End of Summer Updates and Musings
Howdy!
I’m not ready for summer to end, but I’ve tried to make the most of the season. I had a bit of time off, did a lot of zine fests, went to the beach a lot. I saw Nine Inch Nails live for the 26th(?) time last week and, as usual, Trent and co. gave me everything I wanted. You didn’t ask but you must check out this video of “The Perfect Drug” with Josh Freese blasting out on drums! It’s SO good and I’m so glad he’s back in the band.
As on brand for this year, the summer has been “yayboo” in its tone. It’s hard to be so delighted with my little zines and pop culture writing as the dark cloud of fascism hangs over us, but I really believe cultural criticism is more important than ever when culture is under attack by authoritarianism. Relatedly, I’ve been thinking a lot about the collapse of culture writing outlets in the US. There have been so many layoffs and firings of culture critics and creators and shutterings of culture publications/outlets in the past year.
Culture writing is always close to my heart. I enjoy doing it even when it’s not how I earn a living, but it’s so disheartening to see so many talented writers and critics looking for work and so few opportunities available. All this to say: if there are independent culture critics and creators whose work you admire, support them! With your coins, your shares, or even just your feedback! There are so many talented people hustling, putting their words and ideas out into the world amidst AI slop and engagement-bait content from influencers. So if you love someone’s work, every little bit of support means a lot! I thank you for yours. <3
Now for some updates!
ZINEmercado this weekend!
This Sunday, August 31, I’m tabling at ZINEmercado at Hairpin Arts Center (2810 N Milwaukee Ave) from 11am–6pm. I’ll have all of my long-form zines and mini zines, a couple of reprints of retired zines, and maaaaybe a new mini zine (?) Come on through and check out all of the great zinesters!
Fall Disability Justice Microgrants
There are three weeks to apply for a $250 Wild Ramp disability justice zine microgrant! (Deadline is September 12). The fall round will give priority consideration to personal zines, but all zines will be considered.
Act Your Age 3
I’m really excited for Act Your Age 3, which I’ll be working on later this fall. The theme is “Generations” and I’m looking for all flavors of intergenerational fandom stories that explore how fandom connects across age, time, and family lines.
Examples:
Are you a second- or third-generation fan in your family?
Maybe your love of a band, show, book, or game was inherited from a parent or grandparent—or maybe you’re the one who passed it on to your child, your sibling, your nibling, or even your neighbor.
Do you participate in fan activities that bring together people of different ages?
Have you found meaning in how fandom acts as a bridge between generations, cultures, or communities?
With the world’s families in the grip of “K-pop Demon Hunters”, I’d LOVE a piece on that film, (Please don’t ask me about it though because I haven’t yet seen it!)
Email wildramppublishing@gmail.com with any questions/submissions or submit via this form by October 24.
Check out the other volumes of Act Your Age here.
New! Fandom Advice Column
We’re starting a fandom advice column for Act Your Age with questions answered by the splendid Jasmine Davila, co-host of Chicago storytelling show Miss Spoken, and expert fangirl.
Send us your burning questions about fandom life, big or small:
How do I keep up with fandom after 35?
Should I tell my coworkers about my fanfic?
Is it OK to stan like I’m still 19?
Your questions will be answered with humor and care. Email your question to wildramppublishing@gmail.com with subject line Fandom Advice by October 24.
Wishing everyone as much gentleness as possible as we move into fall.
Xoxo,
Keidra