Often facing discomfort allows us to find the authenticity we need to create magic in our writing. Megha Nayar 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're reporting at least 1600 new cases of the coronavirus every day. Rumors are that the figures are grossly under-represented.
What are some favorite books you've read during quarantine?
I've only been reading prose in literary journals. I read dozens of them but X-Ray lit mag, Smokelong Quarterly, and Maudlin House are some of my favorites.
If you haven't been reading, what are some books you're most looking forward to reading?
All of Fredrik Backman's novels.
Have there been any movies, tv shows, podcasts, etc. that have helped keep you at ease the past few months?
I've been watching “Mom” and “Young Sheldon” on TV. Indian folk music is the other thing that keeps me sane.
How has the pandemic affected your writing?
It has given me the much-needed shot in the arm. I was preoccupied with my career as a communications coach/trainer earlier. But this year has made me realize that there's nothing I'd rather do than write, and that I should have done this much earlier.
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 wish to get 100 pieces accepted into lit journals next year, and start working on my first book - a collection of flash fiction narratives.
If asked ten years from now what the past few months have taught you about being a writer, what would come to mind?
That discomfort and disruption are great motivators for writing!
Is there anything that excites you about the changes being incited in the publishing world in light of recent events?
I love that a lot more writing platforms and lit mags are coming up every day.
Are you a plotter, pantser, or somewhere in between? Has this changed during the pandemic?
I'm a bit of both. I often start writing on a whim but those are usually shorter narratives. For stories of 2k words and above, I tend to plan in advance.
Where is your favorite place to write? Has this changed during the pandemic?
My room at the moment because there is no other place I can be! But if I could choose, a cottage in the mountains would be ideal.
If you curated a playlist for writing life in the pandemic, what top 5 songs would be on your list?
Michael Kiwanuka helps when I'm writing sombre stuff.
While the future is just as unknowable as ever, what is something you are most looking forward to this year?
I'm looking forward to seeing more of my work published online, and to set up my author website.
Is there any advice you would give to young writers during this time?
When you can't write, read. When you can't read, write.
ABOUT Megha Nayar
Megha Nayar was long-listed for the Commonwealth Short Story Prize 2020. She spends half her time teaching French and English. The other half, she devotes to learning Spanish, writing prose, and pondering the purpose of human existence. Her work has appeared in Variety Pack, Burnt Breakfast, Cauldron Anthology, Potato Soup Journal, Postscript Mag, Ayaskala Magazine, and The Daily Drunk Mag, among others.
To learn more, follow Megha and her writing journey at her blog and on Twitter.
Thanks for chatting, Megha!
