There may be many secrets to finding your own successful writing life, perhaps the most important is making a regular routine out of putting words on the page. Linda Gebroe 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?
Good weather, mostly compliant people wearing masks, always a long line outside my favorite bakery, many people including me taking walks on what are now called "slow streets" that are closed to automobile through traffic.
What are some favorite books you've read during quarantine?
Girl, Woman, Other. A Tale for the Time Being. The Dutch House. The Vanishing Half. The Best of Me. Nothing to See Here.
Have there been any movies, tv shows, podcasts, etc. that have helped keep you at ease the past few months?
Yes: “The Crown,” “Sex Education,” “Offspring,” “The Queen's Gambit,” and “Schitt's Creek.”
How has the pandemic affected your writing?
It's gotten a bit darker. But still humorous (I hope).
Have there been any fellow writers or people in your life who have helped you stay connected during the pandemic?
Yes, my writing group is meeting every other week on Zoom.
Where is your favorite place to write? Has this changed during the pandemic?
My home office. This has not changed during the pandemic.
If you curated a playlist for writing life in the pandemic, what top 5 songs would be on your list?
1.) “Memories” (performed by Maroon 5)
2.) “For the Longest Time”
3.) “You Will Be Found”
4.) “In My Life”
5.) “Up on the Roof”
Without too many spoilers, what is your favorite scene / poem you've written since the pandemic began?
An essay I wrote that aired on KQED, San Francisco's NPR station. It was about being excited—despite the pandemic—about a walk-off home run being hit by my favorite SF Giants ballplayer.
While the future is just as unknowable as ever, what is something you are most looking forward to this year?
A COVID-19 vaccine!
Is there any advice you would give to young writers during this time?
Make writing a part of your regular routine.
ABOUT Linda Gebroe
Linda Gebroe is a San Francisco writer and retired communication professional. Her work has appeared in the San Francisco Chronicle, Narrative, and the West Marin Review, and her commentaries have aired on KQED Public Radio. She is a diehard baseball fan and humble servant to her kitty, Roz Catz.
Thanks for chatting, Linda!
