Social distancing and books
March 16, 2020
As a writer, I spend a great deal of time alone, so social distancing didn’t seem to be that big of a deal. And yet . . .
I’ve been talking more frequently to my daughter, who lives over 400 miles away. Generally, we text, exchanging short messages, emojis when we are sharing a joke, something we know will make the other smile. But we are now feeling a need to hear each other’s voices.
My husband, Jim, was set to give a class on his latest book on Vietnam through Osher, a program designed for intellectually curious adults over 50. More than 200 signed up, but now it’s been canceled. We’d also been invited to do a joint event about our writing at the Historical Museum in my hometown of Twin Falls. Looks like we will be canceling that too. The writing group I meet with every other week at a coffee shop is rethinking our get-togethers. Most of us are in that vulnerable group, over 60.
Jim and I are still going out for our walks. The weather is warming here in Boise as spring approaches. There is plenty of space to walk without bumping into others as we pass on the Greenbelt, exchanging hellos, nodding in understanding. We’ve stocked up on more groceries that we normally would, though we completely missed out on the TP and hand sanitizer runs. Thankfully, we’ve got what I hope is a sufficient supply of each to get us through the next couple of weeks.
At home we watch too much TV news, which seems more depressing each day. I’ve got stacks of unread books, and so does Jim. We’ve been reading our newspapers digitally for the last year or so, which Jim has pointed out might put us in an unfortunate position if the TP runs out. (At least if I’m stuck at home with just one person, I’m grateful he has a sense of humor.) Music is good for filling the void, and I wish we could stand out on the balcony and sing like the Italians. But neither of us is musically gifted, and that would likely add to our neighbors’ stress.
I hope you too have a sufficient supply of TP, soap, sanitizer, food, reading material, and music.
For those who might need a book, I’d like to send you one of mine. I’d especially like those in the vulnerable group to let me know if you’d like something to read. I’ll give away one of each of my six books. Just send me an email, and let me know which one you’d like. If I have multiple requests for a book, I’ll randomly pick a name. I promise to scrub my hands before packing up your book.
If you’d like a hands-free delivery, I’ve reduced the price of two of my eBooks. Evel Knievel Jumps the Snake River Canyon . . . is now just $2.99. My latest novel, BLOODLINE AND WINE, has been reduced to $5.99. If you don’t own a Kindle, you can download the app to your iPad or iPhone.
Here is my email address and a couple of links for eBooks:
Wishing you the best,
Kelly
Reader Comments:
So sorry to hear about all these cancellations which is so unnecessary if people followed science to get vaccinated and wear masks. I live in the San Francisco Bay Area. California now has the lowest rise in the virus while Idaho is surging. Coeur d, Alene hospitals have no more beds available and are sending patients to Spokane! This trend will continue with businesses closed and people needlessly dying and people like you having to cancel all events until people wake up and get vaccinated!!
-Kelly fan, September 16, 2021
Dear “Kelly fan,” Thought we would have this licked by now… this blog was written in March, last year. Still not there, and I encourage those who haven’t been vaccinated to do it soon. Everyone take care and hopefully we will be able to gather for book events soon.
-Kelly, September 16, 2021