Inspiration often strikes at the strangest of times, and as writers, we need to take advantage when we can. Rose Menyon Heflin 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?
It looks bleak and quiet, with the occasional distant laughter echoing from neighbors standing six feet apart at the corner bus stop.
What are some favorite books you've read during quarantine?
I've been doing more writing and typing than reading.
If you haven't been reading, what are some books you're most looking forward to reading?
All of the books chosen by my travel club to be read as book club books that I haven't gotten around to reading: Dear Bob and Sue, The Year of Living Danishly, The Road to Little Dribbling. I would also like to reread the first two Woodswoman books and continue the series. Similarly, I'd like to expand my repertoire of nature writing books by reading more Leopold, McPhee, Carson, Abbey, Thoreau, etc.
Have there been any movies, tv shows, podcasts, etc. that have helped keep you at ease the past few months?
Comedies and foreign mysteries.
How has the pandemic affected your writing?
I have been writing much more without the constant hustle and bustle of running about like a headless chicken.
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 finally started a book! Will it ever get finished? Who knows! The point is I started it, and the person on whom it is based is super excited about it, which makes me happy.
If you haven't been able to write, are there any projects you're hoping to work on next?
In addition to my writing, I've been working on photography.
If asked ten years from now what the past few months have taught you about being a writer, what would come to mind?
From a strictly practical standpoint, I think it is that I need to be careful not to get behind on my typing. (I write by hand.) More generally, it has taught me that I can really make progress when I make time in my day to write, and it showed me just how much I was letting the day-to-day get in the way of that pre-pandemic.
Have there been any fellow writers or people in your life who have helped you stay connected during the pandemic?
I've recently started taking a monthly workshop via Zoom at a local arts incubator, the Arts and Literature Laboratory, and it has been helpful in that it has given me exposure to other writers and their work.
Are you a plotter, pantser, or somewhere in between? Has this changed during the pandemic?
I'm definitely a plotter, but I also get a lot of random inspiration, especially for poetry.
Where is your favorite place to write? Has this changed during the pandemic?
It is now in bed or on the couch. It used to be in bed or during cab rides while out and about, since I don't drive.
Without too many spoilers, what is your favorite scene / poem you've written since the pandemic began?
I am terribly indecisive and have been quite prolific, so this is an incredibly difficult question!
While the future is just as unknowable as ever, what is something you are most looking forward to this year?
The end of 2020 . . . and the accompanying pecan pie of the holidays.
ABOUT Rose Menyon Heflin
Rose Menyon Heflin is a new poet from Wisconsin. Her work has appeared in Argot Magazine, the Aurorean, Bramble, Haiku Journal, Haikuniverse, One Sentence Poems, Three Line Poetry, Wisconsin Fellowship of Poets’ Calendar, and The Writers Club, and she has work forthcoming in Plum Tree Tavern. She enjoys the outdoors and strongly prefers trees to people.
Thanks for chatting, Rose!
