I love your blog and I think I'll be going for the last on the list: How long has it taken you to get published?
California-native, femme writer, theorist and feminist who likes pretty things. Bloodstream of ink, lyric heartbeat. I queer everything.
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The Feminist And The Cowboy: Alisa Valdes Was Abused at the Hands of The Man She Swoons Over in The Feminist and The Cowboy(via @Jezebel)
Just last week, Alisa Valdes’ memoir The Feminist and the Cowboy hit bookshelves (and three weeks ago we addressed the anti-feminist nature of the book, a sad departure for Valdes author of The Dirty Girls’ Social Club).
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rkb:
Desperate times call for desperate measures, so though I had so hoped to be done with this anthology by tomorrow, I’m still one third short on my word count. That means I’d love it if you’d spread the word (either en masse or to someone you know who has an amazing sex story they might want to share in writing). I do NOT need any stories about sex work, but I would love an essay by an asexual person and I’d also love an essay by a transgender person (essays don’t have to necessarily be “about” those topics). Those are just two potential ideas on my editorial dream wishlist. The truth is, the essay I’m looking for is the one I don’t yet know exists but that keeps me riveted, awed, amazed, and sure that my readers will be too. In other words, I’ll know it when I see it.
Queries or questions? Email me at truesexantho at gmail.com - earlier submissions get priority and I’ll be filling the anthology as I go. I will consider anything that comes in by December 6th, there will just be fewer spots available by then most likely. If you are waiting to hear back from me, I will get back to you as soon as I can, by the end of January at the latest. I have wanted to do this book since I first started hosted True Sex Confessions nights in 2006 at In The Flesh. If you want to know the type of essay I love, read “Silver Baling” by Stacey D’Erasmo in Best Sex Writing 2009 and “It’s a Shame About Ray” by Kirk Read in Best Sex Writing 2010 (or any personal essay I’ve published in Best Sex Writing 2008, 2009, 2010, 2012, 2013. I hope it’s not just a dream that never sees the light of day, and I have a feeling that this will be a wonderful book. Thanks!
Call for Submissions
True Sex essay anthology
Edited by Rachel Kramer Bussel
To be published by Cleis Press
Editor Rachel Kramer Bussel is looking for true (nonfiction) essays about your most powerful sexual experiences. The final book will feature a wide range of scenarios, settings, writing styles, ages, races, genders and sexual orientations. These should not be academic in tone or about theory, though there can be a political or serious element; I’m mainly looking for extremely personal, one of a kind essays focused around compelling sexual events in your life. I’m looking for your hottest sex, or the worst sex, or the kinkiest, or the funniest, or the meanest, or the most unexpected. Sex with a celebrity? Sex with someone forbidden? Sex you’ve never told anyone about? Sex on vacation you wouldn’t have had at home? Sex on drugs? Group sex? Sex on camera? Sex you paid for or were paid for? Sex that surprised or confused you? Sex that changed your life? I want the story that most speaks to you about your sex life, either as a defining moment or simply one you’ve never been able to forget. No poetry. First or second person POV welcome. See the Best Sex Writing series and videos of true sex confessions from my former In The Flesh Reading Series for an idea of the types of essays I’m looking for. Please keep in mind that the more original and unique your essay, the better its chances. I want the story that only you can write told in a lively, compelling, can’t-put-down way. Original essays will get priority, but I will consider reprints as long as you retain the rights; you MUST include the previous publication information with your submission.
Payment: Contributors will receive $100/essay and 2 copies of the anthology on publication. Contract is for one-time rights.
How to submit: Send only the final version of your proofread work along with your bio and mailing address. Include essay title and byline at top of first page. Send double spaced Times or Times New Roman 12 point black font Word document OR RTF of 1,500-3,500 word essay. Indent the first line of each paragraph half an inch and double space (regular double spacing, do not add extra lines between paragraphs or do any other irregular spacing). US grammar (double quotation marks around dialogue, etc.) required. Include your legal name (and pseudonym if applicable), mailing address, and 50 word or less bio in the third person to truesexantho@gmail.com. If you are using a pseudonym, please provide your real name and pseudonym and make it clear which one you’d like to be credited as. Cleis Press has final approval over the manuscript so you can expect a final answer by April 2013.
Deadline: January 6, 2012 (earlier submissions get priority)Rachel Kramer Bussel creates amazing erotica anthologies. I’m sure this one will be no different. If you have a story to share I encourage you to try submitting. It can’t hurt to try, right?
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That’s right! Submissions are open for prose, poetry, or art!
Check out our guidelines!
DEADLINE EXTENDED TO AFTER CHRISTMAS! Please submit! Your submissions do not have to go with the theme. I’d really appreciate your support. Thank you! :)
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Posting this on behalf of my past internship. Feel free to inbox me if you want to know more about my experience there:
Cleis Press is seeking an editorial and marketing intern to help with an interesting mix of duties.
As an editorial intern you would help with incoming manuscript reviews, participate in editorial meetings, and help with research.
As a marketing intern you would help with promoting books and authors through print, electronic and online media as well as special events. You will help develop media lists, press materials and themed pitches, respond to media inquiries by sending review copies and aid with press mailings.
Candidates should possess strong writing skills, resourceful thinking, and a strong interest in PR.
The internship is unpaid and candidates must commit to 16 hours per week for a term of 10-12 weeks.
Job Qualifications:
Candidates with Public Relations, English, Journalism, Editing or a related field are welcome to apply. Interns should be interested in pursuing a career in publishing or a related industry. Must be detail-oriented, able to handle multiple projects at once, and possess good writing skills. Send resume, cover letter, and a 1-2 page writing sample (on any subject or from class assignments) via email to csnell@cleispress.com.
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reblogging this so i’ll read it later~
THIS IS REALLY GOOD. the scan is unfortunately pretty low-resolution so some of it is a bit hard to read but SO GOOD.
I read this zine in my Queer Poetics class with Rebekah Edwards at Mills College. One of my first exposures to zines, and an amazing array of critical and creative work.
(via tangledupinlace)
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Right now I’m moping over a pumpkin spice cupcake with a huge swirl of cream cheese frosting. I would have posted a picture of it, but the camera on my phone is broken, so you’ll have to do with this one from Betty Crocker. Mmm. Last day blues are hitting hard. Maybe I’ll write more later, when I’m not so sad. :(
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"Use Your Words" Twitter Party w/ Kate Hopper
Hi, friends, family, followers, and supporters! I’ll be helping host this Twitter party on Aug 1st as part of my internship at Viva Editions and Cleis Press, and I’d love if you joined in to support me and this wonderful book. I’ve read most of Use Your Words: A Writing Guide for Motherhood and think it’s super helpful and funny, with fresh ideas about writing about motherhood and sharing the little things of life. And there will be prizes for the attendees who bring along the most guests. Best of all, you don’t have to go anywhere, just log into your Twitter account and follow the hashtag #UseYourWordsBook! This is the first Twitter party I’ve organized and I’m super excited to see how it turns out.
I know some of you are not mothers or never plan to be, but I think this book still has valuable advice for anyone with a writerly inclination, no matter their gender or feelings about motherhood. I think you each might have some sort of insight or smart comment to input into the conversation and I’d love it if you could make it! :) I’ve listed the most important information below and you can go to the Facebook event link for more details. Hope to see you there!
When: Wednesday, August 1st, from 2-3pm
Where: Twitter, at #UseYourWordsBook
Guest: Author Kate Hopper!
You can find out more about the event and prizes here: https://www.facebook.com/events/188613324603508/
If you happen to be in the San Francisco Bay Area, after the Twitter party you can join Kate Hopper at Good Vibrations’ “Mommies Playdate” at their Polk Street location: http://www.facebook.com/events/347940841951630/
Visit Kate on her website: www.katehopper.com.
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Twice Declined and Other Tidbits
It’s amazing how fast time has been going by at Cleis. There is always something to do and if I don’t have anything left in my basket it’s easy to reload it in about five seconds. You have to be very good at multitasking, and sneaking in a few minutes for lunch, and making some moments to laugh so your eyes don’t start twitching from overuse (thus the cat picture).
I’ve very excited about some of the projects on my plate right now, though. I’m working on a project with Brenda that requires sleuthing through books and “running a program” on my own expertise. I am also copyediting a vegan cookbook. And in between that I am calling adult stores for their buyers information so we can send them our catalog and pitch them our newest and exciting titles.
Let me tell you something. I am ashamed to say it, but Californians are rude! I’ve talked to maybe two nice and helpful people from here. The further east and south the area code, the more polite the person on the other side of the phone. Unless it’s the east coast and then the rudeness returns. It’s just something I noticed after dialing nearly 100 different numbers.
I’m really enjoying the marketing side of my duties. I wasn’t sure if I would, but I like sounding confident and friendly on the phone, and it let’s me practice thinking on my feet. I’m learning my way around spreadsheets as well as finding new ways to conduct quick internet research. Yelp is a great way to figure out if a shop is legit.
I finally started helping Cat with her nice declines. I really like the nice, organize spreadsheets she has to keep past declines and scheduled declines in order. It looks a lot like what I was trying to do at Berrett Koehler but with more useful information, and less confusing. It also helps that it is a Google Doc, and not just an Excel one, because then it can be shared with multiple people without there being multiple copies.
Funny story: Two of the submissions I processed for declines looked very familiar…I’d already declined them before at Berrett Koehler! I felt kinda bad, though neither of them were publishable. I’m glad my name wasn’t attached to the decline from Cleis, because that would have been awful for the poor authors. Imagine: declined from two very different publishing houses by the same person? It’s like I’m a bad spirit that is haunting their manuscript!
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Curious Confessions of a Cleis Press Intern: The catalyst to better communication, forgiveness, and connection.
Different Daughters: A Book by Mothers of Lesbians by Louise Rafkin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
What speaks most in these stories is the overwhelming love these mothers have for their daughters. They are not the stories of complete triumph over prejudice, of flag-waving fans, but…via ashleyatcleis➜ -
Curious Confessions of a Cleis Press Intern: Do you copy?
My newest post from my internship at Cleis Press.
Week 3 at Cleis and ”research” is taking on new meaning. To me, research has always meant work and often headaches and rounds of scurrying around the internet searching for that choice quote or word that will make the final piece glitter in the sun like a vampire from Twilight—but at Cleis,…
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My Last Days are Approaching!➜
Last days at Berrett-Koehler, that is…I know I should be excited for summer, but this internship has been such a landmark experience. Check out this quick post and the rest my blog to get a taste of what it’s been like.
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Currently distracting the editorial department at BK.
Currently distracting everyone at Fast Company.
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The 2012 issues have been ordered!
That’s right! If all goes well, we should have them in just in time for our reading event for your viewing/ purchasing pleasure. In the meantime, finals are next week and the entire campus is studying, writing papers, being productive, etc.I, on the other hand, don’t think it necessary to study until the weekend before. Instead, I’ve been procrastinating in various ways; one way has been by cleaning and reorganizing our Walrus office.
I didn’t take a “before” picture but here is our bookshelf full of past issues after an hour of intensive organizing only a procrastinating, library-worker could do.
Wendy and I also dug up some awesome Walrus treasures which include:
A Walrus banner!
Pages from a past Walrus Review paper
… and this awesome flyer that I’m considering photocopying and posting all around campus!
Wendy was more in love with the picture from the Walrus Review. Here’s a better picture:
Beautiful! I’m so proud of our history and excited for our new adventures. Onward!
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The Office ~ Where All the Adventures Begin➜
A humorous photo series of the office I work in, charactered by plastic dinosaurs, fairy lights and devil masks. Do come and see!
