Tips for the Sick Writer

Every writer faces a time under the weather. Here are a few tips to keep you cool when you're feeling blue.

1) Never sign a contract while on mind-altering medications. Try to avoid sending out submissions or doing any business while under mind-altering meds. If you need to, have someone else proof anything you send out and type your emails for you.

2) Try to avoid taking new medications before public appearances. You don't know how they will affect you.

3) If you can still write and are having problems typing, get a voice recognition program to do the writing for you.

4) If you're too sick to write, but can't turn your brain off, you can keep your thoughts flowing and organized with a digital recorder.

5) Read a good story and rest up. It might inspire you later.

6)) Daydream, if you can't sleep or read. You never know what's lurking inside your imagination.

7) Be careful about sharing information on social networks. Nobody likes a whiner and you want to put forth your best impression at all times. You never know who might be paying attention to what you are writing -- future agents, other writers in your genre, editors, publishers.

8) Plan your writing schedule while ill. If you feel good for an hour, take advantage of the time to write. If you know you feel good at a certain time of the day or evening, use that time wisely.

9) Rest when you need it. You can't get any work done, if you aren't able to function.

10) By all means, follow your doctor's advice so you can get back to your keyboard quickly.

11) Don't be discouraged if you are not up to your usual level of writing. Everybody gets sick. It happens.

12) If you have a deadline/appearance to keep, then by all means keep it. If you can't, be professional and let people know in a timely manner.

13) If you are a blogger and can plan for your absence ahead of time, have guests fill in for you. Part of successful blogging is consistency. If you miss a week, you can lose your audience's interest. If take ill suddenly, see if you can have someone you trust contact guest bloggers for you.

14) Don't compare yourselves to other writers in similar situations. Not everyone is Stephen King and can write while recovering from a car accident. If you can, great for you. If you can't, that's okay.

15) If you're recuperating long term, don't look at it as an obstacle. Look at it as a challenge to broaden your horizons as a writer. Inject your experience into your writing. It is cathartic and readers will recognize and appreciate your authenticity when they read your work.

Hopefully, some of these tips will help a few of you out there.

As always, happy writing and happy reading to all!