n dreams, we may find alternate version of ourselves, but ultimately reality returns. Wim Owe's poem, "[untitled]," explores this dreaminess, and is now available to read in the print collective! Until then, I'm excited to chat about Wim's pages penned in pandemic.
What does the pandemic currently look like in your city?
Victoria has been somewhat protected by the Island effect, meaning we haven't had the outbreaks and lockdowns that mainland BC and the rest of Canada has been having, but it looks like the barrier is breaking down a bit, and we may be in for a rough winter.
What are some favorite books you've read during quarantine?
Yukio Mishima's Spring Snow—if he can get that much out of looking at wet grass in the rain while feeling overwhelmed by sadness, there may be hope for us out here after all.
If you haven't been reading, what are some books you're most looking forward to reading?
I've been putting off reading John Elsworth's translation of Andrei Bely's Petersburg for over a decade now: during the last major global crisis, I joined the Vancouver Balalaika Orchestra to practice my Russian through music, and the whole community seemed overjoyed to have the whole novel finally ready and accessible.
Have there been any movies, tv shows, podcasts, etc. that have helped keep you at ease the past few months?
“Shouwa Genroku Rakugo Shinjuu”—it's an animated show about two generations of Rakugo artists, a kind of bawdy storytelling tradition in Japan, spanning most of the 20th century. It really is a testament to the power of the voice of the storyteller, a power which voice actors Kouichi Yamadera and Akira Ishida bear with great respect, as well as the sacrifices and relationships that accrue over a lifetime of dedication to an art form.
How has the pandemic affected your writing?
It's made me nearly incapable of focus, the thought dashed away seems all I have been capable of when called to work on something new.
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've been editing and digitizing a mountain of notebooks that I've let accumulate over the years.
If asked ten years from now what the past few months have taught you about being a writer, what would come to mind?
That I don't need to press onward too quickly in life or in writing, that writing should be recursive, and sometimes the greatest joy is to try to collaborate with my past self.
Have there been any fellow writers or people in your life who have helped you stay connected during the pandemic?
I've always been a bit of a quiet person, and much of what I look for in a social life is the opportunity to build a relationship with someone through listening. I'm a bit worried that more than ever this pandemic has made it so that social connections need to be made through broadcasting and marketing yourself, which makes me miss the quieter, off-brand moments of a social life. I am immensely grateful to the friends and family that have made the effort to stay connected to me in this way.
Is there anything that worries you about the changes being incited in the publishing world in light of recent events?
I've found the online events to accentuate my feeling of isolation, as though nothing exists any more than the public-facing side of literature anymore.
If you curated a playlist for writing life in the pandemic, what top 5 songs would be on your list?
1.) “Take Two” by Chong the Nomad & Hollis
2.) “TOKiMONSTA” by Renter's Anthem Leaf Off
3.) “The Cave” by Jose Gonzalez
4.) “Monsters” by SAULT
5.) “A l'affût d'un Complot” by Conventum
