Is Your Writing Making You Sick? By Patti Jo Moore

If you’re a writer who is struggling with a story at the moment—whether a weak plot, flat characters, or a sagging middle—you might read my blog title and scream “YES!!” Maybe you’re sick of your story at the moment, with the word “sick” implying that you feel aggravated, frustrated, and even ready to give up. *GASP* If that describes you, maybe it’s time for a break. Step away from your computer (or pen and paper), and do something else. But only for a little while. It’s so important to come back to the writing. Preferably within the year. 😊

Other writers might say they’re sick from their writing, but this type is physical. No, we cannot catch a horrible virus from the words we’re typing, but when we become so focused on our writing that we neglect our physical health, we pay the price. Yes, this is all common sense, but sometimes we need these little reminders (at least I know I sure do) of some small changes that might help us.

If you write on a computer, be sure to take care of your eyes. Staring at the screen too long is not good for our vision. Headaches? They might be due to the eye strain. Back pain? Maybe you need a different chair or even a simple change such as putting pillows for support behind your back. As we all know, staying seated for too long at a time is never good, especially as we age (ahem) and our bodies become a bit stiffer. Not a pretty truth, but still a truth. 😉

In addition to our physical health, sometimes our emotions need a boost when we’ve been so consumed with our writing. Often a change of scenery in our writing environment is exactly what is needed. I have many friends who take their laptops to a coffee shop and write. I’ll admit I haven’t tried this, only because I’d end up chatting with everyone around me instead of writing! But even if there’s not a convenient place for you to visit and write, changing to a different part of your home might help. I am a “window person”—I love a room with windows! Thankfully my office room has a nice window beside my computer, so I can pause when needed and look out at the birds and squirrels in my Elm trees. Even a few minutes of not staring at the screen can often provide the break we need.

Being productive in our writing doesn’t have to mean neglecting our health---mental, physical, or emotional. Here’s to healthy habits for happy writers! 😊

And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. Psalm 1:1-3

Sadie's Dream

In a coastal Georgia town in 1900, a young woman prepares to serve as a missionary in Africa.

After being jilted the previous year, she's certain she's meant to remain single.

When she meets a handsome businessman from Savannah, she begins struggling with doubts.

Over time she learns that the Lord's plans are best, and dreams really can come true.

Patti Jo Moore is a retired kindergarten teacher and lifelong Georgia girl. She loves Jesus, her family, cats, and coffee, and is blessed to be published with Forget-Me-Not Romances. When she’s not spending time with her family (including her sweet grandbaby) or writing her “Sweet, Southern Stories” Patti Jo can be found feeding cats—her own six and local strays.

She loves connecting with readers and other writers, and can be found on Facebook at Author Patti Jo Moore or her personal blog at http://catmomscorner.blogspot.com

Writer Burnout by Elaine Marie Cooper

I used to think that healthcare workers and first responders were the main victims of burnout. Too many work hours, too little sleep, often eating poorly—that, along with the stress of dealing with people’s lives. It never occurred to me that becoming a writer could lead a person to similar stressors that can result in both physical and emotional symptoms. It could even prompt a word crafter to throw in the towel and say, “Enough! I’m finished writing.”

If you think about the writing life, it sounds so peaceful. Sipping on tea at your desk with a forest view out your window, the words of inspiration flowing through your fingers. Endless calm and creativity, while royalty checks arrive in the mail daily.

If you’ve been a writer for any length of time, you are rolling your eyes at this description. We all know the writing life is far from this.

The reality is, it’s hard work. Anyone who is serious about writing, whether books, magazines, newspapers, or any other outlet for communication, knows that a writer has more than a few struggles to overcome.

Demanding work hours
Many writers do not make a living from their projects and work a “day job.” This means you might be squeezing in those creative moments in the evening or on the weekends. This can lead to nonstop work.

Not enough sleep
If you are essentially working two jobs, you are likely somewhat sleep deprived. The effects of sleep deprivation include weakening your immune system, exhausting your eye muscles, and impacting your mood and emotions.

Eating poorly
Let’s face it, long hours at a keyboard is hardly conducive to inciting enthusiasm for cooking. You just want to eat and you need it quickly so you can get back to work. Fast food will do. But several nights a week?

It impacts family
It’s hard to reason with a two-year-old who wants to play with mommy but she can’t because she has a deadline. Or with a teenager who needs dad to have the sex talk with him tonight but dad’s going to a writer’s conference and needs to create a book proposal.  Or a spouse who really wants to be with you tonight instead of going to bed alone.

Deadlines, writer’s conferences, and book proposals are the stuff of reality for those called to write. But if these demands begin to take over our very lives and relationships, perhaps we need to re-evaluate our schedules. Perhaps we need to pace our lives a bit and prioritize time off with the people who love us. Perhaps we need to pick and choose our obligations, before they overtake our lives.

Sometimes we need to say “no” to a writing project, and say “yes” to healthier living. 

"...if these demands begin to take over our very lives and relationships, perhaps we need to re-evaluate our schedules." via @elainemcooper #SeriouslyWrite

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Elaine Marie Cooper has two historical fiction books that recently released: War’s Respite (Prequel novella) and Love’s Kindling.Love’s Kindling is available in both e-book and paperback. They are the first two books in the Dawn of America Series set in Revolutionary War Connecticut. Cooper is the award-winning author of Fields of the Fatherless and Bethany’s Calendar. Her 2016 release (Saratoga Letters) was finalist in Historical Romance in both the Selah Awards and Next Generation Indie Book Awards. She penned the three-book Deer Run Saga and has been published in numerous magazines and anthologies. You can visit her website/ blog at www.elainemariecooper.com