For Family Caregivers
Why do I have resources for family caregivers on my website? Because I've been a caregiver. I know what it's like to try to find time to write when you're drained and exhausted by family responsibilities.
Writers are especially vulnerable to having their time intruded upon. If we've dropped out of the workforce to finally have time to write, we look "available." If a parent suffers from dementia, a spouse gets sick, or a child contracts an illness, our writing gets pushed to the back burner. Weeks can stretch into months and years. If you find yourself caught in one of these "eddies" that can suck away your time and emotional energy, the support groups below can provide help. Life experience can provide raw material, but it's tough to keep your focus on writing if loved ones need you.
Writers are especially vulnerable to having their time intruded upon. If we've dropped out of the workforce to finally have time to write, we look "available." If a parent suffers from dementia, a spouse gets sick, or a child contracts an illness, our writing gets pushed to the back burner. Weeks can stretch into months and years. If you find yourself caught in one of these "eddies" that can suck away your time and emotional energy, the support groups below can provide help. Life experience can provide raw material, but it's tough to keep your focus on writing if loved ones need you.
Resources for Caregivers
Quick Links
Listmania books on caregiving and writing
Here are some books on caregiving that can help you tackle the tough issues without romanticizing the burden or turning yourself into a martyr. As for writing, I find that at my age, I don't like to waste time, either in reading for pleasure or picking up a book that might make my own writing better. I want to share these with you.
Flores Island in the Azores
Never heard of the Azores? Flores Island is the westernmost part of Europe and a great destination for birdwatchers. Watch my video, and you'll discover a hidden paradise,
Veni, Vidi, Venice
Or, in the baudlerized version of Caesar's famous line, "I came, I saw, and Venice conquered me." I love to travel and discover new places, and making these videos gives me a chance to share the known and unknown world.
WRITING VS. LIFE DISCUSSION
Starting Out As A Writer
Storytelling seems programmed into our genetic code, but many people with rich life experiences can't make writing a priority until life allows a bit of "clear space." If you're wondering where to start, feel free to download my Basic Fiction class. Click the Workshops link, and you'll see it. The class takes eight weeks to complete. There are writing prompts to help you get started and explanations of terms that get tossed around in fiction workshops. If the information is too basic, then go to my News & Events page. There you'll find lecture notes and audio recordings of advanced workshops. To leave me comments or questions, click the link below.