As the days move ever onward with no end to tough times in sight, there's still much to appreciate. And today I'm excited to chat with Meghan Malachi about her pages penned in pandemic.
What does the pandemic currently look like in your city?
I live in Chicago, Illinois, which was definitely hit hard by the pandemic. We are currently in Phase 4, and a lot of establishments/businesses are starting to re-open. While the number of cases per day in Chicago has been steadily decreasing and there are still intrastate travel restrictions, it is pretty strange seeing many parts of the city going back to business as usual while the pandemic is still very much present.
What are some favorite books you've read during quarantine?
I read The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennet back in June; I really, really loved that book and highly recommend it. For the most part, however, I've been reading lots of poetry books/collections during quarantine; some of my favorites have been Finna by Nate Marshall, Sana Sana by Ariana Brown, and Citizen Illegal by Jose Olivarez.
If you haven't been reading, what are some books you're most looking forward to reading?
I have been reading, but I will add that I'm really looking forward to finishing Ghosts in the Schoolyard by Eve Ewing and Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid!
Have there been any movies, tv shows, podcasts, etc. that have helped keep you at ease the past few months?
Yes, yes, yes! Binge watching TV shows and re-watching romantic comedies has been a huge part of my quarantine experience. I really liked the Netflix series "Trinkets" and I finally caught up on and finished "Jane the Virgin". I also watched "The Kissing Booth 2" and "Vampires vs. The Bronx".
How has the pandemic affected your writing?
Honestly, this is a difficult question to answer. When I first started working remotely around mid-March, I thought I would be able to get so much writing done—I wasn't commuting to and from work and I didn't need to wake up as early, so I figured the added time to my days would be used for writing. This wasn't necessarily the case.
The fear and stress that came with the pandemic definitely affected my mental state, and not being able to socialize with friends or family exacerbated that anxiety. In addition, the overlap of the pandemic with the recent protests for Black Lives made writing feel impossible. I felt the need to devote my time to spreading awareness, protesting, and learning more about anti-racism. While most artists go to work during times like these, I very often felt too hopeless to write.
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?
My very first micro-chapbook, The Autodidact, will be published this December by Ethel Zine and Press! I'm excited to finish up the editing process and work with my publisher on designing the book cover. All of Ethel's books are hand-bound, so it will be really fascinating to see how the finished product looks.
If you haven't been able to write, are there any projects you're hoping to work on next?
While my writing has recently picked up, I've always wanted to learn how to sew and make my own clothes—I think lockdown might be a good time to pick up and master this skill!
If asked ten years from now what the past few months have taught you about being a writer, what would come to mind?
What I've learned is this: not everything you write has to be publishable. Not everything you write will be published. This is something I've learned, but I have a feeling it's something I'll have to relearn over the years. Sometimes, especially when you're experiencing writer's block, it's really important to write just for the sake of writing.
Have there been any fellow writers or people in your life who have helped you stay connected during the pandemic?
My family, especially my Mom, is really adamant about video chatting nowadays. She knows how lonely it can get and makes sure I'm socializing on some level every day.
Is there anything that excites you about the changes being incited in the publishing world in light of recent events?
Yes! Writing is already so frightening, so it's great to see publications enacting more inclusive policies. I think these policies will ultimately attract more writers to submit their work.
Is there anything that worries you about the changes being incited in the publishing world in light of recent events?
Not really. I think that despite what a lot of people may think, certain groups of people, particularly marginalized groups, face so many obstacles when it comes to getting our work published. The problem we face is two-fold: either our stories are too "niche" to be included in renowned journals, and simultaneously, we are expected to tell stories that are consistent with the stereotypes society has burdened us with. I'm really glad publications are taking the time to really investigate biases in the publishing world and address these biases in a way that is meaningful for marginalized writers.
Are you a plotter, pantser, or somewhere in between? Has this changed during the pandemic?
Definitely a pantser.
Where is your favorite place to write? Has this changed during the pandemic?
I think my apartment will always be my favorite place to write.
If you curated a playlist for writing life in the pandemic, what top 5 songs would be on your list?
1.) “A House is Not a Home” by Luther Vandross
2.) “Hurt You” by Toni Braxton and Babyface
3.) “New Thang” by French Montana and Remy Ma
4.) “Same Space?” by Tiana Major9
5.) “Love You For a Long Time” by Maggie Rogers
Without too many spoilers, what is your favorite scene / poem you've written since the pandemic began?
A poem I wrote about search engines.
While the future is just as unknowable as ever, what is something you are most looking forward to this year?
Finally learning how to drive and working on my second chapbook.
Is there any advice you would give to young writers during this time?
Write about the things that feel very present to you right now. Write about the things that interest you most right now. Those things may or may not correspond to what's on the news right now. If it does, that's fantastic. If it doesn't, that's also fantastic.
ABOUT meghan malachi
Meghan B. Malachi is a data analyst and poet from the Bronx, NY. Her work is published or forthcoming in Milly Magazine, NECTAR Poetry, Hispanecdotes, giallo lit, and Writers With Attitude. Her first chapbook is forthcoming in December 2020. She lives in Chicago, Illinois.
To learn more, follow Meghan and her writing journey on Twitter and Instagram.
Thanks for chatting, Meghan!
