As the days of September bring us closer to the end of one season and the start of the next, I'm excited to continue this series, and chat with Lindsay Allister about her pages penned in pandemic.
What does the pandemic currently look like in your city?
It was very quiet for the few months but people have slowly tried to return to normal, and nearly everyone is wearing a face mask now.
What are some favorite books you've read during quarantine?
I’ve reread a lot of children’s classics to my kids at bedtime including The Railway Children and Black Beauty. I’ve been rereading the Women’s Murder Club series by James Patterson.
If you haven't been reading, what are some books you're most looking forward to reading?
I have a few bookcases of books to be read! But I’ve been building up a collection of Colson Whitehead books to read.
Have there been any movies, tv shows, podcasts, etc. that have helped keep you at ease the past few months?
I’ve worked my way through “The Umbrella Academy”, “Stranger Things” and I’m about to start “The Witcher.”
How has the pandemic affected your writing?
It’s made it harder because I’ve had to homeschool my kids so I’ve lost my quiet time to sit and write.
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 my next book. Admittedly, I tend to have several projects on the go at one time, but one currently has my full attention and will be ready in the next couple of months.
If you haven't been able to write, are there any projects you're hoping to work on next?
Once this is over, and we are back to “normal” I’ll have the chance to get cracking with all of these projects.
If asked ten years from now what the past few months have taught you about being a writer, what would come to mind?
That information can be weaponized and politically spun. I’m honestly in shock at the destructive behavior of some people because they have been told to wear a mask and wash their hands to stop the spread of a virus.
Have there been any fellow writers or people in your life who have helped you stay connected during the pandemic?
To be honest, trying to homeschool the kids and get some writing work done has taken up so much of my time, I haven’t had a chance to feel disconnected.
Are you a plotter, pantser, or somewhere in between? Has this changed during the pandemic?
I’m a bit of both.
Where is your favorite place to write? Has this changed during the pandemic?
In my kitchen on my vintage typewriter.
If you curated a playlist for writing life in the pandemic, what top 5 songs would be on your list?
1.) “When I Come Around” - Greenday
2.) “The Day I Tried to Live” - Soundgarden
3.) “Shake It Off” - Taylor Swift
4.) “Leave It Alone” - NOFX
5.) “Same Old Story” - Pennywise
Without too many spoilers, what is your favorite scene you've written since the pandemic began?
Oh, there are a few. The bit were he finds the body, the car getting stopped on the bridge. Or my short story “when it ended”.
While the future is just as unknowable as ever, what is something you are most looking forward to this year?
Halloween—it’s my favorite time of year.
Is there any advice you would give to young writers during this time?
Don’t panic, read plenty, only watch the news once a day for an update, message your loved ones everyday, and write everything down. As a historian, that information will be important for future generations.
ABOUT Newtownards in the Great War
Before the Great War began, Ireland had already began to take up arms. Conflict and political unrest was at the forefront of everyone's mind as the country was trying to liberate itself. Newtownards was to become the centre in the eye of the storm which would shape the country for the next hundred years. But when War threatens the lives of countless people, it was the men of Ulster and Ireland that answered the call. Newtownards in the Great War tells the tales of the men and women who were prepared to sacrifice everything they had in order to be free from persecution and serve their King with pride. From the beginnings of the UVF to the division of Ireland, Newtownards and the Ards peninsula held the secrets of the men and shaped the world in a way no-one thought would be possible.
