Looking back on this year, perhaps the strangest moment might be the day we realized the pandemic was in fact real. Many stocked up on supplies while others searched out experiences. Rachel A.G. Gilman's short story, "The Rabbit, The Owl, and the Newt," explores that strange time in March as the pandemic began to feel real, and will be available to read January 2021 in the print collective! Until then, I'm excited to chat about Rachel's pages penned penned in pandemic.
What does the pandemic currently look like in your city?
I went to my hometown of Woodstock, New York during most of the pandemic, so it's been relatively quiet. People are generally wearing masks given that it's a state mandate. They are finding ways to be outside when the weather permits. I suppose the big difference is that a lot of people, like myself, who are usually based in the city have travelled up north, which has been a bit of an adjustment, especially for anyone looking to buy a house as the prices have sky-rocketed.
What are some favorite books you've read during quarantine?
I started a book reviewing newsletter I am going through all of the books that I have collected over the years and finally reading them with the extra time. Some of my favorites have been The Idiot by Elif Batuman, Crooked Hallelujah by Kelli Jo Ford, and Wow, No Thank You by Samantha Irby.
Have there been any movies, tv shows, podcasts, etc. that have helped keep you at ease the past few months?
All I have really been able to focus on during the past few months is reality TV. I have hopelessly dedicated myself to the “90 Day Fiancé” franchise with absolutely no regrets. It's good fun that takes my mind out of actual reality for a while, which is nice. I have also been listening to a lot of music. Phoebe Bridgers' new album “Punisher” and of course Taylor Swift's “folklore” have done a lot of good for me.
How has the pandemic affected your writing?
I think it has made me more assertive in finding time to work on my writing. Without my usual schedule—waking up early, commuting into work, getting home and eating dinner—boundaries have been a little blurry, and I had previously relied on them to make sure that I was writing and reading regularly. In many ways, though, I have been able to write just as much if not more than I did before going into quarantine. The material is largely the same, but there has been some anxiety as to whether or not it feels relevant anymore given the state of the world.
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?
Right before the pandemic, I started a collection of autofiction pieces about boys I never quite dated. I'm super excited to continue to work and expand on it (including a few new sections about trying to find love in quarantine). I have also started a new novel that's certainly had some pandemic influences in the plot.
If asked ten years from now what the past few months have taught you about being a writer, what would come to mind?
I think resilience is the biggest thing. There aren't a lot of ways to assert control right now, whether in writing or in anything else, but when we look back on this time, something that's going to come up is what we did try to do with our time. For me, I want that to be writing. Even when the world felt like it was ending, I kept going, and tried to be hopeful, which is a lesson I think you have to learn as a writer regardless. Why not learn it under the pressure of a global pandemic?
Have there been any fellow writers or people in your life who have helped you stay connected during the pandemic?
I think a lot of my writer friends have been feeling the same sort of waves of either really wanting to write and be creative, or giving in to the terribleness around us and thinking nothing matters. What's important in that is being there for one another and being continually supportive, being a reader or a listener depending on what the moment calls for. I am very fortunate that I have a small group of writers from school that are also my dear friends and we have been doing this for each other despite the distance.
Is there anything that excites you about the changes being incited in the publishing world in light of recent events?
Everything! I work in publishing and I am so excited to see it expanding to become more inclusive. It's disheartening it took so long and such horrendous circumstances for it to happen, but alas, at least it's finally happening. I also think the number of literary magazines like No Contact that have spawned out of this time are fabulous ways for writers to feel inspired to continue creating.
Are you a plotter, pantser, or somewhere in between? Has this changed during the pandemic?
I am and always will be a plotter. It's interesting to think about the pandemic affecting this since it's made it difficult to plan in general... I don't think it has changed my process, though. I still like to know where I am going with a project before I set out. I'm okay taking some detours along the way but I tend to need the final destination.
Where is your favorite place to write? Has this changed during the pandemic?
Pre-pandemic, I liked writing on the couch in my apartment early in the morning, before the sun came up. I got the most done in that quiet space before I headed out to work or with friends. When I went upstate, I did not have as much privacy because I was living with my parents, but what I did have all of a sudden was a backyard! I started writing outside during all times of day, which was really nice and gave me some much needed fresh air. It's going to be hard ever going back.
If you curated a playlist for writing life in the pandemic, what top 5 songs would be on your list?
1.) "Dreams" by Fleetwood Mac
2.) "Illicit Affairs" by Taylor Swift
3.) "Fire" by Waxahatchee
2.) "Savior Complex" by Phoebe Bridgers
5.) "Grand Canyon" by The Ophelias
Without too many spoilers, what is your favorite scene you've written since the pandemic began?
I wrote a solid sex scene that takes place with CNN on in the background (in the short story I submitted here). It brought me a bit of joy a mist everything being a mess.
While the future is just as unknowable as ever, what is something you are most looking forward to this year?
Right now, I'm sort of excited to go for some walks and watch the leaves change for the autumn, and then perhaps to enjoy a little snow come winter. The weather is a mess, too, on top of everything else but I think that these are two things I know will happen. Sometimes we need to look at the little things that are definitely going to bring us a hint of joy for a moment.
Is there any advice you would give to young writers during this time?
As a young writer myself, I think continuing to read and write is really all anyone can do right now, as much as anyone can. That, and be kind to yourself. The world is falling apart and there is only so much you can do in that framework. Do what brings you joy as much as you can. Keep going!
ABOUT rachel a.g. gilman
Rachel A.G. Gilman's work has been published in journals throughout the US, UK, and Australia. She is the Creator/EIC of The Rational Creature and was EIC for Columbia Journal, Issue 58. She holds an MFA in Writing from Columbia University and is currently reading for an MSt in Creative Writing from the University of Oxford.
To learn more, follow Rachel and her writing journey on her website, Twitter, Instagram, and Goodreads.
Thanks for chatting, Rachel!
