{Atlantic News. Halifax, NS. Via}

This infinite network of knowledge and information we call the internet is fun and all but let’s be honest with ourselves, it’s mostly used for cheap distractions. Not to knock cheap distractions (we need that sort of thing sometimes, say after reading the headline news) but a lot more knowledge, insight and useful information is going to seep itself into the culturally-parched cracks of your mind by reading something in print. It’s the superior medium in that regard.

And what better place to pick up some print media than your local indie book store? Have you been in there lately? It’s great! They got that table in the middle with all the well-curated paperback books, that one you been meaning to check out when it came out as a ridiculously-priced $38 hardcover. Now it’s cheaper! And it’s probably discounted! And look at that person behind the counter, they’re really attractive and possibly single and you should strike up a conversation about something you might have in common like, hey, an interest in books, and look at that, you’ve got a phone number or at the very least, an new ally in the war against ignorance, which is a highly valuable thing. Oh, and while you’re on the healthy road to self-actualization, why don’t you check out the print edition of Annalemma Magazine. We’re in the periodicals section of the following fine stores…

Atlanta, GA

Criminal Records

Austin, TX

Domy Books

Baltimore, MD

Atomic Books

Brooklyn, NY

Greenlight Books

Bookcourt

Spoonbill & Sugartown

Desert Island Comics

Chicago, IL

Quimby’s

Denver, CO

Tattered Cover

Halifax, NS (CAN)

Atlantic News

Indianapolis, IN

Vouched Books

Louisville, KY

Carmichael’s Bookstore

Manhattan Beach, CA

Pages

Missoula, MT

Fact and Fiction

New York, NY

McNally Jackson

St. Marks Bookshop

New Hope, PA

Farley’s

Orlando, FL

Mother Falcon Clothing

Park Ave. CD’s

Ottowa, ON (CAN)

Collected Works Bookstore

Portland, OR

Grassroots Bookstore

Powell’s Books

Providence, RI

Ada Books

Richmond, VA

Chop Suey Books

Seattle, WA

Elliott Bay Book Co.

Bulldog News

St. Louis, MO

Star Clipper

Subterranean Books

Don’t see your favorite store on the list? Shout out your jam in the comments and the elves will get on it.

MLP, [PANK] and us are doing it up at AWP again. It was a fantastic time last year, way better than I expected it to be, and that’s saying a lot because I usually expect these things to be great. Some new names on the bill this year. I’m very excited to see Scott McClanahan and Brandi Wells. I saw Scott last year and no joke almost cried and Brandi is a rad writer. You will be bummed if you miss this.

Last week we announced the theme and call-to-submit for Annalemma Issue Nine: India. If you’re looking to brush up on some Indian online literary publications let me direct you to the attention of Out of Print. Run by an impressively talented and dedicated staff, Out of Print focuses on providing a platform for writers of short fiction with a connection to the subcontinent. In this latest issue, I recommend reading “Mind Over Matter” a story of wealth and power at the horse races by Murzban F. Shroff. Go check them out!

{image by Chase Heavener via}

Annalemma Issue Nine: India – Call to submit

As America and Europe begin to recede into the background of global superpowers, new forces step up as the leaders of the democratic world. Among these powers, is India. With the die of globalization now cast, the geopolitical, economic, technological & environmental landscape is more connected than ever. It is important for people in the West, young people especially, to claim an understanding of how their world intersects and affects Indian culture, and vice versa.

But how can you expect to cover an entire country in one go? And in 104 pages of a literary magazine no less? Agreed, that’s somewhat impossible. The purpose of this issue is to allow a point of entry for Western readers and writers, to forge a new mental pathway to understanding.

What we are humbly asking of Indian writers is this: show us your country. Show us the micro and the macro, show us the beauty and the horror, the power, the corruption, the injustice, the triumph, the enduring beauty, the infinite feedback loop of suffering, all the wonder and terror your country brings to bear.

A lot of American/Western writers might be upset about this, maybe feel left out. So we offer this appeal: If you are a writer who has some connection to India or can offer some informed opinion of your experience as it pertains to the topic, we’d love to read it.

We’ll accepting creative nonfiction, fiction, personal essay and interviews. No poetry, please. Simultaneous submissions are allowed. Please keep submissions under 5000 words. Any submissions over 5000 words, please submit a query letter. Please send only one submission at a time. We’re finding creative nonfiction more compelling these days, so the more of that you send, the more likely you’ll get published.

Click here to submit.

Deadline is January 13^th.

Big ups to Issue Six: Sacrifice contributors Anne Valente and Jim Ruland for snagging a “Notable” mention in Best American Nonrequired Reading 2011. Anne got the hat-tip for her story “A Very Compassionate Baby” and Jim was recognized for his story “Fight Songs”. Both Anne and Jim are fantastic writers and these are great stories. Click here to check out Issue Six where the stories first appeared.

You probably already know about BANR, but if you don’t, I highly suggest picking up a copy. Significantly less dry and stodgy than its series forebears Best American Short Stories and Best American Essays, BANR attempts and often succeeds in showcasing writing equal parts provocative, energetic, inspiring and downright fun. Congrats to Anne and Jim for getting recognized by what is clearly a committee with a keen taste for quality and talent. And thanks to the BANR committee for giving it a read!

Issue Six: Sacrifice contributor and all-around great dude Jim Ruland is competing in Reader’s Digest Your Life Contest. From what I can tell, the competition gets people to write 150 word memoirs, other folks vote on their favorites and the winner gets 25 large and published in RD.

Click here to read and vote for Jim’s entry, a salty tale about a sailor sinking to the depths of a metaphorical sea and, well, I won’t ruin the ending for you. Go read and vote for it! Like I said, Jim is a good man and a great writer and if anyone deserves to win a huge chunk of change for a minimal amount of words, it’s him.

If you’re looking for a new lit mag that will stoke the fires of your brain check out Cousin Corinne’s Reminder.

It’s a powerhouse of a lit mag, serving up everything you might possibly be interested in, from big names like Jhumpa Lahiri, Nick Flynn and Jonathan Lethem to internet superstars like Emma Straub and Rachel Glaser.

Not to mention the visual quality is fantastic, a commendable effort of the idea of the book as an artifact, something to be treasured: full color, superb attention to design and layout, and extensive coverage of contemporary fine artists and photographers.

And they have comics! The whole idea feels like a throwback to an arts almanac, a big ass book with plenty of information and stimulation to tide you over for a long winter on the farm. Click on over to their site to check them out, I heard they just reduced their prices, take advantage!

Buying books and magazines can get expensive. Not only cash-wise, but time-wise. There’s a lot of risk there. You may not know if a publication is good or bad until you’ve already invested $25 and three hours of your life. How can you tell if you’re going to be getting the value for what you’re giving up? I hear you. While I could sit here all day and assure you a print subscription to Annalemma is well worth your time and money, you know I’m biased. So don’t take my word for it. Listen to what satisfied subscribers have to say…

“After poking around at the Annalemma site, I came across #6 at a bookstore. I took a chance and purchased it, and really enjoyed it — not just the consistently excellent writing but also the accompanying artwork and layout, which created an entirely enjoyable reading experience. I ordered #7 and was blown away by that, too. It was a no-brainer to go ahead and subscribe after that! I can’t wait to see what’s in #8.”

–       Jenny Hayes, Seattle, WA

“Annalemma is that rare breed of lit mag that is as beautiful to look at as to read. In a world of bits and bytes, I find comfort holding Annalemma in my hand. I’m not a wealthy person, but my subscription to Annalemma is the best damned money I’ve spent in this recession.”

–       Chad Pollock

“The first time I ever saw Annalemma, I knew it was something special. It is a journal that begs to be touched, that makes it worth your while on every single page. Each issue is unique and beautiful, and I’ve been introduced (and reintroduced) to a lot of great writers, photographers, and artists via its pages. Such a damn good journal.”

–       Lindsay Hunter, author, Daddy’s (featherproof, 2010)

“I wish I knew how Annalemma gets the art and the words to play so nicely together, each enhancing the other without competing or distracting. If I knew, I’d steal the technique for my own mag. As it is, though, Annalemma stands alone. Every issue’s a beauty, to hold and to read.”

–       Bryan Furuness, author, The Lost Episodes of Revie Bryson (Black Lawrence Press, 2012)

Click here to subscribe to the print edition of Annalemma Magazine.

Last night Issue Eight: Creation contributor Blake Butler rolled into Brooklyn to promote his new memoir Nothing: A Portrait of Insomnia. I found out about it at the last minute, grabbed my camera, hopped on my bike and high-tailed it to BookCourt to catch the dude.

Here’s the thing: Blake knows how to read. If he ever comes to your town or remotely near you, it’s in your best interests to check him out. Reading in front of people is performing and there’s no two ways about it. You need to give as much of a shit about reading your words aloud to people as you do putting them on paper. Blake knows this, that’s why I like watching him do his thing. He knows how to spit fire.

Here’s some video from last night. My card ran out of space about halfway through, just as it was getting very good. Apologies for the abrupt ending. You’ll need to pick up a copy of his new book to see how this piece ends. Judging by what I saw last night, you won’t regret it.

If you’re in the Seattle area this weekend, head on over to the G. Gibson Gallery where Issue #4 contributor and cover boy Justin Gibbens is showing new work from his series Spiderland. Justin focuses his fantastical lens in on a horrifically beautiful new series of Dr. Moreau-esque creatures that seem to be the hybrid of bird, mammal and arachnid. Thanks for the nightmares, Justin. For real though, Gibbens is an amazing talent and you’re going to want to check out his artistry in person.