While others are finding it challenging to remain productive during the current quarantine recommendations, we have a few creative ideas that can help authors and other creatives remain focused at this time.

The beginning of 2020 took a big hit when the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) began infecting thousands of citizens around the world. To help prevent the rapid spread of the virus, many countries have implemented quarantines and stay-at-home orders for all citizens (except those working in essential employment areas).

Thanks to social media, I have seen everything from friends redecorating their homes so they create a formal school setting for their children to a DJ throwing a party on Instagram Live and having over 150,000 followers tune in to enjoy good music and comments from celebrities. As we see friends and family members being creative on social media, we must remember that content creators need to do the same.

So, what are we doing to stay creative? Well, here are a few tips I have found helpful as I navigate this new world of #QuarantineAndCreate.

FINISH UP PROJECTS
We all have had those fantastic ideas pop into our heads, and then we started writing them down and even working on them. Somewhere along the line, procrastination began kicking in, and those projects took a back seat to other priorities. With the quarantine in place, now is the time to get back to those projects. Whether you are writing a novel, editing a video, or even painting a room in your home, now is the time to do it.

CREATE/UPDATE YOUR WEBSITE
When was the last time you updated your website? Do you even have a website? If you want your brand/business to be successful in the modern marketplace, you need a professional website. A website supports all your digital marketing efforts. So, while you follow quarantine recommendations, take time to look through your website and see what stands out and what doesn’t. Once you assess your website, update the photos, videos, and content on each one of your pages. Also, don’t forget to include your SEO data.

UPDATE YOUR PR MATERIALS AND MEDIA KIT
Just like your website, your marketing material and media kit can get outdated. Whether you decided to change your photo to your material, add an award/accolade you just received or update the list of your most current work, you should consider taking the time to update this material. Once the quarantine is lifted, it will be time to get back to networking and reaching out to event planners, so make sure your material accurately represents your and your brand.

SIGN UP FOR INTERVIEWS
Make sure you remain productive during your time in the house. Many radio stations and podcasts have now slowed down in-house interviews, and it is quite possible to have remote interviews conduct. You want to continue to bring attention to yourself and your brand, and now is the time.

READ BOOKS
Due to the current pandemic, we are always watching the news and viewing social media opinions on the Coronavirus. As well all know, processing too much information at one time can lead to mental overload. To prevent any unnecessary panicking due to too much information or misinformation, now is the time to pick up some good books to read. Reading is essential because it develops our thoughts, gives us endless knowledge and lessons to learn while keeping our minds active. We must continue to strengthen or minds and imaginations at this time. Feel free to check out audiobooks.

LISTEN TO PODCASTS
There are podcasts available for every type of creator. Along with our Fiction Addiction podcast, there are also other very informative and entertaining podcasts that you can listen to while you cook, clean, and relax. Feel free to check out our Fiction Addiction podcast and the episodes with our amazing guests.

CREATE NEW PROJECTS
Once you have finished completing your old projects, don’t be afraid to start new projects as well. Writing, drawing, creating videos, and other fun activities will lead to each of us having productive days during the quarantine.

The hashtag #QuarantineAndCreate is a thing, and it could be a nice distraction from a lot of the uncertainty we’re currently facing now. Feel free to use this hashtag when showing off your creativity during this time.

REMAIN CAUTIOUS AND CREATIVE!

Book expos are hit or miss. There is so much that goes into these events that make them successful. The date, time, venue and registration fee are some of the most important factors that an author must take into consideration when deciding whether to participate in a book expo/festival. Event planners need to put serious thought into the following ideas: when they want to put on a book event, where they want the event to take place, and how long they want the event to last. There are three options to the type of event that will take place; an indoor event, outdoor event, or both. With an indoor event, there is protection from the elements. There are no worries about the event being canceled due to inclement weather. In spring and summer months, there is a high probability that it could rain on the day of your event, which not only makes a mess of the actual venue set up but also affects the size of the crowd you may attract. With that being said, good marketing and organization will eliminate this problem, which has been witnessed at the 2018 Beaver County Bookfest. The Beaver County Bookfest is one of the most worthwhile events to attend as an author and a reader. They offer over 50 authors, who are all exhibiting under a large tent at one of their parks. One of the roads leading into the park is shut off, and that is the location of the tent. This is perfect because authors set up on concrete and not grass. At the 2018 Beaver County Bookfest, it was pouring rain. If the event were in the actual park, the muddy ground would have been a serious problem to deal with. This would have caused the legs of the table to sink into the soil, and people would have been hesitant to walk around and browse the different tables. The other benefit of being under a large tent was the protection of authors’ products in this weather. Besides a small hole in the tent that led to water dripping on one author’s table, everyone and their products stayed dry.

One of the most common ways for independent authors/publishers to get their books into bookstores is through a consignment agreement. A consignment agreement allows a bookstore to sell books without having to pay for them upfront through a distribution agreement. In some instances, bookstores purchase books from a publisher at a wholesale price (often 50% of the retail price) and sell the books. With the consignment agreement, bookstore owners eliminate the risk of losing profit because certain books do not sell. Although most offers expect to sell thousands of books to bookstores the traditional way, this is a small compromise in exchange for shelf space in several stores.