Contrary to popular belief, writers are not brains wired to typewriters. We actually have bodies like most people. In fact, most of us even have things like fingernails and hair. (Well, some of the better writers are bald, but that’s beside the point.)
The problem with having a body is having to care for it. Most authors require food. In fact, some authors require a good deal of food. And sometimes they’re picky. They need more than kibble.
Please don’t be offended or surprised by this. Authors, having bodies, have bodily needs. Just like normal people like stonemasons and plumbers.
So, not taking care of an author’s body means no words from that author. And an author with no words typically means a grumpy author. Even more alarmingly, it means no books. And without books, well, authors will have even harder times being able to eat. A vicious cycle, that.
Authors do need more than food, though. In fact, they need sleep.
This author I know, let’s call him Jon for some random reason, well, his kids just started up their school year again. Jon was elated. An empty house should mean more ability to produce those words that authors love using their typewriters to clunk out!
Alas. The kids require rides to school. And school starts at an ungodly hour.
Jon lacks sleep.
So for the last week, he has stared at the blinking cursor on his electric typewriter some call a laptop, and he has been unable to create through the haze of inarticulate exhaustion.
Poor Jon has a body. He has fed it. He has watered it. But more sleep is required.
Be kind to your authors. Make sure they take care of their bodies. Otherwise, well, your authors might get moody and create books that won’t be quite so pleasing.
Jonathon Mast: Author 