To the outside world, writers appear to be one person, perhaps a shadowed version of a human hunched over a writing desk prepared to share their story the moment it meets the page. However, as writers, we often need to be storyteller, champion, editor, reader, marketer, designer, etc. for a story to reach its full purpose. Oskar Leonard discusses just this and more in today's chat about his pages penned in pandemic.
What does the pandemic currently look like in your city?
Confusing. We're in Tiers, then a national lockdown, but no one's listening to it. No idea what's going on.
What are some favorite books you've read during quarantine?
I read The Kitchen Maid by Valerie Wood, A Pony To School by Diana Pullein-Thompson, Follow The Feeling by D. David Croot, and The Stallion by Joyce Stranger. There's a few others, of course, but those were my favorites!
If you haven't been reading, what are some books you're most looking forward to reading?
I'm currently in the middle of The Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy (the trilogy in four parts edition) and I'm looking forward to getting through some more of that!
Have there been any movies, tv shows, podcasts, etc. that have helped keep you at ease the past few months?
I've been rewatching “The Dirt” quite a bit—it really helps to destress me! “Rock And Roll High School” is also a favorite.
How has the pandemic affected your writing?
It has made me a lot more productive. I've been working on marketing my writing, creating lots of new poems, stories and even a new book written entirely in lockdown. It's also been helping me to look back and work on my older books.
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 LGBT+ short story/advice collection, Everything Under The Rainbow, is really exciting to work on. It's twenty short stories covering twenty different issues which affect LGBT+ youth in the UK, so it's a purposeful and entertaining piece to write.
If asked ten years from now what the past few months have taught you about being a writer, what would come to mind?
Writing is the easy part—editing and promoting your work are two entirely different stories. I've been doing a lot of both during lockdown.
Have there been any fellow writers or people in your life who have helped you stay connected during the pandemic?
The Young Writers Initiative helped me stay focused and busy with their summer camp and competitions. They're a great organization!
Are you a plotter, pantser, or somewhere in between? Has this changed during the pandemic?
I've actually become a plotter through lockdown. I have no idea how that happened, but I definitely noticed the change. I think it has positively affected my writing.
Where is your favorite place to write? Has this changed during the pandemic?
In bed. It's always been in bed. Comfy and warm are the best conditions for writing.
Without too many spoilers, what is your favorite poem you've written since the pandemic began?
“Fields”—it's a poem which features a lockdown walk me and my boyfriend went on. There's nature, thoughtful consideration for the past and acknowledgment of the present. It's one of my best!
While the future is just as unknowable as ever, what is something you are most looking forward to this year?
Publishing more books. I have a couple releases planned, and I think my improved promotion plans are going to make the launches extra special.
Is there any advice you would give to young writers during this time?
Don't force yourself to write. If things are stressful (as they likely are) you're allowed to take breaks, breathe, and come back to your writing at a better time. It'll wait for you. Be kind to yourself.
ABOUT oskar leonard
Oskar Leonard is a self-published author, poet and illustrator, as well as a senior editor at The Altruist, a staff editor at All Ears India and a creative writing intern at FOURALL Magazine. He has written six books: three novels, two poetry anthologies and a novella. His pieces have been featured in publications like Fever Dream Zine, Write To Unite, SOS: Hunted, Potted Purple Mag and The Young Writers Initiative Literary Journal: Juvenile.
To learn more, follow Oskar and his writing journey at his website and on Twitter, Instagram, Goodreads, and Voyce.Me.
Thanks for chatting, Oskar!
