Pages Penned in Pandemic with J.O. Haselhoef

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.!

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Pages Penned in Pandemic with Sam Smith

In times of loss or heartbreak or inner turmoil, turning to the page may be the only escape. Sam Smith 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?

We are in a second period of severe restrictions as the UK government attempt to slow the transmission of the virus.

What are some favorite books you've read during quarantine?

Mary Ann Sate, Imbecile by Alice Jolly. Hamnet by Maggie O'Farrell. Grief is The Thing with Feathers by Max Porter.

Have there been any movies, tv shows, podcasts, etc. that have helped keep you at ease the past few months?

“The Personal History of David Copperfield” directed by Armando Iannucci.

How has the pandemic affected your writing?

Trying to look after yet losing both my parents as a result of COVID has been a very traumatic experience. At times, writing was the only way I could try and make sense of my inner turmoil.

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 hope to work towards a collection of writings by my Dad and myself, as a tribute to love and relationship. I read his 'mutterings' to him as he was dying , and for the first time shared with him some of mine. He gave me permission to share his work, and encouraged me to share mine, so here I am!

If asked ten years from now what the past few months have taught you about being a writer, what would come to mind?

Write for yourself, but don't be scared to share your work. Revisit, Review and Revise. Trust Yourself!

Have there been any fellow writers or people in your life who have helped you stay connected during the pandemic?

Anna Saunders (poet) through the Cheltenham Poetry Festival.

Are you a plotter, pantser, or somewhere in between? Has this changed during the pandemic?

A bit of each! Hasn't really changed.

Where is your favorite place to write? Has this changed during the pandemic?

At a little table I have rescued from my Dad's house with the company of the the birds in my garden through the window. (Previously I would lounge on the sofa!)

If you curated a playlist for writing life in the pandemic, what top 5 songs would be on your list?

1.) “Fuel Up” by Stornaway

2.) “It's About Time” by John Denver

3.) “Intertwined” by Dodie

4.) “Old Ladies Lament” by Rachel Sermanni

4.) “Maybe it's Time” by Bradley Cooper (from A Star is Born).

Without too many spoilers, what is your favorite poem you've written since the pandemic began?

“Cornflower Blind” published by Ice Floe Press.

While the future is just as unknowable as ever, what is something you are most looking forward to this year?

Being on the sea in my small boat.

Is there any advice you would give to young writers during this time?

Don't let anyone put you off developing your own style. You are coming from your own truth and that is unique. It's ok for your voice to be unique too. Be you.

ABOUT Sam Smith

Despite working as a therapist, nothing prepared Sam for the trauma of both her parents dying during the recent COVID-19 lockdown. Passionate about the power of poetry, she wrote to ‘earth her heart’ as she nursed and lost them. Sam is only just beginning to share her poems. She has recently had work published by Ice Floe Press and shortly has work featured by Safe and Sound Press. She lives and works in Hampshire, England.

To learn more, follow Sam and her writing journey on Twitter.

Thanks for chatting, Sam!

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Pages Penned in Pandemic with Carol McGill

Sometimes wishing for memories to be erased, the tangible evidence burned away to nothing, is all we are left with in the end. Carol McGill's poem, "No proper burial," explores this notion, and is now available to read in the print collective! Until then, I'm excited to chat about Carol's pages penned in pandemic.

What does the pandemic currently look like in your city?

Honestly? Grim.

What are some favorite books you've read during quarantine?

The first thing to come to mind is the Neopolitan quartet by Elena Ferrante. I’m halfway through and I’ve never read anything quite like it, she’s a new favorite for sure. In the first week of lockdown, I read The Secret Place by Tana French, which was very impressive and so addictive. I also loved The Flat Share by Beth O’Leary, gorgeous and fun and exactly the escapism I needed.

Have there been any movies, tv shows, podcasts, etc. that have helped keep you at ease the past few months?

I’ve watched “Sex Education” twice, once in March and again in the winter. “Fleabag” is as good as everyone says. “Crazy Ex Girlfriend” does a whole bunch of stuff I didn’t realize tv could even do—musical and feminist and with actually good bi representation. Also I’m from Dublin, so “Normal People” was a really big deal for me.

How has the pandemic affected your writing?

I think it will be interesting to read over what I’ve written this year and see if there are any recurring themes. For now, the main effect has been that I have more time. I’ve never been able to focus on writing so much, and I’m choosing to see that as a silver lining.

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 attempting a non-fiction piece for pretty much the first time. It’s definitely a challenge but I’m really excited about it.

Have there been any fellow writers or people in your life who have helped you stay connected during the pandemic?

I’m in a really amazing writing group, which has been wonderful in terms of motivation. I also have quite a few friends who love writing and who swap stories with me. A second pair of eyes is so valuable, I’m very lucky.

Is there anything that excites you about the changes being incited in the publishing world in light of recent events?

I am very excited about the conversations on (often unconscious) biases in the publishing industry, and the increase in attention given to BIPOC writers in particular. It's long overdue. Stories are how we make sense of the world and understand each other, so it matters which ones we choose to tell and listen to. It's crucial that everybody has the chance to participate and to see themselves represented.

Is there anything that worries you about the changes being incited in the publishing world in light of recent events?

That being said, I'm aware that publishing is a business and that this can give it an ugly edge (for example, my understanding of the situation with JK Rowling's latest novel is that its potential to sell was prioritized over its potential to do harm). It's wonderful to see the recent increase in diversity but I worry this won't be maintained once it stops being a trend. We need to make sure this shift is sustainable and meaningful. Individuals can help by examining their own reading and book buying.

If you curated a playlist for writing life in the pandemic, what top 5 songs would be on your list?

They’d probably all be from folklore.

ABOUT carol mcgill

Carol McGill has had work appear in Capsule Stories, Sonder, Crannóg, Q/A Poetry, Silver Apples Magazine, Brilliant Flash Fiction, and the anthology Words To Tie To Bricks. She founded the Morning Coffee Writing Competition with Sonder Magazine. She was the 2019-2020 chairperson of Trinity Literary Society.

To learn more, follow Carol and her writing journey on Twitter.

Thanks for chatting, Carol!

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Pages Penned in Pandemic with James Penha

Too often, there desperation to rewrite and wonder again and again keeps writers returning to the page. James Penha's poem, "In Due Course," explores this notion, and is now available to read in the print collective! Until then, I'm excited to chat about James's pages penned in pandemic.

What does the pandemic currently look like in your city?

Somewhere between normal and new-normal.

What are some favorite books you've read during quarantine?

Summer by Ali Smith. Madness by Sam Sax. The Lying Lives of Adults by Elena Ferrante. Stranger by Night by Edward Hirsch. Swimming in the Dark by Tomasz Jodrowski. Real Life by Brandon Taylor. What Is the Grass by Mark Doty. The Night Watchman by Louise Erdich.

Have there been any movies, tv shows, podcasts, etc. that have helped keep you at ease the past few months?

“Haute Dog.” “The Voice.” Live concerts. Live tennis.

How has the pandemic affected your writing?

I find myself unable to complete poems and stories for long periods and then whoosh! everything seems to come together. Repeat.

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 am developing a queer adaptation of a section of Aeneid.

If asked ten years from now what the past few months have taught you about being a writer, what would come to mind?

Thank God it's a lonely profession.

Have there been any fellow writers or people in your life who have helped you stay connected during the pandemic?

I edit The New Verse News. My relationship with the hundreds of writers who contribute to the journal are my writing life's blood.

Are you a plotter, pantser, or somewhere in between? Has this changed during the pandemic?

I'm no plotter. What's a pantser?

Where is your favorite place to write? Has this changed during the pandemic?

Same old MacBook.

If you curated a playlist for writing life in the pandemic, what top 5 songs would be on your list?

All Sondheim playlist:

1.) No One Is Alone

2.) Not While I'm Around

3.) Being Alive

4.) Not a Day Goes By

5.) Finishing the Hat

Without too many spoilers, what is your favorite poem(s) you've written since the pandemic began?

My favorite poems are those having nothing to do with the pandemic; they are recollections of happier times.

While the future is just as unknowable as ever, what is something you are most looking forward to this year?

A new president.

Is there any advice you would give to young writers during this time?

Just because the pandemic absorbs you, remember that you have, as well, other times in your life about which you can write.

ABOUT James Penha

A native New Yorker, James Penha has lived for the past quarter-century in Indonesia. Nominated for Pushcart Prizes in fiction and poetry, his work has lately appeared in several anthologies: The Impossible Beast: Queer Erotic Poems (Damaged Goods Press), The View From Olympia (Half Moon Books, UK), Queers Who Don’t Quit (Queer Pack, EU), What We Talk About It When We Talk About It, (Darkhouse Books), Headcase, (Oxford UP), Lovejets (Squares and Rebels), and What Remains (Gelles-Cole). His essays have appeared in The New York Daily News and The New York Times. Penha edits The New Verse News, an online journal of current-events poetry.

To learn more, follow James and his writing journey at his website and on Twitter.

Thanks for chatting, James!

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Pages Penned in Pandemic with Tilia Klebenov Jacobs

There is a certain truth to the notion that being a writer is a solitary endeavor, however, having the support of other writers can be necessary. Tilia Klebenov Jacobs 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?

My city has been a red zone for months now. The loss of life is frightening. However, on the plus side, I see close to 100% mask wearing in stores and outdoors in crowded places, and people seem very eager to help each other.

What are some favorite books you've read during quarantine?

The Right Sort of Man by Allison Montclair, Money in the Bank by P.B. Wodehouse, and To Me, He Was Just Dad edited by Joshua David Stern.

Have there been any movies, tv shows, podcasts, etc. that have helped keep you at ease the past few months?

“The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel,” “Dancing with the Stars,” “The Saint” (1960s TV show), and innumerable films such as “The Breakfast Club,” “The Sting,” and the “Terminator” movies.

How has the pandemic affected your writing?

It is much harder to write when I can't get out of the house to a coffee shop or library (my usual offices). Fortunately, I recently re-connected with Norman Birnbach, an acquaintance from college, and we decided to become writing partners. It is marvelous having someone to bounce ideas off of, get energized by, and be accountable to--kind of like having a literary gym buddy.

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?

My partner and I are working on a YA crime novel that we're very excited about.

If asked ten years from now what the past few months have taught you about being a writer, what would come to mind?

Be willing to write despite circumstances that are less than ideal.

Have there been any fellow writers or people in your life who have helped you stay connected during the pandemic?

Yes, definitely. My colleagues at Mystery Writers of America and Sisters in Crime have made a real effort to stay in touch with everyone, and it's made a world of difference.

Are you a plotter, pantser, or somewhere in between? Has this changed during the pandemic?

I am a plotter, and as a result, so is my new writing partner. The only real difference is that I used to outline in longhand, but since Norman and I meet by Zoom, we share the screen and outline at the keyboard.

Where is your favorite place to write? Has this changed during the pandemic?

I usually write in coffee shops and public libraries. Since they're all closed now, I would have to say that yes, that has changed.

If you curated a playlist for writing life in the pandemic, what top 5 songs would be on your list?

I like having instrumental music for writing, so I would probably select a mix of Gershwin, Goodman, Scott Joplin, Thelonious Monk, and Bach to start with.

Without too many spoilers, what is your favorite scene you've written since the pandemic began?

Probably some banter between a twelve-year-old girl and a ghost as they're being chased by a demon cockroach. Like ya do.

While the future is just as unknowable as ever, what is something you are most looking forward to this year?

Being able to get back to coffee shops and libraries!

Is there any advice you would give to young writers during this time?

Kid, hang in there. In about twenty years someone will do a big study showing that teenagers who lived through this era are more creative and resilient than other generations, but I already know that by looking at you. Just keep doing what you're doing: be strong, be kind, and work hard. This too shall pass.

ABOUT Tilia Klebenov Jacobs

Instructor Tilia Klebenov Jacobs is the bestselling author of two crime novels, one middle-grade fantasy book, and numerous short stories. She is a judge in San Francisco’s Soul-Making Keats Literary Competition, and a board member of Mystery Writers of America-New England. HarperCollins describes her as one of “crime fiction’s top authors.” Tilia has taught middle school, high school, and college; she also teaches writing classes for prison inmates.

To learn more, follow Tilia and her writing journey at her website and on Facebook.

Thanks for chatting, Tilia!

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Pages Penned in Pandemic with Brittney Uecker

Perhaps the greatest power grief has over us as humans is its ability to make use feel its wrath in unique ways. Brittney Uecker's novel excerpt "Lance" from Chapter 17 of Just Bones, explores this notion, and is now available to read in the print collective! Until then, I'm excited to chat about Brittney's pages penned in pandemic.

What does the pandemic currently look like in your city?

I live in a very small rural town in central Montana with a population of about 5000. The population is older and overwhelmingly conservative, which has attributed to a pretty cavalier attitude about the pandemic. It took until August for cases to really start to ramp up here, and now that school has started (full-time and in-person), its starting to get really out of control. I work in a library and with the public, and despite the state-wide mask mandate, it is a daily struggle to not only get people to wear masks consistently and correctly, but to correct misinformation and generally get people to take this seriously. It is extremely disheartening.

What are some favorite books you've read during quarantine?

Luster by Raven Leilani, Vampires in the Lemon Grove by Karen Russell, On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous by Ocean Vuong, Conversations with Friends by Sally Rooney, The Fixed Stars by Molly Wizenberg, Dig by A.S. King, Gutshot by Amelia Gray, and so many more.

If you haven't been reading, what are some books you're most looking forward to reading?

I just bought Do What You Want, the history of Bad Religion. I love punk rock books and am really looking forward to this one.

Have there been any movies, tv shows, podcasts, etc. that have helped keep you at ease the past few months?

I don't want a lot of movies or TV, but I listen to tons of podcasts. I just listened to a Luminary series called “Break Stuff” about Woodstock '99 that was really interesting.

How has the pandemic affected your writing?

I wrote more this year than I have in probably the last 8 years combined. I had the time to really focus on my novel, which is in the final stages of completion. I took a lot more chances in my writing, writing about topics and perspectives that I'd really never dove into before. I've put together some of my best writing ever and I'm extremely proud of the work I've done.

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 working on a speculative fiction piece about love in the COVID-era and the toll that our distance and reliance on technology could take in the distant future. It's sad but prescient.

If you haven't been able to write, are there any projects you're hoping to work on next?

Not as fun as writing, but I bought a 104-year-old house last summer that needs a lot of aesthetic work and someday I'll get to that.

If asked ten years from now what the past few months have taught you about being a writer, what would come to mind?

My favorite musician, Laura Jane Grace, recently said in an interview, "It doesn't matter what anyone else thinks about what you do. Just stay alive." This quote is on a post-it note on my writing desk and I think about it all the time. Being courageous and not caring what people may think about my writing and just writing what comes has been one of the most helpful and inspiring things for me.

Have there been any fellow writers or people in your life who have helped you stay connected during the pandemic?

So many in the Twitter family.

Are you a plotter, pantser, or somewhere in between? Has this changed during the pandemic?

Pantser. This changes with the type of writing I'm doing - I'm much more of a plotter when I'm novel-writing - but at this moment I'm going with the flow of sparks of inspiration when they come.

Where is your favorite place to write? Has this changed during the pandemic?

My kitchen table. This has always been true.

If you curated a playlist for writing life in the pandemic, what top 5 songs would be on your list?

1.) "Ice Cream Song" by Laura Jane Grace

2.) "Hands On" by the Jesus and Mary Chain

3.) "Talia" by King Princess

4.) "Ghost Boyfriend" by Baby Ghost

5.) "Rebecca" by Against Me!

Without too many spoilers, what is your favorite scene you've written since the pandemic began?

A couple traveling in Australia has a spontaneous threesome experience with a stranger. It was sexy and sharp and really fun to write.

While the future is just as unknowable as ever, what is something you are most looking forward to this year?

Continuing to write without reservation and submit as much as possible.

Is there any advice you would give to young writers during this time?

Write daily, in any form, even if its only a few words.

ABOUT Brittney Uecker

Brittney Uecker is a youth librarian and writer living in rural Montana. Her work has been published by Waste Division and Stone of Madness Press and is forthcoming for Second Chance Lit.

To learn more, follow Brittney and her writing journey at her website and on Twitter and Instagram.

Thanks for chatting, Brittney!

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Pages Penned in Pandemic with Claire Taylor

While writing may seem too ethereal until the words are on the page, there is much work that goes into this process before this tangibility can be seen. Through this process, many find structure and solace. Claire Taylor 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?

Rising cases numbers and a return to partial stage 1 restrictions/shut down.

What are some favorite books you've read during quarantine?

The Vanishing Half, Party of Two, All Adults Here, and old favorites like Dept. of Speculation and Commencement.

Have there been any movies, tv shows, podcasts, etc. that have helped keep you at ease the past few months?

I've watched a lot of stand up comedy specials.

How has the pandemic affected your writing?

Having to shut down my business gave me more time to devote to writing, and I have been using writing as a way to structure my time and provide a distraction from my anxiety.

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 started a monthly newsletter for kids in April and I'm excited to continue that into the new year.

If asked ten years from now what the past few months have taught you about being a writer, what would come to mind?

That rejection is small potatoes compared to everything else the world can throw at you.

Have there been any fellow writers or people in your life who have helped you stay connected during the pandemic?

The writing community on Twitter has been a source of inspiration and camaraderie.

Are you a plotter, pantser, or somewhere in between? Has this changed during the pandemic?

In between.

Where is your favorite place to write? Has this changed during the pandemic?

I write at my kitchen table during my son's nap. Sometimes I write from the hallway floor if he's feeling scared and needs me to stay close to his room.

Without too many spoilers, what is your favorite scene you've written since the pandemic began?

I wrote a nonfiction piece about trying to have a sudden and mysterious health issue diagnosed in the middle of this much larger health crisis.

While the future is just as unknowable as ever, what is something you are most looking forward to this year?

Finishing up the first draft of my YA novel.

Is there any advice you would give to young writers during this time?

Find something else that you love as much or more than writing. It will help fuel your work and also makes it easier to deal with rejection and self-doubt.

ABOUT Claire taylor

Claire Taylor (she/her) writes from her kitchen table. Her work has appeared or is upcoming in Capsule Stories, perhappened mag, Canary Literary Journal, and more. She is the creator of Little Thoughts, a monthly print newsletter of original writing for kids. She lives in Baltimore, MD.

To learn more, follow Claire and her writing journey at her website and on Twitter and Instagram.

Thanks for chatting, Claire!

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Pages Penned in Pandemic with Casper

Writers spend so much time alone in their own heads. While wonderful worlds and stories may be built from such places, there is always the danger that we will place too much pressure on ourselves, feeling trapped in our own thoughts with nowhere to go. Casper discusses just this and more in today's chat about their pages penned in pandemic.

What does the pandemic currently look like in your city?

Nottingham was on a local lockdown for ages after the summer, but now it's a nationwide lockdown. It's not really any different from March, barely anything's changed. I think we had around a month or two of vague normality and then everything went back to lockdown. I live in an odd area of Nottingham and I see so many people just not caring anymore. We're a forgotten city, the government doesn't really care about Nottingham. It's rough.

What are some favorite books you've read during quarantine?

I finally read Villette for the first time, and while it won't overtake Jane Eyre as my favorite Bronte novel, it is definitely very good. I've also read 1Q84, my favorite Murakami novel, Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro, and a wonderful novel called Scarlet Odyssey by C. T. Rwizi.

Have there been any movies, tv shows, podcasts, etc. that have helped keep you at ease the past few months?

“The Crown” season 4 was easily binged within two days and I felt a little piece of my heart die when I realized I had none left to watch. Other than that, I've been introduced to “Black Mirror,” and I've finally watched the entirety of “Attack on Titan.”

How has the pandemic affected your writing?

I ended up completely stopping writing at the start of the crisis. I was moving house and leaving my family and dealing with a lot at the time, but I just completely stopped and I didn't pick it up for six months. This second national lockdown has inspired me to I guess change my life a bit. I signed up for a BA in English Lit and Creative Writing, and that spurred me on to write again. I'm a bit rusty though!

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've had an idea in my head for a long time about a chapbook I'd love to have published, but having the idea is very different to actually writing the thing!

If asked ten years from now what the past few months have taught you about being a writer, what would come to mind?

It's okay to stop for a while if you need to. You don't have to wait for inspiration either. There's no pressure to be a more dedicated writer than everyone else, it really doesn't matter. If there's pressure, it's only in your own head and nowhere else.

Have there been any fellow writers or people in your life who have helped you stay connected during the pandemic?

Kyle Lovell supported my comeback to poetry and I'm really thankful for their kind words. Floria Lundon has been a star, as usual, she always hypes up my writing even when it's dreadful. My partner, Liam, has been my absolute rock.

Is there anything that excites you about the changes being incited in the publishing world in light of recent events?

I've been out of the loop for so long I'm not sure what changes are happening—I'm a social media hermit at the moment. Looking at the writing community as a whole I can see a lot of people being far more motivated to write, though, and I think that's wonderful.

Is there anything that worries you about the changes being incited in the publishing world in light of recent events?

Not necessarily in the publishing world but in the book world as a whole, I've been really upset to see so many amazing local bookshops struggle to keep afloat in this pandemic.

Are you a plotter, pantser, or somewhere in between? Has this changed during the pandemic?

Definitely somewhere in between. I have a notebook of words and phrases I love the sound of, and if I arrange all of those in some odd order in a document, I end up being able to fill in the gaps.

Where is your favorite place to write? Has this changed during the pandemic?

My favorite place to write used to be in my old home in Rutland—we were surrounded by miles of fields. During the pandemic the only place I've really been able to write is in my city flat, but that's okay. I get shy writing around other people anyway!

If you curated a playlist for writing life in the pandemic, what top 5 songs would be on your list?

I don't listen to music I love when I write because I end up singing along too much and distracting myself. The best thing I've found is ambient music for studying (especially Ravenclaw Commonroom ones), but lately I've REALLY loved listening to Youtube playlists of Japanese 80s City Pop. Great genre.

Without too many spoilers, what is your favorite poem you've written since the pandemic began?

I finally edited a poem I wrote a very long time ago about inevitable loss and knowing that even if a connection is right for you right now, it won't be in the future. It was great to see it properly come to light.

While the future is just as unknowable as ever, what is something you are most looking forward to this year?

The best thing to happen by the end of 2020 will be Christmas. I'm not even Christian, I just really love tinsel. It will be my first with my partner and we're thinking of having takeout for our Christmas dinner.

Is there any advice you would give to young writers during this time?

Don't pressure yourself. Don't give up on what you love, of course, but don't force yourself to write if you don't want to. Don't force yourself to do anything if it's going to be bad for your mental or physical health. Honestly, bad times will pass. The most important thing is your happiness in the present moment, nothing else.

Is there anything else you would like to share?

Wear a bloody mask!

ABOUT Casper

Casper is a writer from Nottingham, UK, and has found a true home in poetry. Currently, you can find his words in Thread/Fate (postghostpress). If you can't find him, he's probably crocheting - check under the bed.

To learn more, follow Casper and their writing journey on Twitter and Instagram.

Thanks for chatting, Casper!

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Pages Penned in Pandemic with Mitchell Solomon

Often moments may feel chaotic or destructive, but in the distance or future, there is the chance to heal. Mitchell Solomon's poem, "Birdsong," explores this notion, and is now available to read in the print collective! Until then, I'm excited to chat about Mitchell's pages penned in pandemic.

What does the pandemic currently look like in your city?

San Francisco, until now, had managed to keep rates low, but with a recent surge everything is starting to close again. It's been incredibly hard on our once phenomenal restaurant scene.

What are some favorite books you've read during quarantine?

Jericho Brown's The Tradition, Ted Chiang's Exhalation and Stories of Your Life, Drew Magary’s The Hike, and Ottessa Moshfegh’s McGlue.

If you haven't been reading, what are some books you're most looking forward to reading?

Station Eleveen by Mandel and Changing Planes by Le Guin.

Have there been any movies, tv shows, podcasts, etc. that have helped keep you at ease the past few months?

“The Dollop,” “Radiolab,” “Reply All,” “Hardcore History,” and of course lots of amazing shows. “The Boys” is my current addiction.

How has the pandemic affected your writing?

While my writing has gotten a bit darker, I've found much more time to do so despite working full time.

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?

The pandemic has actually been the catalyst for me to pursue publishing for the first time! So far, it's going surprisingly well!

If asked ten years from now what the past few months have taught you about being a writer, what would come to mind?

Keep writing, keep submitting, and when you have nothing to write about, write about having nothing to write about!

Have there been any fellow writers or people in your life who have helped you stay connected during the pandemic?

Many encouraging readers! But no writers; (un)fortunately being in San Francisco my network is much more tech-oriented than creative writing.

Is there anything that excites you about the changes being incited in the publishing world in light of recent events?

I'm sad to see some publishers closing and taking hiatuses, but as someone with a non-existent writing peer network, the swap to digital (pubs, workshops, etc.) has opened up a lot of opportunities to me.

Is there anything that worries you about the changes being incited in the publishing world in light of recent events?

I mean of course, and that's said today on 11/16 long after some of the more... anxious moments of this pandemic. My hope that although horrific, the pandemic serves as an expediting agent towards progress.

Are you a plotter, pantser, or somewhere in between? Has this changed during the pandemic?

Plotter, to a fault, and there's no obvious end in sight to that!

Where is your favorite place to write? Has this changed during the pandemic?

Running, jotting notes to myself as a take my now-daily run through SF streets.

If you curated a playlist for writing life in the pandemic, what top 5 songs would be on your list?

Embarrassingly enough, too much Blink 182. Alongside some The Hold Steady, The National, and a touch of the Hamilton Soundtrack.

Without too many spoilers, what is your favorite scene / poem you've written since the pandemic began?

I have a very personal poem, still a work in progress but will submit during another window, about a man with a chisel staring at a wall. Very excited for the day I stop tinkering with it and let it out into the world.

While the future is just as unknowable as ever, what is something you are most looking forward to this year?

A freshly made (not delivered/to-go!) pub-hamburger and a beer out with friends. A meal.

Is there any advice you would give to young writers during this time?

Don't stop writing or taking notes! One of my biggest mistakes was not doing so for a few years after school. You'll be thrilled, if you ever do decide to pursue writing and publishing seriously, to have a library of work and metaphors to go through.

ABOUT mitchell solomon

Mitchell Solomon studied Writing, Marketing, and Economics at Washington University in St. Louis, where he earned his B.S. in 2011. Since then he has been working in marketing in San Francisco and writing poetry and short stories.

To learn more, follow Mitchell and his writing journey on Twitter.

Thanks for chatting, Mitchell!

READ MORE ABOUT THE PAGES PENNED IN PANDEMIC!

Pages Penned in Pandemic with Jo Lewin

Throughout 2020, the unknown seemed just as frightful as ever. But for a writer, sometimes letting go of a plan and diving into the unknown allows the writing to continue onward. Jo Lewin 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?

A swinging pendulum between hopefulness and hopelessness.

What are some favorite books you've read during quarantine?

A little life by Hanya Yanagihara and Lullaby by Leïla Slimani.

If you haven't been reading, what are some books you're most looking forward to reading?

How not to be a boy by Robert Webb.

Have there been any movies, tv shows, podcasts, etc. that have helped keep you at ease the past few months?

“The Adam Buxton Podcast” and “Grounded” by Louis Theroux.

How has the pandemic affected your writing?

It's made it more intense—when it happens—but also more likely to suffer from procrastination...

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?

My novella, which centers around a lonely and diffident accountancy clerk, who decides she must shock herself back into life by moving into a curious new household.

Have there been any fellow writers or people in your life who have helped you stay connected during the pandemic?

My colleague, who has just had a book deal!

Are you a plotter, pantser, or somewhere in between? Has this changed during the pandemic?

I have tended to worry too much about plotting in the past. The pandemic has taught me to get the ?!#@!# on with the writing.

Where is your favorite place to write? Has this changed during the pandemic?

At my dining table under the sloping skylight, watching the sea gulls glide above Brighton.

Without too many spoilers, what is your favorite scene you've written since the pandemic began?

A scene that explores how toxic masculinity, manipulation and a fear of true sexual expression can prompt coercive control by an alpha male.

While the future is just as unknowable as ever, what is something you are most looking forward to this year?

Having a house-warming party (even if it's just with one other household!)

Is there any advice you would give to young writers during this time?

I am far too inexperienced/clueless to give advice...!

ABOUT Jo Lewin

Jo Lewin is a Brighton-based Londoner with a restless mind and a growing vocabulary.

To learn more, follow Jo and her writing journey on Twitter.

Thanks for chatting, Jo!

READ MORE ABOUT THE PAGES PENNED IN PANDEMIC!