Will the Coronavirus be the Grinch that Steals Christmas?

 

Dear Readers,

Just like the title states: Will the Coronavirus be the Grinch that steals Christmas?

This is a blog I never wanted to write. COVID-19 cases are skyrocketing across the United States. Over 70,000 new cases have been reported on numerous days in the past weeks and the death toll has eclipsed more than 200,000 souls.

It’s clear that the COVID-19 virus isn’t going away anytime soon. And it’s certainly not going to be conquered before the holiday season. It’s almost painful to write the words “virus” and “holiday” in the same paragraph. The reality is that this is one of the strangest Christmas buying seasons we’ve probably ever encountered.

Did you know that in 1606, London was locked down in quarantine as the bubonic plague swept through the countryside? William Shakespeare used his enforced downtime to write some of his most enduring plays: King Lear, Macbeth, and Antony and Cleopatra.

Sixty years later, the plague returned to England. Classes at Cambridge University were canceled, so young Isaac Newton retreated to his family estate and wrote papers that would become his theory of gravity.

If the plague couldn’t stop the most famous playwright and mathematician from producing history-changing works, then I decided what’s stopping me from sitting in my typing chair and creating ideas for new books?

It’s true that the COVID-19 crisis has dramatically changed the way all of us do business and live our lives. But there is one activity where millions of people are finding solace during this difficult time: reading a book.

As an author, I’m wondering, like so many writers, with people avoiding crowds, shopping from home, and desiring instant gratification, will there be a surge in demand for eBooks? Studies show that book lovers haven’t embraced their digital cousins to the extent that was predicted when the first  Kindle was introduced, and while eBooks never became the “printed book killer” they were touted as, sales have taken off in the last few months.

So here’s the question, dear friends, will the Coronavirus be the Grinch that steals Christmas? Books could be the go-to gift option in what’s predicted to be a social-distancing Christmas, especially when this virus prevents us from celebrating with our friends and family in person. It’s my guess that gift givers will stay home to search for that perfect book title and have it safely delivered to their loved one’s doorstep.

I’m wondering what a post-COVID world will look like. What about you—have you also wondered? I’m looking forward to the day hubby and I can go to our favorite restaurants without thinking about social distancing or go to a concert in person, and hopefully have in-office doctor visits instead of tele-med by phone. I’m confident this day is coming with new vaccines on the horizon, but some things have changed forever, and that includes the world of book marketing.

I know it’s shameless of me to post this article then invite you to peruse our book titles. In fact, we’ll be the opposite of the Grinch. For the first five people to respond positively to this blog article, we’ll gift you with a pdf. copy of our listed novels. You may choose one title of your choice or you may choose to receive all five titles. 

      

                        

 However, there is a catch: we’re limiting this offer to the first five people #1) Who respond with one positive impact that 2020 has had on you, #2) Let us know which pdf. title you wish to receive or if you wish to receive all 5 titles, #3) Check on FB to see if you are a winner. You will then be asked for your email address so the authors can contact you, #4) While it isn’t a requirement, we would greatly appreciate it if you would post a positive review for each book you read on FB, Amazon, or Goodreads. Hurry: This offer expires December 21, 2020.

*Note all books are offered as a pdf. except for “Water Dreams” which is offered as an ebook.*

So, dear readers, keep reading, keep staying positive, and most of all stay safe!

MERRY CHRISTMAS and HAPPY NEW YEAR!