While there is always the sense of facing the unknowable, never has this felt more prominent than in the year 2020. Jason de Koff's poem, "Navigating New Worlds," explores just this in a dreamy atmosphere with no escape, and will be available to read January 2021 in the print collective! Until then, I'm excited to chat about Jason's pages penned in pandemic.
What does the pandemic currently look like in your city?
There is widespread, free testing which I think has helped to keep numbers down. Local governments are unable to enforce a mask policy but private corporations are requiring masks for staff and customers which I believe is also helping.
What are some favorite books you've read during quarantine?
The Forest by Edward Rutherfurd and Upstate by Edmund Wilson.
Have there been any movies, tv shows, podcasts, etc. that have helped keep you at ease the past few months?
“The Great British Bake Off,” “The 100,” and “The Office.”
How has the pandemic affected your writing?
I started seriously writing and submitting poetry during the pandemic. When there were fewer things to do, I found this as a great outlet for my creative energy.
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 working on a chapbook of my poetry.
If asked ten years from now what the past few months have taught you about being a writer, what would come to mind?
I found I could be a successful writer and discovered a passion that had been greatly minimized in the past.
Are you a plotter, pantser, or somewhere in between? Has this changed during the pandemic?
I'm more on the planner side but have a pretty casual attitude about it. During the pandemic, this casual attitude definitely helped me to wade the uncertainty that the pandemic brought. I realized there wasn't much we could do about it but try to navigate as best we could and try to keep a positive attitude.
Where is your favorite place to write? Has this changed during the pandemic?
I enjoy writing outside. For me a lot of my poetry is inspired by nature so this makes the most sense for me. I believe its always been this way.
If you curated a playlist for writing life in the pandemic, what top 5 songs would be on your list?
1.) Tubthumper by Chumbawumba
2.) Wonderwall by Oasis
3.) Thunder by Imagine Dragons
4.) Beautiful Letdown by Switchfoot
5.) Slide by Goo Goo Dolls
Without too many spoilers, what is your favorite line from a poem you've written since the pandemic began?
"...no pictures are hung, in the hallways of fallow minds" in my poem called "Poets, Help Wanted”
Is there any advice you would give to young writers during this time?
Keep going, whether you are writing or not, just keep going.
ABOUT jason de koff
Jason de Koff is an associate professor of agronomy and soil science at Tennessee State University. He lives in Nashville, TN with his wife, Jaclyn, and his two daughters, Tegan and Maizie. He has published in a number of scientific journals, and has over 30 poems published or forthcoming in literary journals this year.
To learn more, follow Jason and her writing journey on Twitter.
Thanks for chatting, Jason!
