What if you get sick?

Derek · 11-04-2008

There's no search function I could see on the actual NaNoWriMo site and did not have the patience or energy to wade through them when I should be in bed, so I'm asking this here.

I got off to a decent start and then, WHAM, virus city. I figured this would be stressful enough since I knew I'd be visiting my parents in Nevada for 5 days, but add being sick on top of that. Ugh!

Any advice on how I should weather this whole thing now that I'm congested, sore, weak and finding it hard to focus? I know I wrote this post, but, man, was it slow going.

Wesley · 11-04-2008

Real life sometimes gets in the way of what you want. I'd take care of my body first and worry about NaNo second.

Though, you may luck out and have a few days where you're too weak to do anything physical and sitting and typing will be the only things you can do.

Good luck to you!

alexachipman · 11-04-2008

Well I don't plan on being ill but I will be unable to write for 2 weeks this month due to travel. I think you are just supposed to make up for it later or...write when you are sick. You wouldn't believe the mad stuff that comes out when drugged up and barely conscious!

Jerm · 11-05-2008

Fortunately, I had my end of year cold in October, which means - ahem, knock on wood - I should be good until the new year. Previous years though, it inevitably hit in November.

Now, from the sound of it, you've got something a little more severe from the cold, so I'm going to through my support behind the look-after-yourself-first camp.

I'm not sure about your situation, but perhaps once you get better to a point where you can write again, taking a sick day from work may be an option.

laura · 11-05-2008

Yeh, I'd say you should take care of yourself first and worry about the story second. If you're feeling more like it you could try to catch up later, but don't worry about it till you feel better. You could always set yourself a lower target to complete later, or a longer time limit if you want - it may not officially count to Nanowrimo, but that's not the end of the world!

In the mean time, drink lots of hot drinks and get some rest. Hope you feel better soon

Jerm · 11-06-2008

	Quote:	laura
	Yeh, I'd say you should take care of yourself first and worry about the story second. If you're feeling more like it you could try to catch up later, but don't worry about it till you feel better. You could always set yourself a lower target to complete later, or a longer time limit if you want - it may not officially count to Nanowrimo, but that's not the end of the world! In the mean time, drink lots of hot drinks and get some rest. Hope you feel better soon

It's funny, it seems that every year the definition of what NaNoWriMo officially consists of changes. Not that I'm criticizing, of course, just think it's interesting.

Betani · 11-08-2008

Taking care of yourself first will get you feeling better faster, and you'll have a better chance of making up for lost time.

As it is, I have to drop out yet again this year. What is it about November that brings on crisis after crisis? My dad needs surgery, but they first need to determine if he has cancer or not.

It's just as well, I guess. The writer's block is so bad that I'm drowning in mittens, slippers, and half a sweater on the needles.

laura · 11-08-2008

Betani, I'm really sorry to hear about your Dad, hope he gets better soon. It's a shame you're having to drop out, but there are definitely more important things in life!

Betani · 11-20-2008

And now for the good news. Dad doesn't have cancer! I'm still acting as designated shoulder until after the surgery, though. I may make myself a mini personal goal of 250 words a day and see if I can at least break the wall I'd hit plot-wise before all the hubbub.

laura · 11-20-2008

That's great news Betani. Hope you can get back into your story