Though the excitement that comes from finishing a written piece can trick us into thinking the hard wok is done, often it take a little time and distance to give us fresh eyes. Judy Darley 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?
Numbers are rising, which is scary, but the increase is slowing, so we're hopeful. My husband has had it, but has recovered, thankfully.
What are some favorite books you've read during quarantine?
Where The Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens and Don’t Tell The Bees by Mary-Jane Holmes.
Have there been any movies, tv shows, podcasts, etc. that have helped keep you at ease the past few months?
“Life by Mike Bartlett” (BBC), “Unorthodox” by Anna Winger and Alexa Karolinski (Netflix), and “The Umbrella Academy” by Gerard Way (Netflix).
How has the pandemic affected your writing?
I've been writing masses, but have been very worried as my paid work has diminished enormously, which is distracting.
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'm editing my MG novel 'Windstruck', and currently seeking an agent. I've been painting a lot too.
If asked ten years from now what the past few months have taught you about being a writer, what would come to mind?
That early mornings are my best time for writing with focus. That writing offers pockets of peace I need.
Have there been any fellow writers or people in your life who have helped you stay connected during the pandemic?
My husband, friends and family have all been wonderful in difficult times—we've all supported each other. Some are writers, some are not. I had some excellent mentoring through Lindsay Galvin via WriteMentor.
Is there anything that excites you about the changes being incited in the publishing world in light of recent events?
I enjoy being able to attend literary events all over the world with international participants without leaving my home!
Is there anything that worries you about the changes being incited in the publishing world in light of recent events?
A: Publishers are having to be more careful financially, which means fewer new authors are being taken on and given a chance.
Are you a plotter, pantser, or somewhere in between? Has this changed during the pandemic?
Somewhere in between. I'm spending more time between thinking I've finished a piece and actually sending it own. Putting it aside for a while and then looking with fresh eyes definitely sharpens my editing skills.
Where is your favorite place to write? Has this changed during the pandemic?
In bed, or cozied up on the living room couch. That's the same as before the pandemic.
If you curated a playlist for writing life in the pandemic, what top 5 songs would be on your list?
Sorry, I don't listen to music while writing. I have been listening to a lot of podcasts while walking though, including “The New Yorker's The Writer's Voice,” “BBC Radio 4's A Good Read,” “The Penguin Podcast,” “Desert Island Discs,” and “The Guardian Books Podcast.”
Without too many spoilers, what is your favorite scene / poem you've written since the pandemic began?
I'm really proud of a story I wrote called “Self-defence Against Yesterday” which blends Greek myths and the #MeToo movement.
While the future is just as unknowable as ever, what is something you are most looking forward to this year?
Embracing my friends. Hopefully getting a regularly paying job and writing and publishing many more stories.
Is there any advice you would give to young writers during this time?
Develop a habit of writing, editing, sending, and keep doing that alongside lots of reading. You'll get there, but probably not before you define where 'there' is.
ABOUT Judy darley
Judy Darley lives and writes in Bristol, UK. She has been widely published, including by The Mechanics' Institute Review, Spelk, and The Cabinet of Heed. She’s the Flash Fiction Editor at Reflex Press. Her collections are Sky Light Rain (Valley Press) and Remember Me To The Bees (Tangent Books).
To learn more, follow Judy and her writing journey at her website and on Twitter.
Thanks for chatting, Judy!
