YOU GOOD? Being a Writer in the COVID-19 Pandemic, part 1

    How are you doing?  How are you coping?  The Novel COVID-19/ Corona Virus Pandemic has brought up a lot of different feelings for people from panic to concern, anxiety to uncertainty.  For many of us, it has brought up the feeling of “loss of control”.   We pore over news feeds and stock up on essentials at the stores. It has resulted in generosity and greater concerns for vulnerable members of society.  Never have we seen such a pandemic in my generation or in this century.  This time is causing me to think a lot about what we can do help people in difficult situations such as domestic abuse in which a “lockdown/social isolation” can have dire consequences, and holding each other up.  As a teacher who currently does not have my own children, I understand that many parents have to keep their young ones at home and in social isolation.  Museums, movie theatres, shows, and even places of worship have closed down or reduced their hours and capacities.  Literary and other conferences are being cancelled left right and centre or moved to virtual platforms.  Authors, including myself on March 24, are presenting and doing readings online.  

     I have probably spent way too much time online, reading Facebook posts, watching the numbers on the news, trying touch base with loved ones, and finding out what exactly is gong on?  It is possibly way too soon to know.

     In the meantime, I am using this time for self care and check in on loved ones.  Sure, it may feel like a luxury.

       Since this week is technically my March Break from my teaching career, I have been using this time for writing projects.  Below is my schedule.  PLEASE NOTE: I have not followed this schedule exactly as I’ve been flexible with the times, here and there.  If I get to most of the things on this list, major success especially since some days it’s more about reading COVID updates on social media, meeting deadlines, and checking in with loved ones.  Perhaps, you’ll find it helpful.  

      You will notice that my faith is an important part of my day.  I am a practicing Christian and I’ve begun writing prayers this week (as in first time ever).  I wrote my first ever prayer for healthcare workers.  Much of my family members work in the US and Jamaican 🇯🇲 healthcare systems so in addition to my Canadian home, I am following the novel COVID-19 pandemics there as well.  If you would like a copy, please contact me here.
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      On a different note, please join me on Tuesday, March 24, 2020 at 11am EST for FOLD Kids Academy webinar.  Click here for details.  Check www.nadialhohn.com/events or my social media for updates on any more online visits.

        Staying healthy is also essential!  I am thinking of ways to serve my community more in the next few weeks.  All of this will also be dependent on what this social distancing will look like in my career as a teacher.
        
        Check on your loved ones!  Take good care! 

MY WEEKDAY SCHEDULE​​

7:00 am or whenever I wake up
Tea, Prayer, the Word, Devotions, Journal, Read spiritual book, Listen to praise songs

9:00 am
​Draft edits to MG or YA novel manuscript

11:00 am
Run (on my run days)/ walk or outdoor (10km to Finish from Running by John Stanton)

and

30 Days of Yoga (Yoga with Adriene on youtube)

12:30 pm
Breakfast (Intermittent Fasting)/ Dishes

1:00 pm
E-mails/ Networking/ Blog

2:00 pm
“Jury Duty” Read through entries of an undisclosed writing contest 

3:00 pm 
Course planning for Writing for Children (University of Toronto) here

4:00 pm
Lunch/ Meal prep/ Dishes

5:00 pm
Online Les Mills BodyPump exercise here on Tues, Thurs, Sat

OR

Music, Reading, Art Time on Mon, Wed, Fri

6:00 pm
Listen to Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators (SCBWI) podcast, learning (doing this while meal prep or washing dishes)

7:00 pm
Dinner/ Dishes/ Meal prep

8:00 pm
Call a friend/ check-in

8:30 pm
Evening Entertainment (TV)/ Netflix

10:00 pm
Gratitude journal, read, pray

11:00 pm
Bedtime