Pages Penned in Pandemic with Citra Benazir

While readers may feel their own sense of escape, it is true that writers often find themselves slipping from reality and immersing themselves in worlds of their own making. Citra Benazir 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?

In Jakarta, the COVID rates has been extremely high and we are currently on our second lockdown.

What are some favorite books you've read during quarantine?

Come as you are by Emily Nagoski.

Have there been any movies, tv shows, podcasts, etc. that have helped keep you at ease the past few months?

Demi Moore's “Dirty Diana” podcast, Crazy Rich Asians, and “Friends” are lifelines at the moment.

How has the pandemic affected your writing?

It has slowed it down because of writer's block being cooped up inside all the time without any source of real life inspiration but there has been incredible streaks where I can't stop writing.

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?

Writing my next book Pleasure Girls Too, a continuation of my first book Pleasure Girls.

If asked ten years from now what the past few months have taught you about being a writer, what would come to mind?

Your body is your home, don't lose touch.

Have there been any fellow writers or people in your life who have helped you stay connected during the pandemic?

Been inspired by poets on Instagram.

Is there anything that excites you about the changes being incited in the publishing world in light of recent events?

Seeing how indie and self published writers have been soaring, it gives me hope for a future in literature.

Is there anything that worries you about the changes being incited in the publishing world in light of recent events?

I do worry about how I can support myself just through my writing.

Where is your favorite place to write? Has this changed during the pandemic?

Yes, it has changed, now I write in my bedroom, I used to write outside after seeing things that move me firsthand.

If you curated a playlist for writing life in the pandemic, what top 5 songs would be on your list?

1.) “All The Stars” by Kendrick Lamar ft. SZA

2.) “Don't Waste My Time” by Usher ft. Ella Mai

3.) “Back To The Streets” by Saweetie ft. Jhene Aiko

4.) “Slow Down” by Skip Marley ft. HER

5.) “Diamonds” by Sam Smith

Without too many spoilers, what is your favorite scene you've written since the pandemic began?

I think my favorite moments of writing are when I can feel that I am in a different city and country and truly immerse myself in how I would be if I was really there.

While the future is just as unknowable as ever, what is something you are most looking forward to this year?

This year I'm looking forward to celebrating the new year without any pressure of creating resolutions.

Is there any advice you would give to young writers during this time?

It's okay if you don't write your next big thing during this pandemic, nurture yourself and preserve you creative mind. Challenge it when you're ready.

Is there anything else you would like to share?

Write with intentions. Make it well.

ABOUT citra benazir

Citra Benazir is the author of Pleasure Girls, a poet and activist from Indonesia who focuses on women's rights, survivor stories, body positivity and self-love.

To learn more, follow Citra and her writing journey at her website and on Instagram.

Thanks for chatting, Citra!

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Pages Penned in Pandemic with Aimee DuFresne

Having the support of fellow writers to inspire, share resources, and to celebrate with means everything in the all too often solitary world of writing. Aimee DuFresne 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?

We have an evening curfew currently in place. Living in Southern California, we are blessed with the weather and able to dine outdoors, which lends to some degree of normalcy. In my experience, people have been generally respectful, knowing we are all in this together.

What are some favorite books you've read during quarantine?

Glennon Doyle's Untamed, The James Herriot series starting with All Creatures Great and Small.

Have there been any movies, tv shows, podcasts, etc. that have helped keep you at ease the past few months?

Television: “The Miranda Show” for fun and silly laughs. Podcast: “Stephen Tobolowsky Files” (how did I not know either of these existed before?).

How has the pandemic affected your writing?

Yes. At first I wasn't writing much and felt uninspired, even with the extra time I had on my hands. After what felt like many months, my muses returned and new writing projects are blossoming.

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?

Currently working on my first television script, and excited to witness how the characters are unfolding.

If asked ten years from now what the past few months have taught you about being a writer, what would come to mind?

No matter what happens, keep showing up to the page.

Have there been any fellow writers or people in your life who have helped you stay connected during the pandemic?

Yes! My friend and fellow writer Carol Lansen keeps me motivated and accountable to my writing with weekly meetings. Further afield, my fabulous fellow unicorn Tracy Stamper and I keep in touch to keep the our creativity burning, along with sharing appropriate places to submit, and celebrating each other's successes.

Where is your favorite place to write? Has this changed during the pandemic?

My balcony at home, overlooking the mountains in Southern California.

While the future is just as unknowable as ever, what is something you are most looking forward to this year?

The opportunity to do less, and be more.

Is there any advice you would give to young writers during this time?

Keep writing. Write what your soul stirs you to write. It may look like the world is closing down but it's really opening up.

ABOUT Aimee DuFresne

Aimee DuFresne is an avid storyteller, experienced speaker, and author of Keep Going: From Grief to Growth. She follows the creative inspiration within, pairing it with coffee in the morning, wine at night, and has a fierce determination to uncover joy in this wild life.

To learn more, follow Aimee and her writing journey at her website and on Instagram.

Thanks for chatting, Aimee!

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Pages Penned in Pandemic with Olaitan Humble

Often we contextualize events like a dream, allowing the line between real and unreal to disappear. Olaitan Humble's poem, "Benzodiazepines" explores this notion, and is now available to read in the print collective! Until then, I'm excited to chat about Olaitan's pages penned in pandemic.

What does the pandemic currently look like in your city?

The pandemic heavily affected almost every aspects of our lives. First, there was a total lockdown which spanned a month in which people are especially advised to remain at their homes. Second, it constrained people to move around with masks. Till now, my university is yet to physically resume academic activities. So yes, the pandemic took a huge toll here.

What are some favorite books you've read during quarantine?

Einstein's Brain by Mark Olshaker. The Poetry of Yevgeny Yevtoshenko, translated with an introduction from George Reavey.

Have there been any movies, tv shows, podcasts, etc. that have helped keep you at ease the past few months?

I have done away from all these funnily for reasons unknown to me. I spent quite some time with my phone playing mobile games however.

How has the pandemic affected your writing?

Positively, honestly. I have been able to deal with abstractions better than before. I never thought I could publish that much poetry in such a span of time. I also wrote articles for different media outlets. I must say, the pandemic helped me in a way to keep to some inner peace which in turn manifested some incredible imaginations for my mind's eye.

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?

Currently, I'm working a chapbook length collection of poems. Hopeful that I find a publisher soon.

If asked ten years from now what the past few months have taught you about being a writer, what would come to mind?

The past few months have further reinstated my belief in ends justifying the means. I must say that the pandemic made it possible for me to think about submitting my work to literary journals, and now I've got some publications, won some awards and prizes, and a Pushcart nomination.

Have there been any fellow writers or people in your life who have helped you stay connected during the pandemic?

Very very well. I'm forever indebted to friends I met on Twitter who never got tired of sharing beneficial writing tips and opportunities. The list is endless, but I'm grateful to them all. I also need to shoutout my family over at The Deadliners, a group of young enthusiastic writers offering support to one another. Their influence has been unparalleled.

Is there anything that excites you about the changes being incited in the publishing world in light of recent events?

Yes, pretty much but most importantly is, many publishers are now offering a wider space for BIPOC writers which is a beautiful thing to see. What a time to be alive.

Is there anything that worries you about the changes being incited in the publishing world in light of recent events?

Yes, I'm worried about the curatorial nature of some publishers. It is one thing to publish child abusers, it is another to publish well-known child abusers. Makes me want to question our moral compass, if there is any at all.

Are you a plotter, pantser, or somewhere in between? Has this changed during the pandemic?

This really wowed me. I think it all boils down to the content in question. I usually employ freewriting for poems, so I'd say pantser. For articles, however, I set out a writing plan to piece together the grand puzzles of related ideas.

Where is your favorite place to write? Has this changed during the pandemic?

The rooftop at my house, definitely. I love to write there. That hasn't changed during the pandemic.

If you curated a playlist for writing life in the pandemic, what top 5 songs would be on your list?

1.) “Ti Amo” by Umberto Tozzi

2.) “Little Jeannie” by Elton John

3.) “Via Orlando” by Monwa & Sun

4.) “Unknown Soldier” by Fela Kuti

5.) “Resist the Temptation” by Tupac Shakur.

Without too many spoilers, what is your favorite poem you've written since the pandemic began?

“Mother's Dove III,” published in Doubleback Review, Issue 2:2.

While the future is just as unknowable as ever, what is something you are most looking forward to this year?

A writing fellowship at best. I am willing to learn more about creative writing.

Is there any advice you would give to young writers during this time?

I am a young writer myself, so I often tell myself to keep doing what I do best, and to keep getting better at it. To keep writing against all odds.

ABOUT Olaitan Humble

Olaitan Humble is a writer, editor at The Lumiere Review and reader at Bandit Fiction. A Pushcart Prize nominee, his work appears/forthcoming in Chiron Review, HOBART, Ethel Zine, Opia, Luna Luna Magazine, & Doubleback Review, among others. He is currently an undergraduate at the University of Lagos.

To learn more, follow Olaitan and his writing journey at his website and on Twitter and Instagram.

Thanks for chatting, Olaitan!

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Pages Penned in Pandemic with Meryl Baer

During the hours spent daydreaming and preparing to write, there are many distractions waiting to steal you away from the page. Meryl Baer 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?

Initially low numbers, but rising now. Cautious optimism.

What are some favorite books you've read during quarantine?

The Splendid and the Vile, Doc by Mary Russell, Jane Austin in Boca.

If you haven't been reading, what are some books you're most looking forward to reading?

My next two books: The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society, and Florence Adler Swims Forever.

How has the pandemic affected your writing?

More erratic, more serious, less focused, more nostalgic.

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?

On writing: compiling book of my best blog posts plus additional short memoir pieces.

If you haven't been able to write, are there any projects you're hoping to work on next?

Gardening, Little Free Library, more cooking.

If asked ten years from now what the past few months have taught you about being a writer, what would come to mind?

Focus, focus, focus, maintain schedule of a sort, watch out for too many unimportant distractions.

Have there been any fellow writers or people in your life who have helped you stay connected during the pandemic?

Diaries in crisis writing about the pandemic, through Stockton University here in New Jersey, also a more informal writing group, we meet monthly.

Are you a plotter, pantser, or somewhere in between? Has this changed during the pandemic?

Closer to a pantser.

Where is your favorite place to write? Has this changed during the pandemic?

My family room couch and, in good weather, my front porch.

Without too many spoilers, what is your favorite scene / poem you've written since the pandemic began?

A 3-hour road trip to visit a friend.

While the future is just as unknowable as ever, what is something you are most looking forward to this year?

New Year's Eve and welcoming a new, and hopefully more interesting, active, and safe year.

Is there any advice you would give to young writers during this time?

Don't procrastinate.

ABOUT Meryl Baer

Meryl Baer is recovering from a career in finance and lives at the New Jersey shore. Relatives and friends visit all summer, except the summer of 2020, when nobody came. No one comes during the winter, so she writes. Her work has appeared in anthologies (most recently Pomme Journal and Perspectives Magazine). Read about her life, travels, family, food, current events and whatever else she feels like writing about on her blog: Beach Boomer Bulletin.

To learn more, follow Meryl and her writing journey at her blog and on Twitter and Facebook.

Thanks for chatting, Meryl!

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Pages Penned in Pandemic with R.K. Singh

If the diligence of having written versus the act of currently writing has taught us anything, it's that patience is key. R.K. Singh discusses just this and more in today's chat about his pages penned in pandemic.

What does the pandemic currently look like in your city?

It has been reported that the second wave of the pandemic has arrived, even if there has not been enough testing done.

What are some favorite books you've read during quarantine?

I read a couple of poetry collections and an interesting work Indian English Poetry: An Appraisal by PCK Prem, 2020 published from New Delhi.

If you haven't been reading, what are some books you're most looking forward to reading?

I am eagerly awaiting the publication of my new bilingual collection of poems from Colombia.

Have there been any movies, tv shows, podcasts, etc. that have helped keep you at ease the past few months?

No. Most tv channels in India have been making too much noise and creating an atmosphere of depression.

How has the pandemic affected your writing?

It hasn't made much difference, except in the contents of my 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 am working on a new collection of my selected poems.

If you haven't been able to write, are there any projects you're hoping to work on next?

A new collection of my poems.

If asked ten years from now what the past few months have taught you about being a writer, what would come to mind?

I have been writing for the last four decades and there is nothing different for me to say from what I would normally recollect.

Have there been any fellow writers or people in your life who have helped you stay connected during the pandemic?

Yes. Joseph Berolo (Colombia) , Taner Murat (Romania), and Rika Inami (Japan).

Is there anything that excites you about the changes being incited in the publishing world in light of recent events?

There is a more liberal approach to writing and publishing now.

Is there anything that worries you about the changes being incited in the publishing world in light of recent events?

More commercial attitude, more poets than readers, and declining quality in writing.

Where is your favorite place to write? Has this changed during the pandemic?

No. I write anywhere anytime. These days mostly at home.

Without too many spoilers, what is your favorite scene / poem you've written since the pandemic began?

How people have been behaving/responding to the pressure of staying inside their home, wearing the mask, and suffering personal distancing (in the name of social distancing).

While the future is just as unknowable as ever, what is something you are most looking forward to this year?

Keep praying for good health, and some success with publication of my poetry.

Is there any advice you would give to young writers during this time?

Keep your self-trust intact and have patience. Keep faith in humanity.

ABOUT R.K. Singh

R.K. Singh has been writing for about four decades. Professionally, till the end of 2015, Professor of English at IIT-ISM in Dhanbad, he has published 46 books, including poetry collections God Too Awaits Light (2017), Growing Within/Desăvârşire lăuntrică (English/Romanian, 2017), There's No Paradise and Other Selected Poems Tanka & Haiku (2019), and Tainted With Prayers/Contaminado con oraciones (English/Spanish, 2019). More details on https://pennyspoetry.fandom.com/wiki/R.K._Singh.

To learn more, follow R.K. and his writing journey at his website and blog and on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and LinkedIn.

Thanks for chatting, R.K.

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Pages Penned in Pandemic with Salena Casha

Kindness toward ourselves, especially when it comes to creative pursuits, means so much during tough times. Salena Casha 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 Massachusetts, so we've been very conservative when it comes to the pandemic. We've had a mask mandate for anytime you leave your house since April which has been super effective (and has definitely made me become a better runner!). We are back on the increase for cases though so I'm starting to get nervous for this coming winter and what that will mean for my city.

What are some favorite books you've read during quarantine?

The Invisible Life of Addie Larue by V.E. Schwab, The Glass Hotel by Emily St. John Mandel, How to be an Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi, The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett, and Educated by Tara Westover.

If you haven't been reading, what are some books you're most looking forward to reading?

I'm really looking forward to reading Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi (I've heard great things) and I'm feeling in the mood for a Zadie Smith book as well. I also love re-reading The Magicians series by Lev Grossman during this time of year.

Have there been any movies, tv shows, podcasts, etc. that have helped keep you at ease the past few months?

Oh so many! I listen to the NY Daily podcast everyday (Michael Babara), flew through “The Umbrella Academy” series, and cried my heart out during the first season of “I May Destroy You.” I went heavy into “Watchmen” and “Lovecraft Country” on HBO (highly recommend if you can handle horror). I've also been doing “The Great British Bake Off” on Fridays to lighten things up.

How has the pandemic affected your writing?

I've definitely been journaling way more and writing some flash fiction. I've had a hard time trying to write about fictional things to be honest just because I feel like as a writer, authoring and coming up with fictionalized points of conflict and "make believe" is more tiring than anything because our present is just all consuming and we're feeling a lot of intense emotions on a daily basis from the pandemic to racial justice and inequity to the election.

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 trying to write a fictionalized account about my Napolitano grandmother but it's very much start-stop. I am excited to keep participating in NYC Midnight writing competitions. I found they've really been jarring me out of my head and force me to write something completely new with the guardrails of a genre, action, and word that need to be included in the story in a short deadline.

If asked ten years from now what the past few months have taught you about being a writer, what would come to mind?

To take it all day by day. To be an activist. To be an observer. To talk less and listen more. To write from your heart and attempt to articulate what you're feeling. My partner recently said that writing is just a game of telephone between your brain and hand. The more you practice it, the better you get at creating that connection between the two completely disparate parts of your body (the mental and the physical). That really hit home for me as I often find myself crafting a gorgeous sentence in my head only to find it lackluster when it hits the page.

Are you a plotter, pantser, or somewhere in between? Has this changed during the pandemic?

I've become more of a pantser during the pandemic. If this time has taught us anything, or really, me anything it's that it's important to document exactly how you're feeling in a moment, regardless of how small or insignificant it feels in that moment. I've really enjoyed looking back at my chicken scratchings the last eight months and shocking myself all over again with the thoughts that were passing through my head. It's wild.

Where is your favorite place to write? Has this changed during the pandemic?

I used to love writing in coffee shops and obviously, that can't happen anymore. I've been hand writing way more, though this really took a toll on my rusty wrist initially but it's better now. I like writing at my kitchen table because the chairback is very straight and helps me concentrate. I journal in my bed when the feeling strikes. That being said, when I am writing, I always do have coffee on hand to get me through.

If you curated a playlist for writing life in the pandemic, what top 5 songs would be on your list?

Honestly, it's been more of an album of the pandemic for me, namely "Blood Pressures" by The Kills. Great female vocals, great angsty lyrics, a deep beat. It's exactly what I need to get me to write and also a great playlist to run to.

While the future is just as unknowable as ever, what is something you are most looking forward to this year?

I'm really looking forward to the first snow this year. I live in the city and I love how quiet it's gotten during the pandemic so I can't wait to wake up on the morning of the first snow, grabbing a cup of coffee, and looking out at the soft silence.

Is there any advice you would give to young writers during this time?

Be gentle with yourself. There was this great meme early on in the pandemic of someone rowing a boat during a storm with the caption "What do you mean you can't be creative in the middle of a crisis?" If you can't write during this time, if you aren't able to produce anything, that's exactly what you need to do. Don't force it. We're all under a lot of conscious and subconscious stress right now so don't add to it if inspiration doesn't strike.

ABOUT Salena Casha

Salena Casha is a coffee addict and paint by number enthusiast. She has appeared in over 50 publications.

To learn more, follow Salena and her writing journey on Instagram.

Thanks for chatting, Salena!

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Pages Penned in Pandemic with D.R. Humble

Writing as an art and craft is something that requires patience and growth. There's always more to learn. D.R. Humble 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'm in Vermillion, South Dakota pursuing my Master's degree, and unfortunately people aren't taking the pandemic as seriously as they should. When I go to Walmart for my weekly grocery run, only about 75% of people are wearing masks. This is especially disheartening since the store has posted signs to remind patrons that masks are required. I'm fearful of how long the pandemic will drag out due to the United States' selfishly individualist culture.

What are some favorite books you've read during quarantine?

I've re-read a lot of books from my childhood. I plowed through the entire Selection series by Kiera Cass in less than a week. The nostalgia has been grounding.

Have there been any movies, tv shows, podcasts, etc. that have helped keep you at ease the past few months?

I don't have any tattoos and am not planning on getting any, but I've certainly watched a lot of "Ink Masters" during the pandemic. There's something calming about competition shows that are relatively low-stakes.

How has the pandemic affected your writing?

Unfortunately, I've written significantly less since the pandemic hit. My best writing comes from emotional wounds, but I've found it difficult to harness that emotion since so much energy is expended on simple survival.

Have there been any fellow writers or people in your life who have helped you stay connected during the pandemic?

A couple years ago I made the long trek from Minnesota to Muncie, Indiana for the Midwest Writers Workshop where I met a wonderful gang of writers—lovingly dubbed the Scotties Midwest Writers. Even though we weren't able to reconvene for the MWW conference in July, we've kept in touch over the months via Zoom.

Is there anything that excites you about the changes being incited in the publishing world in light of recent events?

It excites me that so many new inclusive literary journals and presses are cropping up to provide new opportunities to young and marginalized writers.

Where is your favorite place to write? Has this changed during the pandemic?

I used to enjoy writing in coffee shops or cafes, but since the pandemic hit I've started writing from my coffee table. There's still endless coffee—just fewer people.

If you curated a playlist for writing life in the pandemic, what top 5 songs would be on your list?

1.) Stayin' Alive by Bee Gees

2.) “hope is a dangerous thing for a woman like me to have—but i have it” by Lana Del Rey

3.) “Know Better” by Tinashe

4.) “Wild Eyed” by London Grammar

5.) “After Hours” by The Weeknd

While the future is just as unknowable as ever, what is something you are most looking forward to this year?

One of my passions is health communication, so I'm hopeful that the pandemic will generate a substantial amount of grant funding that I can utilize when crafting my Master's thesis next year.

Is there any advice you would give to young writers during this time?

I still consider myself a young writer, but I would encourage new authors not to compare themselves to fellow wordsmiths. Don't expect every piece you pour into your journal to be the next great American classic. Be gracious and allow yourself room to learn and grow.

ABOUT D.R. Humble

D.R. Humble is a recent graduate from Waldorf University. Her writing and photography can be found in Z Publishing’s Minnesota’s Top Emerging Poets, Turnpike Magazine, Capulet Mag, and is the 2018 recipient of Alpha Chi Honor Society's Creative Writing presentation prize. She's currently pursuing a MA in Communication at the University of South Dakota.

To learn more, follow D.R. and her writing journey at her website and on Twitter, Instagram, and Youtube.

Thanks for chatting, D.R.!

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Pages Penned in Pandemic with Chiara Di Lello

Despite writerly doubt, words never really leave us, though they may seem more evasive than ever during difficult days. Chiara Di Lello 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?

Until a few days ago, I was biking to my school to teach in person. I watched as day by day the lines outside testing centers got longer and longer, rounding corners by 7:30am. Many things are unnervingly normal, and New Yorkers do what we do best in terms of going about our business and giving each other as much space as possible.

What are some favorite books you've read during quarantine?

At the height of NYC's spring wave I read all the Tiffany Aching books by Terry Pratchett, as pure escapism. In late spring, I read a lot of Dickinson and books and essays about Dickinson. I was moved to tears by Pachinko by Min Jin Lee.

If you haven't been reading, what are some books you're most looking forward to reading?

Mediocre by Ijeoma Oluo is next on my list, along with many collections of poems.

Have there been any movies, tv shows, podcasts, etc. that have helped keep you at ease the past few months?

John Oliver broadcasting from his white void has helped keep me both sane and appropriately outraged.

How has the pandemic affected your writing?

When I first stocked up on supplies in March, I threw a blank notebook into my basket along with any OTC meds that could still be found. I have no journal entries from the height of lockdown. Instead, things made their way out as poems. In particular, I got obsessed with the words that were suddenly everywhere in the news, and started looking up etymologies and use-histories for those words.

If asked ten years from now what the past few months have taught you about being a writer, what would come to mind?

I learned that writing didn't abandon me, despite doubting my practice and "commitment" at various points in my life.

Have there been any fellow writers or people in your life who have helped you stay connected during the pandemic?

Writer Twitter has been a source of connection, humor, drama, the works.

Is there anything that excites you about the changes being incited in the publishing world in light of recent events?

I hope that the national reckoning with race and racism extends to the publishing world as well.

Where is your favorite place to write? Has this changed during the pandemic?

I have a tiny typewriter desk and folding chair. It turns the corner of my room into my own little world.

If you curated a playlist for writing life in the pandemic, what top 5 songs would be on your list?

1.) “Human Thing” by the Be Good Tanyas

2.) “Come and Get Your Love” by Redbone

3.) “Wildflowers” by the Wailin' Jennys

4.) “Little Lies” by I'm With Her

5.) “A Change is Gonna Come” by Same Cooke

Without too many spoilers, what is your favorite poem you've written since the pandemic began?

I'm fond of a poem I wrote for my friend's baby, who was born at the end of September.

ABOUT Chiara Di Lello

Chiara Di Lello is a writer and teacher whose work has appeared in Best New Poets, Noble / Gas Qtrly, Little Patuxent Review, and Yes Poetry, among others. She delights in public art, public libraries, and biking through New York City. Her lessons are peppered with Star Wars references.

To learn more, follow Chiara and her writing journey at her website and on Twitter.

Thanks for chatting, Chiara!

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Pages Penned in Pandemic with Paul Rousseau

While the day-to-day may feel monotonous, especially now, there is much to be noticed along the way. Paul Rousseau discusses just this and more in today's chat about his pages penned in pandemic.

What does the pandemic currently look like in your city?

Rising cases, few available hospital beds.

What are some favorite books you've read during quarantine?

The Beast; The Poetry of Strangers, A History of Violence, Blindness, and several others.

Have there been any movies, tv shows, podcasts, etc. that have helped keep you at ease the past few months?

No.

How has the pandemic affected your writing?

Given it urgency.

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?

Many writing projects. One is my experience as a medical students in Central America during the 1970s.

If asked ten years from now what the past few months have taught you about being a writer, what would come to mind?

Solitude is a thin plait of existence that untwines all-too-easily into loneliness.

Have there been any fellow writers or people in your life who have helped you stay connected during the pandemic?

On social media, many supportive writers.

Is there anything that excites you about the changes being incited in the publishing world in light of recent events?

Greater amount of BiPOC writers are being recognized.

Are you a plotter, pantser, or somewhere in between? Has this changed during the pandemic?

In between, but tending toward pantser. No.

Where is your favorite place to write? Has this changed during the pandemic?

Bedroom right now, I am between living situations.

If you curated a playlist for writing life in the pandemic, what top 5 songs would be on your list?

I'll get back to you. But Imagine would be on there.

While the future is just as unknowable as ever, what is something you are most looking forward to this year?

Like many, the arrival of a vaccine and therapeutics against the virus.

Is there any advice you would give to young writers during this time?

Take walks without headphones, notice your surroundings.

Is there anything else you would like to share?

My submission is a hybrid between prose and a prose poem. It is simple, and hopefully, evocative.

ABOUT Paul Rousseau

Paul Rousseau is a semi-retired physician and writer, published or forthcoming in The Healing Muse, Blood and Thunder, Intima. A Journal of Narrative Medicine, The Human Touch, Please See Me, Months To Years, The Examined Life, Burningword Literary Journal, Cleaning up Glitter, The Centifictionist, Dr. T. J. Eckleburg Review, Another Chicago Magazine, Tendon, and others. Lover of dogs.

To learn more, follow Paul and his writing journey on Twitter.

Thanks for chatting, Paul!

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Pages Penned in Pandemic with Mariya Khan

Though writing can provide an enormous amount of comfort, it still working, and pushing ourselves to do too much is not always the best. Mariya Khan 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 the DC, MD area, and overall, people are pretty good about wearing masks and following safety precautions. People are taking advantage of all the outdoor spaces in our area to hike, walk, picnic, and socialize while still distancing from others.

What are some favorite books you've read during quarantine?

I’ve been turning towards 19th and 20th century and historical fiction novels. Recently, I read The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde, Chronicles of a Death Foretold by Gabriel Garcia Marquez, and The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah.

Have there been any movies, tv shows, podcasts, etc. that have helped keep you at ease the past few months?

I’ve been rewatching past seasons and the current season of the “Great British Bake Off” and the new season of “Killing Eve.” I’ve also been watching food documentary shows like David Chang’s “Ugly Delicious,” Samin Nosrat’s “Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat,” and Padma Lakshmi’s “Taste the Nation” to learn about different food cultures and recipes.

How has the pandemic affected your writing?

I was laid off in April and didn’t get a new full-time job until October, so I spent most of the pandemic unemployed. That gave me more space to devote my time for writing without juggling it with a full-time job or a busy school schedule. However, there are some days during the pandemic where I don't write because I’m depressed and drained, applying for jobs, helping my family, binging shows or reading submissions for the lit mags I volunteer at. Writing prompts and exercises have been particularly helpful in motivating me to continue writing.

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?

Since last summer, I’ve been working more on flash fiction and prose poems, so I’m excited to keep that going! I’m also excited to work on more writing projects that highlight different perspectives of young Muslim American woman and South Asian women. I want to also continue writing prompts and exercises because they’ve jump started some great, unexpected pieces and brought new ideas.

Have there been any fellow writers or people in your life who have helped you stay connected during the pandemic?

I moved back to my childhood home last year and was still living there when the pandemic hit. The entire time I’ve been home with my two sisters, my parents, and my grandfather, so that’s been an experience! I also have a lot of cousins and extended family in the area, and we’ve been staying connected through video chats and socially-distanced drive-by hangouts. I've also been connecting with old childhood friends and my writer friends during the pandemic. It’s been great to chat with my writer friends about our writing and experiences.

Is there anything that excites you about the changes being incited in the publishing world in light of recent events?

I’m happy to see more literary magazines and publications becoming more committed to sharing voices of BIPOC writers and donating part of their submission fees and earnings to social justice causes and other important organizations.

Are you a plotter, pantser, or somewhere in between? Has this changed during the pandemic?

I am definitely somewhere in between! I always have a general idea of what I want to write about and where the story will possibly begin and end. However, I don’t formally outline and plan out every scene. I like to follow my characters and narrators and discover unexpected new directions or threads in my work. The pandemic hasn’t really changed how I write.

Where is your favorite place to write? Has this changed during the pandemic?

No matter where I’ve lived or been, I love writing near a window. Whenever I’ve been in my childhood home, my favorite place to write is my bed in my room. In the past three years or so, I’ve spent some time writing and reading in cafes and coffee shops. However, that hasn’t happened since February because of the pandemic. My family purchased a cute patio set for our backyard, so sometimes when the weather is beautiful I write outside.

Without too many spoilers, what is your favorite scene / poem you've written since the pandemic began?

I don’t have a particular scene or poem, but certain themes I’ve been writing have been my favorite to explore. I’ve written some flash pieces and poems that are connected to food, culture, memory, relationships, and family. I love the idea of sensory details connecting to memories, and food is one vehicle to discover those connections.

Is there any advice you would give to young writers during this time?

Don’t feel like you have to be creative and constantly writing every day because we’re in a pandemic. Some people encourage creatives to push out content and “do something useful and productive” with their time, but I know there’ll be days or moments where you don’t want to write or produce other kinds of art. Also remember that self-care is just as important. Even though writing can be a release, don’t push yourself to write just so you feel productive. There’s a lot going on in the world, and sometimes taking a break from working is a great way to reground yourself. I’m trying to follow all this in my own life, since I’ve experienced moments when I felt depressed, unmotivated, and a failure for the stressful issues I face because of what happened during the pandemic.

ABOUT Mariya Khan

Mariya Khan is a South Asian and Muslim American writer from Washington, D.C. She is a graduate of The George Washington University and Summer Institute at the University of Iowa International Writing Program. Her work has received awards from the Soul-Making Keats Literary Competition and appeared in Adelaide Literary Magazine, 50 Word Stories, Writing in a Woman’s Voice, Asians in America, and Constellate Literary Journal, among others. When she is not writing, she's trying new recipes and watching crime dramas.

To learn more, follow Mariya and her writing journey at her website and on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.

Thanks for chatting, Mariya!

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