Goodreads Reviewers' Group discussion

I was part of a writers group that met weekly for many years in a local library but was forced to dissolve because of Covid-19. Over the last nine months, the vast majority of members remained silent, unproductive, uncommunicative. One or two that I knew admitted to feelings of depression, a lack of motivation, of feelings of helplessness. About two months into the pandemic I started meeting online with two other poet/writers and we started sharing work largely inspired by what was occurring around us. How have other writers coped? Have you struggled? PS happy if anyone wants to read a free copy and leave a review - just message me thanks!

My experience related to COVID-19 is completely different. Due to the initial restrictions and requests for social distancing, I was as isolated as everyone else. For months! I worked between 10-14 hours a day for many weeks and I truly enjoyed planting project seeds, watering sprouts, removing weeds, etc. I still contribute the same amount of time into my circadian activity: I write/illustrate/design/publish my humble stories. If my name is not on the virus's list I have to start preparing for literary harvest...
To summarize it in one sentence: COVID-19 made me more productive.
Marin
https://fontreal.com

Good to hear so Marin. I felt a bit odd because I was pretty productive over the months. We published and launched the book in the last month. We three each wrote about ten pieces and then passed them around for review amongst each other and trusted friends. Finally, we developed the name and cover and off it went.
I also managed to get a novel first draft over the finish line so I found the time locked down very useful. But I am a lucky one. I have a tolerant partner! Others alone found the time much harder!

Mark wrote: "Good to hear so Marin. I felt a bit odd because I was pretty productive over the months. We published and launched the book in the last month. We three each wrote about ten pieces and then passed t..."

Hi!
I can say about the same thing for myself. I was doing something totally different before Covid. Now I have published a book (last July), still working at promoting it and looking forward to book 2 for 2021.
Your book Murder on board looks interesting. Added to “want to read”. I do enjoy a good mystery 😊

Well done with publishing and pressing ahead with number two! I must admit I find the marketing the hardest part of the exercise. I feel sure there are readers for my stories but they're well hidden in places I probably haven't found yet. I generally put up a free website for the book and use social media and my personal contacts to get the news out. I think Linked-in contacts/ postings are good but hard to prove. I must seek out your book too. Thanks for commenting.