Writing While Sick

My first piece of wisdom, is something I can relate with right now – how to write when you’re sick.  No, not serious illness or anything, but a pestering cold with a stuffy nose, runny eyes and the feeling like your head might explode.

If you’re like me and you feel like your getting sick, your first instinct is to say well, guess I’m not writing today! then gleefully go play Facebook games with a Kleenex shoved up your nose.  Don’t do that.  Be strong.  Tell yourself you’re going to write whether you like it or not.  You will put up a fight, but eventually you will see reason.

Next grab a glass of orange juice, a water bottle, Kleenex, and make sure there’s a garbage can nearby so you’re not throwing your germs everywhere.  Pull up whatever you’re working on, whether it is a word document, notebook, or 100 year-old type writer.  Stare at it for a long time.  Wonder how it is possible for your face to feel so puffy and painful.  Write a word or two - if you’re really motivated, a whole sentence. 

Oh, hey kitty!  Nice of you to visit.  Proceed to serenade your cat with a song composed only of meows. If you don’t have a cat, just meow it to yourself. If you’re really creative come up with your own tune, otherwise, the latest chart topper works too.  After cat runs away in terror, stare off into space in a half comatose state.  Come back to consciousness, try to figure out what you’re supposed to be doing.  Remember you convinced yourself to write.  Feel cranky. Blow your nose really well.  Get your game face on. Finish a paragraph or two. Feel accomplished. Save.  The rest can wait until tomorrow.  Try not to think about what utter nonsense this will look like when you’re feeling better.  For now, it’s nap time!  Good job!

(I promise my blog posts will be more coherent once I feel better.)