Writing through the quarantine

By Sam Cox · Apr 2, 2020 · 674 · 2
Categories:
  1. Covid-19 has wrought havoc on the world. Deaths and economic loss are the most prevalent to be reported (the fallout of this pandemic will have something like the effect of the 2007/8 Financial Crash) but there is also the toll of the quarantine.

    The toll of quarantine can be counted in a bunch of ways: loss of school hours for children, loss of social interaction for those in need, loss of earnings, loss of stability, an increase in stress and anxiety regarding bills and job prospects...yeah, it's all pretty shit.

    I work in the aviation industry and I have felt first hand the devastation that this has caused. In fact, we have suffered almost worse than anyone else though, personally, I am doing quite well. My partner and I are in quarantine and we spent a lot of time together as a result. I enjoy our breakfasts, lunches and dinners together and I also enjoy falling asleep on the couch where I can steal her body-heat.

    Another perk of being holed up inside is that I am forcing myself to write 3,000 words a day in order to complete my novel.

    It is every writer's dream to be able to make a living this way. Of being able to sit in front of their computer or typewriter and just letting the imagination splash onto the pages - and then spend the next who knows how long editing said imagination splurge. I am now living the life of a writer (albeit by force but I am not complaining) and I'm happy.

    It is upsetting, however, that the real world will come mule-kicking its way back in at some point. Until then, best to focus on getting this story down!
    Categories:
    Malisky likes this.

Comments

Sort Comments:

Sort Comments By

  1. GrahamLewis
    I agree there's a lot of upside to safe self-quarantine. I am observing things even more closely than ever, especially the backyard wildlife, and doing a lot of spiritual reading. Long walks with my wife, rediscovering the nearby conservation park and watching as spring springs up. Working on a couple writing projects, and even readily entering the contests here. (unsuccessfully thus far). For those of us with adequate resources and healthy relationships, it is indeed almost a blessing. We get along and mostly all is good. Home cooking is good, especially since the wife is a wonderful cook and won't let me help. Takeout once in awhile, for our sake and that of our favorite restaurants.

    Still, the real world has not gone away, and a lot of people, as you note, are suffering. Dying. People without money are desperate, kids at home with dysfunctional parents -- or one overworked overstressed parent or no parents. And all of us dealing with the uncertainty, and the stark reality hits home when someone you know gets the virus, that it's really lurking out there, and none of us are immune.

    So I'm not upset that the virus will fade and the real world will return, albeit somewhat modified, maybe for the better. And perhaps I will retain some of my new-found introspection and maybe even get something published.

    As the Grateful Dead sang, "every silver lining has a touch of grey . . . . We will get by/We will survive." Let's hope so.
    GrahamLewis, Apr 2, 2020
      Sam Cox likes this.
  2. Sam Cox
    A very positive way of looking at things for sure. I very much hope that these things continue as they are now for yourself and for your wife. And, of course, never stop going for those walks. They are worth every step.
    Sam Cox, Apr 8, 2020
To make a comment simply sign up and become a member!
  1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
    By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
    Accept Learn More...
    Dismiss Notice