While there is still much in our world that continues to bring fear and anxiety and too many unknowns to count, today I am excited to chat with Holley Long about her pages penned in pandemic.
What does the pandemic currently look like in your city?
Alabama is under a mask order, but most people are pretending the virus isn't an issue. In my city, stores are still packed, people still go out to eat, and though schools have delayed their start dates, the plan is still to reopen. My county has nearly 1,000 cases, with almost 200 confirmed in just the last two weeks.
What are some favorite books you've read during quarantine?
I loved The Book of Longings by Sue Monk Kidd, and I enjoyed Rodham by Curtis Sittenfeld. I also re-read Pride and Prejudice, and I'm currently re-reading Twilight before the release of Midnight Sun.
If you haven't been reading, what are some books you're most looking forward to reading?
I'm looking forward to A Rogue of One's Own by Evie Dunmore, her follow-up to Bringing Down the Duke. I also can't wait for Happily Ever Afters by Elise Bryant, releasing in January 2021, and A Court of Silver and Flames by Sarah J. Maas, also coming in January.
Have there been any movies, tv shows, podcasts, etc. that have helped keep you at ease the past few months?
"Chatty Broads with Bekah and Jess" is my go-to podcast. They tackle everything from social justice issues to pop culture (I LOVE their Bachelor recaps). I also watched "Mrs. America" on Hulu, and since March I've been trying to watch every episode of "The Simpsons" on Disney+.
How has the pandemic affected your writing?
I got lucky, because right as the pandemic was beginning to take hold, I was putting the finishing touches on my YA novel "The Marked Ones." I've spent this summer querying and trying to work on the sequel, and that last bit has been slow going. However, I'm being patient with myself and looking forward to the fall, when I will really begin drafting again!
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 really excited to write the sequel to my novel! "The Marked Ones" follows Lilly Norton, a high school senior who has reached her breaking point after endless bouts of tragedy. But before she shatters, a cloaked creatures appears to her, and its offers of a new life are as enticing as they are terrifying. I loved every minute of crafting "The Marked Ones," and I can't wait to dive into its follow-up!
If you haven't been able to write, are there any projects you're hoping to work on next?
Along with "The Marked Ones" sequel, I'd like to start blogging again. I have a long list of writing life posts I'm dying to put together, and I'm going to try to find time to get them up on my website.
If asked ten years from now what the past few months have taught you about being a writer, what would come to mind?
I've learned the importance of online communication. Whether it's commenting under an Instagram post or reaching out to another writer about their work, technology makes it so much easier to encourage one another to the finish line.
Have there been any fellow writers or people in your life who have helped you stay connected during the pandemic?
Definitely you! All of your notes on my chapters and my query letter have been invaluable, as has your encouragement along the way! Kim Chance has also been a great source of inspiration and encouragement, with her Insta stories and Prayer Request boxes. And of course my boyfriend, Zach, never fails to cheer me up when the writing life has me down.
Is there anything that excites you about the changes being incited in the publishing world in light of recent events?
I think the increase in virtual events is great! More people can be involved, and authors seem more laid back on screen than at podiums.
Is there anything that worries you about the changes being incited in the publishing world in light of recent events?
I do worry that the struggling economy will mean publishers take on less projects. Though I am concerned about my work, I also wonder how many great stories will never get into the hands of readers because of the state of the world. I'm remaining confident, though, that the literary community will adapt, as it always has!
Are you a plotter, pantser, or somewhere in between? Has this changed during the pandemic?
Definitely in between. I write loose outlines, and then my first drafts deviate from the plan. With "The Marked Ones," the last half of the first draft is completely different from the last half of the final draft.
Where is your favorite place to write? Has this changed during the pandemic?
I usually need a tabletop to write, so I'm either at my kitchen table or on my balcony at my porch table. Sometimes, though, I curl up in bed or on my couch and am able to write for hours.
If you curated a playlist for writing life in the pandemic, what top 5 songs would be on your list?
1.) "Clean" by Taylor Swift
2.) "Requiem for a Tower" by Clinton Mansell/Escala
3.) "Skyscraper" by Demi Lovato
4.) "Rainbow" by Kacey Musgraves
5.) "Road Less Travelled" by Lauren Alaina
Without too many spoilers, what is your favorite scene you've written since the pandemic began?
I put the finishing touches on a scene featuring two characters who form an unlikely partnership/friendship in my book; their interaction is hesitant and speaks to their underlying issues, but it's also hopeful in showing how they can help each other. I'm really proud of how it turned out!
While the future is just as unknowable as ever, what is something you are most looking forward to this year?
The holidays! I'm used to small gatherings with family, anyway, and though watching sports, Thanksgiving Day parades, and Christmas Live specials is up in the air, the food and company will be just as wonderful as ever.
Is there any advice you would give to young writers during this time?
Hopefully, the world will not always look as it does now. But while it does, try to take time you may have off before returning to school to write just one thing, or revise something, or read something amazing. Reach out to a writer you admire while everyone's online. And above all, have fun. That's the most important thing in writing, to enjoy it, every moment.
Is there anything else you would like to share?
I hope that anyone who has faced tragedy and loss during these difficult months finds a light at the end of the tunnel. Know you are never alone.
About Holley Long
Holley Long is a storyteller based in Alabama. She writes primarily fiction, but she also occasionally posts about the trials and tribulations of the writing life on her website awriterslifeforme.com. Currently she is querying her young adult novel "The Marked Ones."
Holley has thoughts about a future book deal, which you can check out HERE! And be sure to follow Holley and her writing journey on Twitter and Instagram.
Thanks for chatting, Holley!
