Never before has the Internet been so important. Heaven help us if wifi goes down. We might not make it.
Sequestered in our homes, it’s books, movies, and streaming content that keeps us going. That is, when we’re not working out, cooking or obsessing about flour, yeast or paper products. But even YouTube can let us down now and then. Our feeds get gunked up with cat videos and before we know it, we’re down the rabbit hole never to be seen again.
Well, here are some links to help you stay on track, even if you are still sitting on the couch:
About COVID-19
Let’s start with a video that will help put this all into context. One of my favorite YouTube Channels, Corridor Crew, put out a video to explain how Coronavirus surprised us all. It uses math, science and visual effects to explain how this happened and did it in an interesting and compelling way. Take a look at it here. Corridor Crew produces videos about special effects and stunts.
To stay on top of the important news during this pandemic, turn to the Centers for Disease Control at cdc.gov.
For Business
If you are a professional writer affected by the virus, you have options. Here are a few:
The Small Business Administration and your local Small Business Development Center have resources for you—both for staying afloat during the crisis and for rebuilding afterward. My SBDC offers courses on marketing, finances, technology and offer free one-on-one coaching with business professionals, mostly retired. All of their services are free.
Publisher’s Weekly compiled a list of resources available. The list includes non-financial resources too. Check it out.
For Research
Can’t go to the library right now? Use New York Public Library’s remote access.
Need to brush up on your research skills? Find research guides at the Library of Congress, as well as a wide range of resources.
Have a quick question? Ask a librarian. The Library of Congress has the best librarians.
Looking into American history? Then turn to the National Archives. They have amazing resources available online.
University of Oxford Research is a great source for any writer. Here’s a list of the various libraries at Oxford.
Need facts on just about anything? Turn to the Smithsonian Research Center Online or look through their encyclopedia.
Want to learn more about myths and the gods? Check out Pantheon.
Or perhaps you’d prefer exploring the Celtic Pantheon and literature.
If science is your thing, check out the Public Library of Science.
Need information about a place? Check into the World Almanac.
For Writers
See my first Writer’s Resource list for a selection of great options.
Now Novel has a list of the 200 best writing websites, though they missed this one, so….
Writer’s Digest is a great resource and offers many free downloads to help writers and screenwriters.
For Readers
Listen to stories for free at Audible.
Symphony Space—Selected Shorts
Selected Shorts is a a program recorded live in New York City. Each episode features one or more professional actors reading short stories on stage. The podcast version is available for free on iTunes and other sources, or you can listen to several episodes on their website.
Maybe you’re more in the mood for some classics. Listen to 7 Shakespearean plays from the Folger Shakespearean Library in Washington, DC. Or download the plays to read.
Don’t want to commit to that much Shakespeare? Why not listen to Sir Patrick Stewart recite a sonnet each day on his Instagram account.
Or forget Shakespeare (a sentence I never thought I would write) and listen to the first Harry Potter audiobook instead. It’s available for free, as well as a number of other wizarding freebies. Or visit the Peters Township Public Library in Pennsylvania to try their digital HP-themed escape room.
Having trouble sleeping? Let Dolly Parton read you a bedtime story.
Storyline online features celebrities reading stories. Check out their library here.
Educational Resources
Find a host of educational resources at the National Geographic Society. You can explore the world, look at maps, watch videos and more.
Tour a Museum from around the world with 2,500 virtual tours available.
Arts Online
Listen to an opera. Several companies are streaming their performances. Check them out here.
Or if opera isn’t your speed, try finding a more modern online music stream through Billboard.
The Kennedy Center is offering educational programs and shows.
For a restful art experience, check out Baumgartner Restoration. Watch as they bring masterpieces back to life. It is mesmerizing.
Arts for Kids
Join picture book author Mo Willems for a daily “Lunch Doodle.” Mo is the artist in residence at the Kennedy Center for the Arts. If you don’t know him, look up his Elephant & Piggie books.
Help your child write to a favorite author. Children’s authors have launched a campaign called #writetoanauthor. The authors promise to write back.
For Screenwriters
YouTube has a lot of sites for screenwriters and film buffs. Here are a few of my favorite places:
Pixar in a Box by the Kahn Academy
Hello, Future Me
Two of my favorites from this channel are On Writing: Expositions, Part I and his analysis of the psychology of Azula from Avatar: The Last Airbender animated series.
The Nerdwriter
YouTube for Fiction Writers
For Writers on YouTube
There are many options for writers too on YouTube. Here are my two favorite:
Shaelin WritesShaelin is a creative writing student who shares what she learns. She is insightful and easy to watch.
Alexa Donne
Alexa has a more direct approach and direct advice.
Other YouTube Channels to Try
Charisma on Command is a channel that explores charisma. While they focus on personal charisma, their lessons are helpful to writers trying to break down character and motivation. Check out their Presentation Skills Playlist.
Classes
Take a class.
Try FutureLearn. The courses are free while they are live, but can cost if you want to take them after the course has ended. New courses are added all the time.
Coursera offers a wide range of writing classes and other subjects for free and certifications for a fee.
Harvard Online offers 64 free courses.
Parade created a list of other free courses available during Covid-19.
Where do you find resources? What are your favorites? Share them below. And stay safe.