Darryl Salach

how would you describe what you do?
Some clear-thinking individuals might tell you that spending as much time as I do writing poetry is a complete waste of time. They will tell you, no one reads the stuff. They’re right in every regard but my feeling is Big Media just hasn’t quite figured out what to make of poetry or what time-slot it rightly fits in.

what are you currently working on?
I’m currently working on the 5th issue of my literary journal, The Toronto Quarterly. Hopefully, it will be in print by early March sometime. Keep your fingers crossed.

what has had the greatest influence on your work?
Well, with my own writing, the turbulence that I’ve been handed in my life has certainly given me a wealth of subject matter in which to write about and it has taught me to never give up on myself no matter how difficult things can get. I have a tendency to attract rather dark clouds these days. I pray for more sunshine.

what is the greatest misconception about you or your work?
I’m not sure what misconceptions about me would be out there. If there are some, they’re out of my control and I could care less about them.

what do you see as the main strengths and weaknesses of the medium you work in?
Good poetry usually seems to invariably reflect in words the energy and pulse of society and the issues inherent to that society in good times and bad, so that’s a definite strength. The fact that not many people read poetry would be a major weakness.

how has technology impacted upon the work you do?
Yes, the times they are a changin’! Digital technology is changing every facet of our lives…scary but true. SAVE BOOKS!!!!! BUY BOOKS!!!! READ BOOKS!!!!!

what’s the greatest piece of advice you would like to pass on?
Stick your ego in the drawer and be prepared to fail. Sylvia Plath once said: “I love my rejection slips. They show me I try.”

where can we find you online?
I’m on facebook and twitter. My blog/webpage is thetorontoquarterly.blogspot.com

what are you reading at the moment?
I’m reading many different things at the moment. But I purchased the complete works of Anne Sexton as a Christmas gift to myself and am loving it. I’m a big Sexton fan!

what are you listening to at the moment?
I listen to a lot of Dylan in times of distress and with the earthquake and distruction in Haiti, Mr. Dylan is filling the void.

anything else we should know?
Nope.