While there are many things to keep humanity going during these tough times, certainly the constant love of dogs makes the day-to-day a bit easier. Robin Gow's essay, "On Queerness and Dogs," explores this love and so much more, and will be available to read January 2021 in the print collective! Until then, I'm excited to chat about their pages penned penned in pandemic.
What does the pandemic currently look like in your city?
It looks like a lot of people not taking the pandemic seriously anymore and a few of us trying our best to still socially distance and be mindful. It feels very frustrating. I got sick here in rural Pennsylvania and not in New York City and I lived in New York in March. I think people think because it's a small town that it's not dangerous.
What are some favorite books you've read during quarantine?
Oh goodness so many. Justin Phillip Reed's The Malevolent Volume and Julian Randall's Refuse.
If you haven't been reading, what are some books you're most looking forward to reading?
I'm looking forward to reading Minor Feelings by Cathy Park Hong which is next on my list.
Have there been any movies, tv shows, podcasts, etc. that have helped keep you at ease the past few months?
“Schitt's Creek” and “Glow Up” definitely and honestly. I don't know where I'd be without UHNhhh!
How has the pandemic affected your writing?
Interestingly enough it hasn't very much though I have noticed my poems getting more compact. I feel like my writing is a raft that's getting me through the pandemic.
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?
Yes!! My young adult book is in the revising stages at FSG and working with my editor during the pandemic has been really exciting. She's brilliant and kind and it's been such a joy to write a queer teen love story. Also I'm working on The Comments Section with my co-editor Sam Bickford which is a lit mag about internet weirdness.
If you haven't been able to write, are there any projects you're hoping to work on next?
Next I'm going to write a gay vampire romance because we need one.
If asked ten years from now what the past few months have taught you about being a writer, what would come to mind?
I'm not as solitary as I thought I was. I miss people. I miss bookstores. I miss being in a room and hearing poetry read aloud.
Have there been any fellow writers or people in your life who have helped you stay connected during the pandemic?
Benny Sisson, Rachel Stempel, Sarah Sala, Jay Crozier-Christy, Judy Baumel, and Sam Bickford to name a few.
Is there anything that excites you about the changes being incited in the publishing world in light of recent events?
I do look forward to there being more online events. So many literary events aren't accessible and it would be nice to have more of a balance (also making in-person events more accessible too would be good).
Is there anything that worries you about the changes being incited in the publishing world in light of recent events?
Not really, other than I think we need to continue to rally around indie bookstores. They care so much about supporting the community and authors and events. I think we need to buy books from them and not Amazon and I worry people are doing a lot of things out of convenience because we're all in survival mode.
Are you a plotter, pantser, or somewhere in between? Has this changed during the pandemic?
100% manic pantser. I need to write a poem quickly or I won't get the idea out. It hasn't changed. I have a very strict, first thing in the morning writing schedule that actually has really helped give my pandemic days structure.
Where is your favorite place to write? Has this changed during the pandemic?
It's funny, it really hasn't. I write at my desk and I disassembled my desk and moved it to a new state and I still like a quiet corner.
If you curated a playlist for writing life in the pandemic, what top 5 songs would be on your list?
It would just be alternating between Sufjan Stevens and Lana Del Rey (big sad energy).
While the future is just as unknowable as ever, what is something you are most looking forward to this year?
I am looking forward to seeing friends from New York again and I'm looking forward to going to a beach someday soon.
ABOUT robin gow
Robin Gow is a trans and queer poet and young adult author from rural Pennsylvania. They are the author of Our Lady of Perpetual Degeneracy (Tolsun Books 2020) and the chapbook Honeysuckle (Finishing Line Press 2019). Their first young adult novel comes out in 2022.
To learn more, follow Robin and their writing journey on their website, Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.
Thanks for chatting, Robin!
