We're all guilty of letting small moments pass by without recognizing their importance, but throughout 2020, those have become among the most important. Christy Nolan's poem, "For Body, For Mind," explores certain minutes passing by, and will be available to read January 2021 in the print collective! Until then, I'm excited to chat about Christy's pages penned in pandemic.
What does the pandemic currently look like in your city?
Like an afterthought. Some people take it seriously, some tried for a minute. Having worked at a restaurant from July until the latest New York State micro-cluster shutdown in November, people very much seemed to feel entitled to the freedom of choice when it comes to severity and consequence. I struggle with this. Buffalo is a blue collar city, and people here are passionate about having the freedom to work and take control of their own health. I love Buffalo, and the area is deemed "the city of good neighbors" for a reason, but I see so much lost in that title right now. So many people are stuck inside, struggling mentally, financially and physically, out of work and losing faith because others refuse to think of them. It all feels both selfish and understandable. A bigger picture can be stressful to consider at all times. I've slipped up a lot myself. We're all just trying to get by at the end of the day, but we can all stand to do so with a bit more kindness and consideration.
If you haven't been reading, what are some books you're most looking forward to reading?
Kayla King's NYT Bestselling Series - release date TBD
Have there been any movies, tv shows, podcasts, etc. that have helped keep you at ease the past few months?
Oh man, I’ve binged every streaming service. Some highlights: "Palm Springs," "New Girl" (again), "Pride & Prejudice" ('05), "Fleabag" (again), "Stateless," lots of crime dramas, and not enough comedy.
How has the pandemic affected your writing?
Being part of this collective has reignited my motivation to work on this part of myself. I used to go to writing as an outlet, to convince myself and others who didn’t take me so seriously that I had talent and to process emotions in a better way than I had been used to, especially with trauma and just the constant beatdown of life. As I got older and gained confidence in my intelligence, perspective and insight as a person, writing became less of a need and more of a passion; and while this might make it seem like I would have turned to writing more because of that shift, it actually caused me to put it on the backburner. It feels good to be back, and I’ve had a lot of fun charting my progress as a more mature wordsmith throughout the year.
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 mostly excited to get my name out there. This opportunity has given me a burst of motivation and excitement that my mental health sort of kept away for a long while. The poem I’m excited to share in this collective is heavy, but I have so much more to share about the beautiful in the small and the big in the quiet. My social media platform is wide open to opportunities!
If asked ten years from now what the past few months have taught you about being a writer, what would come to mind?
I've learned more about life, myself, and my strengths, which has given me confidence to share my work to this extent. I've also taken more time with my work and understand the endless task of editing and rewriting like I've never known before.
Have there been any fellow writers or people in your life who have helped you stay connected during the pandemic?
I can think of a few wink.
Is there anything that excites you about the changes being incited in the publishing world in light of recent events?
People are starting to take the initiative themselves. Art is subjective, but good art is clear. Mainstream outlets aren't as important or regarded as they once seemed to be because there are so many other ways to showcase great work.
Are you a plotter, pantser, or somewhere in between? Has this changed during the pandemic?
If it involves overthinking, I'm there.
Where is your favorite place to write? Has this changed during the pandemic?
In my bed at 3 a.m. Some things will never change.
If you curated a playlist for writing life in the pandemic, what top 5 songs would be on your list?
1.)” I am California” - John Craigie
2.) “She Always Takes it Black” / “Honey, It's Alright” - Gregory Alan Isakov (sorry, can't just pick one of his)
3.) “Heaven Up There” - Palace
4.) “Past Life” - Maggie Rogers
5.) “Save Yourself” - Kaleo
Without too many spoilers, what is your favorite poem you've written since the pandemic began?
The one I hope you accept!
**Editor’s note: As this interview goes live, that poem has been accepted for publication in the collective!
ABOUT Christy nolan
This is Christy’s first time submitting her original poetry, though it isn’t the first time she’s shared her story. She’s no stranger to reflecting on the uncomfortable with meter and alliteration and has always found comfort in the notes of her hand-me-down, cracked-up iPhone. The isolation brought on by the pandemic extended Christy the space to find purpose, confront the past, and rediscover parts of herself she’d forgotten she loved. Christy lives a wonderfully middle-class life in Buffalo, NY and fell in love with the ordinary before she knew what that meant. Laughing or crying, she’s grateful for any opportunity to feel; she hopes her work encourages the same in you.
To learn more, follow Christy and her writing journey on Twitter and Instagram. And for more phenomenal playlists, follow her on Spotify.
Thanks for chatting, Christy!
