What My Migraine Taught Me

Sorry for the brief hiatus. I’ve had migraines for years but this one knocked me down. After a week of suffering I’m back in the saddle. Thanks for your patience.
Writing Tip for Today: I hate hate hate missing my writing goals. But as I stayed away from the keyboard to let myself heal, I learned something too.

  • Illness brought me perspective. No matter if it’s a “blamed headache,” as my grams used to say, or another cold, putting my project aside for a few days gave me the ability to see it with more objectivity.
  • Permission to daydream. As long as I’m not running a fever, when I’m sick I can give myself permission to dream big. I’m a total zone-out half the time anyway, and often I like my fictional world better than reality.
  • Use the Force. Finally, I’ve been kicking myself for not getting ahead of my blog by pre-writing and giving the blog instructions on when to post. There are also other programs you can get to schedule your blogs so you aren’t panicking every morning. I plan to utilize this feature. When I’m not daydreaming, that is. Back to Absolute Top Speed!

About Linda S. Clare

I'm an author, speaker, writing coach and mentor. I teach both fiction and nonfiction writing at Lane Community College and in the doctoral program as expert writing advisor for George Fox University. I love helping writers improve their craft and I'm both an avid reader and writer of stories about those with wounded hearts.

5 comments on “What My Migraine Taught Me

  1. Glad you’re feeling better.

    Definitely check out the pre-writing feature of your blog! I wouldn’t survive without mine. It allows me to plan posts well in advance so there’s some cohesion. I set aside time once a month to get everything lined up, and then it’s off my desk so I can concentrate on other things.

  2. I had a bad migraine just last evening. So sorry you have them too. Mine usually only leave me with a hangover the next day, nothing that an extra cup of coffee can’t help. It’s good you’ve learned to use that down time wisely. I’ve had times when I’ve had to do the same. There’s always some aspect of writing that can continue. Daydreaming is very important!

  3. I totally understand the week-long migraine thing, because I get those about every other month…which is precicely what spurred me to prewrite as many blogs as I can. There’s nothing worse than writing a blog toasted on meds. Even if I can get the task accomplilshed, the quality suffers. Take care, and I hope they stay at bay for you!

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