Writer or not, many of us have gotten lost in our own imaginings for better. Melissa Boles' short story, "Lukewarm Cake," explores just this, and is now available to read in the print collective! Until then, I'm excited to chat about Melissa's pages penned in pandemic.
What does the pandemic currently look like in your city?
I'm in Chattanooga but just moved from the Pacific Northwest, so it's been interesting to observe the difference. Chattanooga just moved students back to two days a week in-person at school (they were going full-time in person for a while), and most restaurants and stores are open, though masks are required to enter and should only be taken off if you're eating/drinking. I live with 3 people and 3 of the 4 of us work from home, so we're home even more than normal because we don't feel comfortable in coffee shops (and most won't let you sit for very long). Our fourth person works for a cycling place that won't be opening until 2021, so her job is a little unusual right now.
What are some favorite books you've read during quarantine?
Maybe You Should Talk to Someone by Lori Gottlieb, Untamed by Glennon Doyle, Miss Subways by David Duchovny (definitely recommend the audiobook), The Book of Longings by Sue Monk Kidd, Know My Name by Chanel Miller, Sammynolie and Other Stories (a great audiobook done by a group of actors), and every lit journal issue I was able to consume.
Have there been any movies, tv shows, podcasts, etc. that have helped keep you at ease the past few months?
“Madam Secretary,” The entire Marvel universe (especially anything with Tony Stark), A Rising Tide (2015), You Kill Me (2007), any episode of “Real Housewives Central Park,” folklore by Taylor Swift, “Fine Line,” by Harry Styles, “Three. Two. One.” by Lennon Stella, “Gaslighter” by The Chicks, any music released by Caamp, "Kokomo" by Holiday Sidewinder, and “This talk” by Tim Daly: Producer, Director, Actor and Activist: Tim Daly - 2018 Storytellers.
How has the pandemic affected your writing?
It's been interesting because, due to losing my job and using it as an opportunity to finally try to be a writer full-time, I've definitely been writing more than ever before. It's also been hard because I sometimes feel like I don't have anything to write about stuck inside the house. And writing about love (which I love to do) can be a little tough when you're single during a pandemic.
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 working on a short story collection about love (tentatively called "Like Swinging") and am hoping to finally complete some stage plays.
If asked ten years from now what the past few months have taught you about being a writer, what would come to mind?
Art saves people. I've believed that for a long time but rediscovered it during the pandemic and the current state of the world is really solidifying it for me. As a writer, I have the opportunity to share the stories that people can identify with and that make them feel warm inside. These past few months have also taught me the importance of sharing the writing (and art) of others. It makes me feel good to read the work of others, and I think their art can really save people.
Have there been any fellow writers or people in your life who have helped you stay connected during the pandemic?
My two friends Aly and Kate, who I've known about 14 years, have been a huge support during this time. We met online over a shared love of “Grey's Anatomy,” and we've been friends ever since. They're both writers too, so they're two of my best sounding boards. My friends Jenna and Audrey, who invited me to move to Chattanooga after I lost my job and offered me a safe place to live for a new start. Jenna is a musician and her music often inspires my writing. My friend Tara, who I lived with before I moved, and who pushed me to follow my dreams. She's a teacher and is so impressive to me. I have met a whole bunch of fellow writers on twitter through following lit journals and they are truly some of the best people I know. I would not be where I am now without them.
Is there anything that excites you about the changes being incited in the publishing world in light of recent events?
I'm excited to see what comes for the publishing world but I'm still learning about what the changes mean, to be honest. I hope I will continue to see more diverse writers published and that small presses are able to continue to be as amazing as they have been for so many writers.
Are you a plotter, pantser, or somewhere in between? Has this changed during the pandemic?
I'd say that I'm more of a pantser than anything. I often write very quickly and without a lot of planning. This hasn't really changed during the pandemic, though I am trying to do more planning for the stage plays I am hoping to write.
Where is your favorite place to write? Has this changed during the pandemic?
I have always loved writing in coffee shops, which I can't really do right now. I'm trying to find a new favorite place to write now that I've moved.
If you curated a playlist for writing life in the pandemic, what top 5 songs would be on your list?
1.) “exile” (feat. Bon Iver) by Taylor Swift
2.) “Kokomo” by Holiday Sidewinder
3.) “Running Through The Night” by Erich Bergen
4.) “Daze Inn” (Acoustic) by Carlie Hanson
5.) “This Could Change Everything” by Francesca Battistelli
Without too many spoilers, what is your favorite scene you've written since the pandemic began?
This is one of my favorite scenes from my favorite short story I've written this year: "Later, when they’re nearing the end of Temple of Doom, he finally asks the question he’d been embarrassed to ask. 'Is his name really Indiana?' She laughs. 'No, it’s a nickname. I think his name is Henry.' There’s something about the way she says the name that is different than he’s ever heard before. 'What did you say?' She turns her head up to look at him, surprised when his voice cracks. 'I think his name is Henry?' He’d expected his body to tense when she said it a second time but it doesn’t. Instead his name, his full name, sounds like a balm coming out of her mouth. He refused to let anyone call him Henry after his grandfather died. Suddenly it’s the only thing he wants to hear her say ever again."
While the future is just as unknowable as ever, what is something you are most looking forward to this year?
In May of 2021, my first chapbook, We Love in Small Moments, will be published through ELJ Editions and I can't wait for people to read it.
Is there any advice you would give to young writers during this time?
Even on the days where it seems difficult, just keep moving. Keep writing, and keep reading. Find a community, whether online or in person, who supports your writing, and be sure to support theirs. Even when you're rejected, remember that it isn't because your writing isn't good, it's just not the right fit for where you submitted it. You'll find the right space for your writing, and it will be a joyous day.
Is there anything else you would like to share?
If you have loved a writer this year, whether as a partner or friend or just someone who shares their writing, thank you.
ABOUT Melissa Boles
Melissa Boles is a writer, storyteller, and impatient optimist from the Pacific Northwest who recently relocated to Tennessee. Her writing focuses on art, mental health, love, and the human connection. Melissa has been published in The Daily Drunk, Emerge Literary Journal, Stone of Madness Press, and at Fanfare and Sexology on Medium. Her debut chapbook, We Love in Small Places, will be released via ELJ Publications in May 2021.
To learn more, follow Melissa and her writing journey at her website and on Twitter and Instagram.
Thanks for chatting, Melissa!
