Time continues to move forward leaving behind empty spaces where normalcy used to reside. Taylor Napolsky discusses just this and more in today's chat about their pages penned penned in pandemic.
What does the pandemic currently look like in your city?
LOL. Most stuff shut down in Seattle. My job at the museum is probably gone for good unfortunately. Bookstores are empty. You have to wear hoods to keep masks from getting wet in the rain.
What are some favorite books you've read during quarantine?
A Naked Singularity by Sergio De La Pava, Orlando by Sandra Simonds, and Labyrinths by Borges.
If you haven't been reading, what are some books you're most looking forward to reading?
I have been reading!
Have there been any movies, tv shows, podcasts, etc. that have helped keep you at ease the past few months?
The Carmen Sandiego cartoon on Netflix, "Betty" on HBO, and the Daniel Craig James Bond movies.
How has the pandemic affected your writing?
It's given me a ton of time actually, so that's been nice.
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?
Working on long projects I can't go into detail about.
If asked ten years from now what the past few months have taught you about being a writer, what would come to mind?
It's taught me nothing about being a writer, really. Actually it's taught me that for some reason journals aren't into work about the pandemic.
Have there been any fellow writers or people in your life who have helped you stay connected during the pandemic?
Eh, I barely hang out with or see anyone. Just getting on a Zoom call feels like a party to me because I do it so infrequently.
Is there anything that excites you about the changes being incited in the publishing world in light of recent events?
Not really.
Is there anything that worries you about the changes being incited in the publishing world in light of recent events?
Bookstores are fucked for one thing, and I'm not sure how that'll affect smaller authors but it seems bad. Small presses are selling fewer books I'm pretty sure, though not certain.
Are you a plotter, pantser, or somewhere in between? Has this changed during the pandemic?
Between. It's stayed the same.
Where is your favorite place to write? Has this changed during the pandemic?
Favorite place to write is in my room so that hasn't changed. As for my favorite place to read (coffee shops and places like that), that's a wash.
If you curated a playlist for writing life in the pandemic, what top 5 songs would be on your list?
Anything on Ty Dolla $ign's new album, just because it brings me joy.
Without too many spoilers, what is your favorite scene / poem you've written since the pandemic began?
I hate talking about my writing to be honest.
While the future is just as unknowable as ever, what is something you are most looking forward to this year?
Chilling at home like usual I guess; but after that I'll have to get some terrible job and it'll be awful.
Is there any advice you would give to young writers during this time?
Find a clique and hope they accept you, because that's the only thing that matters.
ABOUT Taylor Napolsky
Taylor Napolsky has a novel coming in '22 with Unsolicited Press. Their fiction has appeared in Slippage Lit, Anti-Heroin Chic, and other journals.
To learn more, follow Taylor and their writing journey at their website and on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.
Thanks for chatting, Taylor!
