Diary of the Year of the Coronavirus

Creativity does not thrive in fear. But learning about fear helps us write better.

Like most of the world, I'm stuck at home, worried for family and friends. News of the toll of the coronavirus reach us from Europe as we see our own numbers grow. And we know little, understand even less.

Our lives have been upended, our routines obliterated and things we take for granted like the availability of groceries or

toilet paper are now in question. We're living a historic moment. And the uncertainty and fear mixed with the grief for the loss of our regular lives have turned the air thick, making breathing hard.

Across Italy, balconies have become stages, proving that art and the generosity of human nature prevail.

The Diary of the Year of the Coronavirus

Perhaps you are one of those people who are able to use this time to be productive. To focus on your writing project and get to things and details you never had time to.

All over the world artists are coming together to support each other and strangers in need. People who are struggling with anxiety and fear. Humans who need a reminder of days of light ahead and of shared perseverance. Sometimes escape. Art after all is a human necessity. Art feeds us.

And yet...

This will be a short post because my son is home instead of at school and writing with him climbing on me is not ideal. Writing in times like this is hard.

Some days it is impossible.

And I just wanted to tell you, you're not alone. Writers everywhere are struggling with getting things done. Creativity does not thrive in fear, and while some great novels and works came of times of terrible uncertainty, statistically, those are not the most productive eras for human beings. I have no tips in this post, other than to be kind to yourself, to do what you can, keep your family safe, and your mind sane.

Write if it helps. Don't if you can't.

No experience is ever wasted for a storyteller. We write while we live. The trauma, the fear, all the little things you see that touch your heart, store them for later. Your words will be necessary when their time comes.

In the meantime, stay safe. Stay healthy. And remember, you are not alone.

We are in this together, and we will get through it.

Dare always. Keep writing. Alicia