Every first Wednesday of the month, the IWSG (Insecure Writer’s Support Group) engages writers to share their fears, thoughts, progress, struggles, excitement, encouragement, or anything really, about their writing. A different question is posed each month as a writing prompt. Answering it is optional.
For April, the question is: “The IWSG’s focus is on our writers. Each month, from all over the globe, we are a united group sharing our insecurities, our troubles, and our pain. So, in this time when our world is in crisis with the COVID-19 pandemic, our question is: how are things in your world?”
This amazing, supportive group of writers was founded by Alex J. Cavanaugh. Today, the co-hosts are Diane Burton,JH Moncrieff,Anna @ Emaginette,Karen @ Reprobate Typewriter,Erika Beebe, and Lisa Buie-Collard.
((After the park ranger told us Wood Lake Campground would close (see last photo of my previous post), she recommended another spot in the forest where we would be able to boondock (primitive camp for free), showing it on her map, from a safe distance. Based on the amount of bugs and the lack of cell service in Apalachicola National Forest, FL we decided to move on.))
My answer to the question (How are things in your COVID-19 world?)
As most of you know, my husband, dog, and I live, work, and travel full-time in our 19ft camper van Zesty. In general, this lifestyle is quite challenging due to many (unexpected and expected) factors. Add to that a pandemic leading to travel restrictions, empty stores, and closed campgrounds and we can honestly say that we have never felt this “displaced” or “homeless”. While everyone has been sheltering in their comfortable homes, we have been on the hunt for a suitable campsite to self-isolate. We even planned to book a hotel room for a week (something we have never done), but our preferred resort closed as well.
((We found $5 primitive campsites in Gibson Park, Florida (according to our resources) and decided to move there for the time being, but were met with this sign.))
After two weeks of searching (mostly in Northern Florida), we think we found a manageable spot in South Carolina. At least for a little while… As the COVID-19 situation becomes more dire everywhere, we are still at a loss about what to do next – stay put indefinitely or head to my in-laws (and our residency address) in Massachusetts, where we have a room separate from the house. Either way, we will soon have to “run out” again for drinking water and groceries, as our van only holds limited amounts.
My book progress
After a productive month of rewriting and submitting to publishers in February, March was to be the month in which we’d sightsee Florida. Obviously, that didn’t quite happen. We drove a lot, looked for potential campsites, and sat still in hot and buggy places. Those conditions combined with the current Coronavirus situation didn’t allow or inspire me to continue work on my memoir. So, no book progress, apart from a couple more rejection letters.
What’s next?
Who knows? If the publishing world has slowed down, my chance to get picked up by an editor or publisher is even more slim than under normal circumstances. This means that my path to self-publication might start earlier than anticipated. But first, I’d have to find an amazing and affordable – do those two words go together? – (developmental) editor. If you are that person or know her/him, please tell me in the comments.
Mark and I hope you are all doing well and maintaining a positive spirit while social distancing and/or self-isolating. Stay focused. Stay sane. Stay healthy!
Leave a Reply to Human Encounters in Florida – Meeting Friends before COVID-19 – Roaming AboutCancel reply