Comments on: 3 Tips for Writers with Chronic Illness or Caregiving Duties https://writersinthestormblog.com/2025/09/3tips-for-writers-with-chronic-illness-or-caregiving-duties/ A Blog On Writing Mon, 06 Oct 2025 11:39:38 +0000 hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.0 By: Wendy Mahfoud https://writersinthestormblog.com/2025/09/3tips-for-writers-with-chronic-illness-or-caregiving-duties/#comment-173658 Mon, 06 Oct 2025 11:39:38 +0000 https://writersinthestormblog.com/?p=55710#comment-173658 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

]]> By: Amy DeBellis https://writersinthestormblog.com/2025/09/3tips-for-writers-with-chronic-illness-or-caregiving-duties/#comment-173645 Sun, 05 Oct 2025 15:11:10 +0000 https://writersinthestormblog.com/?p=55710#comment-173645 In reply to Winona Cross.

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.

]]> By: Winona Cross https://writersinthestormblog.com/2025/09/3tips-for-writers-with-chronic-illness-or-caregiving-duties/#comment-173602 Fri, 03 Oct 2025 14:39:49 +0000 https://writersinthestormblog.com/?p=55710#comment-173602 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.

]]> By: Jenny Hansen https://writersinthestormblog.com/2025/09/3tips-for-writers-with-chronic-illness-or-caregiving-duties/#comment-173558 Tue, 30 Sep 2025 21:58:08 +0000 https://writersinthestormblog.com/?p=55710#comment-173558 In reply to Lisa Norman.

Amen.

]]> By: Lisa Norman https://writersinthestormblog.com/2025/09/3tips-for-writers-with-chronic-illness-or-caregiving-duties/#comment-173557 Tue, 30 Sep 2025 20:09:28 +0000 https://writersinthestormblog.com/?p=55710#comment-173557 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.

]]> By: Garry Gooding https://writersinthestormblog.com/2025/09/3tips-for-writers-with-chronic-illness-or-caregiving-duties/#comment-173539 Tue, 30 Sep 2025 14:59:53 +0000 https://writersinthestormblog.com/?p=55710#comment-173539 In reply to Nomi Wagner.

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.

]]> By: Robin Blakely https://writersinthestormblog.com/2025/09/3tips-for-writers-with-chronic-illness-or-caregiving-duties/#comment-173520 Mon, 29 Sep 2025 23:50:42 +0000 https://writersinthestormblog.com/?p=55710#comment-173520 Garry,
Keep writing. Keep showing up. You are a bright light. 🙂

]]> By: Garry Gooding https://writersinthestormblog.com/2025/09/3tips-for-writers-with-chronic-illness-or-caregiving-duties/#comment-173519 Mon, 29 Sep 2025 22:13:54 +0000 https://writersinthestormblog.com/?p=55710#comment-173519 In reply to Lynette M Burrows.

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.

]]> By: Nomi Wagner https://writersinthestormblog.com/2025/09/3tips-for-writers-with-chronic-illness-or-caregiving-duties/#comment-173518 Mon, 29 Sep 2025 21:56:44 +0000 https://writersinthestormblog.com/?p=55710#comment-173518 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.

]]> By: Lynette M Burrows https://writersinthestormblog.com/2025/09/3tips-for-writers-with-chronic-illness-or-caregiving-duties/#comment-173517 Mon, 29 Sep 2025 20:22:18 +0000 https://writersinthestormblog.com/?p=55710#comment-173517 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.

]]>