All writers will go through difficult times at some point. Perhaps:

• You, or a family member, has a chronic illness.
• Someone close to you has passed away recently.
• You're battling issues like alcoholism or drug addictions (not uncommon for writers – Stephen King is a very well known example)
• Money is a constant worry and struggle (also, sadly, not uncommon for writers)
• You're caring for elderly relatives – or for small children.
• You're facing a really stressful and busy time at work.
   

The situation might be even bigger, or it might be something small that you feel you "should" be able to cope with ... but that's proving to be a serious drain on your energy, time, or other resources.

When you're going through a tough time, I think there are two important things to keep in mind:

#1: You Do Not Need Any Additional Pressure Right Now

This is not the moment to beat yourself up about not writing 1,000 words a day or publishing a book every year or blogging regularly or whatever you feel you "should" do as a writer.

You're allowed to take a break. (And of course you're still a writer even when you're not actually writing this very minute.)

If the thought of sitting down to write makes you feel miserable – it's just yet another thing on your over-burdened to-do list, or yet another source of stress – then give yourself permission to have a break from writing for the next few weeks or months.

But ... #2: Writing May Be Necessary for You to Feel Happy and Healthy

Some writers (perhaps most) need to write on a reasonably regular basis in order to feel fully themselves. I know I get grumpy and out of sorts if I don't write fiction regularly enough, and I feel a bit disconnected from myself if I don't write anything at all.

Even if you can't write a lot while personal issues are going on, can you carve out a little bit of time for writing? Don't force yourself if this definitely isn't right for you, but if you just feel a bit unmotivated, give it a try – you might find you feel a bit better for simply having written.

Don't tell yourself that you "shouldn't" write because there's something big going on: if writing helps you feel calmer and get through it, then it's well worth doing.

To anyone going through a difficult time right now – I hope it gets easier and I hope you get help and support from those around you. Hang on in there.

Happy writing,

Ali

P.S. If you missed last week's blog post, you can find it here:

How to Recover Your Writing Confidence (Even if You Think You Never Had Any)