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!
