In my imagination, the term “Writer`s Retreat” has always meant a creative nirwana where authors write wonderful books in splendid isolation. The location has to be idyllic and maybe remote and above all a magical place where the author is inundated with new ideas, where the muse hovers over her and the creative juices flow in abundance. Not that I have ever been at a writer`s retreat – somehow I have always created my novels wherever I was living and working.
Just imagine a pretty abode, old but completely renovated. In its quaint rooms, the author could spend every minute of her days and nights alone – and write, write, write.
The only drawback: The author is not able to concentrate on writing. The world of Covid-19 occupies her thoughts. It dominates her life. As it happens to everybody. Shouldn`t the author be able to handle some self-isolation? After all, she is used to the solitary occupation that is writing. It`s no big deal. Especially when the surroundings are so nice.
A friend of mine suggested to me that I should start my next murder mystery with a woman staying in self-quarantine. I replied that, frankly, her idea did not appeal to me at all. I just want to leave this surreal state of mind behind me and not to have to think about the virus. No writer`s retreat for me, please. My creativity craves normalcy.
This beautiful, delicate flower is for all the frontline and essential workers who risk their lives everyday during the Covid-19 crisis and cannot afford to make a fuss about it like an author who has the luxury to stay at home. Thank you – and sorry for being such a wussy.
