As humanity struggles to makes sense of the last year, there are some things, which persist regardless of our place here: nature, science, history, etc. Louis Faber's poems, "In Chorus" and "A Hasty Burial," explore these ideas, and will be available to read January 2021 in the print collective! Until then, I'm excited to chat about Louis' pages penned in pandemic.
What does the pandemic currently look like in your city?
My city is two cities, now. Some are heeding CDC advice, minimizing interactions and following protocols, others are doing none of that, often defiantly.
What are some favorite books you've read during quarantine?
Difficult Lives by Italo Calvino, Whale Songs Billy Collins, Hard Boiled and Hard Luck by Banana Yoshimoto.
Have there been any movies, tv shows, podcasts, etc. that have helped keep you at ease the past few months?
“The West Wing,” “Schitt's Creek,” “High Fidelity” both the series and movie.
How has the pandemic affected your writing?
It has given it a great focus by compulsory availability of time.
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?
Finding a home for my novel or at least an agent to do that work for me.
If asked ten years from now what the past few months have taught you about being a writer, what would come to mind?
Writing is, by nature, a solitary act and we too often complain that we cannot find solitude. But when it is enforced (or self-enforced) it can be burdensome, despite what it offers.
Have there been any fellow writers or people in your life who have helped you stay connected during the pandemic?
The blogging community, and my wife (a fellow poet), and our new cat who believes her lot in lives is to endless entertain us.
Is there anything that excites you about the changes being incited in the publishing world in light of recent events?
More time is more time to read and a demand for on-line publications. My publishing has shifted heavily to on-line publications, and they have a great immediacy.
Where is your favorite place to write? Has this changed during the pandemic?
It once was on trans-Pacific and trans-Atlantic flights, now it is in the confines of my office (our guest room), with my Muji fine line pen in hand.
If you curated a playlist for writing life in the pandemic, what top 5 songs would be on your list?
1.) “Poetry Man” by Phoebe Snow
2.) “Suzanne” by Leonard Cohen
3.) “The Sounds of Silence” by Simon and Garfunkel
4.) “My Baby Loves a Bunch of Authors” by Moxy Fruvous
5.) “Afternoons and Coffeespoons” by Crash Test Dummies
Without too many spoilers, what is your favorite scene / poem you've written since the pandemic began?
The last one.
While the future is just as unknowable as ever, what is something you are most looking forward to this year?
Playing "Hit Me With Your Best Shot" by Pat Benetar to my doctor holding a COVID vaccine syringe.
Is there any advice you would give to young writers during this time?
Never stop.
Is there anything else you would like to share?
My wealth, but alas it is spent on food and lodging.
ABOUT Louis Faber
Louis Faber’s work has previously appeared in Atlanta Review, The Poet (UK), Dreich (Scotland), The Alchemy Spoon (UK), Arena Magazine (Australia), Exquisite Corpse, Rattle, Eureka Literary Magazine, Borderlands: the Texas Poetry Review, Midnight Mind, Pearl, Midstream, European Judaism, Greens Magazine, Afterthoughts, The South Carolina Review and Worcester Review, among many others, and has been nominated for a Pushcart Prize. A novel remains, forlornly, looking for a home.
To learn more, follow Louis and his writing journey at his website.
Thanks for chatting, Louis!
