by J Mock

Created on: February 26, 2009   Last Updated: September 13, 2010

Seldom does one consider the life of a writer to be that which is laced with occupational hazards, but evidence prevails to suggest that this seemingly innocuous career choice is indeed coveted by negative characteristics.

The truth cannot be denied. The exploration of scribble, script, scrawl and print will bring forth a mixed assemblage of potential accolades and remuneration, dashed with unenviable traits of disillusion.

Pray tell, what other vocation accepts rejection as a duty incumbent upon the role? Hours of preparation and commitment in producing an amalgamation of words in the native language can be discarded in the blink of an eye, or only warrant a level of compensation ill-befitting the blood, sweat and tears projected through the writer. A cruel fate indeed, but not nearly enough of a deterrent to the individual who lives and breathes the writing system.

Why do writers feel compelled to endure sleep deprivation in the quest of the written word? When in peak flow, time becomes irrelevant, and indeed many hours may pass before the realization. Perhaps this is due to the fact that the world outside of the immediate working area apparently dissolves into a black-hole.

Concentration levels extend to such pronounced depths that the writer can become ignorant to their surroundings. Oblivious to the communication of family and friends who enter into close proximity, an author will remain seated even if they are exposed to potential dangers. One could argue that even a gale force wind detaching the roof overhead would not disturb a writer at work.

Eye strain is a common ailment, though this hazard is probably exasperated by sleep deprivation. Red swollen eyes, after 36 hours without sleep, does nothing for a person's outward beauty but is perfectly acceptable when in the motion of producing the latest masterpiece of literature.

Numbness of the fingers, aching wrists and repetitive strain injuries due to the excessive use of the keyboard and mouse are an all too common predicament seen by medical practitioners. Even laden with bandages, the afflicted will continue to tap away, fulfilling the natural inclination to empty the mind.

Last, but by no means the least, writers suffer from the inability to separate work and play. At the most inopportune moments the mind will open itself to reveal a sample of text that appears to be the representation of excellence. In the middle of a supermarket, during the weekly shop, the mind will unravel and present a passage of words for no apparent reason. What follows is a hastened rush to transfer this ''enlightening moment'' into hard evidence before it vanishes as quickly as is appeared. Writing can never be put aside, for it remains an everyday part of life.

Occupational hazards are ever-present, even within the comparative safety of writing, never to be overly highlighted because the passion overwhelms all negative characteristics.

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