Poetry Worth Talking About

Since 2006, celebrated poet Margaret Christakos has spent plenty of Wednesday evenings talking poetry with some of the most vibrant writers and students currently engaged with Canadian poetry. Many a week, they meet at the University of Toronto's School of Continuing Studies to discuss a particular book. One poet reads, and another offers a critical response. And then everyone dives in.

Now you can join the conversation.

In April, the fifteen-member Editorial Group launched influencysalon.ca, an online magazine with a passion for Canadian poetry. Their first issue alone offers poetry and critical analysis from Sina Queyras, Jacqueline Larson, M. NourbeSe Philip, Sue Sinclair, Lola Tostevin, and Phil Hall, as well as critical work from a host of other writers and original poetry by a.rawlings.

Each issue of Influency Salon will strive to emphasize that poetry matters: "to us, to you, to cities, to air, to culture". Using digital media to its fullest, each issue of Influency Salon will feature original essays by guest poet-essayists and audio readings by the poets under discussion. You'll also find shorter writings called 'measures' on each feature book, and unique essays called 'outflows.' Between issues, the magazine will offer brief reviews of poetry books, long essays, and poetry resources.

Subscriptions are free.