The April Poems: Day Three

While the first two days of the April Poems challenge might’ve felt like a fluke, here’s hoping you’re beginning to build a daily writing habit. There is power in claiming creativity for your own.

Maybe you’ll write about twinkle lights that feel more like stars. Or maybe you’ll conjure the perfect recipe for spiced cider. Perhaps there will be stanzas stuck in a circus tent with the magic you remember from childhood. Curate a collection of ticket stubs from your favorite places you never wish to forget.

Whatever it may be, I hope you’ll write without looking back.

Pages Penned in Pandemic with Dónal Fogarty

Writers often discover certain ideas that feel more special than others, making it more troublesome than ever to let them slip by. Dónal Fogarty's short story, "Tomorrow, James, and the Blue Cat," explores ideas in all their forms, and is now available to read in the print collective! Until then, I'm excited to chat about Dónal's pages penned in pandemic.

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

Finishing my Masters, teaching online, and marking student papers means that if I want to still have my eyesight when all this is over, I've had to curtail my reading for pleasure.

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

Nikki Marmery's debut On Wilder Seas—a ridiculously well researched novel based on an unbelievably true, true story. And for some much need laughter, I'm looking forward to re-reading The Peculiar Memories of Thomas Penman by Bruce Robinson.

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

I don't really want to hear the news much now. But at the start of the pandemic, BBC Radio 4, in typical stoic British stiff upper style, played out their 'PM' news program with uplifting tunes chosen by the listeners. When they ended the show with Ry Cooder's “I think it's going to work fine,” it became an anthem in our house.

How has the pandemic affected your writing?

As working from home blurs into home life and with my five-year-old son at home all the time, it's been almost impossible to find the time to think about my writing.

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

I should follow my own advice (see my advice to young writers below).

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

I've been overwhelmed by the generosity of established writers from all genres who have put on 'pay what can' webinars on the craft of writing.

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

My Masters dissertation, grounded in and inspired by current events, received a distinction - so maybe those in positions of power are listening to artists and other people imagining a better post-COVID world.

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

I'm a recidivist pantser—I even wrote about this condition on my blog.

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

My kingdom for a quiet place to write!

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

“Gross Encounter of the Third Kind,” a short story hiding within a poem. However, the grossness of the incident it recounts will ensure that this particular piece of tomfoolery will never find a home.

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

It doesn't matter what 'time' it is; keep writing, keep reading, repeat. Others will give up. If you hang in there, someone will find you and your work.

Is there anything else you would like to share?

I was delighted to volunteer as a reader for the Wilbur Niso Smith Foundation this summer. The entries from the young writers to their Author of Tomorrow Competition were so original and pleasure to read.

ABOUT Dónal Fogarty

Dónal’s fictional and factual works span a variety of genres. He teaches academic communication at colleges on both sides of the Atlantic. His irreverent spoken word poetry on a theme of education has been performed at the University of Nottingham and Exeter College, Oxford. He has also written and edited scripts for the UK stage and radio. He is currently seeking representation.

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

Thanks for chatting, Dónal!

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Pages Penned in Pandemic with Ben Nardolilli

When the pandemic began, there were spaces in which the wild took over. Ben Nardolilli's poem, "Zoonotic," explores this wildnerness, and is now available to read in the print collective! Until then, I'm excited to chat about Ben's pages penned in pandemic.

What does the pandemic currently look like in your city?

It's heating up again in parts of it. People generally still wear masks.

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

Middlesex and Black Reconstruction in America.

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

“Schitt's Creek.”

How has the pandemic affected your writing?

I finished a novel.

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?

Finishing some short stories.

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

How little isolation changes being a writer for the most part.

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

Yes.

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

Not really.

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

I worry about an end of readings and bookstores closing.

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

A plotter?

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

My room. No.

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

1.) “Little Sister” by Nico

2.) “Djohariah” by S. Stevens

3.) “Blue Condition” by Cream

4.) “Maybe this Time” from Cabaret

5.) “NY Girls” by Steeleye Span

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

I wrote a play within a play for a novel I finished this summer. That was nice.

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

Maybe going home for Christmas.

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

Keep writing and remember writers have put words to paper in worse pandemics.

ABOUT Ben Nardolilli

Ben Nardolilli currently lives in New York City. His work has appeared in Perigee Magazine, Red Fez, Danse Macabre, The 22 Magazine, Quail Bell Magazine, Elimae, The Northampton Review, Local Train Magazine, The Minetta Review, and Yes Poetry. He blogs at mirrorsponge.blogspot.com and is trying to publish his novels.

To learn more, follow Ben and his writing journey at his website.

Thanks for chatting, Ben!

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The April Poems: Day Two

With the first day officially behind us, the only thing to do is keep writing! And with three words and a little encouragement, I hope you’ll do just that.

While beginnings may be the toughest place to start, there is something wonderful about putting words on the page without looking back. Pressures melt away and begin to strengthen our creative muscles.

Maybe you’ll write about that secret street in a city you’re only visiting, a place where you can easily disappear. Or maybe you’ll endeavor to expound upon the perfect shade of acrylic blue paint that took you too many tries to mix. Perhaps there will be stanzas stuck in the passenger seat during a road trip, views of the ocean so perfect you must pen a poem. Curate a collection of Polaroids filled with endless faces of friends you haven’t seen in too many years.

Whatever it may be, I hope you’ll write without looking back.

Pages Penned in Pandemic with Jerica Taylor

Too many allow the small moments of the day to slip by without notice. Jerica Taylor's poem, "For the Hopeless Scroll Under the Swipe of Your Finger," reminds us to pay attention to these moments, and is now available to read in the print collective! Until then, I'm excited to chat about Jerica's pages penned in pandemic.

What does the pandemic currently look like in your city?

I live in a small town where people are conscientious with mask wearing and safety, and restaurants and schools are open again, though not everyone is comfortable about how quickly that happened. The town is almost at its normal level of activity though many people who can stay home are doing so. Neighboring towns are going up in their reported number of cases, so a return to lockdown might be in our future.

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

“The Untamed,” a Chinese fantasy drama with a beautiful romance and so many incredible characters.

How has the pandemic affected your writing?

I have a young kiddo, so my time has been even more sparse with distance learning and the disappearance of our usual routine and activities. I learned a lot about myself and how frequently I set my own work aside for things that I viewed as more important. When I made the decision to make my writing a priority in my own mind, I found a new sense of purpose and energy. Laundry and dishes and yoga and all of the things I thought I had to do first before I was allowed to do what I wanted shifted into deliberate choices. What did I want to do most? Sometimes it was write a poem, then do the laundry. Often it was skip exercise and read instead. The act of making the choice—being intentional about what I did with what little emotional energy I had—saved me from exhaustion day after day.

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 writing linked flash stories about a person who stress bakes in space and their alien crew mates are baffled by the whole thing.

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

WRITE WHAT YOU WANT! I mean it in all-caps, full voice enthusiasm. Write where inspiration takes you, no matter how weird, no matter how certain you are that you don't write that kind of thing, or you're not good at that type of writing. WRITE WHATEVER THE HECK YOU WANT.

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

I've met so many wonderful, supportive, incredibly talented writers on twitter who are publishing in small online journals and presses - and the people running the journals and presses!

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

So many small and independent journals and presses! Virtual readings! Videos of poets reading their own work and their favorite poems by other writers aloud!

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

Your words matter! They matter to you - and there's someone out there who needs them, too.

ABOUT Jerica Taylor

Jerica Taylor is a non-binary neurodivergent queer cook, birder, and chicken herder. Their work has appeared in Schuylkill Valley Journal, Postscript, Stone of Madness, and perhappened. She lives with her wife and young daughter in Western Massachusetts.

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

Thanks for chatting, Jerica!

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The April Poems: Day One

Today marks the beginning of the month-long challenge of writing one poem (or for you non-poets, a journal entry, short story, novel excerpt, etc.) every day.

One best friend has provided three words, the other has sent a photo, and I have collaged an aesthetic board to fuel your creativity! So what are you waiting for?

Maybe you’ll write about the night you blew out a candle three minutes before midnight. Or maybe you’ll craft a a cathartic rendering of the tree you left in the backyard of your childhood home. Perhaps there will be stanzas about the steeping tea or wandering through the garden of an abandoned estate. Curate a collection of vintage envelopes filled to the brim with dandelions, just waiting for a wish.

Whatever it may be, I hope you’ll write without looking back.

Pages Penned in Pandemic with Justine Gardner

As writers, we never know when inspiration will strike. Justine Gardner 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 New York City, so getting scary (again). Keep waiting for the other shoe to drop.

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

The Mirror and the Light by Hilary Mantel was a definite highlight.

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

“Lovecraft Country,” “The Mandalorian,” and “The Great British Bake-Off.”

How has the pandemic affected your writing?

During the first shutdown, with the kid home from daycare it was impossible to write anything at first. But inspiration was as vibrant, if not more so, than ever.

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

I really recommend a door your can close. And lock.

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

Kitchen table. It's the only place in the apartment to write, so it is what I make do with at 5:30 a.m. before the rest of the household wakes up.

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

I started a series of epistolary poems set in a kind of Downton Abbey world where the matron doesn't realize that the life she knows is ending due to catastrophic climate change. I love thinking about her world and how she is perceiving the collapse around her as an annoyance.

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

Inauguration day.

ABOUT Justine Gardner

Justine Gardner is a former dog trainer, a past pizzeria proprietor, and a current freelance copy editor and writer. She was born, reared, and still resides in Brooklyn, New York.

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

Thanks for chatting, Justine!

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Reason Enough

April always feels like new beginnings. Perhaps this is proximity to springtime, the sun returning after too many months of grey skies. Or maybe, focusing on filling an empty page every day is reason enough to feel the magic of possibility.

You see, dear reader, April is National Poetry Month, which means I will once again attempt to pen a poem each day. If successful, I will have written thirty new poems. While I have challenged myself for the last three years, 2020 was the first in which I found true success.

Throughout the past month or so, I found myself looking back. And I stumbled upon the exploration of last year’s challenge in What We Called the April Poems. But seeing as we’re one day away from April, I’m excited to extend an invitation to poets and writers alike to join me in this pursuit!

What does this challenge entail?

Combine three rules with a dash of inspiration and you get the April Poems. I will be posting daily on this blog with three words and some inspiring aesthetics. Here’s hoping that you, dear readers and writers, will share your triumphs and trials faced during this next month.

Rule #1: Three words

The most important rule is the implementation of three words. There is no word count, no strict structure to the pieces written, only these words as a guide. Instead of seeing them as a limitation, they’ve always forced me to flex my creative muscles a bit more than usual. Assigned by the best friend, I have no way of knowing ahead of time where the words will take me.

Rule #2: Stream-of-Consciousness

As I have always been habitual in my need to overthink, this commitment to stream-of-consciousness writing ensures I don’t have the capacity to get stuck in my mind. Explained a little more concisely, the style of SOC captures a continuous flow of uninterrupted thoughts. And staying true to the fleeting feel of words without editing continues to hone my voice and strengthen the craft of my poetry.

Rule #3: Don’t look back

While this may seem like it goes hand-in-hand with the second rule, I can assure you, this extends beyond the moment of writing. Throughout the month, I don’t look back to find a theme or central character or to edit any previous days' poems. However, like many writers, my obsessions still exist. There is a bit of a treasure hunt that occurs once the month concludes and I read the poems in full, laying the groundwork for a possible chapbook or collection. As humans, we’re constantly making connections.

Though the last year has been anything but normal, I do find a sense of comfort in tradition, in dreaming big, in creative pursuits. Sure, I have no idea where these April Poems will take me. And yes, I know many writers can’t face any other unknowns. Even if you only write one poem or journal entry, a short story or opening to your next novel, there is power to be found in community. This lesson is one I’m grateful to have learned from my writing group and the phenomenal authors we had the honor of publishing in Pages Penned in Pandemic: A Collective.

No matter the chaos or darkness of the world, I have hope that together we will craft some new words into existence. Sharing stories is something I will never take for granted. Here’s to the next new beginning.

Pages Penned in Pandemic with Paul Beckman

There is a lovely rhythm to be found in the routine of writing and editing. Paul Beckman 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?

People mask up in stores but not so much in parks and town green.

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

What Are the Chances?, Going Short, Root, Branch, Tree, and Jack Reacher novels by Lee Child.

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

Anything by Charles Wiliford, Raymond Chandler, Dashell Hammett.

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

With cable there's always something to watch that's not news.

How has the pandemic affected your writing?

Slowed it a bit.

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?

New collection of flash—just finished and proofing now.

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

I like being alone with my rescue dog.

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

Definitely.

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

I run a Zoom reading series and am loving that.

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

Going from 4 majors down to 3 is not a good idea.

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

Pantser all the way.

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

Bedroom overlooking the back yard.

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

1.) Stevie Wonder

2.) Ain't Misbehaven

3.) Billy Joel

4.) Ray Charles

5.) Chopin

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

My new collection of attached stories featuring Mirsky.

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

Tomorrow.

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

Write, edit, write, read aloud, edit.

ABOUT Paul Beckman

Paul Beckman’s a Connecticut writer whose latest flash collection, Kiss Kiss (Truth Serum Press) was a finalist for the 2019/2020 Indie Book Awards. Some of his stories have appeared in Spelk, Anti-Heroin Chic, Necessary Fiction, Fictive Dream, Pank, Playboy, WINK, and The Lost Balloon. He had a story selected for the 2020 National Flash Fiction Day Anthology and was short-listed in the Strands International Flash Fiction Competition. Paul curates the monthly FBomb NY flash fiction reading series.

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

Thanks for chatting, Paul!

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Pages Penned in Pandemic with Jeana Jorgensen

Throughout the life of any artist, there may be times when it feels like our creative spark has been extinguished forever, but this is not true. Jeana Jorgensen 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?

Here in Indianapolis, many people are still going out unmasked and dining indoors. We have correspondingly high case rates. It's not pretty.

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

The new graphic novel The Magic Fish by Trung Le Nguyen was amazing. I also devoured fantasy and sci-fi novels like The Cruel Prince, Gideon the Ninth, Empress of Forever, The Bear and the Nightingale, Artificial Condition, and The Starless Sea. In terms of nonfiction, I devoured Dying of Whiteness and Angry White Men.

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

Dark as it is, I've been enjoying Westworld these days.

How has the pandemic affected your writing?

I barely wrote for the first 3/4 of the year. I was just trying to make it through a semester where suddenly I had to learn to teach online. Then I was unemployed over the summer, and I managed to write (and publish!) a few personal essays. In the fall, some of my writing inspiration came back, and so I've been blogging more, and writing poetry, too.

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 might start doing some freelance writing and consulting work, so I'm excited to investigate those opportunities!

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

When I haven't been writing, I've been baking with my sourdough starter (I like to think I was doing it before it was cool) and trying to learn new dance styles online. I'm also a professional dancer, and while there haven't been as many performance opportunities, I've managed to do a few virtual shows with my troupe and as a soloist, which has been a neat change of pace.

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

I've learned not to despair when it feels like the spark is gone and may never return.

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

Yes! I have writer friends on Twitter and Facebook, and we sometimes look over each other's work and send messages of inspiration. Feeling like I'm part of a community (a sorta weirdly knit grouping of fairy-tale scholars, fantasy writers, and other academics and misfits) have been hugely helpful.

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

I'm still finding my way into publishing, but I think it's amazing that we can connect online now more than ever; I've been able to attend some Zoom webinars with folks I might not have been able to hear speak otherwise.

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

Again, I'm new to a lot of this, though I've been publishing my academic work for years. I guess I worry that as more of us are working from home, the culture of capitalist overwork will continue to creep in and drain us all.

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

In fiction I'm a plotter, which is why I haven't written much of it lately (I get stuck too easily in the overzealous attempt to plot EVERYTHING out in advance). In poetry I'm definitely a pantser.

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

I'll write anywhere! I miss writing in cafes, so while at home it's either at the dining room table or on the couch...either way, I can make a cup of tea while I write, which is nice.

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

I love how, in one poem retelling a fairy tale, I have the image of birds transforming back into humans: "reverse origami."

ABOUT Jeana Jorgensen

Jeana Jorgensen has a PhD in folklore from Indiana University. She researches gender and sexuality in fairy tales and fairy-tale retellings, folk narrative more generally, body art, dance, sex education, and feminist/queer theory. While most of her time goes to teaching college courses and publishing research on the above, she has recently returned to writing fiction and poetry. Her poetry has appeared at Strange Horizons, Liminality, Stone Telling, Enchanted Conversation, and Mirror Dance among other venues. She blogs at Patheos and is constantly on Twitter.

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

Thanks for chatting, Jeana!

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