As a writer, there are times when you have to stop taking classes and slow down on the webinars, and just “sit your bottom in a chair and write.”  But sitting in a chair to write is a whole story in itself. A chair is one of the more essential tools for a writer; it is often one tool we don’t think of until we have a problem. The premise of this article is part of a series on tools for the writer. The first understanding is recognizing that none of our butts are the same size, shape, or padded. So, the first rule of using a chair is to sit in it for a while. Let’s take the steps to make the decision on chair selection. Then, we will look at what we are using to see if it is the right chair to develop our next best seller. Oh, I know, Stephen King sat on a kitchen chair in the laundry room to write, but we aren’t Stephen King are we?

An author’s chair is important as not only do we spend long hours sitting in it, but we need to be able to lean back, contemplate, study our writing, and be comfortable. Although it has been said if the chair is uncomfortable it makes you write quicker so you can get out of it. But a common problem with that is a piriformis injury.

• What do I look for in a chair?
  • Proper seat height (can be adjustable)
  • Proper seat depth
  • Correct armrest position (or choice of no arms)
  • Lumbar support that fits my back, or is it adjustable?
  • Can I sit comfortable cross legged in it?
  • Do the shoulders fit without being rolled inward?
  • Neck rest and support
• What kind of chair?
  • Writers in different countries have look at chairs differently. For example in the United Kingdom it is usually a Windsor style armchair with a circular or oval pad replacing the right arm or mounted above it. In Japan, it is a firm cushion on the floor in front of a short-legged table for your legs to go under (although many use a desk and chair similar to Americans)
• How do I chose a chair that I will be sitting in for long periods of time?
  • Each person needs an individual chair. One size fits all does not work in this case. You have to sit in a chair before you buy it. At least for 10-15 minutes, just to get the actual feel of it and give your posterior a chance to assist in making the decision. Fabric, color, style, and cost: those are extra considerations. The main factor is does it make your butt happy?