Dear writers
Welcome to another edition of your friendly neighbourhood-on-lockdown newsletter.
I almost didn’t send out this letter. It’s been two weeks since the lockdown and it’s been rough. I have a lot of emotions: shame at what our country has become, anger at how our government can politicise a pandemic instead of dedicating resources to help fight it, and anxiety about I, or anyone I know, falling sick. In the last few days, I received so much support from people telling me this newsletter matters to them that I changed my mind. Unlike a certain someone, I give the people what they want.
This week’s free version has a reading list, #WFH resources, a guide to fundraisers and campaigns if you are looking to donate, and my suggestions for whom to follow for factual information about COVID-19.
The paid edition is dedicated to the Letter of Introduction (LOI): why is it important, how to write it, and advice from editors. I have also added in a dummy LOI. There is another long list of pitch calls (21 to be precise!) – majority of them are focussed on COVID-19. In addition, there are grants for those seeking funds, a reading list, #WFH resources, a donation guide, and my list of people to follow on Twitter if you need factual, no-nonsense news and information.
All this for just Rs49. Download here.
A few thoughts about the paid version. I have received feedback that it would be easier to have a monthly (or longer) payment cycle. Bear with me, I am yet to find a site that allows a monthly or yearly subscription model so I have to stick to Instamojo. If you have any ideas/ suggestions on how to fix this, send them my way? For now, if you haven’t downloaded the previous two editions, get in touch. I will send payment details and email you all three editions together. If you don’t want to use Instamojo, just email me and we will work something out.
Now, let’s begin.
Follow FRIDAY (err TUESDAY)
A guide on good people to follow on social media…an effort to break through the noise and WA.
If you, like me, are addicted to doomsday scrolling, here’s some advice. Take a break. I log off Twitter and FB whenever things get too overwhelming and just focus on work or something else. Getting your news once a day is fine. I get most of my news from Twitter and from a handful of people whose voices I trust. Sharing them here in case you find them useful:
Anirban Mahapatra shares studies and collates all the information he reads and studies into matter-of-fact threads and articles.
Maharashtra CM official account (@CMOMaharashtra) is doing a good job sending out regular updates and urging people to stay at home.
Peter Griffin is a journalist who shares factual information and resources for those interested in donating. He also started a lovely group on Facebook, Simple Recipes for Complicated Times.
Norbert Elekes is a data storyteller whose main task these days is updating people with the cases in each country. The information is enough to scare you but, its for those who want to stay updated.
Smita Nair is an Indian Express journalist based in Goa who has been doing a stellar job of highlighting the ground reality in the state.
Oommen C. Kurian is a senior fellow at ORF who has been tweeting articles, reports, studies and information related to the virus.
Dushyant is a lawyer and an articulate writer, who doesn’t hesitate to ask tough questions and call out government failures.
Vidya Krishnan is a health and science journalist who also doesn’t hesitate to speak and report the truth.
DONATE
Feeling generous? Do good to feel good.
This is a collated list of the existing campaigns providing relief in cash and kind to vulnerable groups amidst this lockdown. Choose from region and type of support.
KVN Foundation has a meal delivery for migrant workers + homeless in Bangalore, and Mumbai. Donate here.
This is fundraiser to help the trans community.
Citizens for Justice and Peace are helping mathadi workers and Mumbai and Maharashtra’s most marginalized people. Donate here.
Maker’s Asylum has collaborated with Imaginarium India and Divide by Zero to deliver 10,000 Face Shields to healthcare workers. Support their fund-raising effort and hep them source raw materials.
Here is how you can support those looking after street dogs in Delhi.
Our Democracy has a campaign to raise funds for daily wagers who are hit by the lockdown.
Uday Foundation is providing care kits to the homeless to fight Coronavirus.
SAFA Society's campaign collecting funds for relief packages in Delhi, Chennai, Hyderabad and Bengaluru (tax exemptions available)
Goonj has started a Rahat COVID19 to hep daily wage workers who are out of jobs. Donate here.
Zomato Feeding India has a 'Feed the Daily Wager' campaign to provide food support to daily wagers who lost their livelihood due to COVID-19 lockdown.
A COVID-19 mutual aid fund for LGBTQI and BIPOC folk.
Khaana Chahiye is an attempt to create a crowd sourced hunger map of Mumbai, measure demand and offer supply. They are also seeking volunteers.
READING CORNER
Articles I have read and liked.
Harini Calamur writes about India’s entitled middle class and how things got worse because they refused to follow orders.
Here’s a piece by Anurag Mehra that reflects on the absurdity of WA forwards during times such as these.
NYT has written a story on how reliable information is one of the best weapons we have against Covid-19.
The story of a virologist in Pune, Minal Dakhave Bhosale, who developed India’s first testing kit in just six weeks.
This essay in The New Yorker by Peter Hessler talks about surviving a forty-five day lockdown in Chengdu, China to avoid the Coronavirus.
This excellent Vidya Krishnan piece in the Atlantic is about India’s response to COVID-19 got her much hate (so you know she is speaking the truth).
#WFH Resources
A doctor, Kamna Kakkar, has helpfully answered one of the questions that’s been foremost on our minds: what to do if we have symptoms for COVID-19? Read her responses here.
For Potterheads like me, JKR has introduced a new resource (no controversial opinions here). Harry Potter at Home is a website with magical craft videos, fun articles, quizzes, puzzles and more.
If you want to enjoy some Potter time with friends, try your hand at this Hogwarts digital escape room.
Anantika Mehra is conducting 3 Introductory Mandarin Language trial slots, on Zoom: today, tomorrow and day after, 9-10pm. Cost: Rs 100 only. DM her to participate. She’s good, take her up on this offer. It is a steal.
Want to know if your favourite company/ brand did anything to help during this pandemic. This nifty website will tell you.
Metallica is streaming all their concerts for free, on Youtube.
The Attorney General of India, KK Venugopal has built a digital library of his book collection dating from 17th century for public access. He digitally scanned the books to make it available for public.
‘I will survive’ could well be the theme song for this pandemic though no one can do it better than this mother.
NPR has put together a list of live virtual concerts.
NY Writers Coalition is offering free virtual creative writing workshops, daily (on Zoom). No writing experience is necessary, and writers of all levels of experience are welcome.
Before I end, I would like to thank everyone who wrote to me when I was feeling low – Samarpita and Kaveri for always being supportive, Pallavi for that sweet letter of encouragement, Karishma for telling me to not give up, Marisha and Avantika for offering help, and Tanya, Anantika, Chryselle, Natasha, Amogha, Shahana, Suradha and Sindhuri for the feedback and support. This newsletter is out because of you. Thank you!
Stay safe, wash your hands and do not panic.
Adios.