One thing that we love most about putting pen to paper is that process of slowing down. So our chance to interview Slowing author Rachel Schwartzmann felt like the perfect meeting of minds. In an age where ‘busy’ is top in our daily vocabulary, Rachel’s writing invites us to pause and explore the beauty, power and meaning of living more intentionally in these digital days.
Rachel began writing about this topic with her much-loved project Slow Stories, and we’re over the moon that her debut book – filled with thoughtful prompts and reflective words – is released on 17th September.
What’s the book you always gift to friends?
I actually like to give friends gift cards so they can buy a book they’ve been wanting forever—or so they can pick up a new title that might catch their eye. But if I had to give one book, it would probably be one of Mary Oliver’s poetry collections… The Book of Delights by Ross Gay is another great option!
Which book have you reread the most?
I haven’t been re-reading as much lately, but I’ve gone back to The Girls by Emma Cline, Sweetbitter by Stephanie Danler, and Wintering by Katherine May.
Which book reminds you of home?
The Anthropologists by Ayşegül Savaş. This is a newer read, but one I now definitely associate with the beauty/complexity of home and daily life.
What are you reading at the moment?
The Folded Clock by Heidi Julavits.
What are your reading habits like?
I try to read every day. It varies depending on the mood I’m in. I mostly like to read at night in bed, which feels like the ultimate luxury!
What was your path to becoming an author?
My path was slow and not always so steady. Put simply, I had always wanted to write, and I thought I would initially go into magazines. When I was applying for colleges, I started a style-centric Tumblr blog to include in applications, and that blog ended up becoming a content business that I ran for years. But I got to a point where I was very plugged in—creating content, living in service of a cultural narrative that championed work above all else, and so on—and very far away from what I had initially set out to do: write. In tandem with this realisation, I’d also started a podcast (now podcast/newsletter) called Slow Stories, where I was speaking with other creative professionals about their relationship with pace in the digital landscape. That project ultimately laid the groundwork for Slowing. I’ve really settled into the writing life and am curious to see where it will take me next!
What is the importance of telling stories?
It’s important because storytelling is life. Whether you’re telling stories through language, painting, or dance, it’s universal. Stories remind us of our humanity.
How would you describe your writing process in five words?
Slow, layered, thoughtful, attentive, surprising.
Which three other authors or literary characters would you choose as housemates?
So hard to narrow it down! The authors Miranda July, Coco Mellors, and Mieko Kawakami immediately come to mind.
Your book explores the process of slowing down and stepping away from the pace of daily life. Does pen & paper help you do this – if so, how?
Absolutely! Funnily enough, my handwriting is notoriously hard to read, so pen and paper help me really take my time in making sure everything is legible.
Does the way you use stationery change throughout the seasons?
It does, actually. I tend to ramp up card and letter-writing around the holidays, and it definitely reminds me of the magic that comes with receiving snail mail!
Which Papier product is top of your wish list?
I ordered the Classic Border notecard set for Slowing’s launch, and I have a couple of the monogrammed leather journals, and some new letter writing paper.
Like what you’ve read and want to follow Rachel’s writing journey? Follow her on Instagram this way.
