Gratitude in the Time Of COVID

Gratitude in the Time of COVID

by Saralyn Richard

I was rocking along, teaching my creative writing and literature classes, volunteering at the doctor’s office, working on a couple of local boards of directors, and preparing for the launch of my newest mystery, A Palette for Love and Murder.

Invitations were out; books were in place at the various bookstores; my remarks were outlined; supplies and equipment were ordered; wardrobe was planned; refreshments were purchased and baked, some tucked away in the freezer. Events on social media were growing in numbers of RSVPs. 

Out of the blue, everything came to an abrupt stomp on the brakes. To avoid colliding with a major health threat, would a gathering of friends and supporters need to be adjusted, or even postponed? As more and more dire predictions screeched in, the answer became a resounding yes. Suddenly all of the planning of the past year had to be unwound, one event at a time.

Like a full-term baby, A Palette for Love and Murder was delivered on time, though its audience, and even its author, were preoccupied with more pressing issues. Issues of social distancing and isolation, like gathering food and toilet paper and hand sanitizer, drove all thoughts of reading a new mystery novel aside. Staying healthy, staying safe—those were, and still are, the priorities.

Yes, it was disappointing to have my book launch turned upside down, but it was one of those things, like hurricanes and tornadoes and earthquakes, beyond my control. As the days have gone by, with the real-live horror of this deadly pandemic playing on our screens, and people we know and love being affected in increasing numbers, any single person’s disrupted plans seem insignificant.

Still, there are many silver linings, many reasons to be grateful. People have turned to technology to remain connected. People have been reading books to educate and entertain themselves, and to escape into a happier place. Families have been forced into spending quality time together. Many thousands of first responders and front-line workers have emerged as heroes in helping humanity weather this crisis. 

Turning my attention away from my new book, I began looking for a way to share my real-live Old English sheepdog, Nana, and the children’s book she narrates, with parents and little ones in need of literary diversion. Along came Frank Billingsley, the KPRC Houston weather man, who invited Nana and me into the studio for the reading of Naughty Nana. These plans, too, had to be altered, as social lockdown grew stricter, but through the magic of Zoom, we were able to connect remotely and broadcast the event from two locations. 

Anyone who would like a personally inscribed and pawtographed book and literacy materials aligned to their children’s grade levels, they are available at http://palmcirclepress.com/ on the Bookstore page. 

Other Zoom meetings and interviews have followed, some of them reaching broader audiences than I ever could have reached through physical travel. I’m grateful for the camaraderie and helpful spirit that has emerged among people in the publishing industry, including bookstore personnel and other authors. Reviews, retweets, and shares have made the book launch reach prospective readers, and the spirit with which they are offered is heart-warming. Most of the people I’ve encountered have exhibited a selfless concern for others in their daily activities. 

In the months of social isolation, life goes on. I’ve been editing and working on the upcoming release of my standalone mystery, A Murder of Principal (January, 2021). I started a new mystery in February, and, thanks to dedicated daily writing, it is almost finished. 

I’m especially grateful for social media at this time of social isolation. Facebook, specifically, has allowed for many otherwise impossible connections, including these:

My dear friend in hospice was able to hear the many expressions of love and fond memories of her friends and relatives, and she was able to respond to them before she died.

My friend who was hospitalized with COVID was able to connect with friends who were praying for her recovery.

My neighbor, who saw a post on Twitter, shouted at me from across the street this morning, while I was walking my dog, “Congratulations on your new book!”

I guess the book launch didn’t completely evaporate, after all.

My neighbor’s greeting hit me in just the right spot. We may be isolated, but we are not alone. And for that I am grateful.

—

Award-winning mystery and children’s book author, Saralyn Richard, is a writer who teaches on the side. Her books, Naughty Nana, Murder in the One Percent, and A Palette for Love and Murder, have delighted children and adults, alike. A member of International Thriller Writers and Mystery Writers of America, Saralyn teaches creative writing at the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, and continues to write mysteries. Reviews, media, and tour schedule may be found at http://saralynrichard.com. 

https://twitter.com/SaralynRichard

https://www.facebook.com/saralyn.richard, 

https://www.pinterest.com/saralynrichard/, 

https://www.instagram.com/naughty_nana_sheepdog/

https://www.pinterest.com/saralynrichard/

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7338961.Saralyn_Richard.  

https://www.bookbub.com/profile/saralyn-richard

A Palette for Love and Murder: A Detective Parrott Mystery

A theft, a murder, a treasure hunt, and a palette-full of secrets.“In the Brandywine Valley, a delicate balance exists between the very wealthy and those who serve them, but the murder of a famous artist threatens this tenuous equilibrium. In her second outing featuring Detective Oliver Parrott, Saralyn Richard offers readers a compelling story of worlds in collision. A Palette for Love and Murder probes more than the mysteries of the art world and the motives for murder. It also delicately plumbs the depths of love and the human heart.

Another winner for Richard.” — William Kent Krueger, author of This Tender LandIn this riveting sequel to Murder in the One Percent, Detective Oliver Parrott delves into the art world of Brandywine Valley, where two valuable paintings have been stolen from the studio of the renowned artist, Blake Allmond. At first it seems like a routine property crime, but as soon as Parrott investigates, he discovers the Allmond family’s propensity for tragedy.

When someone is murdered, it’s a game changer, and plowing through a family’s secrets leads the reader through a murder, a treasure hunt, and a slew of characters who may or may not be trustworthy. The glamour of the art world and the privilege of the wealthy landowners in Brandywine can’t protect them from trouble, but it takes Parrott to realize that there’s more to an artist’s palette than globs of paint.

A Palette for Love and Murder has all the characteristics of a well-woven mystery, but with the additional layering of multi-dimensional characters and sometimes flawed relationships. Parrott and Tonya make a dynamic modern day Nick and Nora, sure to engage readers’ thoughts and to warm readers’ hearts.

Buy links:

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/A+Palette+for+Love+and+Murder?_requestid=2258777

https://www.amazon.com/Palette-Love-Murder-Detective-Parrott/dp/1644372045/ref=

 

Tags: featured, women writers

Category: On Writing