Writers under Lockdown: 10 Tips for Survival
During a global pandemic, when the world seems to have been shut down, our work suffers as much as the economy does. Especially for writers, going out for population surveys, seeking real-world stories and collaboration with fellow writers and publishers, everything come to a halt. Outer-world inspiration is almost zero, and you barely have enough information or support to publish and print your own book. However, even amidst these gloomy environment, you can switch on your creativity and utilize the lockdown time at home to improve your writing breadth. You will have plenty of time to continue on a running script or create something new because you are isolated, and then you can concentrate.
Here are 10 tips for writers to survive during a lockdown:
- Finish Your Half-done Work– You may have worked partially on a manuscript earlier, but had stopped it halfway due to something. Finish that first. Start writing that book whose findings and facts are already with you. Access required materials that are available online and keep writing. It can probably be the best time to write a complete book, when your findings are with you, because this is when you cannot go out to meet publishers, no social meetings or gatherings, no obliging ceremonies. A complete in-home environment can be really motivating if you start writing your book and look forward to getting it published.
- Be a Part-time Scientific Writer– Many technical organizations and telecommunication companies are on lookout for technical writers and scientific writers for content creation. They need someone who has the knowledge of science and the skills of scientific writing. These positions are usually work-from-home structure. Also, many scientific journals require writers to build their website with content regarding what is scientific writing, methodology tips, relevance to scope etc. Sometime, they require data collection on certain topics and subjects or situations. You can always try some new writing skills to make some money, when you are home. Not a bad option to earn on a temporary basis.
- Be a Blogger– Blogging is becoming a booming avenue for earning money creatively. You have the knowledge and you have the technique; you can start your own blog, or you can also post on websites available as knowledge-sharing platforms. It is believed that becoming a successful writer starts with good blogging these days. If you haven’t started yet, lockdown period is the right time to start blogging about your thoughts in a series. After sometime, you will realize, your blog has become close to a manuscript, good enough to publish and print your own book. In fact, your blog viewers can become your dedicated readers, who will later purchase your book. This blog can later be a great marketing tools for your book.
- Open Your Own Youtube Channel– If you have some free time, develop on your marketing skills. Digital marketing is a must in any business and it is no different for a writer. Writing and publishing is not enough; you have to get your work to the audience and readers out there. Making short videos on your subject, story ideas, concepts, plots and characters can have a great impact. Use this platform to speak about your forthcoming book.
- Engage in Music– You need to relax amidst the uncertainties and stress of lockdown and constant writing. Probably, the most relaxing and creative way to be productive, is music. Though music may not be everyone’s cup of tea but there is hardly anyone in the world who doesn’t like music. If you ever had the hobby or passion for a particular instrument, this is the time to touch its strings and chord. Start with low expectations from yourself. You don’t become a Mozart overnight; be patient, keep practicing. Its great for mental health during a depressive state of affairs. Learning music can be peaceful and motivating for your work too. When you learn a bit, you can share your knowledge with others. You can earn by teaching music or you can just do it for your happiness.
- Be a Grant Writer– Many non-profit organizations require writers to develop proposal for getting funding for multiple purposes from larger business organizations or the Government. It is your regular job to prepare manuscript proposals for publishers and literary agents, right? Then why not do a bit on research on grant writing, and to the job to earn some money from home?
- Do Some Baking- Good food gives instant gratification to the body and mind. Satisfying taste is pleasurable, more so, you create it with your own hands. Baking takes patience too; it’s a science which involves precision and measurements, and the ultimate satisfaction of watching your goods puff up with pride is immeasurable. If you have an oven, get on it. Even if you are just starting off, there are tons of simple recipes of cupcakes and breads on the internet. Baking can give therapeutic relief during a lockdown mode of life. Additionally, if your goods turn out well, you can even sell them. You can always start with something new; you never know, you can open your own bakery from here.
- Read More– During regular work schedule, writers barely have any time to do regular reading, even though they know it is a must. With submission deadlines and pressure from publishers, writers do not attend to reading much. But reading opens thought channels and keep the stream of consciousness flowing. During a lockdown, when most publishing houses are closed, and there are no submission pressures, use this time to get back to reading habit. Read at least a page per day, or on your own pace.
- Be an Instructional Mentor– With the education system also evolving with each passing day, requirement for online teachers and mentors is also increasing. Several governmental and non-governmental educational programs require volunteer and part-time mentors to support their enrolled students in a course. The work may not be direct instruction or teaching, rather, it is helping students to complete their course successfully. Besides, earning, this job profile gives enough free time. As a writer, you can have the time to work on your book, while still earning. Additionally, this job can give you new connections, to whom you can sell, when you publish and print your own book.
- Teach Online– If you are a life-long academician, teaching can be the best part of doing something, even from home. In a lockdown situation, especially COVID-19, online learning is also taking a soar. Even schools and regular colleges are trying to implement online learning, so you can associate yourself with that. There are several web platforms which are specialized for making online courses available to students. Enroll yourself as an instructor there. Use your niche knowledge of creative writing to develop quality content for needy students and make money (as more students register to your course). Keep an eye for aspirants; many young budding authors require training and coaching on how to write and submit novels during these times. Make a platform or your own website to assist them with your experienced knowledge in the field. You can actually earn lot more as an independent instructor, than affiliated teacher.
Covid-19 has shown us, that life in home exists and anything can happen anytime on this earth. We have no control on the circumstances, but we have control on our lives. If we want to be productive, we can find and develop ways of doing so, even from home.
