Often the words writers commit to the page are bridges between readers who may find themselves from different backgrounds with different life experiences. J.O. Haselhoef discusses just this and more in today's chat about her pages penned in pandemic.
What does the pandemic currently look like in your city?
Wisconsin is a red zone. Yesterday, November 17, 2020, we had 92 deaths in one day.
What are some favorite books you've read during quarantine?
Bridging Barriers by Michael Paddock.
Have there been any movies, tv shows, podcasts, etc. that have helped keep you at ease the past few months?
Lots of Hulu and Netflix series: “Brockmeister,” “The Crown,” and “Queen's Gambit.”
How has the pandemic affected your writing?
My involvement with writing has improved. I've streamlined out what I've struggled at and focused more on what works. I've also taken a number of classes to improve my craft.
Are there any projects you are excited to keep working on? If so, can you give us any details (no spoilers please!) about your project?
I plan to help the incarcerated write. Not sure what organization to connect through, but I'm looking now.
If asked ten years from now what the past few months have taught you about being a writer, what would come to mind?
Writing is a wonderful activity. It calms me when I'm agitated and energizes me when I'm down. It is a marvelous exchange of insights from one person to another, often bridging age, political, gender, religion and ethnic gaps.
Is there anything that worries you about the changes being incited in the publishing world in light of recent events?
That there are fewer and fewer journalistic outlets covering small town events. This leaves areas without any checks and balances of any sort.
Are you a plotter, pantser, or somewhere in between? Has this changed during the pandemic?
A plotter. Had to look up the word pantser and was pleased to learn that Stephen King, whose overall writing I dislike (he can create a character though) was one of THEM.
Where is your favorite place to write? Has this changed during the pandemic?
I hear about writers in those beautiful ivory towers, with windows looking out at woods and streams, feeding fauns and the like. That's not me.
While the future is just as unknowable as ever, what is something you are most looking forward to this year?
Tomorrow.
Is there any advice you would give to young writers during this time?
Write. Write. Write.
Is there anything else you would like to share?
Thank you for asking. It's a nice concept to pull together a community through out shared answers.
aBOUT J.O. Haselhoef
JOHaselhoef is an American writer, the author of Give & Take: Doing Our Damnedest NOT to be Another Charity in Haiti. She has also written for literary journals such as Storm Cellar, San Fedele Press, and Fiction Southeast and is a columnist for the Haitian Times.
To learn more, follow J.O. and her writing journey at her website and on Twitter.
Thanks for chatting, J.O.!
