Judgement attempts to find its way onto the page, but learning to write no matter what may be the greatest lesson for any writer to learn. M.R Dimond 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?
We're a yellow zone surrounded by deep red, but hospitals are almost full and case count is climbing. Though I have family members nearby, the number of people with underlying conditions means that we don't meet except 6 ft apart, outdoors, masked. We had separate Thanksgivings and expect the same for Christmas. I've worked from home for more than 10 years, so that's not new for me, but I've had to become accustomed to staying in the house basically all the time. Sometimes we go out and pick up food to eat either in the car or in a park. I'm grateful to be living with a partner so that I'm not totally alone.
What are some favorite books you've read during quarantine?
I haven't been able to read post-apocalyptic or disaster-based fiction—I can always read the news for that—I've reread old friends like Jane Austen, Terry Pratchett, Rex Stout. Mysteries, with their underlying message of "Justice will be done," are a favorite. Sarah Paretsky had a new VI Warshawski novel out earlier this year, always a treat. YA series like Nancy Springer's Enola Holmes and my childhood friend Trixie Belden have been a comfort.
If you haven't been reading, what are some books you're most looking forward to reading?
Barbara Hambly has a new book in her Benjamin January series coming out in December.
Have there been any movies, tv shows, podcasts, etc. that have helped keep you at ease the past few months?
Rural Texas doesn't lend itself to streaming shows. I did manage to rewatch Good Omens, which I love.
How has the pandemic affected your writing?
I'm sure it's affected. Probably I'm writing slower and working on shorter pieces than I'd normally prefer, but my attitude toward writing is "Chop wood, carry water." Good day? Write. Bad day? Write. And stop judging! I've worked to develop a practice where I keep writing no matter what, no matter what the quality. It's more important to keep going than to write deathless prose.
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 started working on a new mystery series this year, Black Orchid Enterprises, and I can't wait to see where they lead me next.
If asked ten years from now what the past few months have taught you about being a writer, what would come to mind?
There will always be an excuse not to write. And, to quote Buckaroo Banzai, "Wherever you go, there you are." During these months there's been so much time to look directly in the mirror.
Have there been any fellow writers or people in your life who have helped you stay connected during the pandemic?
One person from my writing group and I continue to meet each week to report our progress on writing and life. The others didn't feel like they could continue either writing or critiquing, but I'm grateful to have even one other person. And in spite of conflicting feelings about Facebook, it's helped me keep writing connections from twenty years, very important now.
Is there anything that excites you about the changes being incited in the publishing world in light of recent events?
I'm not sure where it's going, and I'm trying to just observe and stay calm.
Are you a plotter, pantser, or somewhere in between? Has this changed during the pandemic?
I'm mostly a plotter. Once I have my outline, I go full speed ahead, but at the moment, I'm writing whatever comes to mind at the moment. If I hold true to form, at some point, I'll make an outline so that I can finish something.
Where is your favorite place to write? Has this changed during the pandemic?
Coffeeshops? Restaurants? Yes, I'd say it's changed. Now I'm learning to write wherever I am.
If you curated a playlist for writing life in the pandemic, what top 5 songs would be on your list?
1.) “Dance Song for the End of the World” by Lizzy and the Triggermen
2.) Anything by Randy Rainbow
3.) “When All is Said and Done” by ABBA
4.) “The Nickel Song” by Melanie
5.) “Hard Times Come Again No More” by Jennifer Warnes or James Taylor
6.) Anything by Leonard Cohen.
No, I don't count well.
While the future is just as unknowable as ever, what is something you are most looking forward to this year?
Being able to have lunch with friends.
Is there any advice you would give to young writers during this time?
Write one sentence every day, even if you delete it the next day.
Is there anything else you would like to share?
I've realized how much of an introvert I am, how much more relaxed I am when not faced with social anxiety. Certainly, I miss some things from the Before Times, but I don't want to go back to the way things were, and I want it to be better for everyone, so that everyone has a choice in how to live their lives.
ABOUT M. R. Dimond
M. R. Dimond has had fiction published in Strange Horizons, Dancing USA, and several anthologies, most recently in Cat Tails: War Zone and Dreaming the Goddess, as well as nonfiction articles in various publications.
To learn more, follow M. R. and her writing journey at her website and on Twitter and Facebook.
Thanks for chatting, M. R.!
