Thanks to Arthritis, COPD and Generalized Anxiety Disorder I was sidelined, I could no longer do my job. I was afraid of what would happen to me, I was always working, sometimes two jobs. So, when I had to “retire,” a friend suggested I use my writing skills for income. Honestly, I did not think my skills were good enough, but he’s a teacher so I figured he would know if they were. He’s not one to sugar coat things. I slowly realized you have to have experience or a degree, of which I have neither. I have plenty of stories in my head, so I decided to try writing them down and hope for the best. I learned a few things along the way. So, here are some tips for anyone dealing with a chronic illness while trying to start a writing career.

1. Don’t listen to the rules. Some people think you need to work on one project at a time. Some people think you need a set schedule to work. Some people think you need to write a certain amount of words each day. For us, it doesn’t work that way, or it will make us even more depressed. You do what’s right for you, and remember that every little bit helps, so even if it looks like small progress, it’s still progress.

2. Make time for yourself. Don’t be afraid to take time off if you need it. Your body doesn’t work the way it used to, so you have to take special care of it. Don’t beat yourself up if you do; you deserve a break.

3. Don’t let others bring you down. If they don’t understand your illness or you wanting a writing career, then explain to them you won’t see them as much anymore, if at all. Only keep the people who are behind you and who won’t judge you.

4. Remember to celebrate the little things. Say you got a few chapters finished, then that is a good thing to celebrate. Celebrating doesn’t mean with alcohol, btw, since most of us can’t drink anymore. Maybe have a binge TV night or read a favorite book, or go to a movie, whatever you enjoy doing that is safe and won’t make you regret it the next day.

5. Writing can be therapeutic. Think about it, you don’t think about the pain or discomfort while you are writing, especially if you are writing a fictional world. If you are writing fiction, that’s even better - it’s like you are in your own little world, and no one and nothing can harm you; you are in complete control. I know when you have an illness it feels like you are losing control, and that can be scary.

It can be a bit daunting at first, but in time, you will find your new life manageable, maybe even enjoyable. Sometimes we need a setback like this to show us what we were really meant to do, that is to write. I know I wouldn’t be writing if it wasn’t for my illness. Good luck to you.