IMAGI-BLOG
Hot New DIY Fiction At Hugo House Saturday
Submitted by Chris Estey on July 11, 2008.For those of us who still read books, and fiction ones at that, but would still love to see more evolution of the form, this Saturday night at the Richard Hugo House young author Zach Plague will be reading from his sparkling, sexy, bizarre new book boring boring boring boring boring boring boring. It is my big Saturday night, so that should tell you something.
It's a free event, and starts at 7 PM, and Paul Constant may have already tipped you to it at Line-Out over at the Stranger. I want to second Paul's sentiment that not only is Plague's writing wonderfully twisted and funny, but he is also a Chicago designer-publisher whose aesthetic is so similar to the best musicians/filmmakers we chat up on TIG--it's a no brainer that I should see you all there.
When I received the book from his company (Featherproof), it came with a very enjoyable accompanying CD, very boss looking art stickers, and explanations about how boring et al is being released simultaneously as an E-book, its audio version, etc. If you're going to write and communicate your world to people now in literature, it wouldn't hurt to have this kind of creative ambition.
I hope to see some TIG people at the extraordinary Hugo House tomorrow night, where the Zine Library is located in the basement, the coffee is always strong, and occasionally they host readings as fun and experimental as the best rock and roll.
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Chris Estey said on July 12, 2008:
Really? I thought it was locked up down there, but no one was running it at this time -- and the Hugo House would come to its senses shortly and realize what a hugely valuable resource it is. Last I heard things were still being negotiated ...
Of course, it wouldn't hurt if the local print-based alternative and mainstream media would respond more to this horrible sadness of Seattle losing its one-of-a-kind incredible free press collection accessible to everyone. But maybe I should be pitching that as an article myself ...
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imaginary JL said on July 13, 2008:
Yeah, it's amazing how little people respond when there's no press releases and publicists involved to teach you how to respond...
Let me say this - it's upstairs! It's out of boxes! It's on shelves! Volunteers and interns are working their butts off, and Hugo House directors have proven that they're not the spawns of satan after all. It will be reopening in September, but the date's TBA. I'm an insider. Want an article?
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Chris Estey said on July 13, 2008:
This is GREAT news! Thanks for letting us know. Your inside opinion is invaluable and has given me cause to be optimistic now. Much appreciated!
The Hugo House could certainly use some community-involved, literature-loving soul working publicity for them, helping their image at this point. ... Maybe they should hire you for that?
At the very least, you should pitch an article about this to the local alt-weeklies ... it's been quite a story. I've loved the zine library since I used to do readings for benefits for it with the likes of Peter Bagge, Jason Lutes, the Fine Comix crew, etc., back when Victoria was at the helm (before Alissa was hired). Have never spent as much time there as I've wanted to, but love the gang (the incfredible Hazel Pine, Craven Rock, Adam, Danielle, etc.) and of course the cause (being an old zinester myself).
Write that article! Take it over, JL! I'll back you any way I can.
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imaginary JL said on July 14, 2008:
All those people you mentioned and all of the older volunteers are the heart and soul of ZAPP, and I'm glad you mentioned them. I hope the program at RHH still retains that identity - I'm optimistic that it will - 'cause it's a tragedy to lose that (and them).
They got a publicist, and he'll be working hard next month. Stay tuned! This is gonna be a big one.
And in the meantime - I'll get something for TIG. ;)
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imaginary JL said on July 14, 2008:
Wait, hold it. I spoke too soon. I spoke way too soon. I just remembered that there's still a lot to be finalized before we can even begin to go to the press.
Shoot me an e-mail with your e-mail, and I'll get back to you regarding further details of press releases, etc.
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Brian McGuigan said on July 14, 2008:
@Chris- Yes, ZAPP has moved upstairs, and we at the House are hard at work on reopening with the help of interns and volunteers from the greater zine community, librarians and archivists, among others assisting with the set up and cataloging of more than 18,000 zines. There is lots of work to be done. If you're interested in taking a tour of the new space, just shoot me an email at brianmcguigan at hugohouse.org, and once the archive is closer to opening, we can show you around.
@Imaginary JL, ummm, who are you?
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Reviews
imaginary JL said on July 11, 2008:
It's not in the basement anymore...