Pages Penned in Pandemic with Tracy Rose Stamper

During the days spent in isolation, often it was the small moments spent in nature that kept so many tethered despite the unknown. Tracy Rose Stamper's poem, "Stone Silver Bird Blessings" explores this notion, and is now available to read in the print collective! Until then, I'm excited to chat about Tracy's pages penned in pandemic.

What does the pandemic currently look like in your city?

A red tide rising. A tsunami. Overwhelming. Terrifying. Unfathomable numbers crashing down upon us. It looks like we aren't listening.

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

Happier at Home: Kiss More, Jump More, Abandon Self-Control, and My Other Experiments in Everyday Life by Gretchen Rubin. (Certainly seemed fitting, and was incredibly inspiring when inspiration felt hard to come by.) The Art of Sparkling: Share Your Inner Light With the World by by Becky Brittain. (Ahhhh.... salve for the soul!)

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

I haven't yet been able to read Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art by James Nestor. I have this saved as a celebratory read once there is more hope on the horizon of the pandemic and once we as a country have made strides towards our black brothers and sisters being able to breathe deeper, with less terror.

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

Rewatching Bruce Springsteen's movie Western Stars breathes hope back into me, reminding me of the search for meaning and the country I wish to inhabit. The classic movie All the President's Men brings solace that this country has gone through political theatre of the absurd before... and survived. Rachel Bernstein's “IndoctriNation” podcast has helped me understand how we have (hopefully temporarily) lost loved ones to cognitive dissonance. TV shows have been a panacea of divine distraction! “The Wire.” “Breaking Bad.” “Better Call Saul.” “Schitt's Creek.” I have watched more shows since March then I ever have before!

How has the pandemic affected your writing?

My writing during the pandemic mirrors my attention span. I find myself focusing primarily on shorter pieces. My writing feels disjointed, which is fitting, since much of the time I do, too.

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 longest-running, perpetual project: Home. Spending essentially all my time at home with my family has underscored the essential nature of our nest for coming together, finding safety and solace, exploring and expressing creativity, nurturing Love. Family. Belonging.

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

Writers survive. The art and craft can be lifelines; creativity keeps blood pumping and hearts dreaming. The Muse shows up when least expected. Listen for her. Let her in. Dance with her.

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

Yes! Friend and fellow writer Aimee DuFresne - www.aimeedufresne.com - has been a lighthouse during these dark times. Always willing to cheer me on, share inspiration and pass along opportunities, giggle with me, our friendship stokes my creative fire.

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

History had me pegged as a devout plotter: outlines, organization, charts, note cards, etc. Life's spontaneity lured me into pantsing. My happy place is a happy medium between these two poles. The pandemic, however, had different plans for me entirely. Inspiration arrives in fits and bursts on the will of the wind. Or... it doesn't. It is unpredictable and can't be forced. When an insight lands, I take it and run with it. Creativity fountains up, then disappears during dry spells. Grappling with the overwhelming anxiety of the times, I find that creativity is at times squelched. I am learning to ride the wave of creativity when it reappears. It helps me navigate these trying (and hopefully transformational) times. The writing lesson that the pandemic seems to most want me to learn is to trust that the Muse always returns.

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

1.) “Stones” by Bruce Springsteen

2.) ‘Don't Give Up” by Peter Gabriel

3.) “Finally Home” by Vonda Shepard

4.) “You're All I Need To Get By” by Aretha Franklin

5.) “Freedom” by George Michael

Is there anything else you would like to share?

Thank you. Thank you for modeling resilience, fostering creativity, and inviting connection. Ever since I first crossed paths with the words Pages Penned in Pandemic, they have called to me.

ABOUT Tracy Rose Stamper

Tracy Rose Stamper dances with words. Her recently acquired middle name is the most significant word she has written lately during these days asking us to rise. She lives in a home on a hill in St. Louis with two beloved humans, two rescue beagle boys, and two whimsical wind sculptures. She is a columnist at Rebelle Society, contributing author of Anna Linder’s The Book of Emotions, and has had work appear in Drunk Monkeys, New Feathers Anthology, Dime Show Review, Feels, and Six Sentences, among others. You can find her dancing with words on Facebook.

Thanks for chatting, Tracy!

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Pages Penned in Pandemic with J.D. Bell

No matter what the world decides to throw at us, writing remains a way to escape through our own creation. J.D. Bell discusses just this and more in today's chat about his pages penned in pandemic.

What does the pandemic currently look like in your city?

Our positivity rate is currently on the rise. People are trying to maintain some semblance of normality while adhering to social distancing and wearing face coverings. Schools are on a hybrid model of onsite and remote learning. Since our town is a major commuter hub into New York City, it is a challenge to maintain isolation from people connecting from other towns on the rail line into Manhattan.

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

I've recently read Ibsen's play Enemy of the State and Shakespeare's King Lear, which seem to have some relevance to the times. I've reread John Barry's The Great Pandemic which shows that we've learned very little since 1918. It all sounds depressing, but I'm really a fun guy at heart.

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

My biggest reading challenge for the future (probably very distant future) is to get through Proust. My wife has already achieved that feat.

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

Like many people sheltering in place, we are bing watching more than we should, but it helps. “The Crown,” “The Queen's Gambit,” “West Wing,” “Line of Separation,” and many others have been our loyal companions in isolation.

How has the pandemic affected your writing?

I belong to a writing group where we would meet once a month to review one another's work. When our state shut down in March, we no longer met and I lost much of my inspiration to write. We've recently started to meet again in the outdoors and my inspiration has returned.

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 relish the challenge of a call for submission to different anthologies in various genres. I worked for many years in advertising and the exercise of developing a short story seems to come naturally to me. I have a longer piece in development that I hope to pick up again soon. It's about advertising and aliens and a bit unusual I'd say.

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

The pandemic has been a major distraction for everyone. No one has escaped it. Writing has taught me that even though it can be very difficult at times, it forces you to immerse yourself in another world. When the creative juices are flowing, your imaginary world blocks out reality for a short period of time. It can be very therapeutic.

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

Yes, the fellow writers in my local writing group and members of the Inner Circle Writers' Group online community. I've also met some wonderful writers on Twitter. They all have provided regular inspiration.

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

I'm a pantser. I enjoy the journey of starting a story and seeing where the characters take my writing. I enjoy the surprises that can pop up along the way.

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

I ordinarily write in a converted office space in our home. It has a lovely view of our yard where I can day dream watching bids and squirrels. Alas, since the pandemic my desk is a mess. Fortunately, I can write almost anywhere so sitting in bed, out on the deck, or next to the fireplace are welcome locations to ponder a story. I even jotted down thoughts on my phone for the story I submitted here while sitting under some trees.

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

Remember your experiences during this time, the good and the bad. Remember how life has been altered and the effect it has had on those around you. Listen to others and how they describe what they are going through. I recall watching a show on the pandemic of 1918 and a commentator said he was astonished how quickly people seemed to want to forget the impact it had on their lives. There are stories that need to be told about our current experiences. Young writers will be the ones creating their stories of today and carrying them far into the future.

ABOUT j.d. bell

J.D. Bell is an award-winning, internationally published, author of flash fiction and short stories. He writes in the genres of science fiction, horror, mystery, and humor. His works have appeared in anthologies published by Black Hare Press, Pure Slush, Clarendon House, Blood Song Books, and numerous online publications.

To learn more, follow J.D and his writing journey on Twitter and Facebook.

Thanks for chatting, JD!

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Pages Penned in Pandemic with Laura Beretsky

Despite consistent reminders that writing is often a solitary endeavor, having the support of other creatives can provide a safe haven, even on those isolated days. Laura Beretsky 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?

Somerville has lost its vibrancy, but at least everybody is wearing masks, so I feel safe when I walk around outside. The schools are closed, so the kids are learning from home, which is very challenging and kind of depressing.

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

The Color of Water by James McBride, Educated by Tara Westover, and 1984 by George Orwell.

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

“This Is Us,” “The Queen's Gambit,” and “The Good Place.”

How has the pandemic affected your writing?

For the better. My writing group which used to meet biweekly in person, now meets weekly via Zoom.

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 memoir, Seizing Control. I just hired an editor to read a revised pared down version.

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

With so many pleasures/leisure activities taken away from us it's easier to find the time to dedicate to writing.

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

Yes, my six-person writing group. We met during a Grub Street class almost three years, and we've kept meeting ever since. Also reached out to an old set of friends via Zoom, thanks to the pandemic. Now we're connecting virtually on a regular basis every three weeks.

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

Plotter.

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

My home office was and still is my favorite place to write.

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

“It's the End of The World As We Know It.”

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

Keep the faith in yourself and your project. Try to connect with other writers on a regular basis, as that makes it easier to keep yourself accountable. Dedicate any time you've gained to writing.

ABOUT Laura Beretsky

Laura Beretsky is a writer based in Somerville, Massachusetts. She is working on a memoir about the courage it takes to live with visible health conditions. Her work has appeared in Health Story Collaborative, The National Library of Poetry, Cognoscenti and Poetry Motel.

To learn more, follow Laura and her writing journey at on Twitter and Facebook.

Thanks for chatting, Laura!

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Pages Penned in Pandemic with Sher Ting

During the last year, there were certainly days that felt more dreamlike, too unreal to exist during waking hours. Sher Ting's poem, "Day 49," explores this notion, and is now available to read in the print collective! Until then, I'm excited to chat about Sher's pages penned in pandemic.

What does the pandemic currently look like in your city?

We were in lockdown for the longest time—months and months, in fact. However, now, it is back to business as usual, albeit with some restrictions.

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

I read Ocean Vuong's Night Sky with Exit Wounds.

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

I have been re-watching a lot of old movies and shows, such as Dead Poets Society or Back To The Future, in addition to modern sit-coms, such as “Modern Family.”

How has the pandemic affected your writing?

The pandemic has given me much more time to sit at home, putting my thoughts to paper. Yet, it has changed the focus of my writing—from daily events to a greater preoccupation with nature and with solitude.

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 have been writing a great deal, hoping I can come up with enough poems that I can be proud of to compile into a chapbook.

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

They have taught me to find joy in the smallest moments, that even the smallest frames can become something larger than themselves.

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

There has been a lot more of online literary journals, which allows for a greater repository of writing to be shared. That is something to be celebrated.

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

My favorite place to write is from the stillness of my study room.

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

A scene from a quiet house, untouched by the world outside.

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

I am most looking forward to Christmas, still. It's my favorite holiday of the year.

Is there anything else you would like to share?

That everyone will continue writing and find small moments to be happy about, despite a year filled with twists and turns.

ABOUT Sher Ting

Sher Ting has lived in a land of eternal summer, otherwise known as Singapore, for 19 years before spending the next 5 years in medical school in Australia. She has been published in Trouvaille Review and has work forthcoming in Eunoia Review and Door Is A Jar Literary Magazine, among others. She is currently an editor of a creative arts-sharing space, known as INLY Arts.

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

Thanks for chatting, Sher!

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Pages Penned in Pandemic with Abigail Swanson

Too many people focus on that perfect final draft, but writers know great success comes from putting the words on the page, creating something that didn't exist before. Abigail Swanson 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?

I live in middle-of-nowhere western Nebraska, so things are more normal than most places, but I miss seeing my professor's faces and smiling to people in Walmart.

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

Good Omens by Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman and Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance: An Inquiry into Values by Robert M. Pirsig.

How has the pandemic affected your writing?

It challenged my motivation, especially during the end of the spring semester when all my college classes went online and I got stuck with all the distractions in my room. But I've had more time to think and I think my writing has deepened as a result.

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 this novel about a post pandemic world back in January. Now I'm excited to use my own experience to add depth to the story.

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

I learned that emotion is deep and slow but it guides everything in a piece.

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

I aspire to be a plotter, but somehow I always end up flailing outside any of my outlines. I need to have an idea of what I will write before I write it, but that may only occur just before I sit down to write.

What is your favorite poem? Has this changed during the pandemic?

"Do Not Go Gentle into That Good Night" by Dylan Thomas. I've always liked it, but I just decided it was my favorite over the pandemic.

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

I just wrote a scene for a novel I'm working on where a character does some research. I struggled for months to write it and started about ten times. I finally I understood exactly how to write it and now it's one of my favorite scenes.

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

Graduating from college.

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

It doesn't have to be great, it just needs to be a thing.

ABOUT Abigail Swanson

Abigail Swanson is a business and creative writing student at Chadron State College in Chadron Nebraska. She published work in Tenth Street Miscellany, an undergrad writing journal, and wrote a weekly column in her campus newspaper. Abigail is a head editor for Tenth Street Miscellany and a member of the Sigma Tau Delta International Honors Society.

Thanks for chatting, Abigail!

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Pages Penned in Pandemic with Katherine Flannery Dering

Sometimes the process of committing to writing a longer work can seem overwhelming, especially during the difficult days of the last year. In these moments, capturing the ephemeral feelings into shorter works can be the greatest escape from reality. Katherine Flannery Dering 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?

Low key—masks and plexiglass barriers at the grocery store. more walkers up and down the cul de sac.

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

I've read some good reads from the library, but their titles escape me now. Where the Crawdads Sing was great. I've reread some poetry collections by Ellen Bass, Marie Howe, and Billy Collins.

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

Bingewatching on Netflix. But too often drawn into the political drama and COVID hand-wringing.

How has the pandemic affected your writing?

It's hard to focus on longer works. I'm doing poetry, prose poems, and an occasional lyrical short story.

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 many of these poems will form a poetry book. The two most recently written stories may become part of a collection.

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

It has kept me company during lonely times.

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

my three writing groups: the Manhattanville MFA community, the critique group of the Pound Ridge Authors Society, and the fellow members of the Katonah Poetry Series.

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

Kitchen table and my desk—no change.

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

Yesterday, any ABBA song, Santana Abraxas.

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

Spirit House.

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

Getting vaccinated.

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

Read others, write a lot, and also read to learn—pick the best words.

Is there anything else you would like to share?

Good luck with the project.

ABOUT Katherine Flannery Dering

Katherine Flannery Dering holds an MFA from Manhattanville College. She has published a memoir, Shot in the Head, a Sister’s Memoir a Brother’s Struggle (2014, Bridgeross). A mixed genre book of poetry, prose, photos and emails, it deals with caring for her schizophrenic brother, and she is an advocate for better care for the mentally ill. Her poetry chapbook is titled Aftermath (2018, Finishing Line Press.) Her work has also appeared in Inkwell, RiverRiver, Tilde, Cordella, and several other literary journals. She serves on the executive committee of The Katonah Poetry Series and lately divides her writing time between poetry and a book of short, feminist tales.

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

Thanks for chatting, Katherine!

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Pages Penned in Pandemic with Roxie Geering

Time may always be a fickle concept, but during these difficult days, many writers found themselves embracing the sudden abundance of time, using it to write. Roxie Geering 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?

The pandemic is not terrible in my city, unlike the more rural places in the state. I find overall people tend to be very good about socially distancing and wearing masks.

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

I enjoyed The Hazel Wood by Melissa Albert.

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

“Bob's Burgers” has been a comfort show for me, and doing a re-watch during the pandemic has helped keep me sane.

How has the pandemic affected your writing?

I actually have found I've been writing more during the pandemic, as I now have some more 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?

I have a couple of novels in the works, and have recently branched back into poetry.

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

Write every day. Even if it is not usable, even if nothing comes of it. Write.

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

Yes, my two partners and my good friend have helped me stay connected and grounded during the pandemic.

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

I love how much more versatile the avenues of being published these days. Gone are the days of only getting published by a large publishing house and only if you have an agent. I love the variety of writes and content we are now seeing.

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

I love to write outside, though I don't do it nearly enough!

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

I am looking forwarded to the continued growth I have seen in myself.

ABOUT Roxie Geering

Roxie is a 31-year-old queer femme who has spent her life moving about the U.S. and developed a healthy sense of wanderlust and adventure. While she has a day job, Roxie will always consider herself an artist first and foremost and spent 15 years working professionally in theater. During the pandemic, Roxie has mostly leaned into her introvert tendencies and picked up writing again, though she also enjoys getting out into nature (safely). Roxie currently lives in NC with one of her two partners.

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

Thanks for chatting, Roxie!

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Pages Penned in Pandemic with Calia Mayfield

Sometimes it's the simplest of moments that allow writers to feel inspired. Calia Mayfield 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?

It's a lot of masked college students and older people telling us that we're stupid for believing in the pandemic. It is very hard in a small town.

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

I reread The Picture of Dorian Gray and Oscar Wilde never fails to inspire me.

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

The podcast musical “36 Questions” has been on repeat in my headphones all quarantine. It's a beautiful story of toxic relationships and what truth means. I recommend it to everyone.

How has the pandemic affected your writing?

I've had more time to sit with emotions and focus on how I want my art to sound to others. With all the introspection time, it's forced my writing to feel much more personal with detaching my own sense of self.

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 been working on a series of poetry focused on movies for one of classes that I'm looking to compile soon.

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

My writing is so heavily people driven that having to write without being to leave the house often reminded me that simple interactions like a daily snapchat can hold so much significance for some people.

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

My best friends really kept me going through their constant encouragement and I wouldn't be writing without them.

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

I've always been a pantser. I just love when inspiration hits and just being in the moment allows me so much more freedom.

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

2aM in my bed. No lights. On my laptop. Honestly this is one of the few things that the pandemic hasn't taken from me.

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

1.) “Achilles Come Down” by Gang of Youths

2.) “peace” by Taylor Swift

3.) “Virgo” by Victor Internet

4.) “You're Somebody Else” (Acoustic) by flora cash

5.) “I Hope Ur Doing Well” (feat. Colliding With Mars) by Savage Ga$p.

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

Oh mostly definitely “Arsonist Wet Dream.”

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

I am looking forward to New Years. As much as I know this won't be over by then there is a cleansing feeling that comes with New Years.

Is there anything else you would like to share?

Make sure you tell the people you care about you love them at least once a day.

ABOUT Calia Mayfield

Calia Mayfield was raised in the beautiful North East Georgia foothills. She studies creative writing at Piedmont College and has worked as an editor for their art and literature magazine Trillium. She spends most of her free time that isn’t filled with writing with her dog Celebrity or perusing the online astrology communities of Twitter.

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

Thanks for chatting, Calia!

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Pages Penned in Pandemic with Christine M. Estel

Though many may be under the misconception that publication is the most important thing in any writer's life, it is in fact the act of writing, continuing to tell stories, that is most integral. Christine M. Estel 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?

Unfortunately bad. We're averaging approximately 49 new cases each day for every 100,000 people.

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

In addition to re-reading Love Story (which I've attached a photo of with original newspaper clippings the previous owner sent to me with the book when I purchased it secondhand!), I've read a few parenting and homeschooling books and materials, as well as Squeezed: Why Our Families Can't Afford America.

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

Up next on my list: Without a doubt, it will be Untamed.

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

My husband and I enjoyed watching “The Sopranos” from start to finish, as neither of us were "old enough" when it first aired. We also watched “Pen15” Season 2 (we watched season 1 as well before the pandemic), and we recently watched “The Queen's Gambit.”

How has the pandemic affected your writing?

It has reignited my passion.

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?

No projects in particular, but I have three essays I'm currently working on, one of which is under consideration for publication. Fingers crossed.

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

Being a writer doesn't mean I have to have a gazillion bylines. In fact, I'm happy with the ones I've gotten in the past few months. Instead, being a writer is about releasing it all, whether at once or in increments. It's about looking both inward and outward and expressing, to the best of my ability, what this time and place looks like, what my memories looked like and how they're impacting me, and how I've grown.

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

My three closest friends and I talk regularly, pretty much every day. But following writers on Twitter and reading their work has inspired me to keep moving forward and remain hopeful.

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

I can't say at this point because I'm recently getting back into the "writing game." However, I love THIS project—the words of regular, everyday people, sharing their work from these difficult months. I also love that I'm able to get a sense of what publications are available and what they're looking for through the newsletters I'm subscribed to.

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

Again, I can't say much about this. Maybe knowing less is better for me. Out of sight, out of mind...right?

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

I don't know that I'm either. I feel like when I want to write something, I just do it. And if not, I do something else. Maybe I need a better plan. HAHA

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

I never really had a favorite place to write, but since the pandemic, I've actually found I'm most productive at night after everyone is asleep and I'm just lying in my bed.

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

Oh wow... Not really sure about this, but I'd say songs that come up often on my Pandora playlists would suffice. These artists generally range from 70s through 90s and they include (but are DEFINITELY not limited to) Tears for Fears, Richard Marx, Duran Duran, The Cars, Sarah McLachlan, and MANY others.

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

Car rides with my grandfather.

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

Thanksgiving and Christmas at home with just my nuclear family without the typical pomp and circumstance—it's exhausting.

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

You're never too old and it's never too late. I think that mantra can be applied to life, too, not just writing!

Is there anything else you would like to share?

Thank you for giving people a space to share their pandemic highs, lows, and woes. It is most appreciated.

ABOUT Christine M. Estel

Christine M. Estel lives and writes in the Philadelphia area.

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

Thanks for chatting, Christine!

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Pages Penned in Pandemic with Ann Chinnis

For writers, it is often the strongest emotions: rage, despair, grief, adoration, obsession, love, etc. that fuel the urgency to put words on a page. Ann Chinnis 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?

The pandemic in Virginia Beach looks like families on the beach late into the fall, braving the chill for a breath of air, some time outdoors and a few moments away from the worry.

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

Caste by Isabel Wilkerson has given me a deeper understanding of social injustice in the US. A Responsibility to Awe by Rebecca Elson reminds me to look up at the sky every night. Jill Bialosky in Asylum moves me with her vulnerability and inspires me with her inventiveness around form.

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

Anything Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin makes me laugh. I just watched "Big Business" and the silliness of it is delightful and distracting.

How has the pandemic affected your writing?

Initially, the fear and uncertainty made it difficult for me to obtain enough distance to have an interesting Persona Narrator on the page. However as time went on, my rage as a healthcare provider took me to some interesting places in my writing, as did my grief over the suffering. It is day to day now in terms of being able to focus.

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

It is still early to know, and we are not done yet, however so far, it has taught me to be kinder and more patient with myself and to embrace that some days, weeks , months it is very difficult to focus on the. page. And to have faith that it will come, when the soul is ready.

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

The Writers Studio in New York moved all of its classes on-line in April to google meet for class. It is great to actually see and hear my classmates and that has provided a wonderfully supportive and thoughtful community of writers and friends. That group has been my lifeline for many months. We keep our heads down, keep writing, and keep learning, the best we can.

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

I like quiet when I write. So my desk, in my office is my go-to place. That has not changed.

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

“The Cure”—a poem I wrote in the spring that is forthcoming in the Speckled Trout Review.

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

I am looking forward to 2020 being over! We have had some really great vaccine news in the past two weeks, and I am looking forward to those vaccines getting in the arms of those who are at risk, and then the rest of us. So I am looking to a 2021 where we can rebuild so many things as a country and in our lives.

ABOUT ann chinnis

Ann Chinnis was born and raised in Virginia. She has been an Emergency Physician for 40 years, as well as a Department Chair and a healthcare leadership coach. As an academic, her scholarship in Emergency Medicine has been published in the fields of educational innovation, change strategies in clinical care and finance in Emergency Medicine. Ann was recognized for her teaching and mentorship at West Virginia University as the Emergency Medicine Faculty of the Year from 1998-2002. To make sense of her experiences in medicine, she has been a poetry student at the Writers Studio in New York since January 2017. Her poetry is forthcoming in The Speckled Trout Review.

To learn more, follow Ann and her writing journey on Instagram.

Thanks for chatting, Ann!

READ MORE ABOUT THE PAGES PENNED IN PANDEMIC!