What’s buzzin’ cousin’
Greetings, friends. Before we kick it off, I want to thank you for subscribing to Automatic Writer. The other day, while on a run, I almost stepped on two snakes—one had a red belly!—and I thought, What would my subscribers do without me? But do not worry; I’m too fast for death, and the snakes were not venomous (according to Google). You are my top priority! After my kids, of course.
This week, we pause fiction to discuss paid subscriptions, books you can smell aka print, and our community. Next week, we’ll return to the regularly scheduled program of dark tales that make you want to cry. Fun!
Paid Subscriptions
I’ve opened up paid subscriptions to Automatic Writer. Those of you who pledged during the free period are now being charged (sorry). I’ll work diligently to ensure you don’t regret your decision; there will be perks! (Books, paid-only stories, stickers—tell me what you want!)
Automatic Writer in print 📚
I’m chuffed (can I say that if I’m American?) to announce a collaboration with spareorgan press. Founder
and I go way back, and to get to work with him on a collection of short stories—stories I love—is a dream. Plus, this isn’t just a book. Pause for impact. We’re talking about a letterpress printed jacket on kraft paper with original art. You know those packages you get in the mail that make you smile? This book will be one of those. Profesh in all its diy loveliness! I can’t wait to inhale that new book smell.Beneath the Valley Oak will be out this summer. My paid subscribers will be sent this print collection at no extra cost.
Community ✨
If you’re like me (old), you remember making album covers, flyers, and Zines at Kinko’s. I can still smell the warm paper and plastic of the copy machines. My favorite part of creating Zines was collaborating with my friends and celebrating our art. I haven’t found the optimal way to make this happen online, but I can see the willingness and motivation of others to make this happen. My hope is we can somehow start to connect, promote, and collaborate on…stuff. All types of stuff.
I was hella stoked (means chuffed in Bay Area speak) to read that
is making physical zines to ship to their paid subs this summer. Age of Aquarius is one of my favorite reads, and I highly recommend checking it out. If you’re into Automatic Writer, I think you’ll be into Age of Aquarius.Is anyone else out there publishing their short stories in print? Small Beer Press has Lady Churchhill’s Rosebud Wristlet, which I love. Are there any other great zines or quarterly paperbacks I should read? Do you have one? Respond in the comments!
hella stoked! high praise Sean.
Chuffed, eh? 😂 I'm excited for you. Sounds like a lot of fun things coming your way.