Featured Poet Richard Wink Interviewed
Richard is the editor of Gloom Cupboard (my write-up here) and you can see his other poems here and here. Now you can also find out a bit more about him…
Tell us about your poems.
My poems are direct and to the point. They offer glimpses into mundane existence, yet like a tempting scab they hide malevolent confessions and fruitless dreamscapes.
I write because I enjoy drifting in and out of consciousness. It’s an escape, which is quite handy because I’m always looking to run away from something.
Right now I’m working on an ambitious collection of one hundred and sixty poems; it’s very much Desperate Housewives meets Revolutionary Road.
How long have you been writing?
I’ve been writing for about nine years. I first picked up the knack during an English Literature class where I knocked up a poem about a hedgehog, during that time the only poet I really enjoyed reading was Carol Ann Duffy, she really brought poetry to life for me.
Do you have any publications to your name? What’s the next stage for your work?
Yes, quite a few. I suppose highlights would be getting a poem featured in Aesthetica Magazine and having six chapbooks published by various small presses. It’s always far sweeter when you see your words on paper. I was also perversely proud when I got a poem published by my old University’s paper under a dubious pseudonym.
Like with most poets the ultimate accomplishment would be to get a full book length manuscript published. That’s what I’m going to try and aim to do in the next couple of years. Then I’ll retire at 27.
What do you think is your biggest poetic achievement to date?
Having people (other then friends and family) compliment my writing. That meant a lot to me.
What’s the best thing about writing poetry? And the worst?
Best: Creating something out of nothing. That’s a real buzz. Particularly when I’m struck by the divine hand of inspiration and the ideas just come, like magic.
Worst: When the devil on your shoulder begins to talk during the editing phase. Casting doubt on everything you’ve just written.
Got any suggestions for young, upcoming poets?
Read as much poetry as you can and never take yourself too seriously.
There is no such thing as writer’s block. Only temporary loss of inspiration.
Also when you begin to submit poetry, embrace rejection, don’t take it personally.
Who/what influences your poetry?
Music. I always write with music on in the background.
As far as writers, obviously I’ve mentioned Carol Ann Duffy. I also dig the poetry of Anne Sexton, and appreciate her madness and eccentricity. Haruki Murakami and Lester Bangs are handy wordsmiths and my own personal Jesuses.
Footnote
Sitting
I notice too many toothpaste stains
on the sleeve of my famous blue
dressing gown.
Has it come to
tired eyes and
slow thoughts
to clear a path
and yell
I’ve finally run out
of ideas?
Want to be a Featured Poet? Send a couple of poems and a quick cover letter to claire@onenightstanzas.com!
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Tags: advice for young writers, featured poet richard wink, publishing, resources for young writers, young poets