Dealing with a global pandemic as a book blogger [2020 Discussion Challenge

Dealing with a global pandemic as a book blogger [2020 Discussion Challenge - #13]

Dealing with a global pandemic as a book blogger

This post was inspired by Angela @ Stray Curls! Her post made me wonder about how book bloggers are dealing with effects of COVID-19.

While some bloggers have been extremely affected by COVID-19 and have bravely gone on a hiatus to focus on the rising issues, this post will share some ideas for book bloggers who are not on hiatus and are dealing with this temporary situation.

There are stay-at-home orders all over and bookstores are shuddering. But there are bloggers like us who remain firm and seek to share our passion of reading with others. Now, more than ever before, I feel that each of us will have a significant role to play as book influencers. Read on blogger's post on what book bloggers can do.

Coronavirus Is Hurting The Book Community. Here's How To Help.
Book conferences and author events are great ways to sell books and spread the word about new releases. Unfortunately, many events are being canceled because of Coronavirus/COVID-19. Authors rely on these events for their income. To help the book community, I've put together a post featuring new releases, upcoming releases, and books by authors whose events have been canceled.

There will be more virtual book tours to host, if that’s your thing, and more authors looking to be interviewed. What an opportunity!

But…many of us are struggling. With anxiety levels surging, there is a decrease in the number of books we are reading and reviewing. Here are one post that speaks to struggles. Check out the comments!

Is the Pandemic Affecting Your Reading?
For me, today marks the end of the first full week working remotely. Last night my city passed a "shelter in place" ordinance. I'm home all day, the amount of reading should be high. Why then have I only finished 2 books this month? Amazon affiliate links are used on this site.

After reading Angela's post, I began to think about how we as book bloggers can effectively deal with the pandemic. Here are some ideas based on different scenarios.

Are you longing to read more, but just can’t find your own space, or even a quiet one?

Designate one area as your reading nook.
Find a playlist of instrumental music on Spotify or Pandora. Or, check Coffitivity. This is one my favorite when my son is gaming with his friends via Google Hangouts!
Plug in your earbuds.

Have you lost page views or follows?

Consider enhancing your review, or non-review, content to be reflective of what is going on right now. For example, if you read for escapism, then emphasize that in your recommendation section of your review. Or, if you have switched to reading books centered on pandemics, consider sharing what inspired you to read the book and tie it to the current state of affairs.

If the book has a character that is focusing on self-care, mention that.
If the book features communities struggling with food deserts and they have an innovative (and realistic) solution, share that in your review! Even better, share the ingredients from the meals. (NOTE: You could also reach out to the author and ask them a series of questions centered on why they wrote the book and how it is relevant today.)
If the book focuses on families with children, consider thinking about what they did and how you and your readers can benefit.

Consider writing more non-review content. I am sure you have had several epiphanies and they have opened your eyes to things you never saw before. Share those things! People, like myself, will find inspiration from your words.

You want to increase your productivity as a book blogger during this time.

NETWORK!

If you are on Facebook, consider interacting more with the various book blogger groups.
If you are not on Facebook (like me), reach out to your blog besties via email.

Establish a routine for reading, writing, and reviewing.

You are entirely overwhelmed by what is going on, yet you really want to READ!

Consider a new format – audiobooks
Leverage technology – use text-to-speech and relax with your favorite beverage.
Exercise – go for a walk or hop your cardio machine or do yoga!
Upgrade your self-care – take a long, steamy bubble bath (NOTE: You can combine this with #1 or #2 above. Just don't drop the phone or Kindle/Nook!!!)
Pause on reviewing and just read for pleasure.

YOUR TURN: What are you doing as a book blogger during this time of uncertainty?