3 Tips for Writers with Chronic Illness or Caregiving Duties
By G.L. Gooding
My path to becoming a published author didn’t begin with a burst of confidence or a degree in creative writing. Instead, it was driven by a long-standing promise to my elderly mother. I had once promised her I would write a book. She was nearing her 100th birthday, I was retiring, and the time to write that book was now or never.
So, I dived in.
I soon was challenged in unexpected ways that nearly stopped everything before any of it could really begin.
What I learned could help you with your own promises to write.
1. Use Your Limits as Launchpads
The first draft for my first book was too long. It clocked in at over 800 pages. Turns out I wasn’t just wordy, I was epically so.
But editing that monstrous manuscript wasn’t going to be my biggest hurdle. Chronic illness and caregiving were the real challenges ahead.
Just as I began writing (and rewriting) in earnest, my vision—which had already suffered through four retinal detachment surgeries—took an even more serious turn. I was diagnosed with Ocular Histoplasmosis, which left me with blind spots scattered across my visual field. Soon after, although I was not living in blackness and could see in a very limited way, I was declared legally blind.
I had already been struggling with what to do with the litany of recommended changes to my 800-page masterpiece. Now my vision issues made me consider the idea of giving my lengthy draft to my mother and declaring victory in completing the book.
But that didn’t feel right. So, I tackled a complete rewrite.
Since I could not see the pages myself, my wife Sarah patiently read aloud all 800 pages of the draft. I stopped her constantly so I could make endless changes. Whole chapters vanished. Characters died. Hundreds of my darlings laid murdered at my feet. It was truly amazing that our sanity and marriage survived, barely.
Tip: What I learned in this process that may be helpful to anyone confronting such a daunting task accompanied by daunting barriers:
Don’t wait for perfect circumstances. They rarely show up. Instead, write within your limitations—and let them shape a voice only you can offer.
2. Ask for Help (Then Say Thank You a Lot)
My first novel was torturously whittled down to 323 pages from 800 using my existing tools --- traditional computer and saintly wife. Before starting another book, I looked long and hard for more help. I was fortunate to find excellent support from the Earl Baum Center for the Blind. Besides traditional skills training --- using a cane, traversing busy streets, managing clothing, preparing meals - they introduced me to tools like large monitors and voice-activated software, which made writing easier for me. I still had Sarah—my committed editor, critic, and cheerleader—by my side during this transition to a new way of writing.
Ironically, as my quest to be an author continued, a second shoe of challenges fell. My dear Sarah was diagnosed with Early Onset Alzheimer’s. Our supporting roles slowly began to reverse. I became her primary caregiver, which was not difficult at first but quickly intensified. Ultimately, we moved closer to her family in Ohio, and with the help of kind and capable paid caregivers, I continued writing—even as my pace was slowed by evolving circumstances.
Tip: During this phase of my journey, I learned what likely should have been obvious but wasn’t:
Writing is not a solo endeavor. Accept help—whether it’s assistive technology, a loved one’s support, or community services. Find tools. Welcome the tools. Support is the road to overcoming barriers and building resilience.
3. Redefine Success—and Keep Going
Since retiring, going blind, and becoming a caregiver, I’ve published seven books. I have many more in the works. Some days, just finding the right file on my computer feels like an Olympic event.
But I keep going.
Writing helps me stay connected—to my purpose, to my memories, and to my late-night conversations with the woman who once sat beside me, reading every word out loud. Plus, reading my drafts helps me maintain my sense of humor. I have laughed myself silly reading some of the “new” words I invented in my writing.
Keeping a sense of humor every day is, in itself, a success.
Tip: Success doesn’t have to look like a bestseller or having 5,000-word writing days. Sometimes success is showing up. Sometimes it's one paragraph. Sometimes, it’s just thinking about optional directions. Sometimes it's simply not quitting.
Think about what success means to you and consider resetting the bar if it is impossibly high. But don’t allow yourself to make excuses, either.
I have realized I cannot blame being blind or needing to care for Sarah as justification for not writing.
But, I have also discovered it is normal to get frustrated when writing feels hard.
I still silently curse my screen.
But I also feel blessed. Writing through a chronic illness and caregiving hasn’t just made me a writer. It’s made me a real writer—the kind who knows that stories don’t wait for the perfect time. Your stories simply wait for your courage to hit that first letter.
What tips do you have for writing with a chronic illness and/or juggling writing and being a caregiver?
* * * * * *
About G. L. Gooding
G. L. Gooding is an American novelist with a growing catalog of mysteries and historical novels.
He’s best known for Where Courage Began, the first book in his uplifting Velma series inspired by his mother’s life in Depression-era Iowa—a sweeping family saga that has captivated readers with its heart and historical detail.
https://www.glgooding.com Check out G.L. Gooding books
Featured image by WikiImages from Pixabay
Second image purchased from DepositPhoto.com
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29 comments on “3 Tips for Writers with Chronic Illness or Caregiving Duties”
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Thank so much for sharing your story. My writing journey has been far from straightforward and filled with fairy dust. I have RA which has been with me for 38 years. I also have a special needs daughter who lives with us. My mother-in-law also lived with us for about 3 years. She just passed and she was my cheerleader when my own mother wasn’t. So I know about caregiving. Like you I didn’t make it an excuse for not writing. But my journey has been a slow one filled with road blocks of all shapes and colors. Best wishes to you and your wife. Take care.
Cheryl,
Reading your story reminds me of the adage that no matter what you are living with, there is always someone who is worse or better off. You have, are facing just as dramatic collection of challenges as I have. I would love to know what you have written so far and what you hope to accomplish going forward.
Thank you for commenting and re-inspiring me.
Your story of progression into blindness, and subsequent stubbornness and will not to give up writing, reminds me of a dear friend (now deceased) who was born blind and became a medical transcriptionist. She loved words, and issued her own word-for-the-day emails. I used her to proofread some of my material. I miss her wit and friendship greatly.
Sally,
With my level of visual impairment, I am amazed at the accomplishments of your blind friend. I wish I could have known her. I'm sure we would have a lot of interesting and humorous stories to share.
What a journey you have had!
From my temporary stint as caregiver while the hubby was recovering, I took time to write when those hours presented themselves. It's definitely a balancing act.
Thank you for sharing your experiences!
Ellen,
Thanks for your comment.
Ironically, the point about balancing your writing with other intrusions of life. Currently, since my vision has not declined further, the writing is the easy part. Managing my wife and her caregivers is more challenging.
This is exceptional. I wish I had read it when I had two babies and a job and was trying to write. Of course that in no way compares to the challenges listed here, but these tips are applicable in so many situations, for so many people who aspire to write. Thank you!
I hear you, Rebecca! Babies need constant care and it super wreaks havoc on a writing schedule.
you have had a lot of experience with life's challenges in producing your body of work. My challenge have been different, one thing is common to all of us, being disciplined. Challenges, some more than others, are my favorite excuse for not getting words on the page.
Got ten today.
I always so, you haven't failed until you've quit. Once you quit, there is no hope of success. Until then, success might be around the corner. You just have to keep going. Your story exemplifies that.
I began writing in earnest when I had my daughter. I needed something for me. The key was to make a schedule and try to stick to it. Things will interfere and you don't know what you don't know, but you can get there if you keep going.
Well said. I wish I had a nickel for everything I didn't know and had to learn the hard way. Keep on keeping on.
Gary, I so appreciate these tips. I appreciate them because they do give real inside into the writing process under difficult circumstances, but you present them with such heart and sincerity. Congratulations.!!!
Garry
While fully sighted, and not a caregiver or recipient of care, I can only say you are my hero writer. I cried. I felt gratitude. Most of all you inspired me to just get on with it. Thank you. Forever.
Awwwww. I love this comment, Dennis!
Thank you for the kind words. Reading some of those commenting here, I don't feel that special, but I am humbly grateful for being give the gift of perseverance. As a result, I have written a lot and made a lot of talented and gracious friends along the way., not only
Gary, this landed exactly where it needed. As my late husband’s caregiver, your words felt seen and steadying. Thank you for honoring the work of showing up, on the page and at the bedside, and for naming the difficult truths while holding onto hope. Your reminder to keep progress small and humane, to write in breaths not marathons, was what I needed today. Holding you and Sarah in my prayers.
I'm glad this gave you a lift. So, often it is small things that keep us going. You have done that me before and again today.
Thanks Shay
Hurrah! I've read the first two in your terrific Velma series and just ordered the third. I've lived with fibromyalgia for two dozen years, and just this year came down with Crohn's as my fifth book was being published. I haven't been able to do any interviews for it but online friends of my "Leora books" have shared it on their websites. My Leora trilogy includes Leora's Early Years: Guthrie County Roots, Leora's Dexter Stories: The Scarcity Years of the Great Depression, and Leora's Letters: The Story of Love and Loss for an Iowa Family During WWII. All five sons served in the war, but only two came home. I'm Leora's oldest granddaughter, born during the war.
Sounds like you have overcome a whole lot yourself. I hope that, like me, the joy of writing and the positive feedback gives me the most satisfaction. This is a tough business for us normal folk, so sometimes the non-dollar rewards are the best.
Garry, I was my husband's caregiver for more years than I like to think about. For the past four years I've been struggling to find a new "normal." Your words, particularly about what success _doesn't_ mean, have helped more than you will ever know. Thank you.
Lynette,
I'm glad that some of my words have helped you. I honor you for caring for you husband. I assume from your remarks that he is no longer living. I hope you can find a new normal by perhaps writing a journal of your experience to share with those you love. That would be a great success by any definition.
I love your writing, especially the books about your mother's life. It's a miracle that they were written at all. You are a role model for everyone, not just writers. I am absolutely amazed by your story of perseverance.
Your tenacity and loving marriage are an inspiration. With my gratitude and best wishes to you and Sarah.
I'm glad you like mom's story. Book 4 of 5 will be out soon. I appreciate the kind words. I am always a bit surprised when people admire me for what I have accomplished as a writer. I especially appreciated your comment about our marriage. Sarah is the most important thing in my life and my writing is my respite from making sure she is doing as well as can be expected after 10 years with her disease.
Garry,
Keep writing. Keep showing up. You are a bright light. 🙂
This is so inspiring, GL. Thank you. I've lived with chronic illness since I was young. My favorite of what you said: Sometimes success is showing up.
And that is a beautiful thing.
Amen.
I can't begin to tell you how touching this post is to me. I am a retired (due to a fall) nurse that led to chronic fatigue and Fibromyalgia. A few years after the fall I began writing--or trying to write.
Along the way my husband became ill with several challenging diagnoses. Acute gout, Diverticulitis, back pain and surgery, Dementia, heart disease, and depression. He passed away on May 6, 2025, We had been married for 54 years.
I have published three books. I do chastise myself for not writing every day or not reaching a specific word count.
God bless you, my friend.
Hey Winona, I have ME/CFS too (I assume that's what you mean by chronic fatigue) and have been bedbound since the age of 25.
Please don't chastise yourself for not reaching specific word counts. This illness is horrifically cruel and I have only been able to write by sacrificing other things that would take up the energy I use to put words on the page. (like using my phone, or going downstairs...)
For some months-long stretches I'm unable to write at all, but then come periods where I can, and I'm so grateful for them.
Thank you Gary, for writing this article which for many of us it seems, is a refreshing look at where we are in life.
I have become a caregiver 24/7 to my personal domestic hero these last two years and often feel I am swimming through pea soup trying to get all the jobs done before it all becomes unmanagable.
Resetting the bar is good, I will do that. In fact I have dragged out my second manuscript two thirds done, and laughed and cried as my story thus far unfolded. It was a good experience. Cheers Gary and thank you for your inspiration and handy hints. Wendy