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Every cloud has a silver lining. Yes, even a little light can be found in the wake of a pandemic. Let me try and explain why I believe this...

I know a lady who celebrated her 80th birthday this year. This lady (let's call her Alice) has always wanted to write a book, but she soon discovered that writing a novel is more difficult than she thought it would be. She has discovered that writing fiction requires skill, stubborn perseverance and an understanding of the craft. Some of this is learnt through trial and error, and some of it by study, but there is also an element of, dare I say it, natural born talent. Alice is the first to acknowledge this and she admits herself that she is not great at "imagining plots".  However, even I, a writer, could not imagine the real-life plot that was about to unfold during March, 2020.

As a writer of historical fiction, I never imagined I would be part of an epic, historical (and devastating) event that would change the lives of nearly everyone on the planet. The Corona virus global pandemic has taken us all by surprise. There are many who will say that we should have saw it coming, however I never envisaged everyone in the UK would be distancing themselves from their friends, families and work colleagues, as I served our family’s Christmas dinner at the end of 2019.

In 2017, I attended the Wadebridge Wheels event, in Cornwall, where I helped to raise money for the Restormel Mind Association by challenging the public to set their fastest time driving slot racing cars. Yes, I know, not the usual thing a writer gets up to, but it was for a good cause. The slot racing was very popular and we were invited to return in 2018.

Alfie, my black Labrador, was my constant companion throughout much of my writing career. His place was on the carpet to my left, snoozing, while I tap away on the keys of my laptop. He had several “places”. The kitchen doorway, where he waited to bound into the room to greet me in the morning. Sitting by my chair at the kitchen table at mealtimes, with an expectant look on his face. Taking on the role of my shadow as I go about my daily chores. Walking beside me on one of our many walks together. Alfie had many places … during the years he shared our life.