Screenwriting : Writing while ill. by Cherie Grant

I definitely can't write when I'm stressed, distracted, or just plain tired. I'm sure illness could have the same effect. You're not being a baby... the brain has to be in an certain biological state to be creative. Sometimes it's not easy to get into that state. Do you have a way to get relaxed? A walk in the park, a cup of tea, soapy bubble bath, without worrying about time or pressuring yourself to be creative? Depending on the illness or your ability to carve out the time, this may or may not be possible. But based on my experience, for what that's worth, the key is relaxing into the creative zone. Can't be done in every circumstance, to be perfectly honest, but for me anyway that would be the secret.

Agree with Kerry, although many famous writers struggled and coped with physical and/or mental illnesses in their working years, and still wrote and achieved success. Many didn't, as well. We are all unique to processing illnesses, and how those illnesses affect our lives. Best wishes to you, Cherie.

totally understand how you feel. At one point, it seemed as though everything around me was crumbling. I was going though an emotional crisis. When I was laid-off from my previous job, I was too stressed about finding another job, taking care of my kids, and paying bills to even think about writing. My mind was so cluttered with worry that I was unable to think of anything to write. That pissed me off because writing something I really enjoyed. I had a bad case of writer’ block. Now that I have a new job, the problem now is the finding the time to write. Having to wake up at 4 in the morning for work, having to come home and help with homework, clean up, cook, when I was finally able to get the kids to sleep and write, I would only get ten minutes before I fell asleep on the couch with my laptop on my lap. Majority of the time, I am physically drained. With all the coffee and Red Bull I have consumed to stay awake, I think my body has become immune to them because it no longer works for me. I need a shot of adrenaline like Jason Statham in Crank. I believe what works for me to gain the mental strength is not think about it; not tell myself that I am going to do it and just do it (if that makes sense). Don’t worry, Cherie. You’re not alone. Writing is all mental because as a writer, you are constantly in your head. That is draining.

Certainly it is more difficult. However, if you are on contract with a deadline, you must suck it up or you'll be fired/replaced/sued for breach of contract. Yes, it's hard, but professional writers must take on their tasks with discipline and diligence. Sometimes writing while under the weather might actually turn out better. While stressed, it's more difficult, but again, it's mental discipline.

When I'm feeling sick but want to write, I use that as an opportunity to "cleanse my id" so to speak. I know whatever I'm going to write isn't going to be top notch or even close to it, so I don't stress trying to finish one story or another... I just WRITE. Write whatever I'm feeling, whatever's been on my mind. Write a cliche-ridden, egotistical short script. Write the teaser to some dumb show I've been thinking about... just purge your brain of all the weird ideas floating around. That way, when you're feeling better, you can concentrate on the script you're trying to finish.

Yes, health is number one. I am not without empathy for Cherie's question/comment. I had a test with the VA two years ago that implied a catastrophic condition. Then I had to wait months to be scheduled in... and appointment snafus and reschedules, then after six months wait two more weeks for the result. Turned out to be an imaging anomaly, but hey I figured I'd better keep writing to keep my sanity while stressed about it and if I did suddenly depart the planet I wanted the script in progress to be done. I've signed many contracts with non-performance clauses that stated that any failure to deliver, regardless of reason, was a breach of contract. I don't mean to seem insensitive, but yesterday I tripped over my cat in our darkened TV room. While my knee and hip are aching, I'm completing a rewrite tonight so that the script can be sent out for budget.

Writing is something I love. I was recently too sick to write, but still enjoyed thinking about it. I made small notes on my phone about characters.

Cherie, really sorry to read this. Have been there as well. Can only tell what helped me. I tried to keep creative by doing any other creative stuff. Something like sewing, quilting, painting with finger colors (to get in touch with art literally) - what ever. Even baking and cooking is creative, gardening and re-decorating any room or just any piece of furniture. By all this you a) create something b) stop thinking and worrying about writing c) relax and feel active. The writing will come back as soon as you get back your inner balance. Wishing you well!

Hi Cherie! I am so sorry to hear about your illness, there are many mystery diseases today but not always is it a final place in your journey! Practically as a musician, I find that I can restore my creativity by enjoying small pleasures in life. These are more accessable and your body responds to positive emotions :-) Music is a great escape! and of course faith. Maybe if you felt the need to create while ill, you could get a recorder that would allow your thoughts to be kept until you had the health to write them down, or you could get someone else to do it for you! I wish you all the best Cherie! and the journey is never stagnate! Lots of love to yOu! truly Rachel www.rachelwalkertrio.com

Cherie! Cherie! Cherie! Rooting for you.

Hi guys. Sorry for not replying. I haven't been here since I posted. Been in hospital a bit. I think it's five or six times in the past two months. Last time was Tuesday. Spent whole night in emergency. I went in with heart attack symptoms, but ended up being my gallstones playing up big time. I have actually had a slew of issues this year. I've been treated or diagnosed with 8 infections/conditions/viruses and still have two mystery issues within the last six months, most in the past two months. I've never had so many issues in my life. That's not even including my fucked up back with a herniated disc. Always thought I was pretty tough. Thanks for the lovely replies any way. They do actually fortify me a bit. I haven't given up, but I do feel intensely frustrated. Oh and, lol, I have watched Luke Cage. Did it in two days lol. LOVE IT!

First of all, Cherie, we hope you'll start feeling better again soon. Always remember your health is most important! Actually we were unable to write for a period of about 7 months this year (from February to July) and we had to physically move away from the place we were living because we realized that was what was pulling us down. (Long story short: moved countries for a job, ended up in literally the worst city that country has to offer - it's not perception, it was literally voted the worst and most unsafe location to live in in that country) felt so unhinged and on edge the entire time that we couldn't find our focus. We moved out of that city at the beginning of August and our creative vibes have never been higher. Mind at ease, self at ease...great stories for screenplays, though. We hope that once you start feeling better, you'll be able to find your workflow again quickly!

Good morning Cherie! Just a hello again to you and wishing you wellness! Perhaps your immune system will re-build itself soon! They say the body has an amazing ability to heal itself. Love and prayers for you today! truly Rachel :-)

Thanks guys. :) I'm just lucky I live in a country with free healthcare or I'd be broke or worse.