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Wednesday, August 19, 2009

My Achey-Breaky Back


Yeah, I know, that does sounds ominous and I suppose it is. But as I got up today, I felt the right side of my back tweak for lack of a better word. My 17 yo heard me as well since the only reason I was awake at this god-forsaken hour (5 am) was to get him up for soccer practice. I must have moaned or something because he was immediately at my side with a “You okay, Mom? You seem to be in pain.”

As I slid to the side of the bed and try to sit up, all I could think is 'What the heck did I do?' I just looked at him and replied, “It would seem that way, wouldn’t it?” One good thing I found was the more I moved, the better it felt. So I have two days to go through before my regularly scheduled chiropractic appointment and my therapeutic massage. Right.

For years, people thought I was crazy because I am religious about those appointments. I was religious about them before they became a fad and the reason why is because they keep one healthy and moving and pain free. Matter of fact, this is the first time in about five years I’ve even had back problems at all and if my memory serves me correctly, it is basically the same thing except on the opposite side.

At that time, I slept wrong. Somehow I scrunched myself up in such a manner that I had the whole left side of my back spasming. This time, I know it is a combination of sleeping on a crappy bed at my Dad’s house , traveling in the car for long hours and more than likely, little to no exercise because my butt has been planted in this chair since I got home as I’m on an editing and writing jag not to mention deadlines.

And I know better. I thought I’d have time and I wouldn’t get nailed until the day before my appointment. But I was wrong as I felt this back ache slowly come on during this past week. If I’d have taken all those little aches and pains I’d felt earlier in the week seriously, I would have realized I need to do more walking, stretch every day and get another chiropractic appointment in this week. Dummy me. This is almost the same things as last time as I waited until it was too late and then had to have a series of appointments before I was fixed.

I’ve learned my lesson, or should have as I just dialed my doctor hoping to get in today. LOL!

This whole thing brings up the thought of manuscript health. In May, when I knew I was going on vacation, I realized I wouldn’t be close to my critique partners or anyone who’d really be able to give me good feedback on my work, I went out to look for something that could. And just like expected I was pretty internet deprived. I even blogged about it at the time as I had found the fantastic AutoCrit program. Since then, I have grown to love the program because it is so much like my crit partners and a few of my editors. I am really pleased with the program and while it will never replace the real people in my life, it will give them the occasional run for their money.

Imagine my surprise when I get home I find an email from the owner of the company, Nina Davies, in my inbox. She wrote me about what I had said in this blog at the end of May. She was so pleased and grateful for my blog that as a result, today I am giving away a free Platinum Membership to one lucky author. This is a $77 value and is good for a full year of services. If you have never seen this program in action, go check out the free trial as it will be well worth your time.

So far, I have run about 200,000 of my written words through the process. One such book is the very first book I ever wrote. I want it to see the light of day BUT realize Midnight Run needs work. Lots of work. LOL!. The first round is a chapter by chapter edit. Next time I run the 72K book through, it will be the whole thing and believe me when I say, the program will look at the pacing, redundancies and more. I wholeheartedly support this program as it has helped me to become a better writer overall.

My August giveaway is still underway. One lucky winner will be chosen at the end of the month to receive a basket full of goodies including an iPod. And this prize just keeps getting better and better. The basket I purchased is a handmade version I picked up at the Idaho Falls Farmer’s Market. It is deep and the colors matched what I saw as the perfect giveaway. This person will be so happy with this I just can’t wait to give it away!

As always, all you need to do is to comment here and be entered for my drawings. The winner of the copy of AutoCrit will be announced here next week as I want to give everyone the chance to be in the drawing which means I’ll pick a winner at 12:01 am next Wednesday. At the same time, you will be entered in the August End-of-Summer giveaway.

Hope you all have a great week. Until next time...

Lynn

39 comments:

Gwynlyn said...

Sorry about your back, Lynn. My dh has just had surgery #4 on his so I know how dibilitating back pain can be and most writer's don't realize that sitting for hours is unnatural and, thus, undermines their back health.

The Autocrit sounds interesting. Can't imagine how it works since I find programmed grammar checkers don't work very well with fiction. I'll have to check it out. Thanks.

Aileen said...

A bad mattress is just asking for back problems! I got to the point where I took 15 minutes to get out of my car, before I started sleeping on the couch instead. Since then I won't have an old mattress.

Autocrit sounds great! There are so many things that can get missed in a critique. It'd be great to have backup.

Lynn Crain said...

Gwynlyn,

Thanks! My hope is that it is just muscle issues from abusing them for the past few weeks. And you are so right...writers don't think about how just sitting screws the back up at all...I guess we're just soooo into the story. LOL!

AutoCrit is an extremely interesting program and I was just as skeptical as you. Then I tried it and I thought 'Interesting.' There are actually seven reports you can get and each one of them are different. For example, I didn't realize just how many dialogue tags I used till I ran it through that portion. Needless to say, I am much more aware of them now. LOL!

Thanks for stopping by!

Lynn

Lynn Crain said...

Aileen,

You are absolutely right about that! I knew it a couple of days in but didn't have the heart to tell my 75 yo Dad.

And I agree about AutoCrit. It is a great program...I just love it!

Thanks for stopping by!

Lynn

Stephanie said...

Ack! I feel for you Lynn. I know there's days when I wouldn't be here without knowing all the different types of chiros. in my life. We finally found the right type to help me a few years ago and only have to go every few months.

Thanks for sharing the program with us! It does look interesting. I haven't used one before so this should be a learning experience.

Lynn Crain said...

Thanks, Stephanie...back issues are the worst because our instinct is to get up and keep moving...sometimes that isn't the best.

Good luck in the drawing...AutoCrit is a great program!

Thanks for dropping by!

Lynn

Nancy G said...

Wincing in sympathy for your back-I'm also a back pain sufferer for forty years now. My doctor wrote me a prescription for a special chair, and the powers that be at work got it for me. It helps. Auto crit sounds like a good service for a writer. I don't know if I'll ever get my stuff finished enough, but i am trying.

Lynn Crain said...

Nancy G.,

I have been lucky as I really never had any problems at all until I tweaked myself about ten years ago. And as long as I keep up the preventative maintenance regime going, I'm usually fine. I just have to remember that I'm not a spring chicken any more. LOL!

At least you're trying with your writing. Forward movement is always positive. I had a friend in my early career who didn't finish her first piece until she was 72 as she only got to work on it maybe 15 minutes a day. It can be done.

Thanks for stopping by!

Lynn

Sue Perkins said...

I know just what you mean about your back but what do you do when you move and can't take your chiropractor with you? Where I live now there's only one and she's absolutely terrible. Hope your back gets better soon. Sue

Miriam Newman said...

Oh, Lynn, do I feel for you! Unfortunately I can't benefit from chiropractic because I actually fractured two vertebrae and most will not touch me. However, massage and a Tempurpedic mattress do help. I have tried a sample of Autocrit before and was amazed at the results.

SiNn said...

Sorry to hear about your back lynn ive had some back issues my self so much i had kidney issues from the pressure in my back so i have you in my thoughts and well wishes i hope everything gets better for you. and whata cool prize that would be cool to win for any author just starting out andthose who have been writing for yrs

Lisa said...

Hi Lynn,
Hope you have a better day the next time. But wanted stop in to tell you about this Ipod I fine which is a Itouch screen and mp4 and a camera plus it has a program to read ebook nice price 4G. 59.95 at Lakeside Collection. www.lakeside.com look under snow flake christmas catalog. I just bought two for me and my son going use my as a ebook reader. My son as a mp3 music player.
Hugs!
Lisa

Anonymous said...

Sorry about the back, Lynn. I feel your pain as I've been sitting at my desk waaaay too long today. Could use a good massage right about now.

Very interesting about the Autocrit. Hadn't heard about it until your post. Thanks for the info.

Anonymous said...

Sorry about your back, Lynn. I feel your pain tonight as I have spent waaaay too many hours at my desk. Could use a good massage right about now.

Interesting info on the Autocrit. Had not heard of it until your post. Thanks for the info.

Anonymous said...

And as you can see, it's not just my back having issues tonight...my comments kept disappearing and when I finally get it to play nice, it posts three times. The games the computer can play with my poor tired brain...I think it's time to go to bed!

Lynn Crain said...

Sue,

I do know what you mean. The one I have here is wonderful BUT when I go visit my Dad, heavens...LOL! I haven't found anyone in Idaho Falls that compares to the chiropractor at home.

Thanks for stopping by!

Lynn

Lynn Crain said...

Miriam,

That's sad that you can't find anyone. My doctor actually uses something called an acctivator I believe. She's definitely not your traditional sort and is so gentle, I wouldn't trade her for anything.

I too found AutoCrit extremely helpful.

Thanks for dropping by!

Lynn

Lynn Crain said...

Thanks so much, SiNn. I so rarely have anything wrong other than allergies that when I do it's bad. Last time this happened, I was down for 4 days. I'm hoping I'll bounce back quicker this time. So far I've only had to be down for about 3 hours but I think that because I had a lot to do after I had my adjustment, I had just exhausted myself. LOL! I definitely know better.


Thanks for dropping by to see me!

Lynn

Lynn Crain said...

Lisa,

I should...I got adjusted today...LOL! Thanks!

Thanks for the heads up regarding the iPod. That is a really great buy...I might consider it myself...thanks!

Glad you could stop by!

Lynn

Lynn Crain said...

Sherile,

Yeah, I had to get away from this desk today. Once I was adjusted I didn't come back until about an hour ago.

AutoCrit is a really, really cool program. You should check it out.

Thanks for coming to see me!

Lynn

Lynn Crain said...

Sherile,

I was wondering what was happening there. LOL!

Lynn

Erin Sinclair said...

Lynn,

Oooouuucchh! So been there. What's totally cool is that in my new place, one of the best chiropractors in the state is literally right down the highway from me. I can't wait to go to him. From what I understand people from other states come to see him he is so good and so well reccomended! Feel better!

Love,

Erin Sinclair
"For love that's out of this world!"
www.erinsinclairauthor.com

Lynn Crain said...

Thanks much, Erin!

I know mine is one of the best too. Now, if I can just stay quiet for a day or two...LOL!

Thanks for stopping by...I always love to hear from you!

Lynn

Sandy Sullivan said...

I have this program as well Lynn and I love it! It's the best purchase I've ever made for my writing. It picks out repeat words and pacing like a pro. I've submitted work that I've run through the program, but I haven't heard from my publisher yet. I would think it will make my editing one heck of a lot easier.

Sandy

Stephanie Grant said...

Wow Lynn I'm so sorry about the back problems! I really hope it starts feeling better soon!

Deanie Roman said...

I thought I was the only person who goes to bed healthy and wakes up injured! lol

LORETTA CANTON said...

I have a problem with my lower back and it is killing me. I'm willing to try anything that can help me. I'm buying a new mattress.

I'm not a writer so I don't need autocrit.

lorettaC,
lbcanton@verizon.net

robynl said...

I can sympathize as today I had a massage; I've had a terrific headache for a few days and had sore spots I didn't know existed.

Dani said...

Hi Lynn,

I deal with pain everyday so I understand. I hope it all works out and you find a helpful solution.

Thank you very much for having this contest!!

Good Luck to all.

Lynn Crain said...

Sandy,

I have to say ditto to everything you've said. The program is wonderful and I don't know what I'd do without it.

Thanks for dropping by!

Lynn

Lynn Crain said...

Stephanie,

They are definitely getting better. The only time I feel anything bad is when I try to reach for something to the right or twist to the right. It gets me then.

Thanks for stopping by!

Lynn

Lynn Crain said...

Lisa,

Finally, a kindred spirit! LOL!

My husband wonders the same thing. I swear all I did was sleep and woke up one day with massive pain on the right side of my body. It was horrible because I couldn't go right at all. And that's the side I sleep on!

Thanks for stopping by!

Lynn

Lynn Crain said...

Loretta,

A new mattress can definitely help...I know that until I got this firm one with a memory foam top...I would get up sometimes and my lower back would ache for hours before it would finally stop.

That prompted me to start going to the chiropractor more often and getting massages. Since I started doing this about 8 years ago, I don't have very many back issues at all. That's why it's such a surprise to wake up this way.

And if you're name is drawn, we'll just find something else to give you.

Thanks for stopping by!

Lynn

Lynn Crain said...

Robynl,

Isn't that always the way it is with a massage? LOL!

Don't get me wrong, I love mine...but I do find sometimes more aches afterwards...though they are usually gone by the next day.

Thanks for stopping by!

Lynn

Lynn Crain said...

Dani,

Sorry for your pain. :-( It's never fun. Just having the few days in years is more than I want, I can't imagine it daily.

And this time, I sure don't know what I did in my sleep. It just makes me never want to find out what I can do when I get awake!

Thanks for stopping by!

Lynn

Chicks of Characterization said...

Hi Lynn, hope your back is feeling better! Seems to be allot of that going around these days! Everyone I've talked to has been complaining, including my mother and my husband! Autocrit sounds fabulous! I'm definitely going to give it a try! Thanks so much for the information! Oh, and don't you just love when school and sports starts again?? lol. :O)

Andrea- CHRW

orelukjp0 said...

I hope your back gets better. Sometimes it is just as simple as a new mattress. My husband bought a Human Touch chair. When he used it, his back feels great. A little pricey but better than surgery.

Thank you for entering me in your contest.

Lynn Crain said...

Chicks,

What an interesting name!?! I love it you two!

Yeah, I've a few friends who are feeling it too. It's like it's a bug that people can catch. LOL!

AutoCrit is fantastic...I love it and use it all the time!

You'd think school and sports shouldn't be synomous but it is...LOL! But then again, for my 17 yo anything sporty is in right now.

Thanks for stopping by!

Lynn

Lynn Crain said...

Orelukjp0,

The unfortunate part is that my matress is pretty new. I'm thinking I need to add some more memory foam or something to put some extra padding on it.

I've never heard of the Human Touch chair. I'll have to check it out.

Thanks for stopping by!

Lynn

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