Writing (or not writing) During A Pandemic

On By Lorraine AmbersIn Author lifestyle

Being creative during a pandemic can be a struggle. Not only is the world full of fear, but it’s also loaded with stress. If you can’t write, don’t beat yourself up about it. We’re living in uncertain times, making sure you take care of yourself and your family is the main priority. But to ease the burden, here’s a lighthearted post about how I’m dealing with the situation.

Keep active.

This translates to hoovering in my pajamas, washing the dishes while staring out of the window and daydreaming. I like to let the lemon-fresh soapy suds lull me into a peaceful bliss while I conjure up new plots.

Keeping the kids busy.

Signed up to Disney+ so we can all watch our favorite films. I’m taking advantage of being emotionally carried away by Marvel magic. Sigh! Chris Pratt. Besides, endless games of monopoly and Uno are getting old fast. It’s like an extended Christmas holiday with less booze.

Photo by rawpixel.com from Pexels

Keep expectations realistic

I now understand that two ‘family sized bars of chocolate’ are supposed to last a full week. Apparently, stocking up on treats does not count as essential shopping. BUT, when I next make the perilous ‘social distancing’ trip around the supermarket – I’ll buy more chocolate (and maybe booze).

It seems everyone else has gone baking mad, meaning bags of flour, paracetamol and loo roll has suddenly become rarer than gold dust (who would have guessed). Thankfully, I can’t bake!

Take some ME time.

This means hiding in the bathroom; to either have an emotional break down, or to read a chapter (or three) in peace. Suddenly, I understand why my husband takes so long on the loo. Sneaky!

Draw strength from the situation

Sometimes we need to pull on our inner reserves, knowing that we will get through this madness. A good tip is to call upon your Spirit Animal. I have called upon a hamster: I like to eat, hibernate, gaze at the world side and then do as little house keeping as possible.

Fantasy writer Lorraine Ambers blog banner

Humor can be a great way to cope with difficult situations. So why not get creative and share your spirit animal with me. You know I love hearing from you.

Thanks for stopping by, until next time, Much Love.

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© Author Lorraine Ambers and http://www.lorraineambers.com, 2020.

39 thoughts on “Writing (or not writing) During A Pandemic”

  3. thank you for the funny post! for some time my spirit animal was the owl, now i’m not sure sure 🙂 maybe a hummingbird? I relate to your Keep Active advice, sometimes even if I’m away from writing, I try to think of ideas to possible explore when I have time

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  4. Treats, especially chocolate, are definitely essential… at least for me. Today, it’s pie for my family. And as for a spirit animal, my panther is on the prowl today. Other days I’m feeling more like a horse. Good luck on the writing, and love your humor!

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  6. Thank you for the happy post 🙂 I can’t write at all lately, still working full time+, and homeschooling a child, and no housekeeping services. I feel my spirit animal may be that lizard that severs its own tail when caught. Something had to give, lol.

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    1. Brilliant!! A lizard – It does feel like that some days, especially if your children are young. I have two teenagers now, so as long as they’re fed and kept separated, they crack on with school work. So I’m luck, I have moments of peace. Stay well! 😊

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  10. Lol, I think I’d probably go with a flamingo, I’ve always loved them – I never tire of trying to inject colour and frilliness into my surroundings – I still try and buy flowers each week and make an effort to fluff up my feathers 😊

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  11. Holy crap! I totally forgot Marvel was Disney, I need to get me some Disney+

    I think there’s the idea that the pandemic is going to be great and you should all be writing dozens of books but just because things have changed and we MAY have more time, doesn’t mean it’s easier to write more. Thanks for this!

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  12. I have less time than ever. Day jobs even more demanding, the kids are not in school, and I am trying to combat the misinformation they are getting.

    I still carve out 45 minutes a day, most days. It’s better than nothing.

    I hope you are doing well and staying safe.

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  19. I’ve started to finally get into the habit of writing more often, which has been great, and possible (to an extent) by the reduced commute time – but definitely finding lots in common with the need to get more chocolate because of snaccidents, and just leaving the bloomin’ washing up for a bit!

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  20. Pingback: Is the Pandemic Blocking Your Writing? – Lorraine Ambers

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