I'm in my 6th week of staying at home due to Covid 19. Like many writers I know, I'm having trouble concentrating. I'm on deadline, but my usual word count has decreased. I'm still walking outside (by myself) and working out with weights. I'm cooking (a LOT) and I've kept my weight steady. I have a lot to be grateful for, and I'm aware of that, but still my anxiety has sky-rocketed. I have an elderly, sick dog and I had to take him to the vet. I had a serious panic attack, even though they came to the car and got him.
I'm having vivid dreams, some that might qualify as nightmares. Probably because I'm a very routine, play by the rules type person, and the state that I live in has a lot of people who disregard rules. That's scary too.
I know there are others in the same situation. I stick to my routine and sit down every weekday like always to write. Despite having written many, many books, it's more difficult that it ever has been.
So, how to create in the middle of chaos?
I love writing romance. I adore the beauty of figuring out the perfect words, a beautiful sentence. I enjoy getting to know my characters, who live in a world where there is no virus, and I actually envy them for their (fictional) ability to go about their lives. Sometimes, I actually manage to slip into that mystical zone where I'm able to lose myself in the story. I appreciate those times more than I ever have.
It's May, and my April book got some good reviews, which makes me happy. My next book will be out in June. It's a Colton's book, and those seem to sell well. I'm looking forward to hearing what readers think of it, as it wraps up a 12 book series (the other 11 books were written by other authors.)
In addition to binge watching TV, I've also been reading more. That's fun and also helps stoke my muse.
What are you doing to help cope with the anxiety and solitude?
And here's the link to our May contest: LINK
The happiest of days, darling girl. I hope it is filled with love, laughter, and light.
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday! It is such a strange time, isn't it? I'm doing much like you are. The only way I keep writing is by doing it in sprints. I'm sewing masks and scrub caps and making non-events into "yay!" times. Blessings to you.
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday, Karen! Sounds like you are doing all the right things! Hang in there. Me? I decided to retire 6 months ago -- who would know it would be in the middle of a pandemic! So, I'm working to get my "retired" writing routine together, and trying also to stay out of the refrigerator. And, I've been working in the vegetable beds to ready them for planting. So trying to keep busy like you and create some sort of a routine. Have a great day -- yum, margaritas!
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday to you! Today is also my son's birthday and my brother's birthday! Great day! I understand about feeling stuck. I have asthma and haven't been out in public in two months. I keep praying they'll find a way to fight this virus. We'll get there. It sure is hard in the meantime though! Stay safe and sane!
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday! Today is my brother's bd too! So now I should remember yours. Routines are soothing but gosh sometimes a little bend in the schedule and I wonder what's happened to me when I don't just rid over it. Happy book birthday, too!! Enjoy those margaritas. Sounds like a perfect bd celebrations.
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday! For me, each birthday is a milestone lol Congrats on the great reviews. Not surprising, though.
ReplyDeleteI always have a slump of energy shortly before my birthday. I think of it as 'death and rebirth'. A time to re-evaluate what's not working and change things up. Right now the whole world is doing similar. Have a great day. You will always remember this one!
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday, Karen! I enjoyed your post, especially the paragraph about the joy of writing romance. I don't think the lockdown has affected me much. I really miss seeing our daughters but that's the main thing that's wrong. My husband, daughters, and I have compromised immune systems and staying in is super important for us. Congratulations on the new release and reviews. Best wishes!
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday! I hope you have a good day! PF Changs and margaritas are always good. I wish you good lick with sales. The shutdown hasn't been too hard on us, except that we can't see our family. I'm glad I have an "inside" hobby, so that is probably why I'm doing ok.
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday Karen. Maybe it's time to slow down a bit. Give ourselves a break. I too am struggling this week, so am just taking a break, learning something new, getting to those other-than-writing projects that have been languishing for so long. And hoping the muse will return soon.
ReplyDeleteTake care. Judy Hudson
Happy Birthday! And congrats on your next book!
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday! I hope that you had a great day, the food is one of my favs! Congrats on the new book! Hugs! 💖
ReplyDeleteI'm a day late but wishing you a wonderful year ahead. My birthday was a bit strange this year too. Just Larry and I celebrating. I thought about being self-indulgent and making myself a birthday cake, but I decided that was too much work. All said and done, it was better than last year when I spent the month playing nurse to my sister-in-law. *g*
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday, Karen! Nice that you're able to celebrate in your backyard with your daughter. I envy the pool. I miss my water aerobics and swimming. Congrats on the new book!
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