Literature is an Essential Service

“France’s government mandated confinement lasted from March 13th until May 11th. If we left our homes during these two months, we were required to carry an attestation, signed upon our honor that we were outside for one of five government approved reasons—indispensable work, groceries, medical needs, caregiving, or personal exercise. In the city iconic for its sidewalk cafés, the streets became eerily quiet. Storefronts were dark, locked, or barred with hastily scrolled paper signs: Fermé jusqu’à nouvel ordre.

The accurate translation would be “closed until further notice” but like many other French phrases the literal translation also rings true: Closed until the new order.

During my two confined months, as I waited for further notice, I read twelve books—two paper and ten digital—and listened to four audiobooks. My first novel, Purple Gold, was published as an e-book exclusive, marking the joyful end to a years-long project. I worked fervently on my second book until it coalesced into a completed manuscript. In two months, I had four meetings between my two writing groups and became an official member of the literary association, Paris Lit Up. I had two video-poems published; pitched three essay ideas; gave and conducted an interview; and performed poetry on a livestream fundraiser for the Marine Conservation Society. In my two confined months, I also cried more than I had in the past two years…”

June column for Epiphany Magazine about confinement, literature, and escape.

Read full text here.