Dear CWC Members,
The world has turned upside down in the month since I last penned a message for this space.
It’s impossible to write this without acknowledging some of the losses of the last month and the grief that accompanies them. There is the great and tragic loss of lives. There is the loss of choice and opportunity for so many health care and other essential workers, who must continue their jobs under circumstances of almost unimaginable strain and uncertainty. There are smaller, personal losses: freedom to move about, the ability to gather in groups, the chance to hug a friend. For writers, there are canceled book launches, delayed publication, and the loss of the mental space for creativity.
Our branch has lost the ability to meet in person. We lost the opportunity to host another workshop, which was to have taken place this past weekend. And we lost the Literary Stage, along with the Literary Arts Contest, when The San Mateo Exposition and Fair Association made the inevitable decision to
cancel the San Mateo County Fair.
This is our new reality.
Yet a ledger containing only losses would be a grim ledger indeed. And I have been amazed by all we have gained, despite—or in some cases because of—our losses.
We have learned new ways to gather. We have deepened connections with current friends and rediscovered old ones, sometimes far away. We have flocked to online gathering spots, shared resources for staying
home sane while staying
sane home, and witnessed—or been the actors in—extraordinary feats of generosity. As writers, we have attended online readings, writing sessions, and open mics.
Since we made the decision to hold our March meeting online, the CWC SF Peninsula Board has been busy (virtually, of course) adjusting our programs and offerings to this new reality. As you will see below, we’ve moved many events online, including our weekly Shut Up & Write sessions (
the next one is April 9) and Writers Helping Writers (the next ones are
April 8 and
April 15).
The increased need for human connection has followed a growth curve not unlike that of the virus. We need each other now more than ever. In addition to participating in our vents online, I encourage you to check out our branch on Facebook and Twitter to continue making CWC part of your routine.
- On Facebook, we share opportunities for submissions, upcoming contests, and members’ good news. You’re welcome to post to the page yourself.
- Our Twitter feed is less developed, but we’d love to make it more active. See the information below about using it.
- Our MeetUp group is where we announce many of our activities and (now online) events. To be notified whenever we post a new event, you can join MeetUp.
Finally, I want to put out a call for
you to contribute. Let us know: What are you working on? How has COVID-19 affected your writing? What has helped you get through the day/night? Have you discovered any new activities or online gatherings you want to let the club know about? You can contribute here and we’ll gather and curate some of your ideas to share.
Just
fill out the form
here to let us know.
I’ll end with a virtual hug and fervent hope that you and your loved ones are well and safe.
Audrey
P.S. I wish I could send you all a few rolls of toilet paper...
