There is a lovely rhythm to be found in the routine of writing and editing. Paul Beckman 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?
People mask up in stores but not so much in parks and town green.
What are some favorite books you've read during quarantine?
What Are the Chances?, Going Short, Root, Branch, Tree, and Jack Reacher novels by Lee Child.
If you haven't been reading, what are some books you're most looking forward to reading?
Anything by Charles Wiliford, Raymond Chandler, Dashell Hammett.
Have there been any movies, tv shows, podcasts, etc. that have helped keep you at ease the past few months?
With cable there's always something to watch that's not news.
How has the pandemic affected your writing?
Slowed it a bit.
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?
New collection of flash—just finished and proofing now.
If asked ten years from now what the past few months have taught you about being a writer, what would come to mind?
I like being alone with my rescue dog.
Have there been any fellow writers or people in your life who have helped you stay connected during the pandemic?
Definitely.
Is there anything that excites you about the changes being incited in the publishing world in light of recent events?
I run a Zoom reading series and am loving that.
Is there anything that worries you about the changes being incited in the publishing world in light of recent events?
Going from 4 majors down to 3 is not a good idea.
Are you a plotter, pantser, or somewhere in between? Has this changed during the pandemic?
Pantser all the way.
Where is your favorite place to write? Has this changed during the pandemic?
Bedroom overlooking the back yard.
If you curated a playlist for writing life in the pandemic, what top 5 songs would be on your list?
1.) Stevie Wonder
2.) Ain't Misbehaven
3.) Billy Joel
4.) Ray Charles
5.) Chopin
Without too many spoilers, what is your favorite story you've written since the pandemic began?
My new collection of attached stories featuring Mirsky.
While the future is just as unknowable as ever, what is something you are most looking forward to this year?
Tomorrow.
Is there any advice you would give to young writers during this time?
Write, edit, write, read aloud, edit.
ABOUT Paul Beckman
Paul Beckman’s a Connecticut writer whose latest flash collection, Kiss Kiss (Truth Serum Press) was a finalist for the 2019/2020 Indie Book Awards. Some of his stories have appeared in Spelk, Anti-Heroin Chic, Necessary Fiction, Fictive Dream, Pank, Playboy, WINK, and The Lost Balloon. He had a story selected for the 2020 National Flash Fiction Day Anthology and was short-listed in the Strands International Flash Fiction Competition. Paul curates the monthly FBomb NY flash fiction reading series.
To learn more, follow Paul and his writing journey on Twitter and Facebook.
Thanks for chatting, Paul!
