Teacher who lost two jobs during pandemic sees humorous book on Lockdown Life published
By Melissa Kasule
An author has bounced back with a new book after losing her jobs during the peak of Covid-19.
Bestselling author Daniella Blechner, from Gipsy Hill, who lost two teaching jobs amid the pandemic, has written and published her new novel Lockdown Life – a humorous and reflective snapshot into time sent in lockdown.
The author penned her first book, Mr Wrong, in 2014, a self-help book based on a series of dating disasters and experiences from other women.
Following the success of her debut, Daniella launched publishing company
Conscious Dreams Publishing in 2015 in an aim to boost the lack of diversity in publishing across the UK.
She has since published more than 80 books and mentored 190 authors and aspiring authors, with books by three young authors published.
Daniella said: “Growing up, I loved to read. As I began to read more widely, I became acutely aware from a young age that there were no characters in books that looked like me.
“Subconsciously the message became, your story doesn’t matter, your voice doesn’t matter, you don’t matter. How can we expect our children to succeed when they are invisible?
“The industry does not celebrate or reflect diversity in the way that it should do, and so I firmly believe when the door appears closed, we are responsible for creating our own door and carving our own path for success.
“As a female entrepreneur isolating alone during lockdown, I had to quickly learn how to transform my publishing company, which is largely based on live events such as book launches, seminars and workshops.
“Funnily enough, 2020 has been the most successful year I’ve had. Which leads me to my story”, she added.
Award-winning British novelist Alex Wheatle said: “It’s an essential for anyone who has survived the stresses of lockdown. On point, well-crafted and oh so witty.”
Lockdown Life is on sale at Dulwich Books and Bookseller Crow in Crystal Palace.
Pictured top: Daniella Blechner
