Writing in the time of Coronavirus

I'll be honest, this is not a great time to query your new project. The publishing industry is on shaky ground, like almost every other industry out there, and people are anxious and afraid. When you add in the fact that NY is the epicenter of the pandemic here in the United States, a lot of people in publishing have been personally affected by the disease, and not just the economic impacts.

Speaking from the West Coast, I'm grateful that San Francisco took the lead in implementing social distancing measures, as we've been hit less hard so far. The effects are still significant and challenging personally and professionally.

I've been holding off on submissions and considering new clients. Conferences have cancelled, and I was going to do a manuscript workshop here in San Francisco this May that is obviously not going to happen. Instead, I'm thinking of doing virtual consulting via Skype. Working closely with aspiring writers is one of my favorite parts of the business, and since in-person options are closed, I'd like to find some other way to continue that.

As for your own situation, you may be on lockdown or out of work, and you're probably facing the same worries, stress, and possibly depression that are running rampant right now. While we can hope we overcome the pandemic as soon as possible, not just in North America, but worldwide, it's going to drag on for for some time.

Take this opportunity to write if you can. Immersing yourself in a new project is not just important for the development of your skills as a writer, but could give you a needed mental break, as well. Depending on your individual situation, that may or may not be possible, but if you can manage, your writing could help see you through one of the most difficult periods of time any of us will face.

Stay healthy and safe.