Though many may be under the misconception that publication is the most important thing in any writer's life, it is in fact the act of writing, continuing to tell stories, that is most integral. Christine M. Estel 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?
Unfortunately bad. We're averaging approximately 49 new cases each day for every 100,000 people.
What are some favorite books you've read during quarantine?
In addition to re-reading Love Story (which I've attached a photo of with original newspaper clippings the previous owner sent to me with the book when I purchased it secondhand!), I've read a few parenting and homeschooling books and materials, as well as Squeezed: Why Our Families Can't Afford America.
If you haven't been reading, what are some books you're most looking forward to reading?
Up next on my list: Without a doubt, it will be Untamed.
Have there been any movies, tv shows, podcasts, etc. that have helped keep you at ease the past few months?
My husband and I enjoyed watching “The Sopranos” from start to finish, as neither of us were "old enough" when it first aired. We also watched “Pen15” Season 2 (we watched season 1 as well before the pandemic), and we recently watched “The Queen's Gambit.”
How has the pandemic affected your writing?
It has reignited my passion.
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?
No projects in particular, but I have three essays I'm currently working on, one of which is under consideration for publication. Fingers crossed.
If asked ten years from now what the past few months have taught you about being a writer, what would come to mind?
Being a writer doesn't mean I have to have a gazillion bylines. In fact, I'm happy with the ones I've gotten in the past few months. Instead, being a writer is about releasing it all, whether at once or in increments. It's about looking both inward and outward and expressing, to the best of my ability, what this time and place looks like, what my memories looked like and how they're impacting me, and how I've grown.
Have there been any fellow writers or people in your life who have helped you stay connected during the pandemic?
My three closest friends and I talk regularly, pretty much every day. But following writers on Twitter and reading their work has inspired me to keep moving forward and remain hopeful.
Is there anything that excites you about the changes being incited in the publishing world in light of recent events?
I can't say at this point because I'm recently getting back into the "writing game." However, I love THIS project—the words of regular, everyday people, sharing their work from these difficult months. I also love that I'm able to get a sense of what publications are available and what they're looking for through the newsletters I'm subscribed to.
Is there anything that worries you about the changes being incited in the publishing world in light of recent events?
Again, I can't say much about this. Maybe knowing less is better for me. Out of sight, out of mind...right?
Are you a plotter, pantser, or somewhere in between? Has this changed during the pandemic?
I don't know that I'm either. I feel like when I want to write something, I just do it. And if not, I do something else. Maybe I need a better plan. HAHA
Where is your favorite place to write? Has this changed during the pandemic?
I never really had a favorite place to write, but since the pandemic, I've actually found I'm most productive at night after everyone is asleep and I'm just lying in my bed.
If you curated a playlist for writing life in the pandemic, what top 5 songs would be on your list?
Oh wow... Not really sure about this, but I'd say songs that come up often on my Pandora playlists would suffice. These artists generally range from 70s through 90s and they include (but are DEFINITELY not limited to) Tears for Fears, Richard Marx, Duran Duran, The Cars, Sarah McLachlan, and MANY others.
Without too many spoilers, what is your favorite scene you've written since the pandemic began?
Car rides with my grandfather.
While the future is just as unknowable as ever, what is something you are most looking forward to this year?
Thanksgiving and Christmas at home with just my nuclear family without the typical pomp and circumstance—it's exhausting.
Is there any advice you would give to young writers during this time?
You're never too old and it's never too late. I think that mantra can be applied to life, too, not just writing!
Is there anything else you would like to share?
Thank you for giving people a space to share their pandemic highs, lows, and woes. It is most appreciated.
ABOUT Christine M. Estel
Christine M. Estel lives and writes in the Philadelphia area.
To learn more, follow Christine and her writing journey on Twitter.
Thanks for chatting, Christine!
