Resilient writing in an era of uncertainty

The National Press Club hosted a virtual Q&A Wednesday with award-winning writers Connie Schultz and Jon Mooallem to discuss how journalism builds community during difficult times.

Over the course of the 30-minute conversation, Schultz and Mooallem answered questions ranging from what inspires them to how to avoid writer's block and the important role writing can play during the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Writing is my normal," Schultz said. "If I can get myself in the chair, it seems to help me feel like I'm still doing what I'm meant to do."

The event is part of a series of community conversations about covering the pandemic called "Writing Through." It was moderated by Jim Kuhnhenn, a political and economic journalist, and Julie Moos, Executive Director of the National Press Club Journalism Institute. 

Schultz and Mooallem said journalists are the links that connect people with information during times of uncertainty. Mooallem's most recent book explores the devastating effects of the 1964 Alaska earthquake and the journalist, Genie Chance, who helped put the community back together.

"Having reliable information and having honest information... really became the glue that held people together," he said.

Both writers were adamant that journalists can never have too much information heading into the writing process, and how believing in yourself is the most important step.

 "The first person who needs to acknowledge that you are a writer is you," Schultz said. "The biggest challenge for any writer is to believe you are a writer."

The National Press Club will continue to host seminars for journalists nationwide to share wisdom about their work. The Institute will also be posting advice and tips on the Covering Coronavirus page of their website.

See the published version here.