Every first Wednesday of the month, the IWSG (Insecure Writer’s Support Group) engages writers to share their fears, thoughts, progress, struggles, excitement, encouragement, or anything really, about their writing. A different question is posed each month as a writing prompt. Answering it is optional.
For April, the question is: “The IWSG’s focus is on our writers. Each month, from all over the globe, we are a united group sharing our insecurities, our troubles, and our pain. So, in this time when our world is in crisis with the COVID-19 pandemic, our question is: how are things in your world?”
This amazing, supportive group of writers was founded by Alex J. Cavanaugh. Today, the co-hosts are Diane Burton,JH Moncrieff,Anna @ Emaginette,Karen @ Reprobate Typewriter,Erika Beebe, and Lisa Buie-Collard.
((After the park ranger told us Wood Lake Campground would close (see last photo of my previous post), she recommended another spot in the forest where we would be able to boondock (primitive camp for free), showing it on her map, from a safe distance. Based on the amount of bugs and the lack of cell service in Apalachicola National Forest, FL we decided to move on.))
My answer to the question (How are things in your COVID-19 world?)
As most of you know, my husband, dog, and I live, work, and travel full-time in our 19ft camper van Zesty. In general, this lifestyle is quite challenging due to many (unexpected and expected) factors. Add to that a pandemic leading to travel restrictions, empty stores, and closed campgrounds and we can honestly say that we have never felt this “displaced” or “homeless”. While everyone has been sheltering in their comfortable homes, we have been on the hunt for a suitable campsite to self-isolate. We even planned to book a hotel room for a week (something we have never done), but our preferred resort closed as well.
((We found $5 primitive campsites in Gibson Park, Florida (according to our resources) and decided to move there for the time being, but were met with this sign.))
After two weeks of searching (mostly in Northern Florida), we think we found a manageable spot in South Carolina. At least for a little while… As the COVID-19 situation becomes more dire everywhere, we are still at a loss about what to do next – stay put indefinitely or head to my in-laws (and our residency address) in Massachusetts, where we have a room separate from the house. Either way, we will soon have to “run out” again for drinking water and groceries, as our van only holds limited amounts.
My book progress
After a productive month of rewriting and submitting to publishers in February, March was to be the month in which we’d sightsee Florida. Obviously, that didn’t quite happen. We drove a lot, looked for potential campsites, and sat still in hot and buggy places. Those conditions combined with the current Coronavirus situation didn’t allow or inspire me to continue work on my memoir. So, no book progress, apart from a couple more rejection letters.
What’s next?
Who knows? If the publishing world has slowed down, my chance to get picked up by an editor or publisher is even more slim than under normal circumstances. This means that my path to self-publication might start earlier than anticipated. But first, I’d have to find an amazing and affordable – do those two words go together? – (developmental) editor. If you are that person or know her/him, please tell me in the comments.
To end on a positive note: my two adorable companions!
Mark and I hope you are all doing well and maintaining a positive spirit while social distancing and/or self-isolating. Stay focused. Stay sane. Stay healthy!
April 1, 2020 at 17:44
glad to hear that you are both okay, and hopefully feeling more settled soon.
April 2, 2020 at 13:50
Thank you, Claire. It feels nice to be in the same spot for a little while – peaceful and private as well. 🙂
April 1, 2020 at 17:46
Well, if you could avoid contact all the way up, going to Massachusetts might be a plan. You’d have to do it quickly though. At least gas is super cheap now.
April 2, 2020 at 13:53
Hi Alex!
Yes, we have never paid this little for diesel – $1.99 a gallon, that’s 50 cents a liter!
We are still 1,000 miles from the in-laws, so with our van that’s about a three-day drive. We only plan to stop at fuel stations once we commit to that jaunt. And, stock up on groceries before arrival. Not sure when it’ll happen. We’re quite happy on our own in the woods. 🙂
April 1, 2020 at 17:59
I was wondering whether you would return to your in-laws Liesbet, it seems a safe place to stay before further restrictions come into force that prevent you from getting there. We’re already in lockdown here and it may last a lot longer. Stay safe and well 💗 xxx
April 2, 2020 at 13:56
Europe was way ahead of the game with their lock-down status. I would think that after two weeks of everyone complying, the virus should stop spreading…
Whenever we hit the road again – to the in-laws – I think that can be seen as “essential travel”, as we are “driving home” non-stop and will help out my in-laws with grocery shopping, etc. We will see what happens… We also think we are safer in the woods than in a city, but it will be more comfortable and less tricky there when it comes to our lifestyle.
April 1, 2020 at 18:07
I’m happy to hear you all are safe, Liesbet. Keep going with your memoir! The publishing world hasn’t slowed. We need to read more than ever…it’s our escape. I’ll be cracking the whip on you! 🙂 Stay safe.
April 2, 2020 at 13:58
Haha, Jill! Yes, let’s get that whip cracking. 🙂 I’m at a point where I so hope a publisher will send me some positive news, while before I just went with the flow. This process has been going on long enough and my patience is – finally – wearing thin. Thanks for the wishes, as always.
April 1, 2020 at 18:11
How amazing is your world. My series is about survival in the wilds so your experiences appeal to me. My folks are completely without any technology as they lived 850,000 years ago. Still, I’m intrigued by how you problem solve as you work through your daily subsistence. Good luck with the current situation. I hope you find a place to camp!
April 2, 2020 at 14:03
Hi Jacqui!
I hope to dive into your series one day (or one year; I don’t have a lot of time to read), as the topic interests me as well and I’ve hung on your lips, each time you revealed an excerpt of your latest book during your blog tour.
Yes, one thing is for sure, in this lifestyle you ALWAYS have to be creative and flexible. And, be OK with not knowing what’s next. For example, tomorrow we need fresh water (and ideally a dump station) – hopefully we don’t run out of water during our shower – but we have no clue where to go as the dump station we had in mind is located in a campground that’s closed. So, a new adventure tomorrow! 🙂
April 1, 2020 at 18:24
Hi, Liesbet – I absolutely LOVE that closing shot of Mark and Maya. I’m glad that you are safe. Sending the three of you warm vibes and BIG HUGS.
Sadly,I’m not even sure what a Developmental Editor is. Pathetic, I know.
April 2, 2020 at 14:06
Isn’t that an awesome shot of my two M’s!? I actually have a series of photos, where Maya is trying to climb into the hammock. Funny, but fuzzy as well.
A developmental editor is a professional editor who helps you with the content of the story – what parts fit well, which parts should go, what needs elaborating on, does the premise make sense, etc. – as opposed to a line editor, who mainly focuses on typos and grammatical mistakes.
April 1, 2020 at 20:18
Hang in there. I hope you find the editor of your dreams. 🙂
Anna from elements of emaginette
April 2, 2020 at 14:07
Me too!
April 1, 2020 at 22:08
You just so happen to know a developmental editor with lots of credentials (I used to be a book doctor for a NYC literary agency), but affordable? Since the skill is rare and hard to train, we tend to be on the pricer side. However, the two of us might be able to work something out…you are my friend, after all, and your book interests me. 🙂 Shoot me a DM if interested.
I’m sorry for your struggles. I can’t even imagine how tough and scary this must be for you right now, but I’m glad all three of you are safe.
Random question…can you still pet sit with Maya?
Much love to you…stay healthy.
April 2, 2020 at 14:13
Hi JH!
How did I not realize you’re a developmental editor? I thought that was Chris and you did more line editing. You wear so many hats. And, I totally respect that job as I KNOW it’s incredibly difficult and time consuming and requires lots of talent as well – to keep everything straight, to see the big picture, and to recommend improvements. Polish it, make the book shine and whole… Phew! I’ll be in touch one of these weeks! Thank you for the offer.
Good question about the house and pet sitting with Maya. We haven’t tried, as we mainly “needed” that lifestyle during the time we ran a business and worked full-time. Some people accept house sitters with dogs, but it’s a rare occurrence. Maya would have to get along with their dogs, which can only be determined during a pre-visit, which might not make sense logistically.
So, to answer your question, it could potentially work but will be more difficult to arrange. It’s easier for us (usually) to stop by my in-laws once in a while and take a little break from the road there.
April 2, 2020 at 01:35
I can see your life has even more challenges now but you sure finished on a positive note. Love that pic of Mark and Maya. They radiate happiness and look like they haven’t got a care in the world. That’s a fantastic image to plant in your memory and pull out when things get tough. Take care.
April 2, 2020 at 14:14
Thanks, Trace! I’m glad you liked that photo as well. We are pretty safe and secure in the forest right now, with barely a soul around. Let’s hope this can last for a little while. 🙂
April 2, 2020 at 10:11
Good morning, Liesbet. I like Jill’s threat (Can this kind woman ever be threatening?) about cracking the whip on you. Yes, keep writing. Editors/publishers rejections can’t limit your creative flow or predict your eventual success.
Florida is on lockdown as of tonight at mid-night, so I’ve had a chance to riffle through quotes that kept me going through the tedium of writing memoir. This one stood out by Thoreau: “I learned this . . . by my experiment; that if one advances confidently in the direction of [her] dreams, and endeavors to live the life which [s]he has imagined, [s]he will meet with a success unexpected in common hours.”
You have Maya and Mark. I love the photo of Mark under a mosquito net and the 2 M’s in the hammock. I know some women who live in big, beautiful houses but feel so alone during this scary time. Hugs! ((( )))
April 2, 2020 at 14:18
Hi Marian!
Isn’t Jill funny? I do love her determination to encourage my determination. 🙂
I like your Thoreau quote (more determination) – he knows what he’s talking about – and I was humbled by your statement about female friends who live comfortably but feel lonely. You are right, it’s good to have a little family, even when all cooped up in a little house on wheels.
April 2, 2020 at 15:10
I left a comment about you on JMH’s blog this week . . .
April 4, 2020 at 15:41
Thanks, Marian. You are too kind. JH is a busy lady and an accomplished writer, editor, and teacher. I’ll be sure to connect privately with her again soon. 🙂
April 2, 2020 at 13:24
I’m so glad you are finding and considering many ways to roam safely. Thank you for sharing.
April 2, 2020 at 14:21
Hi Dolores,
Thanks for swinging by and leaving a comment! I keep thinking about all the people I know – friends and otherwise – who are roaming abroad right now, in campers, house sitting, or on sailboats. Some of them have it easy and beautiful, but most are struggling to be settled somewhere or figure out what’s next. So far, we have been able to roam safely in the US, despite the extra challenges.
April 2, 2020 at 15:48
Wow, Liesbet, I had never thought about how this would affect people who live in mobile homes like you. I really feel sorry for you, it must be so difficult! Then being creative necessarily gets pushed down the priority list behind surviving. It’s so hard isn’t it. I wish you all the best to get through these trying times.
April 4, 2020 at 17:57
Hi Yvette! Thank you for the visit and the encouraging words. Life’s a tad more challenging these weeks – and way less exciting, of course – but we adapt, like everyone else. Luckily, we’re quite flexible and resourceful. As long as our current campground doesn’t close, we are fine.
April 2, 2020 at 18:08
I’m glad you have somewhere reasonable to stay at the moment: hope you continue to stay healthy and safe. Love the pic of Mark in the hammock with his adoring companion.
April 4, 2020 at 18:01
Hi Anabel! I faced the mosquitos today and read my book in the hammock for a bit as well. Maya joined me for some of it. She’s so cute being curled up in it, until she gets sick of it and leaves. So far so good on the camping and health fronts. Take care of yourselves!
April 2, 2020 at 18:29
Massachusetts it is! The days of the campervan could be numbered, Liesbet. In Europe they are the enemy, carrying the virus from one country to the next. Our borders with Spain will be closed for a long time. Historically they fought a lot, so maybe it’s better? Stay safe, wherever you land 🙂 🙂
April 4, 2020 at 18:09
Thanks, Jo!
Sorry to read about irresponsible campers in Europe. Or, ignorant ones. In the states we stayed in recently, I have to report that we seem to be the only ones being careful. We always put hand sanitizer on before we enter a store and when we leave (the only places we have visited over the weeks have been grocery stores), wipe the cart we use, and wash our hands once we’re back in the van.
We keep our distance, waiting for others to grab their produce or products first and let them move away, before we approach. Seriously, life in Florida and South Carolina seems to be going on as usual. Still! Besides campgrounds and boat ramps being closed and restaurants only being allowed to offer take-out. Essential stores are still open. The streets are as busy as ever…
All that being said, Massachusetts is in a different state of mind, similar to Europe. Right now, we feel safe in the woods. Once we’ve been here for two weeks (if allowed to stay that long), we will head to Massachusetts as quickly as possible, only stopping at fuel stations. It will be less safe there, based on the amount of cases, but it will be more comfortable and supportive of my in-laws.
April 2, 2020 at 20:17
Crazy to think of campgrounds closing, even the primitive ones. Makes me feel fortunate that they haven’t closed the marinas here in La Paz. At least we’ve got the Sea of Cortez to shelter in if that happens. do that. I hope you’ll head to Massachusetts. That seems like a really good option as the doors continue to slam shut. I totally agree with @marianbeaman on creating. Listen to her. She sounds like a wise woman. And take @jmh up on her offer.
April 4, 2020 at 18:14
Hi Lisa!
I’m glad you found a safe space in La Paz. Hopefully, the marinas don’t close there as they have in Puerto Rico, for example. And, yes, the Sea of Cortez could be an alternative, since it’s protected, at least.
Massachusetts is on the agenda, although we have to admit that being by ourselves in a nature reserve (despite the hordes of mosquitoes) is a good alternative right now. Soon, we will head north, though, and attempt to get there as quickly as possible. We can’t avoid the hotbeds of New Jersey and New York, but we will do our best to not stop.
Marian is a wise woman, by the way, and JH is a talented one. 🙂
April 3, 2020 at 11:47
I love that picture of Mark and Maya 🙂
April 4, 2020 at 18:18
It’s definitely one of my favorites! 🙂
April 3, 2020 at 23:49
What a scary situation for you! I hope it all works out and you stay safe and healthy.
Maybe you can find some editor options from one of my favourite writing resource sites: Janice Hardy’s Fiction University. She has a Resources page that includes some information on editors: http://blog.janicehardy.com/p/online-resources.html. I hope this helps! 🙂
April 4, 2020 at 18:21
Thank you for the resource about editors, Diane! I’ll certainly check it out when the time is ripe. I’m not totally done giving up on all the publishers I submitted to, but once I’m in a more settled place, I’ll begin my search for an editor. 🙂
April 4, 2020 at 20:15
Hi again! That is an incredible list of resources. Some familiar names and querying and agent sites… I’ll dig into the editor section next month or so! Thanks again.
April 5, 2020 at 14:04
You’re very welcome! 🙂
April 4, 2020 at 13:23
So sorry you ended up in the southeast during bug season. I like the bug screen Mark is sitting. It looks like it would fold up pretty small.
I hope the new campsite works out for as long as you need it.
April 4, 2020 at 19:58
Thanks, Duwan. We hope so too.
That mosquito net is probably the only thing left that traveled all over the world with me from the moment I was 20 or so. It’s a mosquito net that fits over a bed and with which I backpacked for a couple of years (and never used). It was on the boat with us for eight years (and never used), and has been part of Zesty’s inventory since we own the van (and never used until recently).
Somewhere along the route, it collected two rips, which duct tape should take care of. So, we’re very happy to finally put it to use. Thanks to the mosquitoes. The gnats can’t get in either, so it’s our little reprieve, as long as we don’t mind having the net touch our heads the entire time. 🙂
April 4, 2020 at 15:20
Liesbet, I can help with your developmental editing. We could work in sections. Let’s talk about it through email, if you are interested.
I’m glad you and Mark are well. I plan on marketing my memoir like you are doing: first traditionally–large or small press, then self-publishing if I get no takers. And yes, I’d be searching for help with self-publishing if I needed to go that route. All best, my dear!
April 4, 2020 at 20:05
Thank you for the editing offer, Victoria. I might shoot you an email whenever I’m ready to go that route.
Thank you as well for the continued support and wishes on my road to publication. And the same to you! On hindsight, I should have never spent so much time trying to pursue an agent. That took one year without success! A step to skip next time. My friend Ellen, also an IWSG author, has a lot of experience self-publishing, so I’ll probably pick her brain if and when I’m getting to that step.
Have a wonderful Sunday!
April 4, 2020 at 18:56
Glad you are staying safe, but I do see had the nomad life is problematic. India I read has similar situation with people who worked places nad lived on site make shift homes/tents, and now walking hundreds of miles home because they close down. Apparently there is larger portion of the population that live that like.
April 4, 2020 at 20:11
Hi Juneta,
That situation in India does sound problematic as these people expected to live at those sites for a while, I assume. And losing work is catastrophic these days. The good thing could be that the virus might not have made it to those more primitive areas in the world as less tourists would interact with locals there. At least, that’s my hope.
Luckily, my husband and I don’t have to walk anywhere. We have our home on wheels to bring us to safety. Hopefully. We are definitely doing our best not to interact with anyone, except a “hello” from across the hiking trails during the weekend and we stay to ourselves as much as possible; something we like to do in general. 🙂
April 4, 2020 at 20:55
Hi Liesbet, Kind Jill’s whip cracking made me smile, since I suspect she is a marshmallow. Her message is clear on how people are reading more than ever. Darn on the mosquitoes. I extra love your two adorable companions. Take care and stay safe and healthy. We will all get through this, and it may take a Plan B and Plan C over the next while. I look forward to continuing to connect. xx
April 5, 2020 at 13:55
I keep imagining Jill with a whip, Erica… it would be a scene from a cartoon. And, so out of character, right?
Thanks for your positive comment and outlook. Yes, we will all get through this. In our situation, there’s not much room for plan C or D, as we either want to sit still in one place, or hurry up to sit still in the alternate place. The less we stop in between the better. Unless, there are other abandoned forests to camp out in. That would be a safe plan C. 🙂
April 5, 2020 at 09:08
I’m not surprised that the pandemic has has made your “home” lives challenging. But there are lots of smiling pictures in this post – so at least your attitudes are doing well. I hope the summer brings some relief on all fronts – including a reduction in mosquitoes! Stay safe and keep smiling.
April 5, 2020 at 14:00
Hi Diana! Thanks for hopping over here to read and comment. We are looking forward to that reduction in mosquitoes; they will be the impetus to leaving our current safe place. Yes, our attitudes are pretty positive right now, mostly because we are isolating in nature. Despite having a small home and less “stuff”, we feel like we still have most of our freedom when it comes to being outside. And that has always been important to us. Sending a smile your way right now! 🙂
April 5, 2020 at 09:45
I hope that things worked out in time. Take care and stay positive…
April 5, 2020 at 14:03
Thanks, Damyanti. We are pretty safe, happy, and positive at the campsite we currently call home. I hope you and your family are doing well and staying healthy (and sane). Best wishes!
April 6, 2020 at 17:35
Oh my! So happy to hear that you are still healthy. Sending you lots of virtual hugs and hoping you will have enough supplies to stay safe!
April 8, 2020 at 11:46
Thank you for the hugs, my friend! Our food supplies usually last longer than our water supply, which means we HAVE to run errands every week. That is after being very careful with our 25 gallons (100 liters) of fresh water… 🙂 Dealing with our tanks does not involve other people or any risks, however, just more effort now that all campgrounds and most parks are closed. Take care!!
April 6, 2020 at 20:20
Don’t stress about the writing, most of us can’t concentrate on book writing now either. If I were you, I’d get yourselves back to Mass and stay planted! Stay safe! And wear a mask! x
April 8, 2020 at 11:49
No stress from me about not writing, Debby! I wasn’t planning on doing any in February anyway and this lack of inspiration is a good excuse to finally read a book again. 🙂 We don’t have any masks (or scarves); we haven’t even been able to find hand sanitizer or wipes! Planning to get to MA next week, after self-isolating here for two weeks, and being very careful on our way north.
April 6, 2020 at 21:40
Stay safe! I hope you find a good place to park/live during this. And best of luck with the writing.
April 8, 2020 at 11:54
Hi J.Lenni!
Thank you for visiting and leaving a comment. And, thanks for the wishes. No camping place seems to work for the extent of this virus, so we will have to head to my in-laws in Massachusetts soon. At least, I’ll be more comfortable there, which will encourage some writing! 🙂
PS: The website in your avatar doesn’t work anymore (“page not found”), but I did manage to Google you and find your current blog! You might want to change the address in your profile, though.
April 7, 2020 at 17:24
The gas prices may be one of the few positives in this situation. Heading to your in-laws sounds like a lower stress situation than being at the mercy of closed campgrounds. Hoping the journey there goes as smoothly as it can. Such an unbelievable time. Stay well!
April 8, 2020 at 11:56
Thanks, Sue! There are pros and cons about heading to Massachusetts right now (big cons being the amount of cases in MA, being in a city instead of nature, and not having cooking facilities), but it is the best option under these circumstances. You are right, life in the van has been more challenging than usual and we could use a little break from the road (stress).
April 17, 2020 at 12:59
Liesbet, the worldwide impact of the coronavirus looms hugely in everyone’s minds right now. Even for those of us who have not experienced illness ourselves or of loved ones, and who have a home in which to shelter, it is hard to concentrate on writing (as Debby says above). After sheltering in place for a month, I am finally just getting to a state of mind where I am ready to start working on my novels again.
Jude
April 17, 2020 at 16:46
Jude, I’m glad you are ready to dive into those novels again. I have found that it takes a while for me – when changing gears (into a house sit, back in the van, visiting the in-laws) – it takes a while to catch up with everything and my thoughts, before I can get to writing seriously again. I know this Coronavirus period is different. Mark is suffering from some weird anxiety and he isn’t even a writer or has any work lined up. Luckily, I hadn’t planned on doing any memoir work in March as we planned to sight see. Now that I’m back in the world of conveniences and comfort, I hope to get to work next week too. By then, I should be caught up on other pending projects.