The importance of staying connected to those who share similar interests never felt more necessary than during the past year when connections seemed to fray with isolation. Judy Taylor 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?
People seem to have adjusted to the new normal. Most people wear masks outdoors as well as indoors at retail establishments. Some streets in the surrounding towns have been closed off so that restaurants can expand into the street. A lot of those have now added overhead covering and heat lamps.
Have there been any movies, tv shows, podcasts, etc. that have helped keep you at ease the past few months?
“Poldark,” “The Paradise,” and “Emily in Paris.”
How has the pandemic affected your writing?
It hasn't changed it much.
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 doing more art now—abstract watercoloring.
If you haven't been able to write, are there any projects you're hoping to work on next?
I'm hoping to come up with new ideas for poetry.
If asked ten years from now what the past few months have taught you about being a writer, what would come to mind?
Keep at it. It helps to be creative during tough times.
Have there been any fellow writers or people in your life who have helped you stay connected during the pandemic?
I took an online poetry class and it was inspiring to exchange poems with fellow poets.
Are you a plotter, pantser, or somewhere in between? Has this changed during the pandemic?
Somewhere in between. It hasn't changed.
Where is your favorite place to write? Has this changed during the pandemic?
At coffee shops. Was doing it on the outside patios of coffee shops until it got too cold to do so a couple of weeks ago.
Without too many spoilers, what is your favorite poem you've written since the pandemic began?
A poem about what's beyond the material world.
While the future is just as unknowable as ever, what is something you are most looking forward to this year?
Doing more creative work.
Is there any advice you would give to young writers during this time?
Keep writing, share your work with others, take online classes.
ABOUT judy taylor
Judy Taylor is a nonfiction author and poet. She has published two books, "Dharma Cats" and "Living Lightly with Lyme." Some of her essays and poems have appeared in recent print and online publications. Judy enjoys life in the San Francisco Bay Area writing, making art, and playing with her cat.
To learn more, follow Judy and her writing journey at her website.
Thanks for chatting, Judy!
