Got Fatigue: Still writing

It’s no secret to those that know me that I suffer with fatigue. It beats through my bloodstream, seeping me of energy and leaving pain in its wake.

How does fatigue impact on a writing career?

Well, my go-to recovery when it strikes is to sleep through it, but as a writer it means there are times I’m unable to give into it. In real-life when deadlines approach there’s no time to take to the bed and doze away illness. It means I have to understand the importance of organisation and prioritising. What’s important? What’s immediate?

It means I have to take advantage of the times I’m functional.

I use spreadsheets to track everything. Worklists, word counts, deadlines, submissions; everything goes into it, everything is tracked, because the last thing I need when I’m unwell is to spend time searching for necessary information.

I have notebooks and notepads scattered, but I prefer to use a specific one for specific projects so that all notes are in the same place.

I rest when I need to, but sometimes it means taking a notebook to bed, and writing old school with a pen/pencil and paper. I work in my pjs a lot. I’ve learned over the years how much I can handle before I’m blasted, but there are times when low points hit, taking me by surprise. Luckily, I have methods of comfort and recovery.

It’s very rare that I can’t write at all, though everybody needs a day off sometimes. I love writing, so even if it’s a journal entry or some automatic writing to get the thoughts flowing it’s rare that I go a day without it, but when sitting at my computer is too much, a pen and notebook are my saviours.

So, yes, chronic fatigue impacts on my writing life, but not even severe exhaustion, pain and illness can stop me writing for long.