The ebb and flow between loss and new life is a constant. No pandemic could change this balance. Anthony Leiner's monologue, "The Drive Home," explores this balancing act, and is now available to read in the print collective! Until then, I'm excited to chat about Anthony's pages penned in pandemic.
What does the pandemic currently look like in your city?
It seems, to most people I come across, they don't give it the gravity it deserves.
What are some favorite books you've read during quarantine?
The Night Circus.
Have there been any movies, tv shows, podcasts, etc. that have helped keep you at ease the past few months?
The left right game podcast and the show "what we do in the shadows."
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?
My full length plays "Keeping Merry" and "Holidays at the end of the world."
If asked ten years from now what the past few months have taught you about being a writer, what would come to mind?
Focus on getting your thoughts down to paper. You can't worry about where you can take your work down the line if it's not a thing yet.
Have there been any fellow writers or people in your life who have helped you stay connected during the pandemic?
My writing group "Howl Players" have kept my head above the over whelming waters that my thoughts create.
Where is your favorite place to write? Has this changed during the pandemic?
A secluded corner in a library but now it's at my desk with the sounds of rain playing in the back ground.
Without too many spoilers, what is your favorite scene you've written since the pandemic began?
This and another play I'm working on "Holiday's at the end of the world."
While the future is just as unknowable as ever, what is something you are most looking forward to this year?
Celebrating the holidays with my wife.
Is there any advice you would give to young writers during this time?
Just write. Don't let yourself get in the way. If you're worried about it "being bad" or "no one liking it." Just get you thoughts out of your head and on that paper.
ABOUT anthony leiner
Anthony Leiner is a Hudson Valley local that graduated from SUNY New Paltz in 2015 with a BA in Theatre and Creative Writing. After beginning his career in acting, Anthony soon realized he was more at home creating stories than playing in them. Some of his works include: On the Floor, Our Cuckoo Bird, and Hearts and Minds. His plays have been produced by the Rosendale Theatre, Urban Stages Theatre Company, and The Manhattan Repertoire Theatre. Some of his biggest achievements include winning first place in the Manhattan Rep. 2017 Winter Short Play Contest and directing/ producing Moments: A short play festival at the Morton Library (A short play festival consisting of five of his original works). Along with play writing, Anthony has directed plays other than his own. Most notably, a found space production of Dog Sees God by Bert V. Royal, produced by Paper Rain Productions.
To learn more, follow Anthony and his writing journey at his website and on Instagram.
Thanks for chatting, Anthony!
