Coping with the coronavirus

Let me say first, I feel fortunate. Unlike many who are struggling in these desperate times, my wife and I have the resources to weather the storm -- at least for now. My heart goes out to those who do not.

My community of Las Vegas is feeling the brunt. For the first time since the assassination of John F. Kennedy in 1963, the Strip has shut down. Casinos, hotels, and restaurants, the economic engine of this tourist town, are closing their doors. Like many, I wonder when the worst will pass. I wonder when I will be able to resume work, look at a 401k statement without closing my eyes, or visit a store without seeing empty shelves and long lines. The challenges created by the spread of COVID-19 are both serious and numerous.

But so are the opportunities. If there is one thing that tough times force you to do, it is to rearrange priorities. Difficult experiences also prompt you to do things things you might not otherwise do. For some, it means volunteering, exercising more, or tackling projects around the house. For most, it means finding productive and meaningful uses of time when that typically scarce resource is suddenly in abundance. I know it does for me. I did not plan to start my next book for several more weeks. But it did not take me long to realize that home quarantine was an opportunity to do now what I might not be able to do -- or do as quickly -- later. Time, to a writer, is a gift.

So I jumped back in. I finished a chapter summary, ordered some research materials, read a few books, and watched some documentaries. I did and will continue to do what I can to make the most of a trying situation. I will begin writing the second novel in the Time Box series before the end of the month and plan to publish it by the summer. I hope that when the book does comes out, the world will be a healthier, happier, and less stressful place. I think we all do.