Pages Penned in Pandemic with Megha Nayar

Often facing discomfort allows us to find the authenticity we need to create magic in our writing. Megha Nayar discusses just this and more in today's chat about her pages penned in pandemic.

What does the pandemic currently look like in your city?

We're reporting at least 1600 new cases of the coronavirus every day. Rumors are that the figures are grossly under-represented.

What are some favorite books you've read during quarantine?

I've only been reading prose in literary journals. I read dozens of them but X-Ray lit mag, Smokelong Quarterly, and Maudlin House are some of my favorites.

If you haven't been reading, what are some books you're most looking forward to reading?

All of Fredrik Backman's novels.

Have there been any movies, tv shows, podcasts, etc. that have helped keep you at ease the past few months?

I've been watching “Mom” and “Young Sheldon” on TV. Indian folk music is the other thing that keeps me sane.

How has the pandemic affected your writing?

It has given me the much-needed shot in the arm. I was preoccupied with my career as a communications coach/trainer earlier. But this year has made me realize that there's nothing I'd rather do than write, and that I should have done this much earlier.

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?

I wish to get 100 pieces accepted into lit journals next year, and start working on my first book - a collection of flash fiction narratives.

If asked ten years from now what the past few months have taught you about being a writer, what would come to mind?

That discomfort and disruption are great motivators for writing!

Is there anything that excites you about the changes being incited in the publishing world in light of recent events?

I love that a lot more writing platforms and lit mags are coming up every day.

Are you a plotter, pantser, or somewhere in between? Has this changed during the pandemic?

I'm a bit of both. I often start writing on a whim but those are usually shorter narratives. For stories of 2k words and above, I tend to plan in advance.

Where is your favorite place to write? Has this changed during the pandemic?

My room at the moment because there is no other place I can be! But if I could choose, a cottage in the mountains would be ideal.

If you curated a playlist for writing life in the pandemic, what top 5 songs would be on your list?

Michael Kiwanuka helps when I'm writing sombre stuff.

While the future is just as unknowable as ever, what is something you are most looking forward to this year?

I'm looking forward to seeing more of my work published online, and to set up my author website.

Is there any advice you would give to young writers during this time?

When you can't write, read. When you can't read, write.

ABOUT Megha Nayar

Megha Nayar was long-listed for the Commonwealth Short Story Prize 2020. She spends half her time teaching French and English. The other half, she devotes to learning Spanish, writing prose, and pondering the purpose of human existence. Her work has appeared in Variety Pack, Burnt Breakfast, Cauldron Anthology, Potato Soup Journal, Postscript Mag, Ayaskala Magazine, and The Daily Drunk Mag, among others.

To learn more, follow Megha and her writing journey at her blog and on Twitter.

Thanks for chatting, Megha!

READ MORE ABOUT THE PAGES PENNED IN PANDEMIC!

Pages Penned in Pandemic with Linda Gebroe

There may be many secrets to finding your own successful writing life, perhaps the most important is making a regular routine out of putting words on the page. Linda Gebroe discusses just this and more in today's chat about her pages penned in pandemic.

What does the pandemic currently look like in your city?

Good weather, mostly compliant people wearing masks, always a long line outside my favorite bakery, many people including me taking walks on what are now called "slow streets" that are closed to automobile through traffic.

What are some favorite books you've read during quarantine?

Girl, Woman, Other. A Tale for the Time Being. The Dutch House. The Vanishing Half. The Best of Me. Nothing to See Here.

Have there been any movies, tv shows, podcasts, etc. that have helped keep you at ease the past few months?

Yes: “The Crown,” “Sex Education,” “Offspring,” “The Queen's Gambit,” and “Schitt's Creek.”

How has the pandemic affected your writing?

It's gotten a bit darker. But still humorous (I hope).

Have there been any fellow writers or people in your life who have helped you stay connected during the pandemic?

Yes, my writing group is meeting every other week on Zoom.

Where is your favorite place to write? Has this changed during the pandemic?

My home office. This has not changed during the pandemic.

If you curated a playlist for writing life in the pandemic, what top 5 songs would be on your list?

1.) “Memories” (performed by Maroon 5)

2.) “For the Longest Time”

3.) “You Will Be Found”

4.) “In My Life”

5.) “Up on the Roof”

Without too many spoilers, what is your favorite scene / poem you've written since the pandemic began?

An essay I wrote that aired on KQED, San Francisco's NPR station. It was about being excited—despite the pandemic—about a walk-off home run being hit by my favorite SF Giants ballplayer.

While the future is just as unknowable as ever, what is something you are most looking forward to this year?

A COVID-19 vaccine!

Is there any advice you would give to young writers during this time?

Make writing a part of your regular routine.

ABOUT Linda Gebroe

Linda Gebroe is a San Francisco writer and retired communication professional. Her work has appeared in the San Francisco Chronicle, Narrative, and the West Marin Review, and her commentaries have aired on KQED Public Radio. She is a diehard baseball fan and humble servant to her kitty, Roz Catz.

Thanks for chatting, Linda!

READ MORE ABOUT THE PAGES PENNED IN PANDEMIC!

Pages Penned in Pandemic with Rhea Dhanbhoora

While the world is filled with uncertainties, perhaps the life of the writer has more than most. Rhea Dhanbhoora discusses just this and more in today's chat about her pages penned in pandemic.

What does the pandemic currently look like in your city?

It's pretty quiet—I'm lucky to be in upstate NY where it isn't as crazy as the city, but it's been scary nonetheless. And I'm thousands and thousands of miles from my family back home (India), so that's affected me a lot more than my immediate surroundings because I'm constantly worrying about what it's like where they are too.

What are some favorite books you've read during quarantine?

Viet Thanh Nguyen’s The Sympathizer, Yashica Dutt’s Coming Out as Dalit, Samanta Schweblin’s Fever Dream, Per Petterson’s Out Stealing Horses, Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah’s Friday Black, and a lot of Svetlana Alexievich. I’m currently reading Anthropica by David Hollander.

Have there been any movies, tv shows, podcasts, etc. that have helped keep you at ease the past few months?

“Black Monday” and “Fargo.”

How has the pandemic affected your writing?

I haven't been able to write too much! I did write several poems (these included) about life in a disappearing ethnoreligious minority/ in a constant diaspora, but not much else. It's been really stressful and I've been too tired to think.

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?

I lost a novel on an airplane a few years ago and I'm trying to rewrite it! It's a coming-of-age book about a boy obsessed with Freddie Mercury because of his struggle with his own sexuality but also because of cultural (Parsi Zoroastrian) ties that Parsi Zoroastrian kids don't usually get to have with celebrities.

If you haven't been able to write, are there any projects you're hoping to work on next?

Same as above ^^

Are you a plotter, pantser, or somewhere in between? Has this changed during the pandemic?

100% pantser.

Where is your favorite place to write? Has this changed during the pandemic?

I used to love writing in bed but I've been trying to do it at a desk more—mostly because being in bed too much this year can be depressing!

Without too many spoilers, what is your favorite scene / poem you've written since the pandemic began?

I'm particularly fond of my poem “Categories we fit into,” which was published in October by Lit Quarterly.

Is there any advice you would give to young writers during this time?

Just keep going—it's never going to be what you expect but really, we've picked an 'industry' where the uncertainty is going to be part of our lives for good so it's best to get used to things like rejection and plans changing and whatnot pretty early on!

ABOUT Rhea Dhanbhoora

Rhea worked for close to a decade as editor and writer in print and digital content for a variety of clients, before quitting her job and moving to New York to get her master's degree, and finally writing the stories everyone told her no one would ever read. Her work has appeared in or is forthcoming in publications such as The Hindu, Quint, The Apeiron Review, Sparkle & Blink, Awakened Voices, Five on the Fifth, Capsule Stories, Fly on the Wall Press, Rejection-Letters, HerStry, Artsy, Broccoli Mag, and JMWW. She’s currently working on a linked collection about women based in the underrepresented Parsi Zoroastrian diaspora.

To learn more, follow Rhea and her writing journey at her website and on Twitter and Instagram.

Thanks for chatting, Rhea!

READ MORE ABOUT THE PAGES PENNED IN PANDEMIC!

Pages Penned in Pandemic with J.D. Eames

As writers, we never know where inspiration may take us, and as such, staying open to innovation is key to continuing to put words on the page. J.D. Eames' discusses just this and more in today's chat about her pages penned in pandemic.

What does the pandemic currently look like in your city?

Ugly. We're in the middle of a COVID-19 surge.

What are some favorite books you've read during quarantine?

Rudolfo Anaya's Sonny Baca PI series, We Gather Together by Denise Kiernan, and Familiars by Holly Wren Spaulding.

Have there been any movies, tv shows, podcasts, etc. that have helped keep you at ease the past few months?

David Naimon's podcast "Between the Covers" has saved my sanity.

How has the pandemic affected your writing?

It's been difficult to write through the news & anxiety, but the pandemic also pushed me to write shorter stories.

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 novel, "Reckless Joy," which I've been working on for over five years. I hope to finally get to the final draft soon.

If asked ten years from now what the past few months have taught you about being a writer, what would come to mind?

Understand that all of what happens influences you in ways you don't always understand in the moment. Be open to changing up the forms of your writing.

Have there been any fellow writers or people in your life who have helped you stay connected during the pandemic?

Yes. A group of writers I met taking an online flash fiction workshop have helped me make it through the COVID chaos. We formed a Zoom writing group. They've already made me a better writer. Also two playwright friends have always been there through every draft of whatever I'm working on. Always my beloved wife, Mejie.

Are you a plotter, pantser, or somewhere in between? Has this changed during the pandemic?

If my process has changed, I'm not aware of it yet. I'm in-between plotter and pantser. I don't start writing until I have an image of the ending. The fun is always uncovering how to get there and find out what the image might mean.

Where is your favorite place to write? Has this changed during the pandemic?

The library or a coffee house. I haven't been able to visit once since March.

If you curated a playlist for writing life in the pandemic, what top 5 songs would be on your list?

1.) “Under Pressure” by David Bowie

2.) “Livin' on a Prayer” by Jon Bon Jovi

3.) “Into the Unknown” from Frozen 2

4.) “Stronger” by Kelly Clarkson

5.) “Faith” by George Michael (from my wife's COVID-19 playlist)

Without too many spoilers, what is your favorite poem you've written since the pandemic began?

A haiku about the blue moon setting at sunrise:

blue moon exploded

ignited morning moonset

eyes open, rise up.

Well, you asked!

While the future is just as unknowable as ever, what is something you are most looking forward to this year?

Pumpkin pie, and getting the final draft of my novel completed.

Is there any advice you would give to young writers during this time?

Write all the things you're afraid to write about.

ABOUT J.D. Eames

A playwright turned novelist, J.D. lives in Santa Fe, New Mexico with her wife and the best dog in the world.

To learn more, follow J.D. and her writing journey at her website and on Twitter and Instagram.

Thanks for chatting, J.D.!

READ MORE ABOUT THE PAGES PENNED IN PANDEMIC!

Pages Penned in Pandemic with Matthew Miller

When the world feels too chaotic, often its the simple things listed out that keeps us tethered to the every day. Matthew Miller's poem, "To-Do Lists," explores this notion, and is now available to read in the print collective! Until then, I'm excited to chat about Matthew's pages penned in pandemic.

What does the pandemic currently look like in your city?

The pandemic here is out of control. The hospitals are sending patients to other counties. Schools are closing because too many students are in quarantine. We keep trying to get back to normal too quickly, and it feels like we're just stuttering along.

What are some favorite books you've read during quarantine?

28065 Nights by Katie Manning and The Tradition by Jericho Brown.

Have there been any movies, tv shows, podcasts, etc. that have helped keep you at ease the past few months?

My wife and I have been watching comedies quite frequently. Rewatching “The Office,” “Parks and Rec,” “Psych,” and more have been familiar and comforting.

How has the pandemic affected your writing?

I've actually written quite a bit more during the pandemic. As a teacher, the virtual school model gives me a bit more break in between classes, and I find myself having time to jot down notes. Then I'm able to assemble those much quicker when I sit down to craft poems.

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?

I'm really enjoying writing poems about fatherhood (I have four boys under the age of 12). I'm hoping to craft my first chapbook with poems about fatherhood and family.

Have there been any fellow writers or people in your life who have helped you stay connected during the pandemic?

Yes, I really begun to use Twitter to connect to others during the pandemic. Katie Manning has been a great follow, and Melissa Poulin looked over some drafts for me. But most of all, the Indiana Writer's Center has done several Facebook groups and other writers from the state have been encouraging!

Is there anything that excites you about the changes being incited in the publishing world in light of recent events?

I certainly have loved the many creative online literary journals that have sprung up during the pandemic.

Where is your favorite place to write? Has this changed during the pandemic?

My favorite place to write is anywhere outside. During the pandemic, we decided to build a back porch. And my oldest son and I built a treehouse. So those have become my favorite places to write.

Without too many spoilers, what is your favorite poem you've written since the pandemic began?

I wrote a poem about my wife and the mountains, called "I Like You Best Without Makeup." It hasn't been picked up for publication, it keeps getting rejected. I assume it is too sappy and sentimental, but I love it.

While the future is just as unknowable as ever, what is something you are most looking forward to this year?

Traveling. My family is big on getting to national and state parks. We didn't get to as much this year, but those places spark my writing and my love of the world in general.

Is there any advice you would give to young writers during this time?

I think I'm a "young" writer myself, meaning inexperienced. But what I learned in this time was to write, connect, and submit. The writing is always first, and I've learned to write what I love. Then I've found that by connecting to other poets, I've found tons of support, encouragement and new challenges. Finally, for years as a writer I was so scared of rejection that I didn't submit. This year, I've just fired away at the journals my friends recommend to me. And it's been great to see more of my poems finding homes in the world!

ABOUT Matthew Miller

Matthew Miller teaches social studies, swings tennis rackets, and writes poetry - all hoping to create home. He and his wife live beside a dilapidating orchard in Indiana, where he tries to shape dead trees into playhouses for his four boys. His poetry has been featured in River Mouth Review, Club Plum Journal and Ekstasis Magazine.

To learn more, follow Matthew and his writing journey at his website and on Twitter.

Thanks for chatting, Matthew!

READ MORE ABOUT THE PAGES PENNED IN PANDEMIC!

Pages Penned in Pandemic with Rob McKinnon

No matter the struggles, there is power to be found in persevering when it comes to writing. Rob McKinnon 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?

Just a small outbreak at the moment.

What are some favorite books you've read during quarantine?

Lots of poetry books.

How has the pandemic affected your writing?

I have been writing more.

If asked ten years from now what the past few months have taught you about being a writer, what would come to mind?

Always keep writing.

Have there been any fellow writers or people in your life who have helped you stay connected during the pandemic?

Family.

Is there anything that excites you about the changes being incited in the publishing world in light of recent events?

Social media.

Is there anything that worries you about the changes being incited in the publishing world in light of recent events?

Social media.

Where is your favorite place to write? Has this changed during the pandemic?

At my desk.

While the future is just as unknowable as ever, what is something you are most looking forward to this year?

A vaccine.

Is there any advice you would give to young writers during this time?

Keeping writing.

ABOUT Rob McKinnon

Rob McKinnon lives in the Adelaide Hills, South Australia. His poetry has previously been published in Messages from the Embers’ Black Quill Press, From the Ashes’ Maximum Felix Media, Wales Haiku Journal, Dust Poetry Magazine, Re-Side Magazine, Nightingale & Sparrow Magazine, Black Bough Poetry and other online and print journals.

To learn more, follow Rob and his writing journey on Twitter.

Thanks for chatting, Rob!

READ MORE ABOUT THE PAGES PENNED IN PANDEMIC!

Pages Penned in Pandemic with Ted Chiles

Finding other writing to love is often the reminder we need to keep pursuing out own work. Ted Chiles 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?

Quiet. Having several "preconditions," I don't get out much.

What are some favorite books you've read during quarantine?

I didn't read at first, but recently finished Hench by Natalie Zina Walschots and have started Just Like You by Nick Hornsby.

If you haven't been reading, what are some books you're most looking forward to reading?

I would like to make a dent in my pile of unread books.

Have there been any movies, tv shows, podcasts, etc. that have helped keep you at ease the past few months?

Pre-pandemic I had some health issues that also kept mostly at home. I've watched a lot of tv, All of “Midsummer Murders,” “Brokenwood,” and Season 2 of “The Boys” to name a few.

How has the pandemic affected your writing?

I have written very little, four pieces of flash fiction and the beginning of a play in eleven months. I have done a fair amount of editing.

If you haven't been able to write, are there any projects you're hoping to work on next?

I was revising a novel when COVID arrived. I'm finally ready to start working on it again.

Have there been any fellow writers or people in your life who have helped you stay connected during the pandemic?

My wife is also a writer and she has been prolific. Reading and editing her work has kept in touch with writing.

Is there anything that excites you about the changes being incited in the publishing world in light of recent events?

I don't what the changes are in the publishing world.

Are you a plotter, pantser, or somewhere in between? Has this changed during the pandemic?

I have always had an idea where the character is physically headed. I try to discover the story as I write. I guess that makes me a "pantser."

Where is your favorite place to write? Has this changed during the pandemic?

A coffee shop. I have been in one for almost 9 months.

If you curated a playlist for writing life in the pandemic, what top 5 songs would be on your list?

1.) “Aja” by Steely Dan

2.) “Deacon Blues” by Steely Dan

3.) “Peg” by Steely Dan

4.) “Home at Last” by Steely Dan

5.) “I Got the News” by Steely Dan

Without too many spoilers, what is your favorite scene poem you've written since the pandemic began?

She set her cigarette on the brick planter and took a step toward him, and he turned right to take a wide path around her. But she blocked the escape route and moved in on George, who backed up until he was pressed against the window. Taking the cold brew from the tray with her left hand, she reached up with her right, pulled down his mask, and kissed him. The kiss tasted of smoke. He thought, I haven’t been kissed in forever, and then he thought, this might kill me.

While the future is just as unknowable as ever, what is something you are most looking forward to this year?

A vaccine.

Is there any advice you would give to young writers during this time?

Do better than I have. Write everyday. Read everyday.

Is there anything else you would like to share?

This plague will pass. And we need to to write about how we have failed and how we have succeeded and all the spaces in-between.

ABOUT Ted Chiles

Ted Chiles' short stories and flash fiction have appeared in several literary journals including Canteen, Vestal Review, Smokelong Quarterly and Lunch Ticket. Chiles lives in Santa Barbara, California with a writer and two cats.

Thanks for chatting, Ted!

READ MORE ABOUT THE PAGES PENNED IN PANDEMIC!

Pages Penned in Pandemic with Wilda Morris

Inspiration may be hiding just out of sight, but alas, it's can always be found again. Wilda Morris discusses just this and more in today's chat about her pages penned in pandemic.

What does the pandemic currently look like in your city?

The numbers have been bleak lately. Not as many people are taking walks because the weather has been cold and damp.

What are some favorite books you've read during quarantine?

I'm reading Typee by Herman Melville and a lot of poetry. Poets I'm reading include Mary Jo Balistreri, Caroline Johnson, and Billy Collins. I'm also trying to catch up on the stack of magazines that have accumulated.

Have there been any movies, tv shows, podcasts, etc. that have helped keep you at ease the past few months?

Online poetry workshops have helped keep me at ease.

How has the pandemic affected your writing?

I was doing a lot of my writing at Panera, and miss being able to hang out there to write. The book I almost finished has been sort of lost in the shuffle. On the other hand, I've written more haiku while taking almost daily walks.

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?

I've almost finished a manuscript, THE UNAPPROVED UNCLE, and need to put the finishing touches on it.

If you haven't been able to write, are there any projects you're hoping to work on next?

I have enough poems for several more themed collections.

If asked ten years from now what the past few months have taught you about being a writer, what would come to mind?

Don't let external conditions keep you from writing. If you hit a hard spot, sign up for a poetry workshop. Keep reading, and letting what you read serve as inspiration.

Have there been any fellow writers or people in your life who have helped you stay connected during the pandemic?

I belong to several poetry groups that help keep me motivated, and also write on Zoom with one good friend.

Where is your favorite place to write? Has this changed during the pandemic?

My favorite place to write is the Panera near my home, where they make my coffee and prepare my noon meal. Except during lunch time, they are not crowded, so I can spread out my work. Before the pandemic, they called me their writer in residence, and knew my name. I'm eager to get back there.

ABOUT Wilda Morris

Wilda Morris, Workshop Chair, Poets and Patrons of Chicago and past President, Illinois State Poetry Society, has published over 600 poems in anthologies, webzines, and print publications. She has won awards for formal and free verse and haiku, including the 2019 Founders’ Award from the National Federation of State Poetry Societies. Her second poetry book, Pequod Poems: Gamming with Moby-Dick was published in 2019. Her poetry blog features a monthly contest for other poets.

To learn more, follow Wilda and her writing journey at her website on Facebook.

Thanks for chatting, Wilda!

READ MORE ABOUT THE PAGES PENNED IN PANDEMIC!

Pages Penned in Pandemic with Caroline Johnson

Writing will always be a learning experience, and we must take the time we have to continue to grow our understanding of this often mystical process. Caroline Johnson discusses just this and more in today's chat about her pages penned in pandemic.

What does the pandemic currently look like in your city?

Horrific. Chicago has suffered, and there is a current lock down in Illinois.

What are some favorite books you've read during quarantine?

Falling Angel, The Egyptian, and The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek.

If you haven't been reading, what are some books you're most looking forward to reading?

Barack Obama's recent memoir, A Train in Winter, and A Peirogon.

Have there been any movies, tv shows, podcasts, etc. that have helped keep you at ease the past few months?

Recently discovered Blair Hurley's podcasts about writing fiction.

How has the pandemic affected your writing?

I have switched to fiction; I have more time to write now.

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?

I am currently working on a novel; I also have an unpublished poetry manuscript about breast cancer.

If you haven't been able to write, are there any projects you're hoping to work on next?

Another poetry book dedicated to mystical and unseen things.

If asked ten years from now what the past few months have taught you about being a writer, what would come to mind?

Take advantage of all the time you have.

Have there been any fellow writers or people in your life who have helped you stay connected during the pandemic?

Wilda Morris, Georgiann Foley, Pamela Smith-Irowa, a small group that meets weekly for a writing class I'm taking.

Are you a plotter, pantser, or somewhere in between? Has this changed during the pandemic?

Somewhere in between. It hasn't changed. I'm learning how to write fiction.

Where is your favorite place to write? Has this changed during the pandemic?

In our 3-season room, but in winter it is in the living room. I write by hand, then type up what I wrote and edit.

Without too many spoilers, what is your favorite scene / poem you've written since the pandemic began?

A scene in Budapest for my novel.

While the future is just as unknowable as ever, what is something you are most looking forward to this year?

In 2021, I hope to have a draft of my first novel completed.

Is there any advice you would give to young writers during this time?

Butt in chair; get into your interior world.

Is there anything else you would like to share?

Carpe diem.

ABOUT Caroline Johnson

Caroline Johnson has two poetry chapbooks, more than 100 poems in print, and was nominated for a Pushcart Prize and Best of the Net. She lived in Budapest 1992 – 1994 and is the author of The Caregiver (Holy Cow! Press, 2018). She is president of Poets & Patrons of Chicago.

To learn more, follow Caroline and her writing journey at her website on Twitter and Facebook.

Thanks for chatting, Caroline!

READ MORE ABOUT THE PAGES PENNED IN PANDEMIC!

Pages Penned in Pandemic with Meredith Phipps

As writers, we often find ourselves wrapped up in our ability to make sense of the world through words. Meredith Phipps discusses just this and more in today's chat about her pages penned in pandemic.

What does the pandemic currently look like in your city?

I currently live in rural northern Indiana in a small lake town. For me, the pandemic looks like: long walks by the lake, endless hours of online college, quiet nights spent with my family (who I didn't know I would ever live with again), far drives to nowhere, losing faith in people when I go to the grocery store and see people refusing to wear masks, regaining faith in people when I see a long line of cars waiting to drive by a Christmas tree lighting just because, talking to my neighbors by shouting at them across the street, watching the geese fly south for the first time in two years, trying to process emotions that I can't even register yet, feeling thankful, feeling angry, feeling empty, and feeling full.

What are some favorite books you've read during quarantine?

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid, The Mushroom at the End of the World: On the Possibility of Life in Capitalist Ruins by Anna Tsing, and so many wonderful collections of poetry, including Guilty Prayer by Steve Henn and Love and Endless Love by Lilia Marie Ellis.

Have there been any movies, tv shows, podcasts, etc. that have helped keep you at ease the past few months?

“Time Crisis” with Ezra Koenig and Jake Longstreth. I really love watching reality tv and 2000s teen dramas with my roommates! Lately we’ve been watching a lot of dating shows and some classics like Legally Blonde.

How has the pandemic affected your writing?

At the start of the pandemic, I started writing seriously again for the first time in awhile. All of my plans got shaken up and I realized that I hardly knew who I was without them. So after a long time of (regrettably) not letting myself prioritize creativity, I went back to poetry, which is one of the only things that has ever really made me feel completely connected to myself.

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?

I just finished a chapbook I’ve been working on for awhile, and I’m feeling really excited about it. I’m also starting another collection of poems (and some other types of writing and noticing) which centers on the idea of documentation in excess and indulgence in messiness, so I’m really looking forward to playing around with it and seeing what happens.

If asked ten years from now what the past few months have taught you about being a writer, what would come to mind?

The past few months have shown me how essential writing is to knowing myself and to paying attention to what is happening in my life and around it.

Is there anything that excites you about the changes being incited in the publishing world in light of recent events?

I’m so excited about all of the small presses that have emerged and gained traction during this time. I think that valuing and supporting independent presses and their presence in a publishing world that can be so hierarchical (and often harmful as a result) is extremely important.

Where is your favorite place to write? Has this changed during the pandemic?

I love to write on long walks, and I always draft in the notes app of my phone (controversial, I know). I also always have to get out of bed in the middle of the night or jump out of the shower to write down lines, but that’s not really by choice.

If you curated a playlist for writing life in the pandemic, what top 5 songs would be on your list?

1.) "Garden Song" by Phoebe Bridgers

2.) “the hard way" by The Front Bottoms

3.) "Look At Me Now" by Caroline Polachek

4.) "800db cloud" by 100 gecs

5.) "Come Monday" by Jimmy Buffett

Without too many spoilers, what is your favorite poem you've written since the pandemic began?

I wrote and workshopped a truck driver / cowboy poem recently that I have surprisingly grown to really love. I don’t write from the perspective of characters very often, but I think I may have to change that because I found it really creatively freeing to write in a voice that isn’t mine.

While the future is just as unknowable as ever, what is something you are most looking forward to this year?

I am very much looking forward to reading all of the amazing projects that I know so many people are working on, as well as hopefully publishing my own chapbook and starting my undergraduate thesis.

Is there any advice you would give to young writers during this time?

Be kind to yourself and be kind to your work. Even in the moments when you doubt your writing, respect what you put into it and trust that you will love it again soon. Also, don’t be afraid to mess around with different forms and styles - breaking your own rules if half the fun of poetry.

ABOUT Meredith Phipps

Meredith Phipps is a current undergraduate student at Barnard College where she studies English and works as a Writing Fellow. She bounces back and forth between northern Indiana and New York. Her work typically centers on small moments and mundanity and all of the overwhelming emotions that can arise from them. She is an experimental editor for Wrongdoing Magazine. If you want to read her work (she's very flattered).

To learn more, follow Meredith and her writing journey on Twitter and Instagram.

Thanks for chatting, Meredith!

READ MORE ABOUT THE PAGES PENNED IN PANDEMIC!