When faced with loss, many of us are unable to fathom how to move on. Amidst these many months, however, we've been forced to continue on despite hardship and grief, clinging to memories and better days. Philip Berry's short story, "Asymmetries," tackles these topics, and will be available to read January 2021 in the print collective! Until then, I'm excited to chat about Philip's pages penned in pandemic.
What does the pandemic currently look like in your city?
Young families + masks - their grand parents and elders, some of whom lived through the tail end of a world war and have the longest perspective.
What are some favorite books you've read during quarantine?
Mr. Norris Changes Trains, The Inside Story by Martin Amis, A History of The World by Andrew Marr, and The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie.
Have there been any movies, tv shows, podcasts, etc. that have helped keep you at ease the past few months?
It didn't keep me at ease, but 'Unorthodox' on Netflix was terrific.
How has the pandemic affected your writing?
For a while, writing felt irrelevant and spurious. But then, the words, which had not stopped building up, had to be given space on the page.
If asked ten years from now what the past few months have taught you about being a writer, what would come to mind?
That we are a little selfish, and will find patterns to describe in the greatest tragedies.
Have there been any fellow writers or people in your life who have helped you stay connected during the pandemic?
All the editors of small presses and on-line zines deserve credit for maintaining venues for writers like me.
Where is your favorite place to write? Has this changed during the pandemic?
The dining table, in a bubble that nobody can see.
If you curated a playlist for writing life in the pandemic, what top 5 songs would be on your list?
Recent likes & loves:
1.) All of Future Islands back catalogue
2.) “Don't Shy Away” by Loma
3.) Tom Waits
4.) Kid A
5.) 80's stuff
Without too many spoilers, what is your favorite poem you've written since the pandemic began?
“Pure Tones,” a poem, appeared in Re-side. It is about the birdsong that we all appreciated during the hard lockdown.
Is there any advice you would give to young writers during this time?
There is a place for your work; keep trying to find it.
ABOUT Philip Berry
Philip's short fiction has appeared in Metaphorosis, Headstuff, The Corona Book of SF, and Ellipsis Zine. He also writes poetry and CNF. He is a London-based doctor.
To learn more, follow Philip and his writing journey at his website and on Twitter.
Thanks for chatting, Philip!
