Writing While Sick
Keeping your head above water while under the weather
Sniffles, sneezes, and coughing: these common symptoms are strong enough to bog down anyone from doing anything. Despite this, writers with a runny nose or congestion feel like it shouldn’t be so debilitating - certainly not so overpowering that it prevents us from typing. The reality is, however, when you’re sick, even low-intensity activities like tapping on your phone or keyboard become Herculean tasks. So, if even the common cold is such a hindrance, how do authors maintain progress with their work when sick?
Obviously, more severe illnesses are understandably devastating and rest is indeed best. Listening to your body is rule number one, but it’s difficult to put down the proverbial (or literal) pen when you are writing a full-length manuscript. Word count goals differ for each writer, and while not every author will hit thousands of words per day, every letter helps. When you feel yourself getting sick, it’s everything from scary to annoying when you sense its unwelcome presence. The dreaded sore throat creeps in and it’s enough to make you slam your laptop shut then bury yourself under the covers. The key thing to remember is to not overwhelm yourself with gargantuan goals.
Frequent breaks are crucial, and frankly, taking a time out while feeling icky isn’t hard to do. Timed writing sessions are admittedly new to me, but other authors frequently partake in writing sprints even while healthy. A short 20-30 minute span of writing is a timely way to ensure you aren’t overdoing it.
Aside from common sense remedies for getting better, the best piece of advice I can give is wisdom that I have received from seasoned writers: these things take time. Even if you feel yourself coming back to life, writing is still a lengthy process. It’s no use getting yourself even sicker or stressing yourself into illness.
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