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!
