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.
