We've talked about this before, all the writing conferences and conventions that have been cancelled, plus the book and craft fairs.
So what do we miss besides the opportunity to sell books?
For me, it's not getting to see old friends and make new ones in the writing and reading community.
In July, my favorite conference of all, the Public Safety Writers Association's annual get-together had to be cancelled. I usually teach at the pre-conference workshop. I always get ideas for my books from the speakers and panels.
The Visalia Library had planned a big outdoor book festival for fall--of course that won't happen, all the libraries are closed.
One of the biggest book festivals in northern California held in Manteca held in the fall is a victim of the Covid 19 too.
My calendar for the 2020 was filled with conferences and book fairs to attend, plus speaking engagements at writers groups. All cancelled.
Of course, I've got copies of my books on hand that I expected to sell at all these places.
I've been busy, despite all this because all my books are now self-published in paper and for Kindle on Amazon. But, I don't know about my fellow authors, but for me, it's not as much fun to try and promote on line as it is to be face-to-face with a potential buyer and reader of one of my books.
Discussing a book in person is much more rewarding. And I miss this.
What I'm also missing in meeting with my writers' groups like the San Joaquin chapter of Sisters in Crime. I miss seeing the members, and I miss hearing the speakers. I miss the regular meeting of the Tulare-Kings Writers group. And most of all, I miss the weekly gatherings of our writers' critique group. I'm in touch with them via email, but it isn't the same.
What about you? What are you missing most as a writer or a reader?
Marilyn who also writes as F. M. Meredith
I'm busy writing the next book in the Rocky Bluff P.D. series, and the latest book in the Deputy Tempe Crabtree series is End of the Trail.
