Writing as an art and craft is something that requires patience and growth. There's always more to learn. D.R. Humble 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?
I'm in Vermillion, South Dakota pursuing my Master's degree, and unfortunately people aren't taking the pandemic as seriously as they should. When I go to Walmart for my weekly grocery run, only about 75% of people are wearing masks. This is especially disheartening since the store has posted signs to remind patrons that masks are required. I'm fearful of how long the pandemic will drag out due to the United States' selfishly individualist culture.
What are some favorite books you've read during quarantine?
I've re-read a lot of books from my childhood. I plowed through the entire Selection series by Kiera Cass in less than a week. The nostalgia has been grounding.
Have there been any movies, tv shows, podcasts, etc. that have helped keep you at ease the past few months?
I don't have any tattoos and am not planning on getting any, but I've certainly watched a lot of "Ink Masters" during the pandemic. There's something calming about competition shows that are relatively low-stakes.
How has the pandemic affected your writing?
Unfortunately, I've written significantly less since the pandemic hit. My best writing comes from emotional wounds, but I've found it difficult to harness that emotion since so much energy is expended on simple survival.
Have there been any fellow writers or people in your life who have helped you stay connected during the pandemic?
A couple years ago I made the long trek from Minnesota to Muncie, Indiana for the Midwest Writers Workshop where I met a wonderful gang of writers—lovingly dubbed the Scotties Midwest Writers. Even though we weren't able to reconvene for the MWW conference in July, we've kept in touch over the months via Zoom.
Is there anything that excites you about the changes being incited in the publishing world in light of recent events?
It excites me that so many new inclusive literary journals and presses are cropping up to provide new opportunities to young and marginalized writers.
Where is your favorite place to write? Has this changed during the pandemic?
I used to enjoy writing in coffee shops or cafes, but since the pandemic hit I've started writing from my coffee table. There's still endless coffee—just fewer people.
If you curated a playlist for writing life in the pandemic, what top 5 songs would be on your list?
1.) Stayin' Alive by Bee Gees
2.) “hope is a dangerous thing for a woman like me to have—but i have it” by Lana Del Rey
3.) “Know Better” by Tinashe
4.) “Wild Eyed” by London Grammar
5.) “After Hours” by The Weeknd
While the future is just as unknowable as ever, what is something you are most looking forward to this year?
One of my passions is health communication, so I'm hopeful that the pandemic will generate a substantial amount of grant funding that I can utilize when crafting my Master's thesis next year.
Is there any advice you would give to young writers during this time?
I still consider myself a young writer, but I would encourage new authors not to compare themselves to fellow wordsmiths. Don't expect every piece you pour into your journal to be the next great American classic. Be gracious and allow yourself room to learn and grow.
ABOUT D.R. Humble
D.R. Humble is a recent graduate from Waldorf University. Her writing and photography can be found in Z Publishing’s Minnesota’s Top Emerging Poets, Turnpike Magazine, Capulet Mag, and is the 2018 recipient of Alpha Chi Honor Society's Creative Writing presentation prize. She's currently pursuing a MA in Communication at the University of South Dakota.
To learn more, follow D.R. and her writing journey at her website and on Twitter, Instagram, and Youtube.
Thanks for chatting, D.R.!
