The way fairytales and myths have taken real narratives and twisted them into something fanciful, something more palatable for every age, exists to ensure no story is forgotten. Lucia Larsen's poems, "Spell" and "Heart," explore this lush language, and will be available to read January 2021 in the print collective! Until then, I'm excited to chat about Lucia’s pages penned in pandemic.
What does the pandemic currently look like in your city?
I live in Stirling, Scotland and we are currently at Level 4 restrictions. There is some outdoor seating in the city center, and most places are open for take-away, so the city still feels alive and busy, even though the indoor spaces are mostly empty or closed. We are also surrounded by nature at Stirling, and the weather is still nice (when it isn't raining!), so you can walk by the river, hike Dumyat Hill, or go up to Stirling Castle if you need to get out of your apartment for awhile.
What are some favorite books you've read during quarantine?
I recently read Piranesi by Susanna Clarke and The Lying Life of Adults by Elena Ferrante, which were both phenomenal. I also enjoyed The Pull of the Stars by Emma Donoghue which takes place during the 1918 flu pandemic.
If you haven't been reading, what are some books you're most looking forward to reading?
I just ordered Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon from Category Is Books. They are a "Fiercely Independent Queer Bookshop" in Glasgow, and they love giving book recommendations!
How has the pandemic affected your writing?
I would say, more than my writing itself, the pandemic has affected my involvement in the writing community. Through social media, while stuck at home, I have started connecting with so many writers and lit mags, and they are incredibly welcoming and supportive. They are so earnest about boosting other people's work, offering feedback, and drowning out the inner voice that says 'but am I really a writer?' I am so grateful to them.
If asked ten years from now what the past few months have taught you about being a writer, what would come to mind?
The love of writing and reading creates community. Even if you only write for yourself, and never share your words, you are never alone, and you are still a writer.
Are you a plotter, pantser, or somewhere in between? Has this changed during the pandemic?
I am a plotter, but rarely does the finished product look anything like I originally intended! As Jericho Brown said "you begin your poem in language rather than in idea."
Where is your favorite place to write? Has this changed during the pandemic?
I have been going on lots of walks and writing in my head or on my phone as I get inspired, and then I edit on my computer in my bedroom. I will also get up in the middle of the night to jot down lines in my journal, which I then have to decipher in the morning!
Without too many spoilers, what is your favorite poem you've written since the pandemic began?
This poem has not been published yet, but I am taking an Environmental Economics class, and it is very frustrating to reduce ecological services to a monetary value in order to promote sustainable practices, so I wrote an anti-capitalist ecocentric speculative poem in response. I'm really proud of it, and I hope it finds a home soon.
While the future is just as unknowable as ever, what is something you are most looking forward to this year?
At the time of this interview, Thanksgiving is coming up (I am from the States), and so I have a Zooms-giving planned with some of my friends. Since the pandemic started, we have been celebrating all the holidays virtually together, which I have really appreciated.
Is there any advice you would give to young writers during this time?
Connect with lit mags and other writers on social media! Read the new work they are publishing, even in genres you don't write, since reading different styles will only add to your writer's tool belt.
ABOUT lucia larsen
Lucia Larsen is currently studying for her MSc in Environmental Management at the University of Stirling. Her recent work has appeared in Tealight Press, Neuro Logical, Tipping the Scales, and Fever Dream.
To learn more, follow Lucia and her writing journey at her Link Tree and on Twitter and Instagram.
Thanks for chatting, Lucia!
