When faced with time to fill in ways they didn't before the pandemic, many writers recommitted themselves to the page. Peter Trivelas 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?
Many people are respectful of the health guidelines, but the occurrences of new cases go up and down, roller-coaster-like. No discernible pattern.
What are some favorite books you've read during quarantine?
The Handmaids Tale, Lolita, Ask the Dust, The Stories of John Cheever, Women by Bukowski, Jesus' Son, and The Glass Castle.
Have there been any movies, tv shows, podcasts, etc. that have helped keep you at ease the past few months?
TV Series: “The Queen’s Gambit,” “The Good Lord Bird,” “Ramy,” “Ratched,” “Episodes,” “Grant.” Movies: “The Real Girl,” “The Trial of the Chicago 7,” “Marshall,” “One Flew Over the Cukoo's Nest,” “American Masters: Toni Morrison,” and “Hamilton” on Disney +.
How has the pandemic affected your writing?
It's given me more time to write without the rigors of commuting to work.
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 finishing up a book and a collection of short stories.
If asked ten years from now what the past few months have taught you about being a writer, what would come to mind?
If you want to write, you can find the time.
Have there been any fellow writers or people in your life who have helped you stay connected during the pandemic?
Yes, my UCLA Wordcommandos creative writing instructor.
Is there anything that excites you about the changes being incited in the publishing world in light of recent events?
The pandemic has taught the writing community as a whole how to better connect in the world of quarantine living. I feel more connected because we're all in the same boat, all on the same playing field. It's become apparent that we're in a small community.
Is there anything that worries you about the changes being incited in the publishing world in light of recent events?
Some publishers are going out of business because their main source of income from a day job is gone. That's sad because it means less variety.
Are you a plotter, pantser, or somewhere in between? Has this changed during the pandemic?
I've had to invent a new self-disciplines because I'm home alone all the time and the routines are not imposed from the outside. This is a change because previously I wrote only in the evening and weekends. Now I can fit it in here and there.
Where is your favorite place to write? Has this changed during the pandemic?
It hasn't changed. I write at my big desk with lots of surface area to spread out.
Without too many spoilers, what is your favorite scene you've written since the pandemic began?
There is a section in the short story, Bears Eat Persimmons, which blurs the separation of past and present.
While the future is just as unknowable as ever, what is something you are most looking forward to this year?
Meeting in person with other writers.
Is there any advice you would give to young writers during this time?
If you have a persistent idea for a story, start writing, keep writing, keep revising until it describes the idea perfectly.
ABOUT Peter Trivelas
Peter Trivelas is a Vietnam Vet who has worked as a television writer/editor and is currently on staff at the David Lynch Foundation where he provides free Transcendental Meditation instruction for veterans. He's working on a first novel and collection of short stories. His work has appeared in Deadly Writer’s Patrol, Thema Literary Journal, The Sunlight Press, Dime Show Review, and he has two short stories in the Thank You for Your Service Anthology. Peter is a longtime member of the UCLA Wordcommandos creative writing workshop for veterans.
To learn more, follow Peter and his writing journey on LinkedIn.
Thanks for chatting, Peter!
