Often, tough times push us back to places of comfort that we don't always prioritize in day-to-day life. Helen Bowie 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 a South London suburb; at time of writing it's 2 days after the second National Lockdown was introduced and there are fireworks going off outside. On the day the Lockdown started, someone went out into the the street nearby and jovially shouted "LOCKDOWN TWO BABY." I don't know if we've all become more resilient or if we've just stopped caring, but it doesn't feel as bad as it probably ought to.
What are some favorite books you've read during quarantine?
I recently finished Breasts and Eggs by Meiko Kawakami, which I adored; as somebody who turned 30 just before the first lockdown came in, and have had several months to ruminate on whether I should just use this time at home to have a baby or something, it really spoke to where I am right now. I also loved Mary Gaitskill's Bad Behaviour; it's a tiny little book and at the start of this whole situation I was really struggling to focus on reading, but the combination of the beautiful writing, resonant subject matter and being 80 pages long really helped break that cycle for me.
Have there been any movies, tv shows, podcasts, etc. that have helped keep you at ease the past few months?
I've really got into “Sawbone,” the medical history podcast by Dr Sydnee McElroy and Justin McElroy. There's been a great balance of history, relevant information about the current situation, and general interest. Like every other soul in the world I did the big “Mad Men” rewatch at the start of it all, when I wasn't having a great time with work or writing and Joan and Peggy are always and forever the inspiration I need.
How has the pandemic affected your writing?
Before the pandemic I focused more of my writing time on creating performance pieces. As these have necessarily stopped or moved online, I've really relished pivoting back towards poetry, something I have always loved writing but which I hadn't been prioritizing over the last couple of years.
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'm working on a project about gratitude, I suppose it's part interactive experience and part dystopia, about a world where gratitude has become currency, and is being exploited by a shady cult-like pyramid scheme, taking the concept of 'paying it forward' somewhat literally.
If asked ten years from now what the past few months have taught you about being a writer, what would come to mind?
The past few months have taught me that getting words on the page is the hardest part, but the most rewarding, and to take time every day to write something, because a first draft is better than no draft at all.
Have there been any fellow writers or people in your life who have helped you stay connected during the pandemic?
I took a poetry course with Write Like a Grrrl and For Books Sake in the summer, which has been invaluable in keeping my writing on track and connecting with people. My partner has also been incredible in encouraging me to submit and believe in myself.
Are you a plotter, pantser, or somewhere in between? Has this changed during the pandemic?
Total pantser and even a global crisis ain't gonna change that!
Where is your favorite place to write? Has this changed during the pandemic?
We moved out of a decrepit flat where the windows didn't even open into a lovely new place mid pandemic, and having a home that isn't falling to pieces has been incredible for writing, but it's been particularly nice to have outside space to call our own, and sit out at our tiny little bistro table, wrapped in knitwear writing in the crisp evening air.
If you curated a playlist for writing life in the pandemic, what top 5 songs would be on your list?
I've honestly just been listening to Infra by Max Richter in its entirety on repeat. Is that cheating?
While the future is just as unknowable as ever, what is something you are most looking forward to this year?
I've just found out that there's a place that delivers DIY Poutine kits, and it may sound flippant but these types of simple pleasures are so important and I can't wait to order and fill my face with gravy.
ABOUT helen bowie
Helen Bowie is a poet and performer based in London, UK. Recent poems have been featured at Neuro Logical Literary Magazine and the Unpublishable Zine. Helen has one cat and several bafflingly strong opinions on extremely trivial matters; both of these things influence her writing.
To learn more, follow Helen and her writing journey at her website and on Twitter.
Thanks for chatting, Helen!
