Insecure Writers Support Group (click the link for details on what that means and how to join. You will also find a list of bloggers signed up to the challenge that are worth checking out. The first Wednesday of every month, we all post our thoughts, fears or words of encouragement for fellow writers.
This month’s question — Do you have any rituals that help you get into the ZONE?
OK, I’ll stipulate I’m a little weird, just putting that out there in case you face palm at my answer. Me, I don’t have any problem getting ‘into the zone’. I am rarely overwhelmed by the mystery of writing. I’m not even whelmed. I sit down. I run through my email. I write.
If I get stuck, I research. That usually gives me endless fodder for plot lines and character development that I add in as needed.
I’m intrigued to read what others do to motivate themselves.
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Jacqui Murray is the author of the popular Building a Midshipman, the story of her daughter’s journey from high school to United States Naval Academy, the Rowe-Delamagente thrillers, and the Man vs. Nature saga. She is also the author/editor of over a hundred books on integrating tech into education, adjunct professor of technology in education, blog webmaster, an Amazon Vine Voice, a columnist for NEA Today, and a freelance journalist on tech ed topics. Look for her next prehistoric fiction, Against All Odds, Summer 2020. You can find her tech ed books at her publisher’s website, Structured Learning
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A solid plan 🙂 Though, I need as few distractions as possible to write (so no email, no looking out windows, no shiny objects…).
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I know what you mean. I can’t listen to music but I do like to get up and move around every 15-30 minutes.
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Like you, Jacqui, if I get stuck I get stuck into research. Works every time, that is if I don’t get sucked into the research and forget to write!
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I think that’s how I ended up in historical fiction. There are endless opportunities for research.
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Awesome 😀
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Ha, ha Jacqui. You’re right. But your rituals are there, maybe not to get you writing specifically, but to ensure you are in the right frame of mind with yourself and other responsibilities. I agree with you that once at the writing table, creativity flows freely …. on the condition that we are not bothered by people speaking to you and soliciting your attention. Have an inspired month of May. Take care, stay safe.
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Thanks, Susan. It’s hard to believe May is almost half over. Yikes!
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I don’t have a problem writing either. But, I sometimes have a problem procrastinating. Postponing actually sitting down at my computer to start a new project or continue an existing one. Yet, once I sit down, words flow and time disappears. As long as there are not too many distractions. 🙂
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Don’t you love that feeling? Sigh.
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Research is good, but whenever I spend too much time researching, I start feeling guilty about not writing. It’s a vicious cycle.
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Oooh, I never do. I’m about to start some on migraines 2 million years ago!
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None – no rituals, no fetishes or mantras. Just a story I want to write.
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Interesting. I thought you might have a few.
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It’s not weird to me, Jacqui. I’m exactly the same. I think it comes down to training myself and only having so much time to write each day. I don’t want to waste a minute if I don’t have to.
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I like that, and it’s true! Even though I work from home, only so much of that can be devoted to writing. I relish those times. That’ll be today after blogging.
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Hello I love your article.
http://comfyladyblog.wordpress.com
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Thanks so much!
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No rituals here either. And when inspiration sparks, I drop what I’m doing and write it down! 🙂
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That works well for me, too. Since I usually have my phone, I have a notepad dedicated to writing on it.
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Google Keep 🙂
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I writes two quotations and feel relaxed. I feel I m the story and I can narrate it to the best…
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I like that–great idea.
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I need to be careful when I research for a story to be sure I’m only researching for the story. I can get swept up into learning new things. For me, one thing leads to another in research. Then I check vocabulary and definitions and experts… It can go on too long and I lose sight of my initial story. All best to you!
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I know exactly what you mean. Yikes–right? I am researching when man first suffered headaches right now. Who knew I could find an answer for that? I have 10 taps open in my browser!
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Hi Jacqui – I can imagine your practical side of your character doesn’t stop you or delay you .. take care and stay safe – Hilary
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Sometimes my characters become too practical!
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Despite all the challenges that this pandemic brings, I’m finding myself diving more deeply into writing, as if it were the safe place that outside no longer is. So I liked your direct and let’s-just-write approach. That balance between research and writing is one that helps me every single day as I start work on my new project. Today, images of the White Nile Heron. Tomorrow, the pyramids! May you have a very good month.
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Thanks, Beth. I enjoyed reading your ‘rituals’ too, over on your blog!
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One day I aspire to be able to sit down and just get on with writing. At the moment, there are too many children-shaped distractions around …
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I absolutely understand that. I didn’t start until my kids were in college!
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Can we trade muses please:)
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Forget it! I love yours and how you two work together. You are a rock star, girl friend.
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My rituals for getting in “the zone” are:
I must have either coffee or bottles water within reach.
I must have my dictionary app open ready to use. (I need it for synonyms as well as for spelling.)
Husband cannot be in the room.
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I like that–the digital dictionary. Me too!
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I don’t wait for motivation. Because I’ll rarely “feel” motivated. It has to be a choice. I wake up early and work on my craft before kids wake up or people show up in the office. I don’t want to wait for the next great moment of inspiration. I choose to write. Even if my writing ends up being trash, it gets me moving in the right direction. After all, every first draft is bad. 🙂
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You are spot on, Matt. That ‘waiting for inspiration’ is why my first book took 25 years to publish.
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I’m similar to you, Jacqui. I don’t have any rituals other than coffee! And I’ve never really been blocked. As an outliner, I know what I need to do and it’s more about discipline than anything else. I also rely on the knowledge that editing is part of the process, so writing crap doesn’t slow me down either. Lol. Happy Writing.
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Absolutely. Once the words are on the paper, I actually use the editing process to flesh things out, and it works nicely.
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I don’t have a problem. My motto is ‘Just do it.’
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Umm, I think that’s copyrighted (hehee). I love that one. A bias for action–my kind of gal.
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They pinched it from me! 🙂
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I usually dont get too stuck, if I do I head outside for a walk or read a book:)
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Reading a book–I do that one, too. It works!
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Hi, Jacqui! I’m not surprised to hear that you don’t need a ritual. You’re so productive. I’m in awe of all you do. I’ve been having trouble posting comments on WordPress today. This is my second attempt on yours. All the best to you!
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Thanks, Louise. I have that problem at times and I read about it enough from others that I think it’s a WP problem, not us!
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How did I miss that you were a columnist for NEA Today? Which of course I get. Given how productive you are, I figured you’re often in the zone. Wishing you lots of success staying there, Jacqui!
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Well, their magazine only comes out quarterly so it doesn’t keep me too busy! I like those folks there. They always do a good job making my articles appear professional (with charts and graphics and stuff).
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Mainly the process is trying to get rid of all distractions, which is why I get so little writing time! 🙂
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I understand that. And then, if the distractions are gone, sometimes that is too quiet!
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Haha. I’m not sure it’s ever truly quiet here! 🙂
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I don’t have a ritual per se. I like to have a glass of ice water or juice beside my computer and the phone so I don’t have to keep getting up to answer it. I try to think about the scene I want to write before I sit down. That way I’m ready to type as soon as my butt hits the chair.
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Couldn’t ask for more! That sounds like it would work for me too (except the water–I don’t know why I don’t like the taste of water).
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I was never a water drinker for most of my life. A few mouthfuls from a water fountain and that was all I needed. I always had a glass of sweet tea or a Pepsi in my hand. Oddly, after I became sick with the myasthenia gravis I craved ice water and no longer wanted sodas. It’s been 10 years now and, while I enjoy a variety of beverages, water is still my primary beverage. My husband recently started making ginger tea for us. That’s a nice treat.
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That is interesting. And that’s a nasty disease. I have a nasty eye issue too but so far it’s controlled. I hope yours is too?
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It is for the most part. Since it is progressive I am now using a cane. Next step will be a walker or wheelchair. For your eye problem you might want to try some magnesium. It helped my eyes. I wished I’d known about magnesium fifteen years ago and maybe I would not be in the shape I am. I’ll keep you in my prayers.
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I do take magnesium, for my RA. Didn’t know it helped eyes too. I’m glad to hear that. Thanks, Dorothy. I am now following you so I get more of your wisdom!
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Exercise is my ritual. I often ride my bicycle to my office on the days I am writing and my head is clear and I’m ready to go by the time I get there (3.5 miles).
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That sounds perfect, Jeff. Except the 3.5 miles. That’s a long bike ride!
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I have no trouble writing as long as I’m not interrupted. This is as true for my fiction as it was my legal briefs or food and wine pieces. Just leave me along and I can churn out a first or second draft in record time. Well, not so much with the fiction. That’s more of a chapter by chapter situation. 🙂
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You write the way I wish I could. Even in my freelancing, I have to nudge my brain into gear to get the words to come out right.
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Research tends to help me as well, as long as I don’t get sucked down the rabbit hole.
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I know what you mean. I really don’t mind so much getting lost in it because it’s so darn much fun.
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I can sit down and write almost anytime, but sometimes the words that come out of me are pretty worthless unless I’m in the zone. Reading someone else’s story often helps me get into the mood, unless the writing is so good it reminds me how poor a writer I am at times.
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I agree–about reading other writing, especially in my genre. I do that a lot too.
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Exercise! My mind is sharper when I take care of my body. Mental health should be a priority.
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I wish I would! Though I do walk my dog. Sigh.
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Walk in the woods or day trip to the coast…
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Those would be absolutely inspirational, especially in Maine. How beautiful.
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Hugs and happy week to you, Jacqui! ❤
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I always get a cup of tea. That puts me in the zone.
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A cup of tea–who knew? I wish that worked for me.
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I rarely have trouble writing the next line, the next chapter. My trouble is mostly sifting out what does not contribute to the plot. Requires endless days of editing and a patient editor.
Blessings
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I know what you mean. If we get too distracted from the action in the plot, the reader loses interest. But what beautiful scenes we end up cutting!
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I go out and talk to Mother Nature, she usually responds. I also get a kick when my emotions get hurt.
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Mother Nature–a wonderful cure for so much.
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I write when my creative cup is full. When my cup is empty, I go do other things. Blessing my writing keeps my creativity flowing. Surrender to the creative being that’s connected to all things.
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I eagerly await what comes next, following Einstein’s Compass. How do you outdo that?
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My husband thinks I should write “The Christ Compass” and create a compass series. The Christ book would be who, what, where and when did the Christ come from. Hint: Ancient Atlantis.
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That’s not a bad idea. You’ve set your story up to have those sorts of temporal tie-ins.
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Agree with your approach, and some of the other responses – research is a good way in, can get you excited about a topic.
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Yes, exactly. I learn there is so much more depth than I originally thought.
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I am also like this, Jacqui. I can usually write when the opportunity presents itself. Today I got a severe case of anxiety. The economic situation in South Africa is really bad and I find dealing with covid-19 fallout stuff all day long very stressful. Instead of writing for an hour I went outside and weeded. It did me the world of good to be in the garden working with my hands.
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I know what you mean. Maybe it’s just shaking things up or maybe it’s getting in touch with a different side. I’m sorry how awful things are there. This-all needs to end. I’m getting angry.
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A lot of people are getting angry here in SA because their businesses are dying. I very difficult situation for people and governments.
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Here, too. I’m part of a neighborhood app and someone posted about masks. Oh my opinions were 50/50 and angry. I couldn’t find the respect for differing opinions we usually love about ourselves.
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You are right, Jacqui. Masks deprive people of individuality.
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Research is always inspiring! I do have to watch myself, however, because I find so many rabbit holes when I really get into research mode that I could wind up at the North Pole when I really was headed south. Glad to hear you’re doing well and writing!
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Hehee–I like how you say that. Me too. Of course, I can use those for future novels.
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Very Nice blog!!
Would mind checking my blog also
https://meanlife522519166.wordpress.com/2020/05/06/serving-the-betterment-of-society/
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Will do. Thanks for visiting.
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I have no trouble getting into the zone, but staying in the zone is another issue 🙂
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Would that be because of little interruptions? I can see that.
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Jacqui, I believe that you’re one of the fortunate few. Words flow for you without much problem.
Hi. Enjoy the week.
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They do but not necessarily great words. That takes a lot more work.
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Not even whelmed – now that’s funny!
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Hehee. I’m glad someone got that. I wasn’t sure…
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Research works for me too, and that is something I almost always need to do before starting a new writing project. It’s a great motivator for getting in the zone.
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Yeah it is! I’m pretty excited about all the research I get to do for the next book–after Against All Odds. I can’t wait!
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That’s great you can get into the mood all the time. I guess I do too for my contract writing job. I just open my tasks for the day and get going. If I don’t, I won’t get paid. A great incentive.
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Hehee. I have a few of those too and they’re not nearly as much fun. But I do enjoy the research I have to do for freelancing.
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Hey guys!
I saw this post and i felt like y’all could help me, I’ve recently joined wordpress and my first post is up, would love it if y’all could read it and let me know what you think of it!
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I dropped in–good post, personal and insightful. I left a comment!
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I have no ritual as per see, except trying to listen when I am told.
Get hold of iPad or notebook and write down what was given.
Then …. take a break, leave and let it settle within.
A book would take much more planning and work, I readily admit.
Miriam
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Well, it does take planning but for me, the characters do much of that for me. They don’t trust me (I think) to tell their story!
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Maybe you and your charachters cooperate. 😊.
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well, writing is perhaps an art, if we want to strike it rich, surly. But as a hobbyist does it really matter
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And being a hobbyist, it does remove much of the pressure. I’m content with that!
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So, did you give up Red Bull? 🙂 Writing under contract forces me to get into the zone, so like you, I just do it.
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Oh no. Red Bull is my friend. It’s sad when I have to down the first one around 10 am! I think it’s my RA meds but there’s not much I can do about that. I know you understand how that goes. Sigh. How long does a contract project take you?
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Thanks for your post 🙂 I like to write most in the morning, but I need 1 cup of tea to wake my brain up, another to clear my head, followed by endless cups of coffee + chocolate to keep me going. Not healthy but it works for me!
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That is a good plan. I am not allowed to drink too much coffee so I settle for Red Bull (yeah, I see the irony, just hope my doctor doesn’t!).
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Hi, Hope you are in great health. i find your article very helpful keep up the good work.
https://www.relaxoffice.co.uk
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Thanks, Richard. And I agree with you–a good chair is a boon to writers.
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