Writing during this rough time

Spoiler: Writing is connecting

Hi friends,

It’s been a little while. Between the events since November and a few (fortunately non-serious) health issues, it’s been challenging to muster words of any kind.

Mostly, like many writers I’ve been hearing from, I keep questioning whether what I’m writing matters, whether it’s possible for a novel—even a queer, feminist one—to make any kind of difference or if I should give up my pen for a protest sign. If I should use every free minute I have to make phone calls and write letters to my elected officials instead of sitting behind a computer screen.

And of course those things are important to do. But lately I’ve been reminded, in big and small ways, that the whole point of this mad project we call writing—and art in general—matters more than ever during times of oppression and deep division. No matter whether you’re published or not, or how big or small your readership, the invitation you’re extending with your words will reach someone who needs it.

In recent months I’ve been asked to read a handful of books that weren’t on my radar because they’re either self-published or genres I don’t usually read or published by small presses I hadn’t heard of. In all of these cases, I was happy to be introduced to the author and the ideas they’re wrestling with in their work. It’s been a great reminder that engaging with art is allowing yourself to be led on a stranger’s journey, through all its complexity. It’s turning yourself over to an experience that someone else has created for you. And ultimately, hopefully, recognizing something of yourself in it.

This is why every one of us at some point picks up a pen or a book (or an instrument or a favorite band’s new album or…)—out of the desire to connect. To know that someone else has felt something that’s always made us feel so alone, to shed light on a problem that seems to have no solution, to share another person’s joy or triumph, to join them on a grand adventure.

The whole project of art (for me) is to foster connection, no matter the medium, genre, or topic. And if we need anything right now, it’s a way into one another’s hearts and minds. It’s a way to feel seen and heard and to see and hear other people, especially ones we’ve never met before.

So please keep writing and making your art. No matter what it’s about, I’m betting it matters. Keep going to libraries and museums and concerts. Keep reaching out to the people you love. And if you’re up for it, go out into the streets with your signs, call your elected officials (5calls.org is a great place to start if you’ve never done this before), and volunteer in your communities.

This morning, I’m grateful for this chance to connect with you. And I look forward to next time.

Yours,

Jen