Every story must find its own time to emerge into the world. Petina Strohmer 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?
I live in a rural area so it is less densely populated. However, it relies heavily on tourism and hospitality, both of which have been hit VERY hard.
What are some favorite books you've read during quarantine?
Twas the Nightshift Before Christmas by Adam Kay, Unnatural Causes by Dr Richard Shepherd, When God was a Rabbit by Sarah Winman, re-reading A Whispered Name by William Brodrick and LOTS of stories on Scribophile.
If you haven't been reading, what are some books you're most looking forward to reading?
Nanteos: The Dipping Pool, the third novel by my good friend Jane Blank, published by Y Lolfa earlier this year.
Have there been any movies, tv shows, podcasts, etc. that have helped keep you at ease the past few months?
I'm afraid that crappy horror films are my guilty pleasure! I have also enjoyed "The Queen's Gambit", "Parasite" (films), "Fake or Fortune", "The Repair Shop" (TV shows) plus, of course, "The Great British Bake Off" (I have somewhat eclectic taste.)
How has the pandemic affected your writing?
It's given me more time to 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 lucky enough to be a traditionally-published author with two titles under my belt. The next novel to do the rounds will be "The One", a dystopian fable set in the very near future. Given the current pandemic, I think this is a story whose time has come.
If you haven't been able to write, are there any projects you're hoping to work on next?
A collection of short stories, in a range of genres, called "Carlton Court", linked by the fact that they all take place at the same hotel.
If asked ten years from now what the past few months have taught you about being a writer, what would come to mind?
To apply myself fully and become immersed in my own stories and those of others.
Have there been any fellow writers or people in your life who have helped you stay connected during the pandemic?
I discovered the writing site, "Scribophile" earlier this year. Since then, I have critiqued two novels and had a circle of six writers critique mine. Also, my daughter is a Key Worker who has not yet passed her driving test so complete isolation hasn't really been an issue.
Is there anything that excites you about the changes being incited in the publishing world in light of recent events?
There are more people reading online.
Is there anything that worries you about the changes being incited in the publishing world in light of recent events?
Given the above, I think the days of actual paperbacks may be numbered (you can't sniff a Kindle!)
Are you a plotter, pantser, or somewhere in between? Has this changed during the pandemic?
Definitely a pantser. Always. Often my characters do whatever the hell they like - but I have learned to trust them.
Where is your favorite place to write? Has this changed during the pandemic?
I can write anywhere (which is just as well as my husband has stolen the study to work from home.)
If you curated a playlist for writing life in the pandemic, what top 5 songs would be on your list?
I don't listen to music when I write.
Without too many spoilers, what is your favorite story you've written since the pandemic began?
Can I have two? A ghost story called "The Water Babies" and a piece of flash fiction called "Come Away", both of which won writing competitions (toot toot - that's me blowing my own trumpet) ;)
While the future is just as unknowable as ever, what is something you are most looking forward to this year?
Christmas. I LOVE Christmas.
Is there any advice you would give to young writers during this time?
"If you're going through hell, keep going" (courtesy of Winston Churchill.)
Is there anything else you would like to share?
Stay strong, everyone. This, too, shall pass.
ABOUT Petina Strohmer
Originally from London, I am a writer now living in the beautiful Brecon Beacons of South Wales, U.K. My first novel, Truly Blue; A Rock & Roll Parable, was published by Leaf Books in March 2009. My second novel, Entertaining Angels, was published by Cinnamon Press in May 2016. I also write short stories (many of which have won/been placed in competition) plays, magazine articles, educational resources and the occasional biography.
To learn more, follow Petina and her writing journey at her website.
Thanks for chatting, Petina!
