In troubled times, adaptability is a very important capacity in humans. It feels even more crucial now, as we all get used to this new way of being, in our self-isolation from COVID-19. Our ability to flex and change is one aspect that has made our species as a whole so successful. I believe it is also vital that we exercise a flexible mind-set as individuals too. 

When we come out of the current crisis, we will all need a period of reflection to absorb and process what has happened and what has changed. Many will have lost loved ones we may not have been able to properly mourn; family break-ups might follow; jobs and businesses might have been lost. But I believe positive things will come out of this crisis too. Perhaps we have all had the chance to slow down and take stock of what is really important. Maybe we have connected more within our local communities, as those who can help reach out to those who need it most. Perhaps more people have realised they can work at home. There could be a reduction in foreign business travel and travel in general, which in turn may help the climate.  In my area, the little local village shops have really come into their own with the post office-bakery also selling fresh fruit and veg, eggs and milk. Seeing familiar friendly faces and supporting the local stores is a vastly more pleasant way to shop than pushing a trolley around a soulless supermarket. 

My family, at least, have realised we don’t need to buy as much ‘stuff’ as we perhaps did in the past. With shops closed and deliveries being reduced, we’ve had to make do more. I think this is a great lesson for us all. It really is a chance to take a look at our lives and make some positive changes that wouldn’t otherwise have occurred to us. It’s also a chance to remember not to take our loved ones for granted. 

One thing which has become apparent in this lockdown is that, apart from social media suddenly being viewed as a lifeline rather than deleterious, the arts are more vital than ever to our mental well-being. Having access to great dramas, theatre, music and dance performances, albeit not live, but via our televisions and devices, provides us with a well-needed rest from the incessant virus-related, twenty-four-hour news feeds. And of course, we mustn’t forget books. Perhaps this time will see a rejuvenation for a love of reading. I’ve heard of several people lately who haven’t picked up a book in years, suddenly having the time and inclination to do so. 

The same ability to adapt is as important now for the publishing industry as it is for us as individuals. The challenge for the publishing industry at the moment with stores closing and people staying home is huge. There has been a shift to eBook sales as it has become difficult and slower to deliver print books. Sales of print books are down (as I write this) by 80% in the UK and likely to drop further. By contrast, eBook sales are holding up relatively well. I say this shortly after receiving the news that my U.K. publisher will be pushing back publication of my hardback from May to August, with the eBook and audio versions still being published in May. This inevitably means the paperback will also be pushed back into 2021, and my second book will come out later than planned. Whilst on the one hand, this is disappointing as I have dreamt of holding that book, and seeing it in bookshops, for longer than I care to mention; on the other, I know my publisher is making the right decision given our current situation. I must adapt to the change in circumstances just like everyone else. 

For us authors, who are mainly used to working at home, one might think the self-isolation change is not so great. Personally for me, I have had to adapt my life and routine significantly. It has taken me about two weeks to work out how best to do this, and for my mind to come to terms with the change in circumstances. We are a family of five, with older teens worried about their futures, and a younger one whom I’m having to home school. With my husband working from home too, we have all had to find a new rhythm and way of making our lives gel together. I have adapted to the new way of things by getting up around two hours before everyone else, so that my workday runs from around six a.m. until around eleven or twelve. After that, I need to be available for school, family, dog and a little volunteering effort. 

The current crisis has changed things for everybody. But we can adapt and make the best of it. It is also good to remember that it is okay to be disappointed that things have not worked out the way we expected them to. It is okay to be scared, concerned for our futures and discombobulated by it all. We should be as kind and understanding towards ourselves and our families who will be feeling it too, as we would to a vulnerable stranger. We will come out of it, and things will be ‘normal’ again one day. It may be a different ‘normal’, but that is okay too.   

Please stay well, look after yourselves. 

See you on the other side!

Louise 

PS - As it is only a month out from publication, if you haven’t already pre-ordered People Like Us/Daughter of the Reich, it would be wonderful if you could, via these links:

For Daughter of the Reich:

https://www.harpercollins.com/9780062964052/daughter-of-the-reich/

For People Like Us:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07PW7LJCH

A reminder also that (if you haven’t already done so) if you sign up to my website, you will receive a free short story, a quarterly newsletter and monthly blog. You can do that here:

https://www.louisefein.com/sign-up