The Covid pandemic affected writers in many ways. Some found the forced lockdowns stifled their creativity, while others thrived in them. But with face-to-face events prohibited, many authors used to selling their books direct had to prioritise online sales. When life returned to something more normal, face-to-face author events also resumed, but Covid has still left its mark. People carry less cash these days, with many preferring card payments instead.
According to UK Finance, which represents the UK banking and financial sector, only 15% of all financial transactions in 2021 were made by cash, whereas debit cards accounted for 48% of all payments. Before the pandemic, whenever attending an author event where I could sell copies of my books, I would gather as much loose change as possible to ensure I had a sizeable cash float. Since Covid, my new priority is checking my card payment reader is fully charged.
Contactless currency
My first non-cash transaction at a meet the author
