Your head hurts, your body aches, your nose is running and your throat feels like you swallowed a razor blade. How can you possibly write?
Believe it or not, you can. You just sit down and do it.
One of the tough realities of being a writer--or any kind of self-employed person--is that you have no benefits--no sick leave, bereavement leave, paid vacation, or contributions toward retirement. That's one of the reasons most writers have another job, such as teaching or doing PR. We'll get into the other issues in future columns, but this month let's talk about what happens when you suddenly become incapacitated.
If you have a regular job in addition to your writing, you're probably going to call in sick. But if you're not too sick, you could actually use the extra time to write. Writing is one of those things you can do even if you are sick or injured--as long as you're conscious and able to think clearly.
I have written plenty of stories with a pounding headache and my nose dripping onto the keyboard. Years ago, I drove a hundred miles to an interview with my writing arm in a sling and typed the story with one hand because it was a plum assignment that I had no intention of screwing up. It turned out to be a great article and the woman I interviewed didn't mind my using a tape recorder instead of a pen.
As a klutz with enough foot and ankle x-rays to fill an art gallery, I have spent plenty of time on crutches. No problem; in fact, since it was hard to walk away from my desk, I probably got more writing done than usual.
But what happens if you really are too sick or hurt too badly to write? The flu flattens everyone, and there are worse illnesses than that. Two of my friends have just been diagnosed with cancer. One is a writer, the other an artist. I know they'll keep going as much as they can, but right after major surgery or in the throes of chemotherapy, forget about it.
Anyone can have a heart attack, fall or get into an auto accident; there's rarely any warning. So, what do you do? If you aren't counting on writing income and don't have any deadlines, just surrender to life and absorb the experience for future stories. Concentrate on getting well. But as you recover, keep a notebook, laptop computer, or tape recorder nearby in case you start getting ideas. After all, you could plot a whole novel while you're in traction. It helps to have something to think about besides pain, fear, nausea, or medical procedures. Imagine you're someone else doing something much more enjoyable. You're snorkeling in Hawaii, you're collecting your Pulitzer Prize, you're dancing with the most handsome man or beautiful woman . . .
If you do have deadlines, here are some things you can do as insurance:
1) Always start your projects early, leaving some time before the deadline.
2) Warn the editor if you're not sure you'll make it. Then if you do, she'll be impressed at your dedication. Most magazine editors build in extra lead time between the deadline and when they really need your stories, so a week late may not be a problem. If it's going to be longer, you may miss that issue, but the editor will appreciate having time to find something else to fill the space.
3) If you produce regular columns or articles, try to stay at least one issue ahead of schedule, with a timeless story ready to send in if things go awry.
4) Keep a list of what's due when and where, so a friend or family member can call on your behalf if you are unable to do it. That way the editor knows what's going on and doesn't fire you when your work doesn't come in on time.
5) Keep a steady stream of submissions going out by mail or e-mail so that editors can be reading and publishing your work while you're ailing. There's nothing like an acceptance and a check to make you feel better.
With no corporate safety net, all you can do is make sure you have good health insurance, work ahead, and stash as much money in savings as you can. Beyond that, if you're out of commission for a long time and run out of money, you'll need to look for help from family, friends and government programs. The same thing would happen if you had a 9-to-5 job.
Meanwhile, if, like most of us, you tend to procrastinate, make yourself a big sign that says, "Today I can write. Tomorrow, who knows?"
***
P.S. My book on freelancing for newspapers is due out this spring from Quill Driver Books. I'll let you know when they start taking orders.
Copyright 2007 Sue Fagalde Lick
About the Author: SUE FAGALDE LICK is a former newspaper editor turned full-time freelance writer. She has published four books, countless articles and many poems and stories. She teaches writing workshops online and at Oregon Coast Community College. Visit her web site at http://www.suelick.com, and her blog at http://www.freelancingfornewspapers.blogspot.com.
Writers Don't Get Sick Leave
