When the world feels too chaotic, often its the simple things listed out that keeps us tethered to the every day. Matthew Miller's poem, "To-Do Lists," explores this notion, and is now available to read in the print collective! Until then, I'm excited to chat about Matthew's pages penned in pandemic.
What does the pandemic currently look like in your city?
The pandemic here is out of control. The hospitals are sending patients to other counties. Schools are closing because too many students are in quarantine. We keep trying to get back to normal too quickly, and it feels like we're just stuttering along.
What are some favorite books you've read during quarantine?
28065 Nights by Katie Manning and The Tradition by Jericho Brown.
Have there been any movies, tv shows, podcasts, etc. that have helped keep you at ease the past few months?
My wife and I have been watching comedies quite frequently. Rewatching “The Office,” “Parks and Rec,” “Psych,” and more have been familiar and comforting.
How has the pandemic affected your writing?
I've actually written quite a bit more during the pandemic. As a teacher, the virtual school model gives me a bit more break in between classes, and I find myself having time to jot down notes. Then I'm able to assemble those much quicker when I sit down to craft poems.
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 really enjoying writing poems about fatherhood (I have four boys under the age of 12). I'm hoping to craft my first chapbook with poems about fatherhood and family.
Have there been any fellow writers or people in your life who have helped you stay connected during the pandemic?
Yes, I really begun to use Twitter to connect to others during the pandemic. Katie Manning has been a great follow, and Melissa Poulin looked over some drafts for me. But most of all, the Indiana Writer's Center has done several Facebook groups and other writers from the state have been encouraging!
Is there anything that excites you about the changes being incited in the publishing world in light of recent events?
I certainly have loved the many creative online literary journals that have sprung up during the pandemic.
Where is your favorite place to write? Has this changed during the pandemic?
My favorite place to write is anywhere outside. During the pandemic, we decided to build a back porch. And my oldest son and I built a treehouse. So those have become my favorite places to write.
Without too many spoilers, what is your favorite poem you've written since the pandemic began?
I wrote a poem about my wife and the mountains, called "I Like You Best Without Makeup." It hasn't been picked up for publication, it keeps getting rejected. I assume it is too sappy and sentimental, but I love it.
While the future is just as unknowable as ever, what is something you are most looking forward to this year?
Traveling. My family is big on getting to national and state parks. We didn't get to as much this year, but those places spark my writing and my love of the world in general.
Is there any advice you would give to young writers during this time?
I think I'm a "young" writer myself, meaning inexperienced. But what I learned in this time was to write, connect, and submit. The writing is always first, and I've learned to write what I love. Then I've found that by connecting to other poets, I've found tons of support, encouragement and new challenges. Finally, for years as a writer I was so scared of rejection that I didn't submit. This year, I've just fired away at the journals my friends recommend to me. And it's been great to see more of my poems finding homes in the world!
ABOUT Matthew Miller
Matthew Miller teaches social studies, swings tennis rackets, and writes poetry - all hoping to create home. He and his wife live beside a dilapidating orchard in Indiana, where he tries to shape dead trees into playhouses for his four boys. His poetry has been featured in River Mouth Review, Club Plum Journal and Ekstasis Magazine.
To learn more, follow Matthew and his writing journey at his website and on Twitter.
Thanks for chatting, Matthew!
