Well, we made it through the first week of social distancing, quarantine, and (for lots of us) involuntary homeschooling. Hope you are faring as well as can be expected, and keeping your expectations for yourself realistic.

Lots of us are turning to digital reading, which is lovely. Last week I gave away more than 1500 Kindle copies of 4 of my books to help stanch the boredom of maaaaany hours at home. But this week I’m aware of those who either don’t have access to the technology needed for digital reading, and who may be especially vulnerable to isolation. And those who simply prefer the feel of a paper book in their hands!

In addition to the inconvenience of restricted movement and being stuck at home, most people I know are also experiencing some level of health anxiety, and worrying for the vulnerable people in our lives. When it comes to mental health, uncertainty can be just as challenging as the scary news and crazy logistics.

Aside from hilarious memes, we readers and writers know that books are a balm against that anxiety and the loneliness that accompanies social isolation. With Amazon limiting warehousing of ‘non-essential’ items [we can have the discussion later about how books can be considered non-essential] and public libraries being forced to close, I know many people don’t have the same access to books they usually do.

So this week I’m doing a special giveaway, not just to provide books for those in need of reading material, but to help reinforce our connectedness. I am giving away 10 (maybe 15? we’ll see) hardback copies of the Marriage Pact trilogy this week to people in the U.S.

I’ve done giveaways in the past, of course. But this time, I’m giving these trilogies away to people nominated by others. To enter, post a comment here on the blog or on my Facebook page nominating someone who you’d like to send these books to, someone who could use a pick-me-up and might be having a hard time accessing reading material other ways. I’ll choose my 10 favorite nominations by Friday, March 27 and message you for full names & mailing address.

No need to share confidential or identifying information, first names and your reason for nominating is all you need. Please include your email address if you fill out a blog comment, and please check your email or Facebook messages this week. I’ll reach out to the winners for more information, and I can only fulfill these if you respond!

I get it: you’re on lockdown. You’re trying to do a lot with a little. It’s hard to find joy in the midst of fear, depression, and austerity.

That’s why it’s time to learn about totwaffles. (thread) pic.twitter.com/F6zIaBLsql

— Ada Powers (@mspowahs) March 19, 2020

Stay healthy, y’all. Even when we’re physically distant, we’re better together.

Stay in touch! For exclusive content, updates and giveaways, be sure to join my Distracted Readers newsletter list. You can also join our Facebook group.

MJ Pullen

M.J. Pullen is a distracted writer and the mom of two boys in Roswell, Georgia, where she is absolutely late for something important right now. Her books include quirky romantic comedies and playful women's fiction. She blogs erratically with writing advice, random observations, and reflections on raising very loud kids and dogs. Join her Distracted Readers newsletter list for updates, free content, giveaways and more.