So here we are, heading for the Ides of March and the world is in the grip of Corvid-19, the rebranded Coronavirus.

First off: my sympathies go to all those affected and their families.

A flowery writer could spout about fear-filled streets, but I’ll avoid that. My personal and very selfish focus is on the UK’s Annual Sci-fi and Fantasy Convention at Easter. Yes, it’s still weeks away, but I invested in flights, hotel, and so on. Apart from the disappointment if it’s canceled, it’ll cost me hard cash. And my fans and friends will be devastated at not meeting-up with me.

(Yes, they will. They will. They darn well better be.)

Further into the future, my planned trip to Greece taking in the ruins at Mycenae, Sparta and the rest, might be at risk. Italy has closed-off various cities. If C-19 persists and Greece does the same, I’ll end up with a driving tour of the olive groves. Nothing against olives, you understand, but they do lack the grandeur and impact of 3,000-year-old cultural remembrances.

Bright side: I had planned to be on a Far East cruise during January/February, but never got around to booking it. So I avoided being exposed to the early waves of infection.

Lesson learned: Sometimes procrastination is your friend.

Well, it’s back to my online critique group duties and onward with another chapter or three this weekend of my next novels* and forget about the current world-worries. After all, when the Corvid-19 crisis goes away (as they say it will), there’ll be something new to worry about.

(* Did I mention I’m writing three at once to kickstart a new universe with a solid foundation?)

Until next time, enjoy whatever you’re reading, and follow the health guidelines.