When tasked with navigating grief, sometimes it is easier to wonder about the what was or what ifs then deal with the actual act of missing someone. Megan Cannella's poem, "Estate Planning," explores this notion, and is now available to read in the print collective! Until then, I'm excited to chat about Megan’s pages penned in pandemic.
What does the pandemic currently look like in your city?
People keep trying to get back to normal too soon- restaurants, casinos, and resorts have reopened. I'm alone in my studio apartment.
What are some favorite books you've read during quarantine?
Belabored by Lyz Lenz, Luster by Raven Leilani, Pleasure Activism by Adrienne Maree Brown, You Exist Too Much by Zaina Arafat.
Have there been any movies, tv shows, podcasts, etc. that have helped keep you at ease the past few months?
I've gotten into “Supernatural,” which is not my normal thing. I've also been leaning hard on “Real Housewives of New York” and “New Girl.”
How has the pandemic affected your writing?
It is the reason I got back into writing. I hadn't written creatively in about 10 yrs. Now I am an editor on a lit mag. Writing has given me an outlet for my anxiety about the pandemic and about my relationships, as I am so isolated...because science.
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 just want to keep growing in my writing and eventually finish my dissertation. My dissertation is about dystopian motherhood in 21st century American lit, so it has been especially difficult to work on right now.
If asked ten years from now what the past few months have taught you about being a writer, what would come to mind?
The last few months have made me lean into my independent nature. I was always independent, but spending so much time alone and going through a break up during this time has made me more independent and thus braver in my writing. I am writing stuff that even surprises me.
Have there been any fellow writers or people in your life who have helped you stay connected during the pandemic?
C. Cimmone and the other editors at Versification have been a life saver. Also lit mag Twitter (I don't know what else to call it) has been amazing and has helped me feel less alone.
Is there anything that excites you about the changes being incited in the publishing world in light of recent events?
I am glad that more people are making space for more voices.
Are you a plotter, pantser, or somewhere in between? Has this changed during the pandemic?
Pantser.
Where is your favorite place to write? Has this changed during the pandemic?
In bed—nope. I have a studio apt...not too many places to go.
If you curated a playlist for writing life in the pandemic, what top 5 songs would be on your list?
Probably just a lot of The Mountain Goats.
Without too many spoilers, what is your favorite scene you've written since the pandemic began?
There was a weird flash piece I wrote about working at a call center—that was my favorite.
While the future is just as unknowable as ever, what is something you are most looking forward to this year?
Moving forward with my projects and only doing what makes me happy.
Is there any advice you would give to young writers during this time?
Keep going...even if you have to pause for a very long time...keep going.
Is there anything else you would like to share?
Stay safe and well.
ABOUT Megan cannella
Megan Cannella is a Midwestern transplant currently living in Nevada. For over a decade, Megan has bounced between working at a call center, grad school, and teaching. She has work in or forthcoming from @PorcupineLit, @dailydrunkmag, @VerseZine, @TBQuarterly, and @perhappened.
To learn more, follow Megan and her writing journey on Twitter.
Thanks for chatting, Megan!
