by Mary Beth

Created on: October 28, 2009   Last Updated: October 31, 2009

It's hard to do anything when you have the flu, so bravo to those who take the initiative and work to get the writing accomplished. Sleep would be in our best interests, but when sleep is not even enjoyable, or when your focus is on a writing topic with a deadline, sheer will can help you overcome the aweful feelings of sickness.

If you call yourself a writer, you know your suppose to write, no matter what. If you've read any number of books on the topic of writing, you know that consistency is a major topic always addressed. The need to write everyday and not procrastinate by staring out the window or at a blank peice of paper is ingrained into many writing books. The frustrating thing is that sickness is a real procrastinator...and when accompanied by pain, it makes things worse. The headaches and body aches skew my focus. Although things may be accomplished, I know it isn't my best work. I will have to go over the writing again, for sure.

I have to give myself a little break. I know I'm a writer. I'm not going to give up. I just have to change my ways when sick. I try to do things a little differently. Instead of sitting at the desk, I lay back on pillows with the laptop under my fingertips and write while staring at the ceiling. I don't have to look down very often - just to see that my fingers have not shifted over so as not to make a writing mess. I remember those college days when assignments were due. We pulled all-nighters. Surely I can spend some time getting this article in shape.

Doing research and taking medicine at the same time is difficult. I find myself daydreaming while reading a page. Sitting up, drinking lots of water, and following the words with a pencil helps keep me on task. If it isn't working, I'll rest a little and then come back to it.

This whole idea of writing when sick reminds me of some verses in the Bible. Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 talks about a time for every purpose under heaven. There must be a time for writing while sick no matter how frustrating it is, no matter how much I have to go back and redo. We ask ourselves what profit is there to do this when I feel this way? What profit has the worker from that in which he labors? (Ecc. 3:9) The answer is in the next few verses. He has made everything beautiful in its time....I know that nothing is better for them than to rejoice and to do good in their lives, and also that every man should eat and drink (maybe when I'm not so sick) and enjoy the good of all his labor - it is the gift of God.

Keep at writing. No matter how aweful and frustrated you feel. You will be a stronger writer in the end. As Winston Churchill says, "Never, never, never, never give up. "

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