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This Is Lockdown
This paperback does not include my personal COVID diaries originally published on the kindle. These are available to read on the kindle version of This Is Lockdown .
An anthology and compilation of short stories, flash fiction, contributions from the 'isolation writers,' plus poetry written during the time of lockdown in the UK. "A Piece of Living History!"This anthology and compilation is for everyone, wherever you live in the world. We are all experiencing the impact of COVID19 and lockdown. As writers, bloggers and creatives we express our thoughts and opinions in writing: in heartfelt poetry, pieces on isolation and the impact of COVID19 and the 'new normal.' There are twenty eight talented contributors, including the creative NHS Mask Making Fundraising Team of Jane Horwood and Melissa Santiago Val.
The contributors come from as far afield as Australia, Canada, USA and Zimbabwe, or closer to my current home in England - in Ireland, Scotland and Italy.It is as Willow Willers, a contributor said, 'A piece of living history.'This extraordinary and unexpected time period will be shared with future generations one day.Compiling and editing this anthology has given me a purpose over the period of Lockdown and for that I am grateful. The book showcases several authors and their thoughts on what it is like to experience 'isolation' as a writer. In the final part of the book I include my latest short story idea: a YA romance and various short pieces of poetry, and flash fiction inspired by the pandemic. The full list of authors and contributors are: Richard Dee, (Sci Fi , Steampunk, Amateur Detective author,) Catherine Fearns, (Amazon Bestselling Author of Police Procedural/Mysteries and Music Journalist,) Lynn Fraser, (Author,) Jackie Carreira, (Writer, musician, designer and aspiring philosopher,) Willow Willers, (Poet and Writer,) Sharon Marchisello, (Murder Mystery, Financial non-fiction author,) Fi Phillips ,(Author, Copy Editor,) Jeannie Wycherley, (Dark stories, Suspense, Horror,) Chantelle Atkins, (Urban Fiction, Teen/YA,) Tracie Barton-Barrett, (Speaker/Author,) Peter Taylor-Gooby, (Crime, Love Stories, Political Fiction,) Ritu Bhathal, (Chick Lit, Romance, Poet,) Alice May , (Author, Artist and Speaker,) Miriam Owen, (Blogger, Doctoral Researcher,) Drew Neary and Ceri Williams (Ghost Horror, Supernatural,) Katherine Mezzacappa, (Historical Fiction/Romance,) Sally Cronin, (Huge supporter of indie community/Blogger/Author) D G Kaye, (Memoirist/NonFiction,) Adele Marie Park, (Fantasy, Horror, Urban fantasy,) Marian Wood, (Blogger, Poet and Writer.) Samantha Murdoch, (Writer, Blogger,) Beaton Mabaso (Blogger, African storyteller,) Frank Prem (Poet, Author) Anne Goodwin (Author, Book Blogger) Sherri Matthews (Writer, Photographer, Blogger,) Jane Horwood and Melissa Santiago-Val - Community Masks for The NHS/Sew Positive.PLEASE NOTE -
An anthology and compilation of short stories, flash fiction, contributions from the 'isolation writers,' plus poetry written during the time of lockdown in the UK. "A Piece of Living History!"This anthology and compilation is for everyone, wherever you live in the world. We are all experiencing the impact of COVID19 and lockdown. As writers, bloggers and creatives we express our thoughts and opinions in writing: in heartfelt poetry, pieces on isolation and the impact of COVID19 and the 'new normal.' There are twenty eight talented contributors, including the creative NHS Mask Making Fundraising Team of Jane Horwood and Melissa Santiago Val.
The contributors come from as far afield as Australia, Canada, USA and Zimbabwe, or closer to my current home in England - in Ireland, Scotland and Italy.It is as Willow Willers, a contributor said, 'A piece of living history.'This extraordinary and unexpected time period will be shared with future generations one day.Compiling and editing this anthology has given me a purpose over the period of Lockdown and for that I am grateful. The book showcases several authors and their thoughts on what it is like to experience 'isolation' as a writer. In the final part of the book I include my latest short story idea: a YA romance and various short pieces of poetry, and flash fiction inspired by the pandemic. The full list of authors and contributors are: Richard Dee, (Sci Fi , Steampunk, Amateur Detective author,) Catherine Fearns, (Amazon Bestselling Author of Police Procedural/Mysteries and Music Journalist,) Lynn Fraser, (Author,) Jackie Carreira, (Writer, musician, designer and aspiring philosopher,) Willow Willers, (Poet and Writer,) Sharon Marchisello, (Murder Mystery, Financial non-fiction author,) Fi Phillips ,(Author, Copy Editor,) Jeannie Wycherley, (Dark stories, Suspense, Horror,) Chantelle Atkins, (Urban Fiction, Teen/YA,) Tracie Barton-Barrett, (Speaker/Author,) Peter Taylor-Gooby, (Crime, Love Stories, Political Fiction,) Ritu Bhathal, (Chick Lit, Romance, Poet,) Alice May , (Author, Artist and Speaker,) Miriam Owen, (Blogger, Doctoral Researcher,) Drew Neary and Ceri Williams (Ghost Horror, Supernatural,) Katherine Mezzacappa, (Historical Fiction/Romance,) Sally Cronin, (Huge supporter of indie community/Blogger/Author) D G Kaye, (Memoirist/NonFiction,) Adele Marie Park, (Fantasy, Horror, Urban fantasy,) Marian Wood, (Blogger, Poet and Writer.) Samantha Murdoch, (Writer, Blogger,) Beaton Mabaso (Blogger, African storyteller,) Frank Prem (Poet, Author) Anne Goodwin (Author, Book Blogger) Sherri Matthews (Writer, Photographer, Blogger,) Jane Horwood and Melissa Santiago-Val - Community Masks for The NHS/Sew Positive.PLEASE NOTE -
169 pages, Paperback
Published December 2, 2020
4 people are currently reading
38 people want to read
About the author
M.J. Mallon
18 books232 followersI am an author who has been blogging for many moons at my lovely blog home: https://mjmallon.com. My interests include writing, photography, poetry, and alternative therapies. I write YA Fantasy/Paranormal novels, ghost/horror short stories and middle grade fiction as well as micropoetry - haiku and tanka. I love to read and have written over 100 reviews: https://mjmallon.com/2015/09/28/a-z-o...
My alter ego is MJ - Mary Jane from Spiderman. I love superheros! I was born on the 17th of November in Lion City: Singapore, (a passionate Scorpio, with the Chinese Zodiac sign a lucky rabbit. I grew up in a mountainous court in the Peak District in Hong Kong.
As a teenager I travelled to many far-flung destinations. It's rumoured that I now live in the Venice of Cambridge, with my six foot hunk of a Rock God husband. My two enchanted daughters often return to visit me with a cheery smile.
When I’m not writing, I eat exotic delicacies while belly dancing, or surf to the far reaches of the moon. To chill out, I practise Tai Chi. If the mood takes me I snorkel with mermaids, or sign up for idyllic holidays with the Chinese Unicorn, whose magnificent voice sings like a thousand wind chimes.
My alter ego is MJ - Mary Jane from Spiderman. I love superheros! I was born on the 17th of November in Lion City: Singapore, (a passionate Scorpio, with the Chinese Zodiac sign a lucky rabbit. I grew up in a mountainous court in the Peak District in Hong Kong.
As a teenager I travelled to many far-flung destinations. It's rumoured that I now live in the Venice of Cambridge, with my six foot hunk of a Rock God husband. My two enchanted daughters often return to visit me with a cheery smile.
When I’m not writing, I eat exotic delicacies while belly dancing, or surf to the far reaches of the moon. To chill out, I practise Tai Chi. If the mood takes me I snorkel with mermaids, or sign up for idyllic holidays with the Chinese Unicorn, whose magnificent voice sings like a thousand wind chimes.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
September 20, 2020
This is Lockdown is a new collection of short stories, journal entries, and poems that were prepared or collaborated by MJ Mallon. I've previously read one of Mallon's books, The Curse of Time, and recommend her writing style and storytelling capabilities. This book was my first introduction to her poetry and journals, other than following her interesting and varied blog. In This is Lockdown, she explores the impact of COVID-19 on her UK town and home life.
Mallon kicks off the book with a handful of tributes and mentions to a dozen or so wonderful bloggers and writers, many of whom I've gotten to know in the last year. While I won't name everyone, as there are a couple I haven't had the privilege of meeting, you can see them all in the author link here in Goodreads or on Amazon. I can tell you this is a great way to get to know new writers, especially with the helpful author bios near the end.
Hearing the perspective of another person's life during COVID-19 is inspirational and concerning... only because you feel for them and what they're going through. To see the impacts on MJ's family, in particular her parents, is hard to witness in writing. I can't imagine what they felt outside of these journal entries. Between a plumbing flood, insect bites, and grocery store insanity, there was a ton of road blocks in the UK. I know we felt them here in the US too, but to see the differences, and to watch the rising counts of deaths and infections, is scary. I felt a few problems here in NYC, but we were lucky enough to get delivery on everything (except sanitizer and toilet paper!). I also had grocery store delivery each week, which meant I didn't have to venture out.
MJ surprised me in some of her journal entries too. What a wonderful mention of my book and our interviews together - I am grateful. Hearing what she was doing day by day helps you feel like part of her life. Rather than judge true 'writing' here (while it's good... and some of the poems and stories make you think critically)... I'd rather recommend this for the personal connection levels MJ offers... from her family's way of dealing with hibernation to how difficult it was to hear bad news from others... or if you suddenly felt warm or had a cough, what did it mean? This is a relatively quick and easy read because it's broken down in small pieces and allows you to read in sections without forgetting about past plot or specific characters. Wonderful insight into what it might be like to have lunch with her one day!
You'll find some poetry and short fiction from a few amazing writers, links to helpful sites and informational places, notes on other blogger's posts about COVID, and upcoming news about all these great authors. It's a collection that allows you to decide which most interest you and to find bunches of more books to read. I look forward to visiting more blogs as a result of this collection. I hope you do too!
Mallon kicks off the book with a handful of tributes and mentions to a dozen or so wonderful bloggers and writers, many of whom I've gotten to know in the last year. While I won't name everyone, as there are a couple I haven't had the privilege of meeting, you can see them all in the author link here in Goodreads or on Amazon. I can tell you this is a great way to get to know new writers, especially with the helpful author bios near the end.
Hearing the perspective of another person's life during COVID-19 is inspirational and concerning... only because you feel for them and what they're going through. To see the impacts on MJ's family, in particular her parents, is hard to witness in writing. I can't imagine what they felt outside of these journal entries. Between a plumbing flood, insect bites, and grocery store insanity, there was a ton of road blocks in the UK. I know we felt them here in the US too, but to see the differences, and to watch the rising counts of deaths and infections, is scary. I felt a few problems here in NYC, but we were lucky enough to get delivery on everything (except sanitizer and toilet paper!). I also had grocery store delivery each week, which meant I didn't have to venture out.
MJ surprised me in some of her journal entries too. What a wonderful mention of my book and our interviews together - I am grateful. Hearing what she was doing day by day helps you feel like part of her life. Rather than judge true 'writing' here (while it's good... and some of the poems and stories make you think critically)... I'd rather recommend this for the personal connection levels MJ offers... from her family's way of dealing with hibernation to how difficult it was to hear bad news from others... or if you suddenly felt warm or had a cough, what did it mean? This is a relatively quick and easy read because it's broken down in small pieces and allows you to read in sections without forgetting about past plot or specific characters. Wonderful insight into what it might be like to have lunch with her one day!
You'll find some poetry and short fiction from a few amazing writers, links to helpful sites and informational places, notes on other blogger's posts about COVID, and upcoming news about all these great authors. It's a collection that allows you to decide which most interest you and to find bunches of more books to read. I look forward to visiting more blogs as a result of this collection. I hope you do too!
July 18, 2020
This is an anthology of three parts; the diary that Marjorie Mallon kept to mark the progress of not just the pandemic, as it began increase its grip on society and services, but the effects of isolation on her family.
The second part shares the thoughts and poetry of other members of our blogging community with contributions from around the world including the UK, Australia, Canada, Ireland, Italy, USA and Zimbabwe, providing a wide ranging of perspectives on how our lives have been impacted around the globe.
Lastly, we are treated to some flash fiction from Marjorie that leaves us with much to think about as we move forward with our lives and back into society. How has it changed us?
The diary entries were illuminating as they highlighted the challenges a family faces, when teenagers who are accustomed to independence, find themselves back with parents in the same space 24 hours a day. There are some lovely moments of shared activities such as a DIY Nail Bar, and exercise each day in the garden, but clearly like all of us, there were moments when solitude was needed. Then there is the worry for elderly parents too far away to support, who are going through health emergencies and also household dilemmas. That sense of powerlessness at not being able to rush to their side, must have been mirrored across the world. It was heartwarming to be privy to this personal recollection, and I am sure that as a family they will remember this time positively.
The contributions for other authors were also though provoking, such as a father with three daughters on the front line in the NHS, a mother with four children between 5 and 17 who now required home schooling, and a teacher working a shift system to prepare for the safe return of students, whilst caring for a family and concerned for elderly parents.
Interestingly the common thread running through the stories was the sudden dampening of the creative spark so necessary for writers. The struggle to continue with books in progress, even to write a blog post. Tough to finding that focus with the compulsion to absorb all the news headlines, adhere to the ever changing restrictions, with the worry that the new normal would not be normal at all. However, there clearly was a great deal of emotional impetus to write something about this global experience, resulting in some excellent flash fiction and poetry.
Other writers share their thoughts on minimising the impact of news and social media and what we might expect in the coming months for both individuals and certain vulnerable groups in society. Others highlighted how nature had filled the vacuum left by the humans, clearing waters and skies above us. Demonstrating our human impact on the natural order of things. And all felt the lack of human interaction very hard to cope with, at a time when that sense of community was so badly needed.
There are stories of businesses that collapsed in the matter of weeks only to be revived with new opportunities presented by technology. There is plenty of inspiration that leaves you feeling uplifted, including the final contribution from Jane Horwood and Melissa Santiago-Val. These two amazing women began making face masks at their kitchen table and within weeks they found themselves inundated with orders. As more joined the sewing circle now named #CommunityMasks4NHS the project grew with the help of some business sponsors to an incredible 6,500 masks with orders from around the world raising £27,700 by the publication of this anthology.
The collection finishes with some flash fiction from Marjorie Mallon highlighting the potential perils of shopping, isolating at home, being on the frontline of the NHS and how it might seem to a child…the danger of domestic abuse and choices some might make for a different future…. and a little ode to Van Gogh.
I recommend the collection, as I think it demonstrates how very much aligned we are as people when a catastrophe on this scale threatens our way of life. It is comforting to know that we are not alone with our fears, lack of creativity and the restrictions of isolation. It is also inspiring to discover how inventive and determined people are to thrive and learn from the experience.
Well done to Marjorie Mallon for bringing the anthology together and to the contributors for their personal and inspiring stories.
The second part shares the thoughts and poetry of other members of our blogging community with contributions from around the world including the UK, Australia, Canada, Ireland, Italy, USA and Zimbabwe, providing a wide ranging of perspectives on how our lives have been impacted around the globe.
Lastly, we are treated to some flash fiction from Marjorie that leaves us with much to think about as we move forward with our lives and back into society. How has it changed us?
The diary entries were illuminating as they highlighted the challenges a family faces, when teenagers who are accustomed to independence, find themselves back with parents in the same space 24 hours a day. There are some lovely moments of shared activities such as a DIY Nail Bar, and exercise each day in the garden, but clearly like all of us, there were moments when solitude was needed. Then there is the worry for elderly parents too far away to support, who are going through health emergencies and also household dilemmas. That sense of powerlessness at not being able to rush to their side, must have been mirrored across the world. It was heartwarming to be privy to this personal recollection, and I am sure that as a family they will remember this time positively.
The contributions for other authors were also though provoking, such as a father with three daughters on the front line in the NHS, a mother with four children between 5 and 17 who now required home schooling, and a teacher working a shift system to prepare for the safe return of students, whilst caring for a family and concerned for elderly parents.
Interestingly the common thread running through the stories was the sudden dampening of the creative spark so necessary for writers. The struggle to continue with books in progress, even to write a blog post. Tough to finding that focus with the compulsion to absorb all the news headlines, adhere to the ever changing restrictions, with the worry that the new normal would not be normal at all. However, there clearly was a great deal of emotional impetus to write something about this global experience, resulting in some excellent flash fiction and poetry.
Other writers share their thoughts on minimising the impact of news and social media and what we might expect in the coming months for both individuals and certain vulnerable groups in society. Others highlighted how nature had filled the vacuum left by the humans, clearing waters and skies above us. Demonstrating our human impact on the natural order of things. And all felt the lack of human interaction very hard to cope with, at a time when that sense of community was so badly needed.
There are stories of businesses that collapsed in the matter of weeks only to be revived with new opportunities presented by technology. There is plenty of inspiration that leaves you feeling uplifted, including the final contribution from Jane Horwood and Melissa Santiago-Val. These two amazing women began making face masks at their kitchen table and within weeks they found themselves inundated with orders. As more joined the sewing circle now named #CommunityMasks4NHS the project grew with the help of some business sponsors to an incredible 6,500 masks with orders from around the world raising £27,700 by the publication of this anthology.
The collection finishes with some flash fiction from Marjorie Mallon highlighting the potential perils of shopping, isolating at home, being on the frontline of the NHS and how it might seem to a child…the danger of domestic abuse and choices some might make for a different future…. and a little ode to Van Gogh.
I recommend the collection, as I think it demonstrates how very much aligned we are as people when a catastrophe on this scale threatens our way of life. It is comforting to know that we are not alone with our fears, lack of creativity and the restrictions of isolation. It is also inspiring to discover how inventive and determined people are to thrive and learn from the experience.
Well done to Marjorie Mallon for bringing the anthology together and to the contributors for their personal and inspiring stories.
October 22, 2020
There isn’t a soul on this earth that hasn’t been affected by COVID-19 in one way or another. Be it isolation for themselves and or loved ones, personal reflection, fear, finances, grief, dodgy mental health… the list goes on and on. Its safe to say that 2020 and the COVID-19 pandemic will go down in history as a very tough time to survive not only because of the illness but because of its direct effects on society in literally every other way imaginable. I’ve seen M.J. Mallon’s name has been floating around for quite some time now. I follow her blog, but I’ve also seen her mentioned in several other places and the reviews of her books are impressive. I struggled to decide on which one of her books to read first. She’s usually a fiction writer, and her line up of titles look absolutely intriguing!!
The reason that I chose This is Lockdown as my first Mallon read is because I was yet to dive into any of the COVID related books that seem to be releasing left and right. I’ve been curious to pick one up, so I thought why not choose one by an author that’s received so much praise all around. I’m glad that I picked this book up. It’s personal and I feel like I’ve been given the beautiful gift of insight into Mallon’s heart, soul, and day to day life during a time that has been trying to everyone. I love her attitude to the whole global situation that we’ve been faced with. She’s positive, and although clearly fearful at first - like the rest of us, and rightfully so - she was able to prioritize her time and appreciate the people who matter most to her.
It starts out as mostly journal entries with lots of helpful links sprinkled inside to guide the reader to informative and helpful places to research and enjoy. There’s also an account of COVID cases and deaths in certain places that are dated so it puts things in perspective as you read through. There are also several instalments of short reads, poetry, and mentions of and from several other authors.
Writers around the globe have either had way more time on their hands than usual, or quite the opposite. Their workloads have increased immensely and fitting in the time to pursue their passion has been dampened and directly impacted. I love that M.J. covered this angle during the pandemic, especially as I’ve read this book and am writing this review in the fall of 2020 - right as another wave is just beginning to strike. Sick season settles in and COVID has yet to be tamed properly by healthcare professionals. It’s nice to see other writers like myself pushing through the tough times.
I highly recommend this book as a personal account of the early stages of our 2020 pandemic, as a reference for TONS of informative links, and as inspiration to everyone. We’re in this together as the popular ‘alonetogether’ hashtag states - and Mallon did a phenomenal job of inspiring survivors, uplifting/including fellow writers, and drawing up an account of what global tragedy can do to the everyday family.
5 stars for me, and I look forward to reading one of M.J.'s fictional books!
The reason that I chose This is Lockdown as my first Mallon read is because I was yet to dive into any of the COVID related books that seem to be releasing left and right. I’ve been curious to pick one up, so I thought why not choose one by an author that’s received so much praise all around. I’m glad that I picked this book up. It’s personal and I feel like I’ve been given the beautiful gift of insight into Mallon’s heart, soul, and day to day life during a time that has been trying to everyone. I love her attitude to the whole global situation that we’ve been faced with. She’s positive, and although clearly fearful at first - like the rest of us, and rightfully so - she was able to prioritize her time and appreciate the people who matter most to her.
It starts out as mostly journal entries with lots of helpful links sprinkled inside to guide the reader to informative and helpful places to research and enjoy. There’s also an account of COVID cases and deaths in certain places that are dated so it puts things in perspective as you read through. There are also several instalments of short reads, poetry, and mentions of and from several other authors.
Writers around the globe have either had way more time on their hands than usual, or quite the opposite. Their workloads have increased immensely and fitting in the time to pursue their passion has been dampened and directly impacted. I love that M.J. covered this angle during the pandemic, especially as I’ve read this book and am writing this review in the fall of 2020 - right as another wave is just beginning to strike. Sick season settles in and COVID has yet to be tamed properly by healthcare professionals. It’s nice to see other writers like myself pushing through the tough times.
I highly recommend this book as a personal account of the early stages of our 2020 pandemic, as a reference for TONS of informative links, and as inspiration to everyone. We’re in this together as the popular ‘alonetogether’ hashtag states - and Mallon did a phenomenal job of inspiring survivors, uplifting/including fellow writers, and drawing up an account of what global tragedy can do to the everyday family.
5 stars for me, and I look forward to reading one of M.J.'s fictional books!
March 6, 2021
I have been trying to read some of the books published by some of the authors whose blogs I have been reading. I grabbed This is Lockdown by M.J. Mallon on K.U. It is a collection of short stories, journal entries, and poems that were written during the world wide lockdown. Most of the collaborators, included Marje herself, live in the U.K, so this gave me insight into how those from another country from me, are dealing with this continued way of life. In This is Lockdown, she explores the impact of COVID-19 on her UK town and home life.
Hearing the perspective of another person's life during COVID-19 is inspirational and concerning... only because you feel for them and what they're going through. Hearing how this impacts her older parents and also her teenage daughters you can see differing effects. The addition of short stories and poetry from other bloggers was very insightful and enjoyable as well. I enjoyed the various flash fiction stories near the end. A great addition to this anthology were the numerous links to websites and blogs of various contributors. I spent time looking at various sites and bookmarking them. Now, some people may ask why they should read this collection, aren't we all dealing with the same thing? My answer is to see that we are not alone. Everyone is dealing with things in their own way. The poetry is inspirational, thought provoking and emotional. Although we are still dealing with lockdown here in Southern Ontario, I can see the end is coming and I am ready. My life will be forever changed due to the pandemic, and it is nice to see how others are also dealing with this.
Hearing the perspective of another person's life during COVID-19 is inspirational and concerning... only because you feel for them and what they're going through. Hearing how this impacts her older parents and also her teenage daughters you can see differing effects. The addition of short stories and poetry from other bloggers was very insightful and enjoyable as well. I enjoyed the various flash fiction stories near the end. A great addition to this anthology were the numerous links to websites and blogs of various contributors. I spent time looking at various sites and bookmarking them. Now, some people may ask why they should read this collection, aren't we all dealing with the same thing? My answer is to see that we are not alone. Everyone is dealing with things in their own way. The poetry is inspirational, thought provoking and emotional. Although we are still dealing with lockdown here in Southern Ontario, I can see the end is coming and I am ready. My life will be forever changed due to the pandemic, and it is nice to see how others are also dealing with this.
July 23, 2020
When people look back on the events of 2020, books like this will assume a great importance. They will remind us of all the little things that we took for granted and were suddenly gone.
I’ve known Marjorie Mallon for quite a while, I read and enjoyed The Curse of Time and beta read the sequel - which is excellent!
She approached me in March for my thoughts on Lockdown and I was more than pleased to be able to contribute to what was originally a series of guest posts on her website. The fact that it has grown into this book is fabulous, there is so much here that deserves to be read to put the days of March to June 2020 into context.
We start with Marjorie’s diary, a daily recounting of the familiar things that became the early casualties of Lockdown, interspersed with thoughts and the things that we do to try and keep a sense of normality in a world that has lost the meaning of the word. There are snippets of fact and some great pictures as well. It reminds me of the way my thoughts went as the days passed, hopping from subject to subject as I tried to keep busy.
Then we get on to the guest posts from her website, from as diverse a set of authors and bloggers as you could find, all with a lockdown tale to tell or some wisdom to impart. As authors, we make things up, these pieces reveal life as unexpected as any fiction and reveal how we cope and deal with a new normal.
As well as the stories of everyday life, there’s a lot of quality poetry from a varied selection of people and to finish, flash fiction and poetry from Marjorie herself, which will be familiar to readers of her novels.
It’s hard to pick out a piece and say “that’s the best” because they’re all good. And it would also seem a little unfair, as everyone’s story or contribution was so important.
This is a great record of a society in flux. You need to read this.
I’ve known Marjorie Mallon for quite a while, I read and enjoyed The Curse of Time and beta read the sequel - which is excellent!
She approached me in March for my thoughts on Lockdown and I was more than pleased to be able to contribute to what was originally a series of guest posts on her website. The fact that it has grown into this book is fabulous, there is so much here that deserves to be read to put the days of March to June 2020 into context.
We start with Marjorie’s diary, a daily recounting of the familiar things that became the early casualties of Lockdown, interspersed with thoughts and the things that we do to try and keep a sense of normality in a world that has lost the meaning of the word. There are snippets of fact and some great pictures as well. It reminds me of the way my thoughts went as the days passed, hopping from subject to subject as I tried to keep busy.
Then we get on to the guest posts from her website, from as diverse a set of authors and bloggers as you could find, all with a lockdown tale to tell or some wisdom to impart. As authors, we make things up, these pieces reveal life as unexpected as any fiction and reveal how we cope and deal with a new normal.
As well as the stories of everyday life, there’s a lot of quality poetry from a varied selection of people and to finish, flash fiction and poetry from Marjorie herself, which will be familiar to readers of her novels.
It’s hard to pick out a piece and say “that’s the best” because they’re all good. And it would also seem a little unfair, as everyone’s story or contribution was so important.
This is a great record of a society in flux. You need to read this.
July 23, 2020
The corona virus outbreak has been a unique time for many of us, having never experienced anything like this in our lifetimes. This moment is history is an opportunity for writers to help others by expressing this situation through diary entries, poetry, and fictional works. This is lockdown begins in just such a way as we take a look at diary entries from MJ Mallon, which were written in the moment and not only become a documentation of events from this author’s point of view but also a way of making sense of the turmoil encountered during this difficult time. The book then moves on to poetry which is written by from people of different nationalities, this gives such an insight into how nations can be united in global events and in many ways highlights how experiences through this pandemic have created a unity for us all as humans. Finally, the author offers us some excellent fictional short pieces illuminating how many of our ordinary routines were shaped and impacted by this pandemic. I was fortunate to have an opportunity to read an early copy of this book and was delighted to see the author putting this collection out into the world. A highly recommended read that I imagine readers of the future looking to.
February 13, 2021
This is lockdown is an unusual collection of diary entries, discussions, poems, and a few short stories written by a variety of people from different countries and backgrounds and recording their experiences and emotions during the 2020 lockdown.
The book is divided into three sections: Family Diaries of the author MJ Mallon, No More which contains poems and pieces from a number of different contributors, and Part 2 which comprises of short stories by MJ Mallon.
The Family Diaries is just what is says, a collection of diary entries from 28 February 2020 to 1 June 2020, setting out the author's emotions and experiences during the first three months of lockdown. The author was in lockdown with your two daughters and her husband and her entries extend to cover some of their feelings and reactions to being confined to home for an extended period. I enjoyed the family's attempts to stay cheerful and to make the most of their time through exercising, walking, and reading. Simple joys like cooking and finding a new statuette on a walk are highlights of this period, as is the pervasive underlying anxiety about the illness and the future. The author has also recorded some of the politics of the time and how the actions of leadership impacted on the psychology of the nation.
The contributions from other authors were equally interesting as the contributors were from all over the world. Some of the contributors are known to me through my blog and I really sympathized with their circumstances and anxieties. Some were new to me, but their stories were no less interesting. I found the contribution by Beaton Mabaso from Zimbabwe of particular interest as I live in neighbouring South Africa. Beaton's experiences and anxieties about food supply, medical treatment, the ability to social distance in crowded communities and a government with limited ability to financial aid its citizens are similar to the circumstances of the vast majority of people in my country. The different impact of the lockdown and pandemic on developed countries where people fight the psychological battle of loneliness and fear, and developing countries were people face poverty and physical deprivation were highlighted for me. There are also beautiful poetic contributions from Sally Cronin, Debby Gies, and Frank Prem. Willow Withers wrote a powerful and overarching poem about the impact of "the plague" on society and the economy of Britain.
Part 2 set out some excellent short stories by MJ Mallon, my favourite of which was The Poet's Club Fictional Short Story. This story illustrated the diverse impact of coronavirus and lockdown on teenagers and how it impacts on their socializing, learning, and ability to cope. If found this story to be insightful and realistic.
This is Lockdown is and excellent and well-rounded depiction of lockdown and the pandemic of 2020.
The book is divided into three sections: Family Diaries of the author MJ Mallon, No More which contains poems and pieces from a number of different contributors, and Part 2 which comprises of short stories by MJ Mallon.
The Family Diaries is just what is says, a collection of diary entries from 28 February 2020 to 1 June 2020, setting out the author's emotions and experiences during the first three months of lockdown. The author was in lockdown with your two daughters and her husband and her entries extend to cover some of their feelings and reactions to being confined to home for an extended period. I enjoyed the family's attempts to stay cheerful and to make the most of their time through exercising, walking, and reading. Simple joys like cooking and finding a new statuette on a walk are highlights of this period, as is the pervasive underlying anxiety about the illness and the future. The author has also recorded some of the politics of the time and how the actions of leadership impacted on the psychology of the nation.
The contributions from other authors were equally interesting as the contributors were from all over the world. Some of the contributors are known to me through my blog and I really sympathized with their circumstances and anxieties. Some were new to me, but their stories were no less interesting. I found the contribution by Beaton Mabaso from Zimbabwe of particular interest as I live in neighbouring South Africa. Beaton's experiences and anxieties about food supply, medical treatment, the ability to social distance in crowded communities and a government with limited ability to financial aid its citizens are similar to the circumstances of the vast majority of people in my country. The different impact of the lockdown and pandemic on developed countries where people fight the psychological battle of loneliness and fear, and developing countries were people face poverty and physical deprivation were highlighted for me. There are also beautiful poetic contributions from Sally Cronin, Debby Gies, and Frank Prem. Willow Withers wrote a powerful and overarching poem about the impact of "the plague" on society and the economy of Britain.
Part 2 set out some excellent short stories by MJ Mallon, my favourite of which was The Poet's Club Fictional Short Story. This story illustrated the diverse impact of coronavirus and lockdown on teenagers and how it impacts on their socializing, learning, and ability to cope. If found this story to be insightful and realistic.
This is Lockdown is and excellent and well-rounded depiction of lockdown and the pandemic of 2020.
September 1, 2020
M J Mallon has outdone herself by writing a memoir of her time in lockdown in England while the Covid-19 Virus held the rest of the world hostage (and still does). Partially written in the form of a diary and called the “COVID 19 diaries,” Mallon shares the daily activities of her family during the crises. She doesn’t sugarcoat their concern for the safety of their family—she tells it like it is.
In a historical context, Mallon also shares the U. K. numbers of those infected and those who have succumbed to this terrible disease, along with a few political opinions of her own. There is a poignancy to her words that touches us all no matter where we live, as we stand united in fear against a little-understood disease.
“We are all in this together,” truly becomes the mantra for the collection as the book expands to include an extraordinary collection of writers from the author’s writing community, who also share how the virus changed their lives. The honesty and sincerity of these authors deeply touched me. I connected to their experiences because as an empathic writer, I shared many of the same feelings, doubts, and concerns.
The second half of the collection features short stories, flash fiction, and poetry written by the author during this troublesome time.
In the years to come, I hope the author’s story, “Stay at Home,” serves as a testament to the unusual times we lived through. The story carries a “family-trigger warning” as it portrays one man’s struggle to survive the virus. Its truth is as haunting as the rest of the book.
In a historical context, Mallon also shares the U. K. numbers of those infected and those who have succumbed to this terrible disease, along with a few political opinions of her own. There is a poignancy to her words that touches us all no matter where we live, as we stand united in fear against a little-understood disease.
“We are all in this together,” truly becomes the mantra for the collection as the book expands to include an extraordinary collection of writers from the author’s writing community, who also share how the virus changed their lives. The honesty and sincerity of these authors deeply touched me. I connected to their experiences because as an empathic writer, I shared many of the same feelings, doubts, and concerns.
The second half of the collection features short stories, flash fiction, and poetry written by the author during this troublesome time.
In the years to come, I hope the author’s story, “Stay at Home,” serves as a testament to the unusual times we lived through. The story carries a “family-trigger warning” as it portrays one man’s struggle to survive the virus. Its truth is as haunting as the rest of the book.
July 20, 2020
This is lockdown is a collection of diary entries, poems and photos from a collection of authors under the umbrella of M J Mallon. This is a definitive look at what the real people did during the lockdown, which is still in place in certain parts of the country. The writings and musings offer a real look at how people felt, what they did or couldn't do and all delivered from different voices. From the day to day struggles, worries, and laughter to poems which will make you laugh, think and cry. This is a wonderful book I thoroughly enjoyed and I will keep going back to read again and again.
July 24, 2020
MJ Mallon begins this heartening book with a stunning foreword to mark the times that are sure to become part of a testament of our times in history on the 2020 global pandemic Covid19 that has rocked our collective world.
The book is broken down into three parts - Daily diary entries from the author, writer's testaments, and thoughts in flashfiction/nonfiction stories, and poetry. Each contributing author evoking their experiences and thoughts.
Mallon has covered and documented life in lockdown, tracking events as they happen and the human condition scrutinized for its affects with shared incidents, displaying fears, finances, health concerns, and what a potentially killer disease portends. Her diaries touch on emotion as MJ expresses her own fears and concerns and observations at the days and weeks progress in lockdown.
Common threads I noticed from all writers: Loss of writing muse and creativity, restructuring of family life and function, adjusting to lockdown, and for many - overwhelming online 'everything' now, cutting into a writer's work time and creativity.
This book is for everyone, for we all share the same common Covid fears and adjustments in this very world we all live in. A recommended read for reflection and to reinforce, we are not alone.
The book is broken down into three parts - Daily diary entries from the author, writer's testaments, and thoughts in flashfiction/nonfiction stories, and poetry. Each contributing author evoking their experiences and thoughts.
Mallon has covered and documented life in lockdown, tracking events as they happen and the human condition scrutinized for its affects with shared incidents, displaying fears, finances, health concerns, and what a potentially killer disease portends. Her diaries touch on emotion as MJ expresses her own fears and concerns and observations at the days and weeks progress in lockdown.
Common threads I noticed from all writers: Loss of writing muse and creativity, restructuring of family life and function, adjusting to lockdown, and for many - overwhelming online 'everything' now, cutting into a writer's work time and creativity.
This book is for everyone, for we all share the same common Covid fears and adjustments in this very world we all live in. A recommended read for reflection and to reinforce, we are not alone.
September 27, 2020
Ths Is Lockdown is a compilation unlike any other, documenting the thoughts and feelings of the main author, M J Mallon, and many other contributors, with regards to the Pandemic Lockdown of 2020, that affected the whole world.
In three parts, we are treated to a diary-style section, where M J Mallon expresses her thoughts on the whole thing, as the whole situation unfolds, over the spring and summer of 2020.
Part two is a collection of thoughts and poetry from writing contributors around the world, detailing the effects of lockdown on their personal lives, how it's affected their work, creativity, and family.
Part three features some fiction pieces written by MJ Mallon, inspired by the pandemic.
Definitely one to read and savour.
In three parts, we are treated to a diary-style section, where M J Mallon expresses her thoughts on the whole thing, as the whole situation unfolds, over the spring and summer of 2020.
Part two is a collection of thoughts and poetry from writing contributors around the world, detailing the effects of lockdown on their personal lives, how it's affected their work, creativity, and family.
Part three features some fiction pieces written by MJ Mallon, inspired by the pandemic.
Definitely one to read and savour.
August 7, 2020
M.J. Mallon has recorded her feelings and thoughts during the COVID - 19 pandemic. It is an interesting read of her thoughts and then the views of other writers. As a writer, this book comforted me as I learnt that I am not the only one struggling right now.
This book is a highly enjoyable and interesting read and I really recommend it. it is also a good way to look back on the events of this past year.
This book is a highly enjoyable and interesting read and I really recommend it. it is also a good way to look back on the events of this past year.
July 28, 2020
It's a privilege to be a small part of this book as one of the 'isolation writers.' It feels like contributing to a little piece of history for the future. Fascinating to read all the thoughts and musings and feel that none of us were ever really alone.
Read
July 8, 2021Latest author features/guests posts about lockdown:
https://originallife.com/difficult-ti...
https://katrina-hart.com/2020/09/28/t...
https://chantelleatkins.com/2020/09/1...
https://beetleypete.com/2020/08/02/bl...
This anthology and compilation is for everyone, wherever you live in the world. We are all experiencing the impact of COVID19 and lockdown. As writers, bloggers and creatives we express our thoughts and opinions in writing: in heartfelt poetry, pieces on isolation and the impact of COVID19 and the 'new normal.' There are twenty eight talented contributors, including the creative NHS Mask Making Fundraising Team of Jane Horwood and Melissa Santiago Val. The contributors come from as far afield as Australia, Canada, USA and Zimbabwe, or closer to my current home in England - in Ireland, Scotland and Italy.
It is as Willow Willers, a contributor said, 'A piece of living history.' This extraordinary and unexpected time period will be shared with future generations one day. Compiling and editing this anthology has given me a purpose over the period of Lockdown and for that I am grateful.
https://originallife.com/difficult-ti...
https://katrina-hart.com/2020/09/28/t...
https://chantelleatkins.com/2020/09/1...
https://beetleypete.com/2020/08/02/bl...
This anthology and compilation is for everyone, wherever you live in the world. We are all experiencing the impact of COVID19 and lockdown. As writers, bloggers and creatives we express our thoughts and opinions in writing: in heartfelt poetry, pieces on isolation and the impact of COVID19 and the 'new normal.' There are twenty eight talented contributors, including the creative NHS Mask Making Fundraising Team of Jane Horwood and Melissa Santiago Val. The contributors come from as far afield as Australia, Canada, USA and Zimbabwe, or closer to my current home in England - in Ireland, Scotland and Italy.
It is as Willow Willers, a contributor said, 'A piece of living history.' This extraordinary and unexpected time period will be shared with future generations one day. Compiling and editing this anthology has given me a purpose over the period of Lockdown and for that I am grateful.
July 30, 2023
This book is a remarkable testament to the impact of Covid on lives across the globe during the first months of lockdown.
In the first section, we share Ms Mallon’s lockdown diary. She writes about life with her family, and her thoughts and opinions on a wide variety of topics. In the beginning she writes “We have two enemies – the virus and our human stupidity and selfishness.” She doesn’t hold back on her views on the mishandling of the situation by governments and their lack of clear guidance, the sacrifices made by people, and the scarcity of PPE for NHS staff. However, she doesn’t dwell on the negative and implores us to be kind to others and to focus on the positive. Her life at home with her daughters is beautifully captured in its delights and complexity and there’s a refreshing honesty in these accounts. Her positivity comes across in comments such as: “Embrace differences, they make us unique, individual, special and interesting” This segues neatly into the next section of short pieces from a diverse selection of authors.
The middle section includes pieces from around the world including Australia, Canada, Zimbabwe, the US and the UK. It was fascinating to see the universality in these pieces as well as the different perspectives.
Sharon Marchisello and Miriam Owen write about the conflict they feel between the upset Covid has caused to planned book publications and an awareness of the bigger picture. This unease must resonate with those who had to cancel important celebrations. Many of the contributors, like Fiona Phillips and Ritu Bhathal, wrote about an inability to focus. Jeannie Wycherley references the anxiety and the need to constantly check the news and social media whilst Beaton Mabaso avoids the news for the same reasons and refers to the new norm in the same way as Sherri Matthews who says “We are forever changed”.
Tracie Barton-Barrett references grief, loss of family members and freedoms, and financial insecurity. Samantha Murdoch writes movingly about the need for a little kindness.
Not all the contributions are in prose There is some stunning poetry. Frank Prem paints an image of the loneliness of the city. Sally Cronin writes about the elderly now scared of socialising again, the troubling picture of young children at school having to sit apart from others and the impact of Covid on those in need of other life-saving treatment but she also gives us an uplifting Double Etheree.
Peter Taylor-Gosby and D.G.Kaye see hope in the opportunity this gives us to demolish the bad and rebuild better. Many write about their appreciation of the natural world without the usual noisy backdrop. Alice May found new horizons through her painting, and Jane and Melissa made masks to raise money for NHS charities. There are so many fascinating pieces and I’m sorry I don’t have the space here to include them all. Each and every one was appreciated.
The final section takes us back to Ms Mallon, but this time in her role as author. There’s a wide range of genres and moods here and the topics are hugely varied from sinister domestic abuse, shopping hells, student life, and love. The opening piece, The Poet’s Club, is fresh and intelligent. One of the lines that grabbed me was “The words stuck like colour on my tongue”.
I bought this book a long time ago, but it’s only now that I’ve read it and, perhaps, I’ve taken more from it today than I might have done when the situation was still so fresh in my mind. It certainly brings back detail that I’d forgotten and I know I’ll be reading it again in the future to remind myself of the complexities of the situation in which we found ourselves.
In the first section, we share Ms Mallon’s lockdown diary. She writes about life with her family, and her thoughts and opinions on a wide variety of topics. In the beginning she writes “We have two enemies – the virus and our human stupidity and selfishness.” She doesn’t hold back on her views on the mishandling of the situation by governments and their lack of clear guidance, the sacrifices made by people, and the scarcity of PPE for NHS staff. However, she doesn’t dwell on the negative and implores us to be kind to others and to focus on the positive. Her life at home with her daughters is beautifully captured in its delights and complexity and there’s a refreshing honesty in these accounts. Her positivity comes across in comments such as: “Embrace differences, they make us unique, individual, special and interesting” This segues neatly into the next section of short pieces from a diverse selection of authors.
The middle section includes pieces from around the world including Australia, Canada, Zimbabwe, the US and the UK. It was fascinating to see the universality in these pieces as well as the different perspectives.
Sharon Marchisello and Miriam Owen write about the conflict they feel between the upset Covid has caused to planned book publications and an awareness of the bigger picture. This unease must resonate with those who had to cancel important celebrations. Many of the contributors, like Fiona Phillips and Ritu Bhathal, wrote about an inability to focus. Jeannie Wycherley references the anxiety and the need to constantly check the news and social media whilst Beaton Mabaso avoids the news for the same reasons and refers to the new norm in the same way as Sherri Matthews who says “We are forever changed”.
Tracie Barton-Barrett references grief, loss of family members and freedoms, and financial insecurity. Samantha Murdoch writes movingly about the need for a little kindness.
Not all the contributions are in prose There is some stunning poetry. Frank Prem paints an image of the loneliness of the city. Sally Cronin writes about the elderly now scared of socialising again, the troubling picture of young children at school having to sit apart from others and the impact of Covid on those in need of other life-saving treatment but she also gives us an uplifting Double Etheree.
Peter Taylor-Gosby and D.G.Kaye see hope in the opportunity this gives us to demolish the bad and rebuild better. Many write about their appreciation of the natural world without the usual noisy backdrop. Alice May found new horizons through her painting, and Jane and Melissa made masks to raise money for NHS charities. There are so many fascinating pieces and I’m sorry I don’t have the space here to include them all. Each and every one was appreciated.
The final section takes us back to Ms Mallon, but this time in her role as author. There’s a wide range of genres and moods here and the topics are hugely varied from sinister domestic abuse, shopping hells, student life, and love. The opening piece, The Poet’s Club, is fresh and intelligent. One of the lines that grabbed me was “The words stuck like colour on my tongue”.
I bought this book a long time ago, but it’s only now that I’ve read it and, perhaps, I’ve taken more from it today than I might have done when the situation was still so fresh in my mind. It certainly brings back detail that I’d forgotten and I know I’ll be reading it again in the future to remind myself of the complexities of the situation in which we found ourselves.
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