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!
