Writing in 'lockdown', Week 1

So, Boris Johnson has put in measures to restrict movement and keep people safe(r). The word 'lockdown' has not been officially used, although many act as if it had been. A week in and some are wisely staying at home and heeding government instructions while others refuse to be restricted, at times seeming to embrace danger. With Covid-19 hitting celebrities as far-ranging as Idris Elba, Harvey Weinstein and Prince Charles, we at least can't accuse it of discrimination. Oh, and Boris has now succumbed.

But what does this mean for your humble fantasy writer?

Well, I've lost count of people reminding me that Shakespeare wrote 'King Lear' while under quarantine. You're very kind, but I'm certainly not Shakespeare! I also have a day job and teaching vulnerable children means the provision I work in and the mainstream school we're attached to have been open all week. The children have been fantastic and the camaraderie between remaining staff has been brilliant. Maybe that'll be the basis of some writing in the future. I might start keeping a journal so I don't forget the ideas I'm getting at this exceptional time.

At least I'm occupied. Many of my writer friends, including those for whom it's their main income, are struggling to write when the weight of the pandemic and the current situation is never far from their minds. It's also the case that self-employed writers have missed out on a lot of conferences and events where they would normally have been paid to speak or been able to sell books, increasing their existing worry.

A brave new world? It could be. I'm appreciating my job in a new way as I've still got fresh air, exercise, social contact and a routine when many people haven't got that choice. Perhaps my next book will reflect a new appreciation for the little things. I've certainly been glad of the good weather when gardening at home and doing PE with the children whereas I might not have thought about this much normally. What are you finding that keeps you positive in this strange time? Let me know and we can encourage each other to keep being creative whether that looks like writing on a page or something different.