Over the course of the winter 2010 edition of S.W.A.T., we're posting brief interviews with each of our participating Writers-in-Residence. We want to give all of you a chance to get to know the amazing people who work so hard to make the S.W.A.T. program a success!
Today we present the first of our twelve writer interviews - with the dynamic Desi Di Nardo.
Desi is a poet and author in Toronto whose work has been published in numerous North American and international journals and anthologies including the Literary Review of Canada, Globe and Mail, Descant and Grain. Her poetry has been performed at the National Arts Centre, featured in Poetry on the Way on the Toronto Transit Commission, and displayed in the Official Residences of Canada. Desi's poems have been studied in schools across the country, translated into several languages, and printed on Starbucks cups. She has also worked as an English professor at George Brown College. Her 2008 collection of poetry, published by Guernica Editions, is titled The Plural of Some Things.
Our Q & A with Desi Di Nardo... after the jump!
NOW HEAR THIS!: What inspired you to become a writer?
Desi Di Nardo: I was an avid reader in school but more significantly, I was highly imaginative and regularly jotted down stories or poems during class, or on road trips with my family, or even before going to bed. I liked to question things and people, I marveled at the natural world – I loved bugs! And I should add I was rather fortunate to have teachers in elementary school who believed in me and constantly encouraged me to seek a career in creative writing.
NHT!: What was your favourite book when you were 15?
DD: Hmm, it's a toss up between Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë and Madame Bovary by Gustave Flaubert. Actually, let me retract that. Wuthering Heights all the way!
NHT!: What recently published book do you wish you could have read when you were 15?
DD: Half of a a Yellow Sun by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. One of the finest books I have read in years!
NHT!: What book(s) are you reading right now?
DD: In terms of fiction, I am starting the chunky Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel. And as for poetry, which is what I prefer reading, I am engrossed in – perhaps a fitting read for this time of year – Winter Garden by Pablo Neruda.
NHT!: What are you writing right now?
DD: I am working on another book of poetry. But I'm also quite occupied with a number of projects at the moment and my focus is being stretched in various directions. I like to stay as disciplined as possible when it comes to the craft of writing but I am also realistic and realize other tasks await – stuff called life, really. I am of the mindset that when the muse is ready it will summon me.
NHT!: Where is your favourite place to write?
DD: In my canoe.
NHT!: Do you do a lot of research when you’re writing fiction or poetry?
DD: Very little actually as I often write from personal experience. Sometimes it's necessary though depending, of course, on what I am working on and depending on how that additional data could help sculpt the piece.
NHT!: Do you write with an audience in mind or just for yourself?
DD: To be honest, I don't believe I write with an intended audience in mind. Writing for me is a fairly subconscious process so I suspect if I'm overly aware of my audience, I may consciously tailor my work to target or suit a certain readership and I think when you do that you run the risk of creating something that may not be as honest and personal.
NHT!: What was the first thing you published and (if you don’t mind us asking) how old were you?
DD: The very first article of writing published was a poem when I was about eleven or twelve years old. But in a more professional sense, my first more “serious” work was a book review (ironically on the art of writing poetry), and it was printed in the Literary Review of Canada some time after I graduated from university.
NHT!: What’s the best advice you received as a young writer?
DD: When I was contemplating a PhD in English or creative writing at the University of Toronto, I had the great fortune of meeting a professor who took the time to prod me with questions regarding my wish to pursue a PhD. He gave me invaluable advice, which propelled me down the path of poet/writer. He said, “If you really want to write, then write. Don't waste time.”
NHT!: What advice do you have for young writers who are trying to get published?
DD: I wholeheartedly believe people intent on entering the literary world mustn't give up. It may seem daunting for a young writer at first, however if one is disciplined, determined, and gifted, then it would be an awful shame if he or she did not follow their dream. As well, rejection letters are not a measure of your talent; instead, view them as merely constructive criticisms and be prepared to work even more diligently the next time. Plus, always remember: that's just one person's perspective. Throughout history there have been countless accounts of esteemed writers who were initially turned away. Take it as a challenge and get set to leap any lofty hurdles which may obstruct your path in order to arrive at the place your heart desires.
Look out for our next writer interview with Aaron Tucker. It will be posted to the NOW HEAR THIS! blog on Monday, March 1!
