Sick? Stop Writing and Rest by Rochelle Melander
Dear Writers,
Happy Spring! After months of teaching sneezing, coughing kids at the library, I finally got sick. Last Wednesday, I came down with a sore throat and chills. I cancelled all my meetings—I didn’t want to make others sick—but thought, “I can still work.”
And then I got worse. By Sunday, I was a sneezing, wheezing mess. Evidently, sometimes you can’t write through it!
So writers, I’m taking a few days off. I’m moving the Write Now! Mastermind class to next Wednesday, April 2, 2014 at 12:00 PM CDT. Hopefully by then I’ll have my voice back!
Today’s tip talks about how writers can make the most of a sick day (an earlier version of this tip was published in the summer of 2011).
Happy Writing! Rochelle, the Write Now! Coach
Sick? Stop Writing and Rest!
By Rochelle Melander
Being a real writer means being able to do the work on a bad day. —Norman Mailer
I’ve read and shared this quote from Norman Mailer multiple times. He gives good advice: real writers work even when they don’t sleep well, the kids get sick, and the basement floods.
But still, sometimes you’re just too sick to write. Instead of beating up on yourself—I should be making progress on the novel, Stephen King would be writing, I’m such a loser—give yourself a break! Instead of writing, try this:
1. Sleep. Rest helps you to recover faster. At least that’s what my mom used to tell me. Plus the dreams you have when you are sick are wacky and fun. Jot down the best dreams and use them for inspiration next time you have writer’s block.
2. Have a Film Fest. I rarely get a chance to lie in bed and watch movies. This week, I plan to work my way through my Netflix queue. Next time you have a free moment, make a list of everything you’d like to watch. Next time you are sick, tired, or just in need of some inspiration, you’ll be prepared! Sit back and enjoy.
3. Read. I’ve always got a stash of books to read, and that’s what I’m planning to do this week. Keep a stack of books you want to read “someday.” Next time you get sick or snowed in, you’ll be prepared!
4. Take notes. Being sick gives you way too much time to think…and worry! Instead of tormenting yourself, take your journal to bed and jot down your ideas.
5. Surf the net. I spend so much time on the computer for work, I rarely have time to seek out great blogs, resources, and other tools for myself and my clients. What do you long to know more about? Make a list of all the information you’d research online if only you had the time. Next time you have the time, you’ll know what to search for!
Your turn: Share your best ideas for making the most out of being sick.
