The sense of loss may be one of the most profound feelings residing with us despite the shift from 2020 into a new year. Jeff Burt's poem, "The Deliberate Speed of Chaos," explores grief and loss, and will be available to read January 2021 in the print collective! Until then, I'm excited to chat about Jeff's pages penned in pandemic.
What does the pandemic currently look like in your city?
Controlled, people accepting of masks.
What are some favorite books you've read during quarantine?
The Murmur of Bees by Segovia.
If you haven't been reading, what are some books you're most looking forward to reading?
Bucolia by Crew.
Have there been any movies, tv shows, podcasts, etc. that have helped keep you at ease the past few months?
“Betchley Circle” on PBS.
How has the pandemic affected your writing?
More internal, from mood to understanding.
If asked ten years from now what the past few months have taught you about being a writer, what would come to mind?
The importance of the continuing battle against ignorance and equal access.
Have there been any fellow writers or people in your life who have helped you stay connected during the pandemic?
E.E. Cummings.
Is there anything that excites you about the changes being incited in the publishing world in light of recent events?
That better stories no matter by whom get published and marketed.
Is there anything that worries you about the changes being incited in the publishing world in light of recent events?
The continued shuttering of small and local bookstores.
Are you a plotter, pantser, or somewhere in between? Has this changed during the pandemic?
More a plodder.
Where is your favorite place to write? Has this changed during the pandemic?
Early morning love seat. Has not changed.
If you curated a playlist for writing life in the pandemic, what top 5 songs would be on your list?
Brahms’ “Piano Quuintett Opus 25” and Brahms’ “Symphonies 1-4.”
Without too many spoilers, what is your favorite scene or poem you've written since the pandemic began?
Concerns my dog finding time to stay in her kennel while I am home as if practicing the life we hope is ahead when I will not work at home any more, and maybe what I should be practicing as well.
While the future is just as unknowable as ever, what is something you are most looking forward to this year?
Seeing family easily, a memorial for my father who passed away a few months into the pandemic.
Is there any advice you would give to young writers during this time?
Don't let anger become the dominant theme of your work or your life.
ABOUT jeff burt
Jeff Burt lives in the Central Coast of California. He works in mental health, and has contributed to Tar River Poetry, Williwaw Journal, Willows Wept, and Heartwood.
To learn more, follow Jeff and his writing journey on Twitter.
Thanks for chatting, Jeff!
