Daily Inspiration: Meet Monica Salazar

Today we’d like to introduce you to Monica Salazar

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I always loved writing. When I was young my mother told me to write in my diary everyday – from the mundane to the exciting. My first official journal was an 8th grade graduation gift from my mother and she wrote, “ I can’t wait to see your book published.” Thirty-two years later I have written my first poetry book, “Wisdom Looks Good on Her.” I am looking forward to working with Alegria Publishing with Davina Ferreira and have multiple copies of my book for sale by next year.
The title was inspired by the idea that being a good person and/or being a powerful person does not mean anything if it is not backed with wisdom. Wisdom comes from so many lessons that I am still learning with humility and grace. I hope this book gives others permission to heal in order to become the best versions of themselves or most authentic version of themselves. Expressing emotions through words and art in safe spaces has been the most expansive experience. The poetry community and poetry in general has been the only space where I can truly feel and be myself without judgement. Aside from becoming an author, my first creative endeavor and business started in 2020 with Typaway Poetry, creating on the spot poems.

With a vintage typewriter I channel my energy and emotions into words or poetry for others. I ask them questions like “What are a few words you can give me that are resonating with you right now?” People have shared with me their whole life story, breakups, or just words of encouragement they need at the moment. I am always so honored and grateful that they feel safe to share their inner world. From these encounters I write up a poem where they feel seen and heard. It’s a beautiful experience and exchange that I absolutely cherish. We could all use a little vulnerability and safe spaces and people to make the world a little brighter.

The journey to this space as an artist all started in 2020. The pandemic isolated yet united us. So many of us cut out distractions and asked questions as to what truly matters. Reading and writing poetry became a peace and prayer that comforted me during this time. I realized I could offer this to others. The only reason I thought of this was because it was given to me. When my late mother was sick with cancer, she wrote me a poem at one of her longer visits at the hospital. I remember feeling so seen and heard and believed I could also offer this comfort to my community as well. Poetry has the power to connect and unite us – this was most especially needed during this disconnected scary time. Since then, Typaway Poetry has brought me so much fulfillment and expansion as an artist. I now write at different events and gatherings across Los Angeles typing up poems from a vintage typewriter. I have worked with small and large businesses across Los Angeles conducting poetry workshops that cultivate inner connectedness and divine self love. These workshops and/or on demand poetry have been in collaboration with businesses like Persona the Shop, Simple Threads, Mas Amor, Bella Dona, LATINAfest, Typewriters Anonymous, and Nordstroms. I have worked closely with non-profits and museums like LA Poet Society, La Plaza de Cultura de Artes, American Cancer Society, Segerstrom Center for the Arts, and the Goddess Mercado as their resident poet. Through Goddess Mercado I was awarded with a Certification of Recognition by United States House of Representatives by Member of Congress Jimmy Gomez commending my dedication to uplifting my beloved community of Los Angeles through the power of art.

In 2023 I decided to write my own book with the guidance of the amazing USC professor and poet Hiram Sims at the Community Literature Initiative program. This class shaped and sharpened me as a poet and has given me the gift of community that I cherish like family. The release of my soon to be published book, “Wisdom Looks Good on Her,” is a collection of poems about experiences as a 4th generation Mexican-American daughter, sister, friend, lover, artist and human. I’ve been featured at many mics across Los Angeles since and excited to share more of my work in the future as a published author. My book explores the notion of cultivating wisdom through the trial and error of life while learning lessons that shaped me for the better. As a brown skinned woman, I write unapologetically from the heart in a world that places me in either a hypersexual box or demands me to become a typical traditional Latina. I am neither of these things yet all of these qualities. Through my ancestry and the women before me, I carry their greatest gifts of nourishment, passion and love while healing the curses like playing small or being “too much.” As a motherless daughter since the age of 25 – I have also navigated the world in remothering myself and my poetry reflects this. As a 4th generation Mexican-American I have also learned the pain of not knowing the language due to various factors but also advocate for myself in the fact that it is not my fault and should not be shamed or told I am not “brown enough.” I’ve learned through life experiences of love and loss how to be a good, strong Latina but I’ve also found my greatest strength through my vulnerability, softness and being kind to myself. I’ve learned to feel to heal and do so without shame. This mindset doesn’t always play it safe or “act normal or traditional” but I think it allows permission for others to do the same and explore the deeper parts of themselves that go against the norm. My poetry sheds light on the hardest times in my life to the most beautiful and extraordinary moments. It brings hearts to heal through words and imagery others like me can relate to. I wish for my words to bring peace, healing and most importantly comfort and inner connectedness to the greatest love of your life, you and god. You’re never alone and you are so loved.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It has never been a smooth road. I believe every artist in LA who braves pursuing their gifts instead of playing it safe knows the struggle.
I am a one man band when it comes to crafting and fine tuning my gift as a poet and writer. It takes a long of discipline and time and sacrafice. I pride myself in showing up to events big and small with the attitude that I am valuable and needed.
I believe when this happens you find your tribe and community which always helps carry you through the mentally and emotionally stressful moments along the way. I am blessed to have a rich support system, otherwise I wouldn’t be able to get through the hard and scary parts.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
For my on demand poetry, it is channeled through immediate exchange of energy and emotion from others. My own work is written from personal experiences and deep insights of the world around me. I always try to contrast my personal and add timely elements of what’s going on in the world to show that the personal is universal. As a Latina I also write heavy on family memories and the importance of remembering our loved ones that paved the way. Growing up with my father translating rancheros and boleros – my love poems are probably influenced by the passion and dramatism or hopeless romanticism that these songs embody. My work is deeply personal and spiritual and mostly healing when it comes to my self love poetry as well. Writing for others has also helped me in my own personal poetry in understanding my audience and what others need to hear.

I have found that writing a book has allowed me to tape into parts of myself that are deeply personal but so relatable. This powerful way of storytelling allows others to feel less alone but also do the same.

I have adjusted my life to cultivate, protect and grow nourish this gift which has brought me to many places and spaces. Through Typaway Poetry, I’ve met people who open up to me about their heartaches, triumphs, love life and life – in return I write them a poem. They are met with tears in their eyes all because I listened with intention and love. This has been the most fulfilling part of my process. As a poet I believe we are needed more than ever to offer allowance and permission to be vulnerable and courageous. This is the medicine the world needs, more than ever, to create deeper connection and intimacy. Words are powerful as they allow us to feel what we must heal.

What’s next?
I am exciting to be working with Alegría Publishing. I believe that this exciting new chapter will allow me to occupy spaces and places across Los Angeles that I have dreamed of performing in and show my pride in my Mexican roots and linage but also show that vulnerability is powerful and healing as an overall human being.

Pricing:

• $25 individual poem
• $200-$1000 for Events

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Typaway.com
• Instagram: @typawaypoetry

Image Credits
Brianna Lee Photography