I don't remember a lot of things. I have a memory like a sieve. (Except, oddly enough, for anything before the age of around 18, including the plot of every sitcom episode I ever watched as a child. Apparently, after that, my brain was full.) Thus, it was a surprise to me -- and a pleasant one at that -- to learn I've been credited with inspiring the theme for the soon-to-be-released latest issue of 52nd City, my favorite literary mag. Actually, since the theme of the new issue is "sexy," I should probably clarify that the 52nd City website credits me with suggesting the theme, as opposed to inspiring it. That's a big difference, I realize, as I write this. The latter could be confusing, particularly to anyone who's ever actually met me.
Even more thrilling than this claim to fame -- and the very fact that a new issue is imminent -- is that I have a piece in the issue. It's a pretty short piece about an encounter I had with a woman at the St. Louis Greyhound bus station about five years ago. I actually tried to expand it, to fictionalize it to make it more resonant. But, in the end, I hope (and think) that it's best left alone, as an unembellished glimpse at a brief, awkward moment in time.
To find out, you'll need to get your paws on the new issue and I can't think of a better way to do so than to attend the release party, this Saturday, April 26 at Snowflake. Now, having been out of St. Louis for a few years now, I don't know what a Snowflake is, but it sounds cool and refreshing, and that seems reason enough to go. From the 52nd City website, the event details are as follows:
52nd City Sexy Issue Release Where: Snowflake, 3156 Cherokee Street When: Saturday, April 26, 2008 Time: 4:00-7:00pm Admission: Free What's classier than Playboy and Maxim and much easier to hide under your mattress or in your sock drawer? SEXY--52nd City Magazine's ninth issue. Join us at the Snowflake on Saturday, April 26 from 4 to 7 p.m. for some delightfully cheeky food, drink, music, and entertainment. This issue includes a free CD from the SOUND issue--and a party at Snowflake never disappoints.
52nd City is also making some big changes after this issue -- they'll be going to a free distribution model. Personally, I have some mixed feelings about it -- I hate that people seem so reluctant to pay a decent and fair price for good writing. But I hope the increased circulation will attract even more advertisers and help ease the editors pain, eking by as they do by the skin of their teeth each month to pay the costs of producing this lovely-looking product.
It's worth noting that contributors are not paid for their submissions, so it's not like the writers or the editors make a penny. It's truly a labor of love. Thus, if you are a fan of writers and writing, of St. Louis, of art, of independent publishing, of me, of my cats, of being acknowledged for your support of said things, please note that there is now a Paypal button on the front page of 52nd City's website and you can make a contribution to the print fund, no matter how small (or big, of course), to help keep this gem afloat. I'd consider it a personal favor.
Also, on an entirely unrelated note, I just ate the most sublime avocado. Perfectly ripe, not even a bit brown around the edges. Thank you, nature. Thank you very much.