The One-Handed Writer
Posted on 10 December 2007 by Sharon
How long could you keep your freelance writing business going if you only had one hand? I’ve been finding out. It seems that tendonitis has robbed me of my right hand for the next week or so. It’s an occupational hazard for freelance writers, especially those of us who are virtually chained to our computers.
It couldn’t have come at a worse time. The end of the year always brings a rush to get things accomplished and I, like many others, am busier than ever. I could type one-handed, but it would take hours and I might ruin the other hand. So what can you do in a situation like this?
Find A Scribe …
I have to confess that I am not typing this post myself. Instead, I’m following doctor’s orders and resting the hand in the hope of a rapid recovery. However, my beloved mother – an admin whiz before she retired – volunteered to un-retire her typing fingers and take some dictation. This has been a lifesaver as it has enabled me to fulfil some of my writing commitments.
… Or A Virtual Scribe
Of course, not everyone is lucky enough to have a live-in scribe. An alternative is to use voice recognition software such as IBM ViaVoice to take your dictation. All you need is a microphone and about 20 minutes to train it to recognise your voice. Be warned, though, it takes a long time to get it to 100% accuracy, so you’ll need to be an eagle-eyed proof-reader if you take this option.
Outsource
One of the advantages of working with a writing team is that there are people whom I can call on to help me complete outstanding work. Even if you don’t work with a team you probably know some other writers who might be willing to help out as long as you return the favour one day. Remember, the buck stops with you, so it’s your responsibility to make sure that your clients’ needs are met.
Reschedule
Another possibility is to tell your clients that you’re ill. Most people are very understanding about short-term difficulties, especially if you have given superlative and timely service in the past.
These options are not mutually exclusive. You can use all of them at the same time to meet your writing commitments and to ensure that some income flows in even if you can’t do all the writing yourself.
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December 10th, 2007 at 7:47 am
I’ve had a similar situation creep up on me from time to time. I have horrible posture when I sit to read and type (like most writers out there, I don’t sit straight with both feet on the floor and my arms at just less than 90 degree angles). I develop all sorts of issues, like tingling nerves in my shoulder, a cold right arm, a sore left shoulder, and three times now, a completely numb right hand from mid-forearm to fingertips.
In essence, my own position at the computer causes repetitive stress injuries and writer’s fatigue. This may not be why you have tendinitis, but anyone who writes should take care not to hurt himself or herself just by poor positioning.
December 10th, 2007 at 8:04 am
Thanks for the pointer to that useful article, James. Most of the time I see it coming and rest, but this one took me by surprise.
December 10th, 2007 at 8:08 am
I hear you. I usually figure it out about the time I realize my arm is tingling. Then I’m stuck dealing with it for a week or so. I use a wrist brace during those times to help me remember to keep my hand in a proper position. Sucks.
Happy recovery! (and good tip about the voice recognition software!)
December 10th, 2007 at 8:23 am
Sharon,
Take care of yourself. I hope you’re fully recovered soon, and I’m glad you’re blessed to have your admin whiz mom available to help you out.
December 10th, 2007 at 11:14 am
Ouch! How awful! I hope you’re feeling better soon, Sharon. I love the idea of having the voice-recognition software around for just these types of issues. Not a bad suggestion at all. (See, my mom lives 300 miles away, so having her type would be a bit of a challenge, especially since she knows nothing about computers.)
December 10th, 2007 at 1:53 pm
What a time for this to happen, Sharon! Hope you heal quickly and get all the help you need during this crazy time.
I’ll stop sending you my chatty emails that require two-handed replies for the next week :S (sorry!)
Dana
December 11th, 2007 at 3:15 pm
Thanks, Lillie. Yes, I am very lucky.
Lori, I am trying out the VRS. It’s great when it works but it takes time to get it working, which can be frustrating.
Dana, keep sending those emails, but my replies might be shorter than usual.