In a world bombarded and overloaded with constant information, we often forget what can happen when we allow empty space to exist. Lori Fontanes 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?
We live in Westchester County, New York, the epicenter of the first wave, and even though we have learned to navigate the uncertainty with masks and courage, the memory of sirens and images of body bags stacked in refrigerated trucks still persists.
What are some favorite books you've read during quarantine?
The City We Became by N.K. Jemisin, almost perfect pandemic reading, to be honest. Also, The Bear by Andrew Krivak. Stunning.
If you haven't been reading, what are some books you're most looking forward to reading?
On my nightstand (among others): Silence is My Mother Tongue by Sulaiman Addonia, as well as several back issues of Paris Review and McSweeney's. I can barely handle non-fiction right now but look forward to deep-diving again.
Have there been any movies, tv shows, podcasts, etc. that have helped keep you at ease the past few months?
Late night comics saved my life. When they briefly paused the shows that first week, I lost it. Layer our crazy election on top of Covid and you can see why defiant laughter is my preferred coping strategy.
How has the pandemic affected your writing?
Had grand plans for revising my thesis and pitching a climate book but settled for a few genre short stories and a couple of poems. Replaced literary writing with activism. Seemed appropriate for the moment.
If you haven't been able to write, are there any projects you're hoping to work on next?
The food and climate book should be next. It's the most relevant and, hopefully, useful to the world.
If asked ten years from now what the past few months have taught you about being a writer, what would come to mind?
Leave space for emptiness that can be filled with words.
Have there been any fellow writers or people in your life who have helped you stay connected during the pandemic?
I used to hate Zoom and now I still hate Zoom but see its value for writers workshops. Oddly, Twitter turned into a warm place where fellow food and ag folks shared words and comradeship as well.
Where is your favorite place to write? Has this changed during the pandemic?
Dining room table still best place. Continuity helped.
Is there any advice you would give to young writers during this time?
Your work is important. Act accordingly.
Is there anything else you would like to share?
Thank you for memorializing this moment in human history.
ABOUT Lori Fontanes
Lori Fontanes (pronounced Fon-tán-es) grows things to eat and writes about the joys of food as well as the downsides of the industrial agricultural system. She honors her Latinx/BIPOC and European ancestors through stories and activism that elevate the centrality of feeding people. Her work has appeared in The Willowherb Review, Flash Nonfiction Food, Countryside, Acres USA, EcoWatch, and other publications. An alumna of the Sundance Film Festival and the Bread Loaf Environmental Writers' Conference, Lori received an MFA in Creative Writing at Manhattanville College where she is an adjunct professor.
To learn more, follow Lori and her writing journey at her website and on Twitter.
Thanks for chatting, Lori!
