I start with a confession – I'm new to all of this – Goodreads, blogging, even having a novel published - so if I mess up or make rookie mistakes, please forgive me.

First, the fact that almost 3000 of you have entered the Goodreads giveaway for a chance to receive a free copy of my debut novel, By Way of Sorrow, is absolutely amazing. I have been overwhelmed by the response. Thank you so much.

I write mainly because of what is going on with COVID-19. I hope all of you are safe and well. If you’re not, I wish you a complete and speedy recovery. I have seen and experienced many things in my life, by nothing remotely compares with this pandemic. I know all of us hope this ends quickly and with a minimal toll to those who are or will become ill and to the economy at large.

I am not unaware that as it spreads, the virus’s impact will be worse on certain groups of people based on their age (I’m over 60) or medical conditions. But if anything good can come out of this crisis, I hope that it helps all of us to remember our common humanity. The virus does not discriminate based on gender, age, race, ethnicity or citizenship status. It doesn’t care if you are a person with a disability, rich or poor, gay, straight, cis, trans or non-binary. It is an equal opportunity illness. And maybe, when this is all over that will help us remember that what unites us, what we all share, our humanity, is stronger and more important than what separates us.

I hope all of you get through this unscarred by the illness or its economic impact. I don’t know what the world will look like on June 30, 2020 when my book is published – I know it will be a far different world from what I anticipated two months ago. I hope it is a world where I can celebrate the release, sign some books and hear your reactions. I hope it is a time when we can meet, shake hands and maybe even hug.

Thank you for your interest in my book and please stay safe.

Robyn