I couldn't concentrate enough to program much - programming requires detailed and thorough creative work. But I could let my mind wander and plan, and during periods of relative health, put those plans down on paper. So I found myself writing and drawing. It was intended primarily as a hobby, to keep myself from going crazy with boredom while I waited to get well. I look on those years now as an apprenticeship.
Coincidences occur in most lives.
One of mine was hooking up with Jacqueline Lichtenberg, soon after the con where Ed Greenwood encouraged me. Gen series online, and more slowly on writing projects of my own. I would like to write more fiction, but non-fiction puts food on the table and power into the computer. The Old Killroom and My Big Sister Has Tentacles . Most of my professional writing belongs to clients, and has such interesting titles as 'Build Specification for the Ex Ample Website'.