Despite writerly doubt, words never really leave us, though they may seem more evasive than ever during difficult days. Chiara Di Lello discusses just this and more in today's chat about her pages penned in pandemic.
What does the pandemic currently look like in your city?
Until a few days ago, I was biking to my school to teach in person. I watched as day by day the lines outside testing centers got longer and longer, rounding corners by 7:30am. Many things are unnervingly normal, and New Yorkers do what we do best in terms of going about our business and giving each other as much space as possible.
What are some favorite books you've read during quarantine?
At the height of NYC's spring wave I read all the Tiffany Aching books by Terry Pratchett, as pure escapism. In late spring, I read a lot of Dickinson and books and essays about Dickinson. I was moved to tears by Pachinko by Min Jin Lee.
If you haven't been reading, what are some books you're most looking forward to reading?
Mediocre by Ijeoma Oluo is next on my list, along with many collections of poems.
Have there been any movies, tv shows, podcasts, etc. that have helped keep you at ease the past few months?
John Oliver broadcasting from his white void has helped keep me both sane and appropriately outraged.
How has the pandemic affected your writing?
When I first stocked up on supplies in March, I threw a blank notebook into my basket along with any OTC meds that could still be found. I have no journal entries from the height of lockdown. Instead, things made their way out as poems. In particular, I got obsessed with the words that were suddenly everywhere in the news, and started looking up etymologies and use-histories for those words.
If asked ten years from now what the past few months have taught you about being a writer, what would come to mind?
I learned that writing didn't abandon me, despite doubting my practice and "commitment" at various points in my life.
Have there been any fellow writers or people in your life who have helped you stay connected during the pandemic?
Writer Twitter has been a source of connection, humor, drama, the works.
Is there anything that excites you about the changes being incited in the publishing world in light of recent events?
I hope that the national reckoning with race and racism extends to the publishing world as well.
Where is your favorite place to write? Has this changed during the pandemic?
I have a tiny typewriter desk and folding chair. It turns the corner of my room into my own little world.
If you curated a playlist for writing life in the pandemic, what top 5 songs would be on your list?
1.) “Human Thing” by the Be Good Tanyas
2.) “Come and Get Your Love” by Redbone
3.) “Wildflowers” by the Wailin' Jennys
4.) “Little Lies” by I'm With Her
5.) “A Change is Gonna Come” by Same Cooke
Without too many spoilers, what is your favorite poem you've written since the pandemic began?
I'm fond of a poem I wrote for my friend's baby, who was born at the end of September.
ABOUT Chiara Di Lello
Chiara Di Lello is a writer and teacher whose work has appeared in Best New Poets, Noble / Gas Qtrly, Little Patuxent Review, and Yes Poetry, among others. She delights in public art, public libraries, and biking through New York City. Her lessons are peppered with Star Wars references.
To learn more, follow Chiara and her writing journey at her website and on Twitter.
Thanks for chatting, Chiara!
