I’ve seen on the news that there’s talks of shutting everything down for 4-6 weeks in order to stop the spread of Covid-19 even further than it already has. So, the question is how do you think a lock down would affect literature? Do you think a lock down would put more pressure on authors to push out more literature by their publishing companies so that people would have something to do during a lock down?
From a reader stand point, you might have trouble finding new literature to read to keep you busy during that 4-6 weeks. You may not be allowed to go to the library or your favorite book store during that time. Not me….I’m sure I have enough to read to keep me busy for that long should I be required to stay home. If I didn’t, then I might make a trip to the bookstore just before the lock down were to occur. Otherwise, the only option I can see at this particular time is seeing if the library has the option of borrowing books virtually on your tablet or e-reader. I’ve heard that some libraries have that option but I’m not sure how that works because I’ve not tried it yet. Like I mentioned before, I’ve got enough to read (both physical copies and e-books on my Kindle) to keep me busy for 4-6 weeks.
From a writer stand point, that’s a little different. If you are a writer that works from home, what would you do if your family were suddenly stuck at home with you for 4-6 weeks? How much work do you think you would get done? At my house, it’s just myself and my spouse (and our dog). I could ask my hubby to give me some time to myself to allow me to work and I feel like he would respect that. Yes, the lock down would give us more time to spend together, however, there would have to be some time that I would need to be left alone if I was to get any work done. I honestly don’t know how it would work out if we had children.
The Fireside Chats 
Fortunately, authors do not need to leave their houses to write books. Nothing is ever written in a physical medium any longer. Drafts can be emailed. There is nothing about the lockdown that should effect the production of new stories. In fact, the opposite is likely true. Authors will have more time and less distractions to impede the creative process. Amazon still deliver. E-books are more popular than ever. Lockdown is good for readers.
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Very true. There’s so much an author can do from home these days with help from technology. And we can receive the books they put out thanks to the companies that deliver or the e-books that you can get on your tablet/e-reader.
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Well, I think Lockdown has given authors the to take advantage of work from home orders and write new stories. Obviously working from home has its downsides, like distractions for example. And, I agree with what you said in regards to libraries being closed etc. Another well-written post.
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If you have kids that have to stay home with you, I can see how that would be hard. Because someone has to watch them and that may include having to help them with their school work. Kids are going to be forced to do virtual learning instead of getting to see their teachers face to face where it may be easier to learn what they’re suppose to learn.
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I imagine authors will benefit from more time available to them because of the various lockdown measures. It would give them time to work on things, but some may also feel pressured and experience writers block as a result.
I am jealous though of people having time to read more freely this year though, as I am still very busy with studies so I cannot enjoy reading as much as I would like to.
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Yeah, I’m always jealous of people who get more reading time than me. I could spend all day reading. I can imagine a lock down would produce more time for people to read as well as giving authors more time to try to write.
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