Friday Fun is a group post from the writers of the NHWN blog. Each week, we’ll pose and answer a different, writing-related question. We hope you’ll join in by providing your answer in the comments.
QUESTION: A lot of writers hunch over the keyboard or pad of paper at a desk, but with technology, we don’t all have to get stiff shoulders or hunched backs. What position is most comfortable for you when you’re writing? Legs curled under you with the laptop on your lap? Sitting in a lounge chair with your legs stretched out? Sitting straightbacked in a chair? Anyone sit on the floor with the keyboard on a chair? Or maybe use one of those chairs you kneel in? 
Lee Laughlin I’m boring I sit at my desk with my keyboard tray and straight backed office chair. That said, chair is 15 years old and I think it might be time for a new one. I’ll be curious to see what others are using especially since these old bones are a achein’.
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Lisa Jackson: I’m almost a bit embarrassed by this! I tend to sit on my super large and comfortable chaise with my legs straight out. My laptop sits on my legs on a lap desk – until the laptop gets too warm, and then I tend to work by sitting at the end of the chaise and have the laptop on a little folding table. I have a beautiful desk and wonderful leather office chair that seldom gets used! The chaise is right in front of the slider, so I get a lot of light. The office has no windows, so I think that’s why…but still!
Jamie Wallace: Well, that’s a little personal, don’t you think? Oh – you mean for writing. My bad. I do most of my work at my office “desk” – a tall, artist’s drafting table with an inclined surface. I perch on my high swivel chair and peck away at the keys, hopping down intermittently for fresh cups of tea or to put the wash in the dryer. My second most popular place to work is at one of the tables at our local coffee haven, Zumi’s. Occasionally, I will work cross-legged on the sofa with my MacBook on a jury rigged lap desk, but this position tends to encourage cat naps – long strings of consecutive cat naps – which are not so good for my productivity. I worry about the ergonomic issues with each of these positions, but figure that my frequent breaks will save me from any positional afflictions. At least that’s how I justify surrendering to the many distractions of my day. 
Susan Nye: Sorry to be boring but I have arthritis in my back … I sit straight-backed with my feet more or less flat on the floor in front of a computer desk – the kind with the pullout drawer for the keyboard and mouse. If you don’t have one, I strongly recommend a computer desk. It puts everything at the right height. I also have a laptop stand to raise it up to eye level. When I am forced to use my laptop at a regular desk or table, I can feel the difference in my back. The keys are too high and the screen is too low. For years I used an old kitchen chair. I upgraded about a year ago but think the desk and having everything at the right height is more important than the chair.
Deborah Lee Luskin: I’ve had a lot of hand problems – from overuse. Several surgeries and countless treatments of many varieties later, I’m now mostly pain-free. I’m also really careful about typing ergonomics. So, I sit at a desk, with my feet on a raised platform and my extended keyboard on my lap, plugged in to my laptop. I’ve tried Dragon Dictate, but I’ve never really “taken” to it. I’m a typist at heart. Occasionally, I write with a pen on paper, but it’s got to be a fat pen, or my hand aches; sometimes, though, it’s great to sit on a couch and scrawl.
I live and work from my narrowboat (47ft long x 7ft wide) so space is at a premium. My favoured position is in an Ikea chair (you know the one that bounces) feet flat on floor, legs crossed at ankles, laptop on lap, in front of the home-made computer desk. This is my office, designed for the space, and houses printer, folders, essential books plus all the usual paraphernalia and comes complete with slider where I can rest the laptop when hot or when I get up to make more coffee, check out the river, boats passing, towpath traffic, wildlife, sky and 101 other things that conspire to distract me…
All justified though – have to shift position now and then for fear of developing a permanent hunch. Well, that’s my excuse…!
Boatbird, wow, what a beautiful-sounding location. Any life near (or on) the water is a fabulous one in my mind. Thanks for stopping by and sharing!
Hear you! I have arthritis from years of crafting and home remodeling. Already had spinal surgery once so sitting properly eases strain. I just bought a new chair and table-sized desk this past year because I had a piece of laminate stretched across two file cabinets and a 15 year old chair that was so bad it was leaking foam. If I adjust my chair to be at a good height to manage the keyboard, my feet dangle. I should probably build myself a foot platform and raise up my monitor a bit to ease the strain on my neck. (Two more things added to The List.) Panera is due to open up shortly in my town, and I plan to spend a few hours a week there for a change of pace – reading writing related books an hand-writing micro fiction or journaling. I don’t know if my hands will be able to take that, but I miss the by-hand writing I did when I was younger. Hope the chairs will be comfortable enough to sit in for an extended time!
Thanks for sharing, Laura.
I’ve had that awkward seating too – where when the seat it the right height for my arms over the keyboard, my feet are off the floor. If my feet are flat, then my arms are angled. It was frustrating! Hope you can get it all figured out.
I’ve hung out at a few Paneras and they can be comfortable for a while – there’s usually a choice of sitting on a stool at a high-top, sitting in a booth, sitting in a straight-back chair, or sitting in a comfy leather seat in front of the fireplace.
Lol, Jamie!
I use my desk-bound laptop at a desk sitting in a sturdy office chair. When I bought the thing I had ideas of taking it out bush to write while sitting on a log with it, amongst all the peaceful greenery… until I killed the battery. Became used to the desk, it’s actually quite comfortable and is now my preferred position. The down side of that lately has been having to listen to my daughter playing One Direction on eternal repeat! Must get new battery…
I’m a total lounger when I write – couch, floor, my bed. Wherever I’m comfortable and in an easy position to type. Occasionally I’ll pull out a notebook and a pen and write. When I do that I’m in a chair or sitting Indian-style on the floor (which gets uncomfortable quickly)!
Emi, writing hunched over is comfortable for me for about 5 minutes.
Sometimes I’ve tried typing on my laptop while lying in bed – especially when ill – and that works for a little while – until I want to start surfing the ‘net, and then I have to sit up.
Because I have a desktop computer, I type at a desk — well, really, it is an old library table, just big enough for the computer, monitor and printer. I sit the keyboard on an open drawer and use a pull-out shelf for the mouse. Apart from that I have a small writing desk with a slanted lid in front of a window — I use that to paint and to store my office supplies. I share a straight-baked dining room armless chair between the two desks. The writing desk has a cross-bar for my feet. At the computer, I put my feet on a dictionary (handy). When I write longhand I’ll sit on the floor, on my bed, on the bus. I prefer to write with a fountain pen, which doesn’t create hand-strain.
Your working/writing spaces sound lovely – and the fact that you have multiple creative outlets co-mingling. I love writing longhand, also, and have tried a fountain pen because it can be beautiful writing, but as a lefty I’ve never been able to write cleanly (a lot of smudging goes on), and I could never hold it at the right angle. I’m not in love with rollerball pens.
Thank you for stopping by and sharing!
“Straight-backed.” No baking involved.
hee hee — little typo gremlins sneak in when we aren’t looking!
Most of the time I sit in my recliner with my laptop, or in my new king size bed. I have an office and a desk, but that is now where the “kids” computer is and where Momma cat is raising her babies.
Wow, Heroldsroses, you’ve had to relocate because of Momma cat and her kittens? That’s sweet that you can work somewhere else, and I hope that Momma cat lets you back to your office desk someday!
I sit with my back straight as long as I can by crossing my legs “male-style”. My knee hits my desk at the exact spot of support to assist my straight posture and to help measured distance far away enough to read, but not to have a raging headache when I finished. I write with pen only in the Journals I keep. It’s a policy. Chairs–it’s hard to find the one made for me, (like every one has a twin “they say”. Who actually meets this twin?) but as an ambulatory and sedentary being I march forth to find my dream chair.
Hi Jessica – thanks for sharing. My desk is just the wrong height for me to sit anyway other than with my legs bent at the knees – no room to cross them. I also hand-write in my journals – typing an entry just doesn’t pop into my mind. I love my office chair, but it’s not a mate for my office desk.
I am definitely a desktop computer writer complete with a traditional computer desk/hutch and a measly straight-backed kitchen chair. However, I have my back issues and sitting for a length of time is simply not good for me, and so I have currently added a Fit-Disc (like a flatter exercise ball) to “support and challenge the spinal muscles while enhancing posture” (according to the box). It subtly forces me to engage my core, which means I’m doing a little exercise while I write and strengthening my muscles rather than ravaging my spine.
I read about a guy who set up a desk atop his treadmill, because sitting bothered his back so much. He walks all day at a slow pace while he works, has lost tons of weight, and is pain-free. I’d do that if I could!
Sarah, I heard about that treadmill desk, too. I couldn’t do it – that’s too much balancing and coordinating to keep track of! When I get lost in a piece, I’d forget to walk and then fall on the treadmill – it wouldn’t be pretty. You’re reminded me though, that some people actually stand up at their desks instead of sit down. I’d love one of those in my home, but there isn’t any room, and since I work mostly on a laptop, I’d either always be looking down at the monitor, or I’d be typing with my hands at chin-level!
The Fit-Disc sounds like a great idea. I know the exercise ball works – and that kind of ‘exercise’ versus the treadmill works will with writing. Thanks for commenting!
I lounge on my couch looking out my main front window…making sure the fan for my laptop is clear of pillows, robe, blankies and tap away, knees tucked up and laptop on them. Within reach, dictionary, thesaraus, a literary theory book, encyclopedia, about 3-5 books of poetry, a bird book, two different writing books, and pens upon pens of different coloured ink…and coffee or tea, or late a night maybe a beer or glass of wine.:) Thanks for sharing with us all.
Hi Lady – after a while, my writing space sounds like yours – I can easily manage to get everything within reach and never want to get up! Your view sounds lovely. Thanks for commenting!
If I were to be honest, my idea position is curled up in an armchair with a nice coil-bound notebook and a glidey black pen. But I’ve long since accepted the fact that writing the traditional way means it takes me about ten times longer to actually finish anything, so I’ve moved on to writing only on my laptop. In a similar vein, my slightly-less-than-idea position is sitting in an armchair with the footrest up, the laptop on my lap. Preferably with a comfy blanket around my shoulders and a cup of coffee/tea/hot cocoa on the table next to me.
Hi Tracey – it is true that writing by hand is slower than typing, but I still cling to hand writing in my journals and doing first-drafts of stories when I can. Your variety sounds great. I prefer blue to black, myself, but would write in different colors if my pens offered them! Some days I feel purple-y, or green-y, but blue seems to get me by most of the time.
Thanks for commenting!
A couple of years ago I developed a very bad case of tendonitis in my elbows (yes both) after 30 years of computer work. There was a real concern how I was going to keep working as a software engineer with the problem – I had to stop writing in my blog for a few months. I ended up having an ergonomic evaluation from specialist hired by my company and several months of physical therapy that my doctor prescribed along with braces and some anti-inflammatory meds. It has work and now for writing I sit a nice workstation with a split keyboard on an adjustable keyboard tray. I’ve got a fancy new five way adjustable chair.
If you use a computer to write, desktop or laptop, pay attention to how you sit and how much time you type. It’s harder on the body than you think.
Andrew – thanks for sharing your experiences. I’ve seen those split keyboards, but have never tried one. I think they’d be fun for the brain to adapt to (and then become ‘normal’ of course). No matter where I work, because it’s always on a laptop, 99% of the time I’m looking down, so I notice the crick in my neck. When I’m up and away from the screen, I do my best to try to look up a lot!
The position I like the best is the one where I am breathing….actually, I do tend to lean over the keyboard a little while I type. Why? I have no idea.
Yes – breathing is good! Lots of people hunch over their keyboards – don’t forget to stretch from time to time. I take yoga and it is wonderful for tight shoulders and neck. Thanks for sharing – S.
I get stiff if I sit too long. I intend to get a timer to use in my computer room. Does anyone know if an hour a reasonable amount of time to sit before getting up to take a break? I have a antique wooden office chair that I use and cushion with pillows. l wish I had a pretty view to look at. We’re on the south side of the building because heavy breather (my husband who uses oxygen) thought it would be warmer. Boy, is it! The north side of the building has beautiful hydrangeas and a gazebo. Well, as usual, I can’t have everything. I loved thelostkerryman’s bit about he likes the position where he is breathing. I’m going to check this guy’s blog out.
Sara – I think I’ve heard that you should get up and stretch/move every hour or so … or maybe it’s two hours. Stay cool – Susan
I prefer to write in bed, on my laptop. It’s by far the most comfortable. I have severe arthritis and get stiff and painful working at a desk, but can write for hours in bed. Apparently it’s not the best for your back to sit upright anyway, but to lean back at 30 degrees or so. Which is what I prefer anyway.
Oooooooooo, Thank You for this bit of info I will use this to spend more of my writing time in the peace and quiet of my bedroom!!
Interesting choice of question! I’m a teenager so my typing ergonomics are as messy as my room. My usual spot is on a sofa in the living room, sprawled horizontally so that the arm rest is well pressed against my vertebrae and the back of the sofa is to my right. My left leg remains straight and my right is bent so that my right foot is under my left knee. My laptop is resting on my left thigh and supported by the inner side of my right leg.
The positioning is perfect as I am close enough to a plug socket to charge my laptop when required and with a slight turn of my head can watch the television. I mostly write about music so the stereo system in the corner of the room comes in handy. I should probably get involved in logistics? My skills are wasted on journalism!
James – You never know when you might need a temporary day job. Logistics might be just the ticket! Take care – Susan
I tend to do most of my writing at my desk on my PC. The room is always dark-ish which keeps me in a certain mood that helps with my inspiration. However, when I suddenly hit a brick wall, I save my progress, copy the last sentence I typed down onto my handy notepad, and sprawl out on my stomach on the floor with my iPod. Nothing like a pad and my favorite Pilot pen to help keep the creative juices flowing.
Depending on the time of day my office is also dark-ish … it certainly helps keep the eyes on the screen. Thanks for sharing – S.
Definitely on the floor! lol…
When at home, I’m always using my PC. The PC is placed on a table -well, it USED to be a coffee table- and the monitor is at my eye level, so working in front of it is so comfy
and my legs position?
They are curled comfortably under my body..I can work in that position for hours..Lol..
Comfy is good! Thanks for stopping by – Susan
I have spine and nerve damage from an injury, so I have trouble staying in one position, and also have a hand that doesn’t work the best anymore, so I have to use fat pens now when I write on paper as well!
I spoiled myself… I have a pc at a desk with a good firm office chair, and most of the time I sit Indian-style because I find it flattens out my lower back and forces me to sit a bit straighter. When I feel a need to start moving a bit, I put my feet on the floor for a while. If I’m too sore at the pc, I bought a really nice laptop with a 17″ screen, so then I end up sitting on the couch with it. I bought a twin-fan cooling “desk” for it. It’s more or less a wedge-shaped frame with neoprene on it that has two fans underneath for the laptop, and tilts the laptop slightly so it’s pretty comfortable for my arms when typing on it. You don’t realize how important positioning is until you’ve caused harm to your spine!!
A little tip for all of you… working so much with screens, our eyes tend to lose some of their ability to focus after a while. It’s been suggested that every twenty minutes or so of computer work, you should stop for a moment, and focus on an object that’s a fair distance away from your work station. It’ll keep the eye muscles working and improve your ability to focus when not at your computers.
Tami
Tami – thanks for the tip. Until I start to edit and proofread I can get pretty focused and glued to the screen. Take care – Susan
At he moment I am sitting hunched over the scree as I lost my glasses while I was away for a short holiday. I have a spare pair of distance vision specs for driving but I don’t have any spare for near vision work. As it is a long bank holiday here for the Queen’s jubilee I will be screwing up my eyes and hunched over the screen until Friday at the earliest! Never have I appreciated spectacles so much!! Normally I write with my laptop on my lap so that I can look down on the screen as I have arthritis in my neck.
The holiday was great by the way!
Sitting in a big easy chair on a laptop. As much as I am writing now, I might need to rethink where I write. Sometimes it’s at the dining room table with a straight back chair. Usually, I am so wrapped up in the writing I don’t think about where I am. I find my thumb suffering from mouse hand clicking though.
The lostkerryman’s blog is a hoot!
Honestly, I write naked! Usually, I get ideas to write in the shower…which prompts me to abruptly end the shower, tiptoe to my bedroom, and start up my laptop! I have to write when I get an idea no matter where I am. Unfortunately, I think showers moisten my skin as well as my brain making ideas sprout almost instantly. Hope this isn’t TMI!
Attn: sarahas5: Do you sit with your fit-disc smoother or rougher side close to your body? I bought one and I’m wondering if i’m doing it right.