I Don't Feel Like Writing
with guest author, Darcie Naslund
Let’s face it. Some days, we just don’t “feel” like writing. But then there are days (maybe even weeks or months) where that “feeling” is deeper due to chronic illness or fatigue. That’s why I’m so excited to host children’s author, Darcie Naslund, this month on Writing While Impaired. She has put into words what I feel so often, but can’t explain. Be sure to check out her picture book, My Mom is NOT a Superhero.
Please join me in welcoming Darcie!
Fatigue is not the same as tired. You can be tired at the end of a long work day, but still have the energy to sit down, watch a movie, and relax. Fatigue is different. It is the feeling of constant exhaustion, burnout or complete lack of energy. It can be physical, mental or a combination of both. For me, it’s both.
When my fatigue is at its worst, even looking at my phone to respond to a text seems like too much. You read that right, a text was too much writing. Thinking, texting, sitting, anything but sleeping feels like it takes every little speck of energy. Unfortunately, it is a common occurrence for me lately. Almost every single day, I fight fatigue and am forced to rest. So, when do I get writing done?
The guilt over not writing is sometimes just as crippling as the fatigue itself.
The simple answer is I don’t. I can go for days or weeks without writing. The guilt over not writing is sometimes just as crippling as the fatigue itself. I so desperately want to write. I want to move forward in my novel. I don’t want to forget about it. I think that is what I fear most. I’m afraid that if I stop writing because I don’t feel well, I will stop for good. I worry that I will lose my motivation and connection to my story. While I know that this can still happen, I have found ways to keep myself connected to my writing even if I am not writing.
Ways to Stay Connected to your WIP - Chronic Fatigue Edition:
Audiobooks: I have researched and found books with a similar theme, style of writing and topic related to my current work in progress. I listen to them with a sleep timer as I lie in bed.
Music: I created a playlist of songs with similar topics that create the mood I am trying to portray in my novel. My brain is swirling with thoughts about my story, even if I'm not writing. My wonderful husband will turn it off once I have fallen asleep.
TV shows and Movies: Sometimes, if I'm feeling up to moving to the couch, I will put on a show that is somehow related to my work in progress. Right now, it is the TV show Heartland. If I’m feeling great, I tend to avoid TV so I have more time to write, but sometimes it’s the inspiration I need when the fatigue is too much.
I might not write every day, every week, or even every month, but I am still a writer who will go out of my way to stay connected to the story I so desperately want to write – even with chronic fatigue.
I hope this inspires other writers to stay connected to their stories, whether they deal with fatigue like me or need to step away for a while to focus on other things. The guilt of not writing is real, but you can still stay connected in other ways until your pen finally touches the paper once more.
The guilt of not writing is real, but you can still stay connected in other ways until your pen finally touches the paper once more.
DARCIE NASLUND is the author of My Mom Is NOT A Superhero (DC Canada Education Publishing, 2024). She is a former teacher, Multiple Sclerosis and disability activist, mother and farmer from Alberta, Canada. Connect with her on social media @DarcieNaslund (X), @darcienaslundwrites (Instagram) or visit her website at darcienaslund.com
ABOUT THE BOOK: A little girl whose mother has Multiple Sclerosis discovers that some superheroes are fighting invisible battles. With the help of her cat and some X-ray glasses, she learns just how strong her mom is and how she can help her.
Darcie Naslund has been fighting a rollercoaster of a battle for many years. Finally, she decided to write this story to explain her invisible owies to her children. She fights for herself, but also for her family. This touching picture book explores the love of a mother and daughter who, together, can do (almost) anything.
Buy the Book: DC Canada Educational Publishing
Image Credits: Dmitry Schemelev and Keagan Henman on Unsplash
Great post!! I too suffer from fatigue, from autoimmune. Not easy when you are a writer when you know you have goals on this journey, but I’ve learned to listen to my body. If my body needs rest, I rest. By slowing down, my body heals, and my mind follows. I’m still ‘writing’ when I go for a walk, take a shower, or while cooking because my mind continues to work on things. Here’s to giving ourselves Grace on this journey.
I found this post so comforting. Although I don't suffer from a chronic condition, the last seven years have been extremely stressful, with my teen/adult kids facing some really difficult challenges. It's been like an emotional rollercoaster. What with my age...sleep has been really hit and miss. I sometimes watch other people bash out books, and wonder why I can't seem to do the same. I also read that people have sent out hundreds of queries -whereas I find it exhausting to send out even one! The guilt and feeling of: "I should be doing more' can be really overwhelming at times. I love Kate's phrase: "Giving ourself grace on the journey." This is something I'm really focusing on this year. I haven't entered many comps or submitted much, and I haven't got very far with my WIP. But I love all your tips for staying connected to your story! I love the idea of making a playlist. One of the things I also love to do is to make Pinterest Boards with setting ideas or things connected to my story. Thanks for sharing this post.