Throughout the last year, each of us has lived our own unique experience. With this comes the reminder that often writing from experience creates the most relatable and authentic stories. Barbara Rady Kazdan discusses just this and more in today's chat about her pages penned in pandemic.
What does the pandemic currently look like in your city?
The number of cases has risen sharply in recent weeks.
What are some favorite books you've read during quarantine?
Where the Crawdads Sing, The Yellow House, Olive Again, and The Gown.
If you haven't been reading, what are some books you're most looking forward to reading?
Rodham.
Have there been any movies, tv shows, podcasts, etc. that have helped keep you at ease the past few months?
“The Great British Baking Show.”
How has the pandemic affected your writing?
More time to focus on writing.
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?
A book of collected essays on widowhood.
If asked ten years from now what the past few months have taught you about being a writer, what would come to mind?
Keep writing! Continue weekly writing workshops with authors who are kindred spirits.
Have there been any fellow writers or people in your life who have helped you stay connected during the pandemic?
My family and friends.
Are you a plotter, pantser, or somewhere in between? Has this changed during the pandemic?
Pantster. Unchanged.
Where is your favorite place to write? Has this changed during the pandemic?
My bedroom. Unchanged.
Without too many spoilers, what is your favorite scene you've written since the pandemic began?
Describing what I wore and what it was like to wade through the paperwork, thank you notes, and other tasks required of a new widow.
While the future is just as unknowable as ever, what is something you are most looking forward to this year?
Traveling to see far-flung family.
Is there any advice you would give to young writers during this time?
Take advantage of online workshops and write, write, write!
Is there anything else you would like to share?
Write about what you know best - your thoughts, your life. You have an exclusive on that!
ABOUT Barbara Rady Kazdan
Always asking, “Why?” and “What’s next?” solo, sassy, Barbara Rady Kazdan loves back roads travel and forward thinking. Find this lifelong change agent and nonfiction author enjoying weekly writing workshops, close friends, and her snuggly mini-schnauzer in Silver Spring, Maryland.
To learn more, follow Barbara and her writing journey at her website and on Twitter and Facebook.
Thanks for chatting, Barbara!
