Authors, Writing and Covid19

The corona virus is with us, all around the world. I often use news headlines or stories I find buried in the news in the plot or development of my stories. Whatever genre you write, have you used the corona virus in your story?

The corona virus has been with us for at least three months. The main ways to protect yourself and others is to wear a mask and practice social distancing, washing your hands, and staying at least six feet apart.  Is there a way to use the situations that we see these situations in our city, country, or area as part of a plot in our novels?

I write romantic suspense and I don’t see how I could use it in a romance. Romance is about relationships, developing a relationship, touching, holding hands, or kissing. How do you do this if you stay six feet apart and wear a mask? I find wearing a mask covers the face so you can’t even see a smile. I suppose you could use it in an online relationship. If you write romance, sweet romance, YA romance, contemporary romance or any other genre, are you writing a book that uses the corona virus in your story? If you are, how are you incorporating it into a romance in this New Normal? Or how could you incorporate it into a romance?

As I’m writing this, I’m also thinking about how this might be affecting relationships in today's New Normal. Hmm.

I could use the virus in the suspense writing part of a book. The villain could carry the virus, or he could be in contact with the virus. He could spread it to many people. It might even be part of his plot to harm people.  Is anyone using it in mystery or suspense? What about other genres?

I’d love to hear your thoughts about writing in your genre with, or about, the Covid 19 virus and the New Normal.