by Miko Johnston
We often say writing is a solitary endeavor, but that isn’t really true. It takes a village to be a writer, or at least to be a good writer, whatever that means to you. Certainly it includes getting published, selling books and receiving mostly favorable reviews.
The process of writing may not be solitary, but it is sedentary. It requires long periods of what former WInR Kate Thornton called BIC (butt in chair). Sitting at the computer may be good for building the story but not for building muscle. Therefore I must balance my writing time with more physical activities, and as I get older I find that normal routines like housework or light gardening are not enough. I need a regimen of specific exercises to ward off the effects of aging, arthritis and apathy.
One of my exercises is a type of squat, where I pretend to sit down and get up. I begin by standing with my upper arms straight out, perpendicular to my body and parallel to the floor, and then I cross my forearms. The pose reminds me of the titular character from “I Dream of Jeanie” so much, one day I started humming the theme song to keep time as I lowered and raised my bottom.
That’s what may have inspired this post.
If I met a genie who granted me three wishes, what would they be?
I’d have to establish the ground rules first: how big an ask is possible? World peace? Cures for the most horrendous diseases? Depolluting our planet? I suspect that would be beyond the scope of a genie, so I’d have to focus on more personal asks. And with only three, I’d have to be very shrewd about what I chose.
However, since every discipline nowadays seems to be super specific, perhaps that extends to genies as well. Might there be an athlete genie who can’t make your kids call you more often but can give you toned abs? Or a knitting genie who can correct those dropped stitches without ripping out multiple rows?
And what about a writing genie? Could they turn you into a best-selling author? Improve your dialogue? Inspire a brilliant twist in your mystery? Or finally get that idea you’ve toyed with for years (decades!) plotted out and on the page?
Imagine that I were a genie and had the power to grant you three wishes, only they had to be specific to writing. What would your three wishes be?
Miko Johnston, a founding member of The Writers in Residence, is the author of the historical fiction series, “A Petal in the Wind”, as well as a contributor to several anthologies including the recently released “Whidbey Landmarks”. Miko lives in Washington (the big one) with her rocket scientist husband. Contact her at mikojohnstonauthor@gmail.com
The Writers in Residence 
Fascinating post and a departure from the usual. I will begin performing your butt exerices except that lowering the bottom indicates the necessity of lowering it into one’s chair at the computer. My three wishes? Complete the first draft of the third book in my Tosca series, and of of my two new mystery series – though I haven’t found the right victim yet for the ghostwriter books. Good luck, Miko. Enjoy Whidbey. I loved my visits to the Frank Robinson compound for his memoir. He had a helicopter pad on his roof.
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Jill, I’m thrilled my post prompted you to write again. It’s what we’re all about!
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I’ll have to think about those three wishes, but while I’m doing that I’ll take a walk every day, do some writing, and maybe a few artsy projects. Then again, maybe I won’t need those three wishes. Fun post.
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Three wonderful, nurturing activities. Sounds like your wishes came true : )
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Three fulfilling and nurturing activities. It sounds as if your your wishes came true : )
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Hmmm. I’m pondering those wishes–which might take me away from my writing for a while! But I’ll also get busy playing with my younger pup for my exercise. Enjoyable post that makes me think, Miko!
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It’s summer after all, Linda. Perfect time for a little fun. Enjoy your pup.
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Your post definitely made me think, Miko! And that’s a good thing…especially genie wishes…thanks for getting the mental juices going…
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Glad to hear it, Madeline. Thought are the first step in writing.
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What a great idea, Miko! Three wishes, huh? Let me think on that: safe, First Class Travel back and forth across The Pond, would be one! Perfectly working computer as I type – without all those weird techie gremlins that suddenly take over my typing, would be another …. And I have become very aware of the need for even more exercise, after hours of sitting at the computer. Eye excercises help, too! Great post. Thanks!
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All great wishes, Rosemary.
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Oh I love this! Three wishes specific to writing … Completing the wretched standalone that’s been in my bottom drawer for years (!); being more focused on my daily word count and not being distracted by reading the hideous Daily Mail online when I get stuck on a scene; using the Yoga International subscription I took out specifically for taking writing breaks (e.g. some as short as 5 minutes … but I still don’t do it!). I’m getting the genie out today. No more procrastinating! Thanks Miko.
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If only it were in my power to grant those worthy wishes…fortunately it is within your power, and within all of us to grant wishes like that.
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I’ve never been a good sitter, and can’t imagine sitting at my computer for hours on end. But I do exercise a lot, including squats, and still manage to get writing done. I have one big wish: good health and prosperity for me and my loved ones. World peace would be nice, too! Thanks for a thought-provoking post, Miko.
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All worthy wishes, Maggie. All I can say is if only….
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