Pages Penned in Pandemic with Jasmin Lankford

Perhaps in our deepest grief, we feel more connected to the way nature, too, must give itself over to the passage of time. Jasmin Lankford's poem, "Ocean and Orca," explores just this, and is now available to read in the print collective! Until then, I'm excited to chat about Jasmin's pages penned in pandemic.

What are some favorite books you've read during quarantine?

Unearth [The Flowers] by Thea Matthews and Diving into the Wreck by Adrienne Rich.

Have there been any movies, tv shows, podcasts, etc. that have helped keep you at ease the past few months?

I have been escaping into Disney movies, “Bob's Burgers,” “Spongebob,” and “Sister, Sister.”

How has the pandemic affected your writing?

It has been so difficult to write during the pandemic. I have pieces of poems and draft ideas, but I've been struggling to finish anything. Also, my writing is usually quite sad. So I decided not to put too much pressure on myself since this year has felt like one moment of sadness after the next.

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 excited about my debut poetry collection, "Don't Forget to Water the Flowers." It was supposed to come out in January 2021, but due to the pandemic the date was pushed. I'm so grateful to have more time with it.

Have there been any fellow writers or people in your life who have helped you stay connected during the pandemic?

The Kitchen Table Literary Arts community has helped me stay connected to writers in Florida and around the country. I'm so grateful for the sacred space they provide for Black women and women of color writers.

Are you a plotter, pantser, or somewhere in between? Has this changed during the pandemic?

I'm usually a plotter. But the pandemic has shifted me into a pantser because this year has been so unpredictable.

Where is your favorite place to write? Has this changed during the pandemic?

I love writing at the beach! But for the majority of the year, it really hasn't been safe to go and spend the whole day there. During the pandemic, I created a cozy space on my patio to write and get some fresh air.

If you curated a playlist for writing life in the pandemic, what top 5 songs would be on your list?

I typically write in silence, but here are songs I listen to before or after writing:

1.) “Ungodly Hour” by Chloe x Halle Bigger

2.) “Beyoncé pov” by Ariana Grande

3.) “Good Morning” by Natalie Lauren

4.) “Closer” by Goapele

Without too many spoilers, what is your favorite scene you've written since the pandemic began?

I'm in love with a scene I wrote about Paris. I'm excited to step away from poetry for a bit and focus on creative nonfiction.

While the future is just as unknowable as ever, what is something you are most looking forward to this year?

This year I am looking forward to the latest issue of L'Éphémère Review. It is my dream journal and I'm so honored to have two poems coming out soon!

ABOUT Jasmin Lankford

Jasmin Lankford’s debut poetry collection, Don’t Forget to Water the Flowers, is forthcoming from Vital Narrative Press. Her work has been published in several journals including Kissing Dynamite, Parentheses Journal, and elsewhere.

To learn more, follow Jasmin and her writing journey at her website and on Twitter and Instagram.

Thanks for chatting, Jasmin!

READ MORE ABOUT THE PAGES PENNED IN PANDEMIC!

Pages Penned in Pandemic with Wim Owe

n dreams, we may find alternate version of ourselves, but ultimately reality returns. Wim Owe's poem, "[untitled]," explores this dreaminess, and is now available to read in the print collective! Until then, I'm excited to chat about Wim's pages penned in pandemic.

What does the pandemic currently look like in your city?

Victoria has been somewhat protected by the Island effect, meaning we haven't had the outbreaks and lockdowns that mainland BC and the rest of Canada has been having, but it looks like the barrier is breaking down a bit, and we may be in for a rough winter.

What are some favorite books you've read during quarantine?

Yukio Mishima's Spring Snow—if he can get that much out of looking at wet grass in the rain while feeling overwhelmed by sadness, there may be hope for us out here after all.

If you haven't been reading, what are some books you're most looking forward to reading?

I've been putting off reading John Elsworth's translation of Andrei Bely's Petersburg for over a decade now: during the last major global crisis, I joined the Vancouver Balalaika Orchestra to practice my Russian through music, and the whole community seemed overjoyed to have the whole novel finally ready and accessible.

Have there been any movies, tv shows, podcasts, etc. that have helped keep you at ease the past few months?

“Shouwa Genroku Rakugo Shinjuu”—it's an animated show about two generations of Rakugo artists, a kind of bawdy storytelling tradition in Japan, spanning most of the 20th century. It really is a testament to the power of the voice of the storyteller, a power which voice actors Kouichi Yamadera and Akira Ishida bear with great respect, as well as the sacrifices and relationships that accrue over a lifetime of dedication to an art form.

How has the pandemic affected your writing?

It's made me nearly incapable of focus, the thought dashed away seems all I have been capable of when called to work on something new.

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've been editing and digitizing a mountain of notebooks that I've let accumulate over the years.

If asked ten years from now what the past few months have taught you about being a writer, what would come to mind?

That I don't need to press onward too quickly in life or in writing, that writing should be recursive, and sometimes the greatest joy is to try to collaborate with my past self.

Have there been any fellow writers or people in your life who have helped you stay connected during the pandemic?

I've always been a bit of a quiet person, and much of what I look for in a social life is the opportunity to build a relationship with someone through listening. I'm a bit worried that more than ever this pandemic has made it so that social connections need to be made through broadcasting and marketing yourself, which makes me miss the quieter, off-brand moments of a social life. I am immensely grateful to the friends and family that have made the effort to stay connected to me in this way.

Is there anything that worries you about the changes being incited in the publishing world in light of recent events?

I've found the online events to accentuate my feeling of isolation, as though nothing exists any more than the public-facing side of literature anymore.

If you curated a playlist for writing life in the pandemic, what top 5 songs would be on your list?

1.) “Take Two” by Chong the Nomad & Hollis

2.) “TOKiMONSTA” by Renter's Anthem Leaf Off

3.) “The Cave” by Jose Gonzalez

4.) “Monsters” by SAULT

5.) “A l'affût d'un Complot” by Conventum

ABOUT Wim Owe

Wim was wearing masks before it was mandated. He's a WA-BC cross border baby living in Victoria and missing his Seattle friends and relatives.

To learn more, follow Wim on Tik Tok.

Thanks for chatting, Wim!

READ MORE ABOUT THE PAGES PENNED IN PANDEMIC!

Pages Penned in Pandemic with Dónal Fogarty

Writers often discover certain ideas that feel more special than others, making it more troublesome than ever to let them slip by. Dónal Fogarty's short story, "Tomorrow, James, and the Blue Cat," explores ideas in all their forms, and is now available to read in the print collective! Until then, I'm excited to chat about Dónal's pages penned in pandemic.

What are some favorite books you've read during quarantine?

Finishing my Masters, teaching online, and marking student papers means that if I want to still have my eyesight when all this is over, I've had to curtail my reading for pleasure.

If you haven't been reading, what are some books you're most looking forward to reading?

Nikki Marmery's debut On Wilder Seas—a ridiculously well researched novel based on an unbelievably true, true story. And for some much need laughter, I'm looking forward to re-reading The Peculiar Memories of Thomas Penman by Bruce Robinson.

Have there been any movies, tv shows, podcasts, etc. that have helped keep you at ease the past few months?

I don't really want to hear the news much now. But at the start of the pandemic, BBC Radio 4, in typical stoic British stiff upper style, played out their 'PM' news program with uplifting tunes chosen by the listeners. When they ended the show with Ry Cooder's “I think it's going to work fine,” it became an anthem in our house.

How has the pandemic affected your writing?

As working from home blurs into home life and with my five-year-old son at home all the time, it's been almost impossible to find the time to think about my writing.

If asked ten years from now what the past few months have taught you about being a writer, what would come to mind?

I should follow my own advice (see my advice to young writers below).

Have there been any fellow writers or people in your life who have helped you stay connected during the pandemic?

I've been overwhelmed by the generosity of established writers from all genres who have put on 'pay what can' webinars on the craft of writing.

Is there anything that excites you about the changes being incited in the publishing world in light of recent events?

My Masters dissertation, grounded in and inspired by current events, received a distinction - so maybe those in positions of power are listening to artists and other people imagining a better post-COVID world.

Are you a plotter, pantser, or somewhere in between? Has this changed during the pandemic?

I'm a recidivist pantser—I even wrote about this condition on my blog.

Where is your favorite place to write? Has this changed during the pandemic?

My kingdom for a quiet place to write!

Without too many spoilers, what is your favorite poem you've written since the pandemic began?

“Gross Encounter of the Third Kind,” a short story hiding within a poem. However, the grossness of the incident it recounts will ensure that this particular piece of tomfoolery will never find a home.

Is there any advice you would give to young writers during this time?

It doesn't matter what 'time' it is; keep writing, keep reading, repeat. Others will give up. If you hang in there, someone will find you and your work.

Is there anything else you would like to share?

I was delighted to volunteer as a reader for the Wilbur Niso Smith Foundation this summer. The entries from the young writers to their Author of Tomorrow Competition were so original and pleasure to read.

ABOUT Dónal Fogarty

Dónal’s fictional and factual works span a variety of genres. He teaches academic communication at colleges on both sides of the Atlantic. His irreverent spoken word poetry on a theme of education has been performed at the University of Nottingham and Exeter College, Oxford. He has also written and edited scripts for the UK stage and radio. He is currently seeking representation.

To learn more, follow Dónal and his writing journey at his website and on Twitter.

Thanks for chatting, Dónal!

READ MORE ABOUT THE PAGES PENNED IN PANDEMIC!

Pages Penned in Pandemic with Matthew Miller

When the world feels too chaotic, often its the simple things listed out that keeps us tethered to the every day. Matthew Miller's poem, "To-Do Lists," explores this notion, and is now available to read in the print collective! Until then, I'm excited to chat about Matthew's pages penned in pandemic.

What does the pandemic currently look like in your city?

The pandemic here is out of control. The hospitals are sending patients to other counties. Schools are closing because too many students are in quarantine. We keep trying to get back to normal too quickly, and it feels like we're just stuttering along.

What are some favorite books you've read during quarantine?

28065 Nights by Katie Manning and The Tradition by Jericho Brown.

Have there been any movies, tv shows, podcasts, etc. that have helped keep you at ease the past few months?

My wife and I have been watching comedies quite frequently. Rewatching “The Office,” “Parks and Rec,” “Psych,” and more have been familiar and comforting.

How has the pandemic affected your writing?

I've actually written quite a bit more during the pandemic. As a teacher, the virtual school model gives me a bit more break in between classes, and I find myself having time to jot down notes. Then I'm able to assemble those much quicker when I sit down to craft poems.

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 really enjoying writing poems about fatherhood (I have four boys under the age of 12). I'm hoping to craft my first chapbook with poems about fatherhood and family.

Have there been any fellow writers or people in your life who have helped you stay connected during the pandemic?

Yes, I really begun to use Twitter to connect to others during the pandemic. Katie Manning has been a great follow, and Melissa Poulin looked over some drafts for me. But most of all, the Indiana Writer's Center has done several Facebook groups and other writers from the state have been encouraging!

Is there anything that excites you about the changes being incited in the publishing world in light of recent events?

I certainly have loved the many creative online literary journals that have sprung up during the pandemic.

Where is your favorite place to write? Has this changed during the pandemic?

My favorite place to write is anywhere outside. During the pandemic, we decided to build a back porch. And my oldest son and I built a treehouse. So those have become my favorite places to write.

Without too many spoilers, what is your favorite poem you've written since the pandemic began?

I wrote a poem about my wife and the mountains, called "I Like You Best Without Makeup." It hasn't been picked up for publication, it keeps getting rejected. I assume it is too sappy and sentimental, but I love it.

While the future is just as unknowable as ever, what is something you are most looking forward to this year?

Traveling. My family is big on getting to national and state parks. We didn't get to as much this year, but those places spark my writing and my love of the world in general.

Is there any advice you would give to young writers during this time?

I think I'm a "young" writer myself, meaning inexperienced. But what I learned in this time was to write, connect, and submit. The writing is always first, and I've learned to write what I love. Then I've found that by connecting to other poets, I've found tons of support, encouragement and new challenges. Finally, for years as a writer I was so scared of rejection that I didn't submit. This year, I've just fired away at the journals my friends recommend to me. And it's been great to see more of my poems finding homes in the world!

ABOUT Matthew Miller

Matthew Miller teaches social studies, swings tennis rackets, and writes poetry - all hoping to create home. He and his wife live beside a dilapidating orchard in Indiana, where he tries to shape dead trees into playhouses for his four boys. His poetry has been featured in River Mouth Review, Club Plum Journal and Ekstasis Magazine.

To learn more, follow Matthew and his writing journey at his website and on Twitter.

Thanks for chatting, Matthew!

READ MORE ABOUT THE PAGES PENNED IN PANDEMIC!

Pages Penned in Pandemic with Jenny Maveety

In the darkest of times, there are many of us who seek to become something brighter, unburdened by troubles. Jenny Maveety's short story, "Transition," explores this notion, and is now available to read in the print collective! Until then, I'm excited to chat about Jenny's pages penned in pandemic.

What does the pandemic currently look like in your city?

In my rural community, the schools have gone all virtual for the second time since September. Many businesses have changed hours and how many people they allow in at a time. Many other businesses have been forced to close. For the most part, people are adhering to the social distancing and mask requirements.

What are some favorite books you've read during quarantine?

American Elsewhere by Robert Jackson Bennet, Kindred by Octavia E. Butler, 1984 by George Orwell, and Civilwarland In Bad Decline by George Saunders.

If you haven't been reading, what are some books you're most looking forward to reading?

I am really looking forward to reading House of Leaves by Mark Z. Danielewski.

Have there been any movies, tv shows, podcasts, etc. that have helped keep you at ease the past few months?

Yes! “Schitt's Creek,” the Lord of the Rings trilogy, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, “The Office,” “The Good Place,” and “The Walking Dead” to name a few!

How has the pandemic affected your writing?

It has been EXTREMELY difficult to write during the pandemic. I struggle with a variety of mental health issues, plus I've had my six year old here most of the time. It has been exhausting. I am happy to have a job to go to, but writing and reading are often put on the back-burner. I feel that during the pandemic I have produced some quality work, but it is no where near the amount I hoped I would write.

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 am currently working on a novel that is set just 15 years in the future. Things are very dark, but women are the light that shine throughout the story. I am playing with POV and different ages for the narrators, which has been really fun!

If you haven't been able to write, are there any projects you're hoping to work on next?

I am hoping that once I wrap up this novel, I can start a new project. I LOVE starting new things (it's just the finishing of them that I sometimes struggle with)!

If asked ten years from now what the past few months have taught you about being a writer, what would come to mind?

Writing is my beacon of light and hope in the darkness. It is an escape and also a passion that I should not take for granted. I think these last few months have also taught me resilience and how multifaceted life is in the face of uncertainty and tragedy.

Have there been any fellow writers or people in your life who have helped you stay connected during the pandemic?

Yes! My good friend Tristan Donovan has been a constant companion in our writing journey's. We are in the same semester at SNHU and met at the January 2020 residency. I also have had the privilege of having both Ben Nugent and Katie Towler as mentors this year. They have helped me grow as a writer exponentially! My family has also been incredibly supportive of me, even though they live about five hours away and seeing them throughout this year has been sparse.

Are you a plotter, pantser, or somewhere in between? Has this changed during the pandemic?

For most of my life I have been a pantser, but the last few years have shown me that this method does not always serve me very well. I am somewhere in the middle now. I usually have a rough outline or plan of what I want to write and this includes details for some characters, but the rest I find out along the way! I think the pandemic has absolutely shown me that I need structure to flourish.

Where is your favorite place to write? Has this changed during the pandemic?

In my town we have only one coffee shop and it is a beautiful little place right off main street. I particularly enjoy going there because writing at home usually provides more distractions and less creativity or inspiration for me. However, I have had to write at home 100% of the time since the pandemic started.

While the future is just as unknowable as ever, what is something you are most looking forward to this year?

While I feel that 2020 is just about ended, I am really looking forward to (hopefully) traveling to Ireland next year!

Is there any advice you would give to young writers during this time?

It's okay to rest. Let me repeat that: IT IS OKAY TO REST. You do not need to be creative every waking moment of your life and if you haven't "produced" something, that does not mean you are unworthy or a bad writer. We are in the middle of one of the most unprecedented and surreal times in history. Breathe. Give yourself a break. This time will pass!

ABOUT jenny maveety

Jenny Maveety is a third grade teacher and mother to a fiercely independent and bright 6-year-old. She has been telling stories since before she could read and has written poetry, short stories, and a novel over the last several years. Jenny is currently working through SNHU's MFA program in fiction writing. Some of her favorite authors include Ray Bradbury, Margaret Atwood, and Anthony Doerr.

To learn more, follow Jenny and her writing journey on Instagram.

Thanks for chatting, Jenny!

READ MORE ABOUT THE PAGES PENNED IN PANDEMIC!

Pages Penned in Pandemic with Tina Anton

While plants may wilt and relationships may falter, there is always hope for regrowth, for love with no end. Tina Anton's short story, "Lovesick," explores this notion, and is now available to read the print collective! Until then, I'm excited to chat about Tina's pages penned in pandemic.

What does the pandemic currently look like in your city?

People act like it isn't happening. They openly call it a hoax and no-maskers are rampant. Our county is purple (worst rating you can get for COVID) and we added four new COVID units to my roommates hospital this month alone (she works with COVID patients). Most stores and restaurants are closed with signs saying their employees tested positive.

What are some favorite books you've read during quarantine?

The City and the City by China Miéville And loads of online work.

If you haven't been reading, what are some books you're most looking forward to reading?

Obama's new book and Finishing the Nightside series by Simon R. Green.

Have there been any movies, tv shows, podcasts, etc. that have helped keep you at ease the past few months?

“The Mandalorian,” “New Girl,” and the John Wick movies have pretty much saved my brain.

How has the pandemic affected your writing?

I've been reading more poetry. Inspired me to try new writing styles including poetry. It's going relatively well.

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?

My NaNoWriMo story this year has me very excited.

If you haven't been able to write, are there any projects you're hoping to work on next?

I want to get more illustrations submitted.

If asked ten years from now what the past few months have taught you about being a writer, what would come to mind?

Read more. You write better when you do.

Have there been any fellow writers or people in your life who have helped you stay connected during the pandemic?

My girlfriend. She is a writer as well.

Is there anything that excites you about the changes being incited in the publishing world in light of recent events?

Yes!! The online community of writers has been so supportive of one another and it has been gorgeous to see.

Is there anything that worries you about the changes being incited in the publishing world in light of recent events?

Publishing house monopolies. I don't like it (looking at you, Penguine).

Are you a plotter, pantser, or somewhere in between? Has this changed during the pandemic?

I don't know what this question means so I'm not sure.

Where is your favorite place to write? Has this changed during the pandemic?

I never used to write so much on my phone. It's convenient. I've ended up writing a lot more because of it. I have physical disabilities that leave me in 24/7 high level pain. So nice to be able to write from my bed instead of sitting at my desk.

If you curated a playlist for writing life in the pandemic, what top 5 songs would be on your list?

Everything by Zack Hemsey (start with Nomad and The Runner).

Without too many spoilers, what is your favorite scene / poem you've written since the pandemic began?

I wrote a scene where a prisoner is stuck in virtual reality serving out his prison sentence under a fake indigo sky in a non-existent desert that stretches to infinity. I had fun breaking the poor guy's brain.

While the future is just as unknowable as ever, what is something you are most looking forward to this year?

Seeing my girlfriend more. Her mom had cancer all during 2020. My roommate works with COVID patients. We've had to stay virtual.

Is there any advice you would give to young writers during this time?

Take advantage of the extra hours and read while you can. Soak it all up.

Is there anything else you would like to share?

I've thorough enjoyed the Twitter writing community and think that everyone would benefit (especially new writers) from being a part of it.

ABOUT Tina Anton

Tina Anton has an associate degree in creative writing. Her works have been featured in Aphelion, Weirdyear, The Rusty Nail, Electric Pulp, and other publications.

To learn more, follow Tina and her writing journey at her website and on Twitter.

Thanks for chatting, Tina!

READ MORE ABOUT THE PAGES PENNED IN PANDEMIC!

Pages Penned in Pandemic with Shannon Frost Greenstein

For many, thoughts can seem overwhelming, weighing on the day-to-day. Shannon Frost Greenstein's essay, "Faith," explores this notion, and is now available to read in the print collective! Until then, I'm excited to chat about Shannon's pages penned in pandemic.

What does the pandemic currently look like in your city?

Philadelphia is purportedly the best city in the country in terms of mask-wearing. That being said, it is quite easy to venture outside and notice the lack of precaution, particularly in the trendy or older sections of the city. The restaurant industry has also been hit quite significantly. Philly is very much a foodie town, and restaurant closures have skyrocketed. Consequently, an entire subset of people who work in the restaurant industry to fund their artistic pursuits are now stranded, unable to move forward. There is a large homeless population in this city, individuals who probably fly under the radar of contact tracing and mortality rates, so I feel certain this is also disproportionately impacting those without a voice.

What are some favorite books you've read during quarantine?

Hanya Yanagihara's The People in the Trees, Stephen King's If It Bleeds, Jon Krakauer's Missoula.

If you haven't been reading, what are some books you're most looking forward to reading?

Michelle McNamara's I'll Be Gone in the Dark and Haruki Murakami's After the Quake.

Have there been any movies, tv shows, podcasts, etc. that have helped keep you at ease the past few months?

Lovecraft Country; I, Tonya; I'll Be Gone in the Dark HBO miniseries; The Mandalorian; Hamilton; Handmaid's Tale; Wrinkles the Clown. (Seriously, Google that last one; it's a Hulu documentary about a clown-for-hire who frightens children into behaving for a nominal fee. It is unexpectedly hilarious.

How has the pandemic affected your writing?

After being laid off in April due to Covid, I have had far more time to write creatively than ever before. It has actually been a pretty prolific time for me. Complicating things, however, was my husband's cancer diagnosis in May. The necessary treatment rendered him seriously immunocompromised, and the entire family was forced to strictly quarantine for months. Further complicating things, but much more exciting, is the progress my nonverbal son has been making since the onset of the pandemic. He is five years old and on the autism spectrum; he has had a sudden language explosion over the past few months. I feel we are morally obligated, then, to provide him with as many resources and as much speech therapy as possible. This logically cuts into my writing time, as does the mom-guilt when I am torn between writing or playing word games with my brilliant child.

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 am currently editing my first full-length book. It is a memoir about my time in residential treatment for Anorexia; it portrays the illness and the effects of treatment in real time. I hope to have it serve as a layman's guide for how friends, family, and loved ones can support those in their lives with eating disorders.

If you haven't been able to write, are there any projects you're hoping to work on next?

I someday hope to flesh out a novel from the concept of lucid dreaming and its philosophical implications. It will explore the life of a chronically suicidal woman who gains the ability to dream lucidly. It will question quality of life, the value of lived experience, and how reality is perceived.

If asked ten years from now what the past few months have taught you about being a writer, what would come to mind?

Discipline is the most important tool a writer has in their arsenal to achieve further growth; one's voice should never be compromised even if it is usually misunderstood; writing is a form of privilege, and is not possible without basic necessities, health, or peace; and the best is yet to come.

Have there been any fellow writers or people in your life who have helped you stay connected during the pandemic?

Fellow writers have been a lifeline and a source of inspiration during this time. I have been sharing and swapping work with a growing digital circle of writers. I am reading new authors whom I am also lucky to be getting to know. I am buying from local indie bookstores and shops; I am exploring local writers and genres I would have never before considered.

Is there anything that excites you about the changes being incited in the publishing world in light of recent events?

Accessibility, accessibility, accessibility. Smash the patriarchy. Black Lives Matter.

Is there anything that worries you about the changes being incited in the publishing world in light of recent events?

I feel, as always, that underrepresented voices will continue to fall by the wayside. As a disabled writer illness, I have found my work is often judged because of my mental illness and its prevalence in my work. While I do not pretend to know the struggles of the BIPOC or LGBTQIA communities, I do believe that everyone deserves to be heard; I do believe everyone is entitled to basic decency.

Are you a plotter, pantser, or somewhere in between? Has this changed during the pandemic?

I am very much a pantser. The pandemic has not changed this tendency; the pandemic will not change this tendency. I doubt the apocalypse would change this tendency.

Where is your favorite place to write? Has this changed during the pandemic?

My favorite place to write is sitting on the living room floor next to my children, occasionally getting kicked in the kidneys or kneed in the face.

If you curated a playlist for writing life in the pandemic, what top 5 songs would be on your list?

1.) "This Year" by the Mountain Goats

2.) "Sinnerman" by Nina Simone

3.) "Midnight Radio" from Hedwig and the Angry Inch

4.) "Ode to Joy" by Beethoven

5.) "My Shot" from Hamilton

Without too many spoilers, what is your favorite poem you've written since the pandemic began?

My favorite poem is entitled, "The Fall of Aleppo," and is surprisingly uplifting, given the title. It is actually a statement of gratitude and joy for life, and I am attempting to place it as an audio poem for a multi-media publication.

While the future is just as unknowable as ever, what is something you are most looking forward to this year?

Nothing is more exciting to me than my son beginning to talk when no one thought he would; therefore, I look forward to every day and each new word. Also, CHRISTMAS.

Is there any advice you would give to young writers during this time?

See comment about discipline above.

ABOUT Shannon Frost Greenstein

Shannon Frost Greenstein (she/her) resides in Philadelphia with her children, soulmate, and cats. She is the author of Pray for Us Sinners, a collection of fiction from Alien Buddha Press, and More, a poetry collection by Wild Pressed Books. Shannon is a Pushcart Prize and Best of the Net nominee, a Contributing Editor for Barren Magazine, and a former Ph.D. candidate in Continental Philosophy. Her work has appeared, or is forthcoming, in McSweeney’s Internet Tendency, Pithead Chapel, X-R-A-Y Lit Mag, Cabinet of Heed, Rathalla Review, and elsewhere.

To learn more, follow Shannon and her writing journey at her website and on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.

Thanks for chatting, Shannon!

READ MORE ABOUT THE PAGES PENNED IN PANDEMIC!

Pages Penned in Pandemic with Dot Dannenberg

During the last year, the monotony of every day has left the concept of time as something altogether strange. Dot Dannenberg's poem, "We Are Living," explores this notion, and is now available to read in the print collective! Until then, I'm excited to chat about Dot's pages penned in pandemic.

What does the pandemic currently look like in your city?

The Washington, DC metro area is delightfully mask-compliant. In my neighborhood, everyone has a dog or a baby, so we're all outside, desperately clinging to the normalcy of outdoors before winter sets in. In some corners, brunch is still happening, I guess, but I am not ready for any of that.

What are some favorite books you've read during quarantine?

The Dutch House (Patchett), Writers & Lovers (King), and All Adults Here (Straub).

How has the pandemic affected your writing?

I write a lot more about resilience than I did before, for one. (Mostly for work.) Mostly, the pandemic has resulted in my own voice being the only thing happening in my head. I miss all of the surprising, stimulating things that I would stumble upon when I was traveling, or just out in the regular world. I miss surprising conversations and the ways they could work themselves into my writing.

If asked ten years from now what the past few months have taught you about being a writer, what would come to mind?

Forget the romantic vision of the writer in the garret. Your Notes app is just fine.

Are you a plotter, pantser, or somewhere in between? Has this changed during the pandemic?

I'm a pantser who at some points has masqueraded as a plotter. Planning is higher-level brain function that isn't really attainable for me in These Trying Times TM. I'm more pants than ever.

Where is your favorite place to write? Has this changed during the pandemic?

I have a baby, so basically my favorite place to write is anywhere that it's quiet. This has changed during the pandemic because now we are both at home together all the time, and nowhere is quiet!

If you curated a playlist for writing life in the pandemic, what top 5 songs would be on your list?

Probably just a bunch of moody Adrienne Lenker stuff. She gets it.

Without too many spoilers, what is your favorite poem you've written since the pandemic began?

I wrote a poem as a gift for a friend upon the birth of her daughter. I haven't seen her in over a year, or met her baby--words as gifts feel more important than ever.

While the future is just as unknowable as ever, what is something you are most looking forward to this year?

Vaccine distribution.

Is there any advice you would give to young writers during this time?

Take good notes. One day, you will forget what this really felt like. In three months, you'll forget what you were thinking about right now.

ABOUT dot dannenberg

Dot Dannenberg lives outside of Washington, DC. She holds an MFA from Pacific University. One of these days she's going to get her act together.

To learn more, follow Dot and her writing journey on her Instagram.

Thanks for chatting, Dot!

READ MORE ABOUT THE PAGES PENNED IN PANDEMIC!

Pages Penned in Pandemic with Caroline Taylor

While chaos and unknowns can certainly bring out the worst in humanity, there are those who surprise even themselves. Caroline Taylor's short story, "Indispensable," explores this notion, and is now available to read in the print collective! Until then, I'm excited to chat about Caroline's pages penned in pandemic.

What does the pandemic currently look like in your city?

It appears to be getting worse because a large number of people here consider that wearing a face mask is a violation of their personal liberties.

What are some favorite books you've read during quarantine?

Mick Herron's Joe Country, Ruth Ware's One By One, Lee Child's Gone Tomorrow, and Ian Rankin's A song For Dark Times.

Have there been any movies, tv shows, podcasts, etc. that have helped keep you at ease the past few months?

Reruns of baseball and golf helped in the early days, and live sports are helping now.

How has the pandemic affected your writing?

It gave me time and solitude to work on revisions to several novels-in-progress and to start a new one, which is set in a time before the pandemic.

If asked ten years from now what the past few months have taught you about being a writer, what would come to mind?

Solitude and time are vital to the process. Too many distractions make it difficult to focus; too little time makes the process move too slowly.

Have there been any fellow writers or people in your life who have helped you stay connected during the pandemic?

Yes, a colleague with the local chapter of Sisters in Crime who has generously critiqued several of my works-in-progress and given extremely helpful feedback.

Are you a plotter, pantser, or somewhere in between? Has this changed during the pandemic?

A pantser definitely. This has not changed.

Where is your favorite place to write? Has this changed during the pandemic?

My home office. This hasn't changed during the pandemic.

If you curated a playlist for writing life in the pandemic, what top 5 songs would be on your list?

q.) "If It Makes You Happy”

2.) "Gimme Shelter”

3.) “Just a Little of that Human Touch" "

4.) “Hey, Jude"

5.) "I'm So Afraid” (live with guitar riff)

Without too many spoilers, what is your favorite scene you've written since the pandemic began?

A scene where the protagonist, who dislikes classical music, discovers that her boyfriend is a percussionist in a symphony orchestra

While the future is just as unknowable as ever, what is something you are most looking forward to this year?

Finally getting a little of that human touch from friends and family through hugs and close gatherings.

Is there any advice you would give to young writers during this time?

Use the time to write as much as you can, and don't let the rejections get you down.

ABOUT caroline taylor

Caroline Taylor's short stories have appeared in several online and print magazines. She is the author of five mysteries and one short-story collection

To learn more, follow Caroline and her writing journey at her website.

Thanks for chatting, Caroline!

READ MORE ABOUT THE PAGES PENNED IN PANDEMIC!

Pages Penned in Pandemic with Joe Quinn

Too often the only way for writers to make sense of events in the world is to commit them to the page. Joe Quinn's poem, "barbara walters, why have you forsaken us?" explores this notion, and is now available to read in the print collective! Until then, I'm excited to chat about Joe's pages penned in pandemic.

What does the pandemic currently look like in your city?

Quiet, smaller and cut off.

What are some favorite books you've read during quarantine?

Les Miserables.

How has the pandemic affected your writing?

It's given it focus, the issues of the modern world seemed to have come to a head in the form of the pandemic/quarantine.

If you haven't been able to write, are there any projects you're hoping to work on next?

Spoken word video poems, since open mics are gone for now.

If asked ten years from now what the past few months have taught you about being a writer, what would come to mind?

To let things flow, worry about cleaning it up later if at all, just get the idea out while you can.

Are you a plotter, pantser, or somewhere in between? Has this changed during the pandemic?

I don't know what I am.

Where is your favorite place to write? Has this changed during the pandemic?

The night, if that's a place.

Without too many spoilers, what is your favorite scene or poem you've written since the pandemic began?

We Are Plague.

While the future is just as unknowable as ever, what is something you are most looking forward to this year?

I'm looking forward to living.

Is there any advice you would give to young writers during this time?

Let it all out, don't hold back and don't wait.

ABOUT joe quinn

Joe Quinn is a poet from Kentucky. His newest collection, We Are Plague is now available for purchase.

To learn more, follow Joe and his writing journey at his website and on Instagram.

Thanks for chatting, Joe!

READ MORE ABOUT THE PAGES PENNED IN PANDEMIC!