The Time is (Write) Now

As our country stands #alonetogether, how are you tapping into or stocking your creative well? Do you find that you have extra time on your hands now, as you grow used to this temporary lifestyle of social distancing? Are you gaining new insights about yourself, your relationships, public (or private) education, our nation or the world in general? How are you coping in this national and global emergency?

I am observing – and trying to record – new phenomenons every day as we #stayathome. More people are walking past my living room window. My kids are learning how to use a jump rope, and last week I taught them how to do a proper sit up. The owner of a construction firm shifted from building modular spaces such as hotel rooms and college dorms to mobile temporary emergency isolation hospital rooms, almost overnight. A small care package mysteriously showed up on my friend’s doorstep after a particularly tough day at home with her kids. Art and color is blooming everywhere with #chalkyourwalk.

Photo courtesy of Creative Commons and https://www.flickr.com/photos/1078773...

What is your story in the COVID-19 crisis? We are, all of
us, part of a historical moment on this planet. The time is now. Whether you’re
grieving or suffering, optimistic or fearful, faith-filled or panicked, I
encourage you to write through this time. Write about what’s going on around
you. Write about your part or your role in this emergency that touches all of
us. Dust off that story that’s been hibernating in your desk drawer, the one
you would come back to “someday.” The time is now. Explore the seed of an idea
that has never had the time to grow. Record your memories or help someone else
record theirs. Use this time. The time is now.

Jeff Goins writes that a crisis is an opportunity to create
something new. “Because the world is changing, and it will need your
contribution. In a week or a month or a year from now, how will you look back
on this time?” he asks. “Will you have used your opportunity to contribute
something to this new world? Or will you have only enjoyed an abundance of hand
sanitizer?”

Your contribution doesn’t have to be mind-blowing. It doesn’t
have to be New-York-Times-bestseller-worthy. How might your experience or your
creative spirit educate or inspire your children, your grandchildren, their
children?

During the month of April, I am offering a 10% discount on all editing and manuscript critique services with Kate Meadows Writing & Editing. I offer a free 30-minute consult to all new clients. Earlier this month, I launched a “30 Ways 30 Days” campaign, where I share on social media platforms one way each day to love your neighbor. Today’s way to #loveyourneighbor is this: Help someone record their life memories. If you’re interested in doing this, email me (kate@katemeadows.com) and I’ll send you 50 questions to consider when recording a life story.

If I can help you in any other way as a writer or editor
during this time, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We are #alonetogether,
but none of us should be alone. Writing, at its base, is communication. Let’s
keep the conversation going.