Nick Piombino

Nick Piombino guest edited OCHO 14. He opened his ongoing weblog fait accompli in February 2003. His latest books are fait accompli (Factory School) and Free Fall (Otoliths), a collage novel containing over 150 full color images. Contradicta, with illustrations by Toni Simon is due this fall from Green Integer.

Interview

What projects are you currently on? (Include issue #s, books, chapbooks, broadsides, special projects, print and web).

I’m working on the November issue of OCHO and the second volume of writing from my weblog fait accompli. The first volume was published in January 2007 by Factory School.

What has been your biggest challenge as a poetry publisher/editor?

Keeping the number of writers for the issue within the OCHO guidelines. Keeping Didi Menendez happy.

Do you regret any paths you have followed as a publisher/editor?

Not getting started in publishing/editing much sooner.

Name one poet who has not appeared in your publication which you would love to have included and why.

Heather O’Neill, who wrote Lullabies for Little Criminals. I didn’t follow through with finding her address.

Who is the designer of your web site and how much input do you have in the design of the web site and the other design elements including covers for books, etc.?

My blog is fait accompli. Various people have helped with design and technical aspects through the years. My wife, the artist Toni Simon, contributed most of my book covers, as well as the OCHO 14 cover. Didi Menendez & I.M. Bess work on the design of OCHO.

What recognitions have you received as a publisher/editor?

OCHO 14 was favorably reviewed by Ron Silliman on his blog and Nick Manning in Jacket.

What are some of your other interests?

I write poetry and essays and make collages. My collaboration with Toni Simon titled Contradicta (with aphorisms by me and collages by her) will be published by Green Integer.

What is your favorite poem as of today and why?

Although I really don’t have a single favorite poem, and though he is not my favorite poet, I would have to say And Death Shall Have No Dominion by Dylan Thomas. This is probably because I memorized it when I was very young, and, as a result, think of it often.

Recommend a poetry book, blog or web site to our audience (not from one of your press) and why.

If you still haven’t read it, read V. Imp by Nada Gordon or her latest book Folly. Nada Gordon’s work makes you think, and better yet, reminds you to think for yourself, to laugh and to love life.

What is the most exciting aspect of being a poetry publisher/editor?

Editing an issue of a magazine is like making a collage that can place the work you admire in its best light, so it can be enjoyed and appreciated by others.

Leave us with a recipe for poetry.

With compassion, and while remaining truthful to yourself and life, write what actually goes actually goes through your mind. Mutter musically. Don’t impress.