Parisian Phoenix Publishing

I have been asked several times recently what I publish. What kind of books I like and promote. And I usually smile and reply that I don’t have a certain genre— that I collect people, storytellers, voices.

The creative world is so vast, and with artificial intelligence improving and distribution channels available easily and without leaving home, artists of all kinds need to work together to compete, survive and thrive.

Parisian Phoenix recognized from day one that no one can guarantee a best-seller or even a financially viable book, so we focus on building collaborative books that offer unique voices and diverse perspectives on the world. And our people help one another. We recognize that any artistic endeavor needs a support system, so when I send an acceptance offer to a potential new author— it’s always important that they understand that we are a team.

That spirit extends into the regional geographic community as well. Thurston Gill, author of The Phulasso Devotional: Engineering the Warrior Priest for Dark Times— a great resource for those who wish to be spiritual yet embrace emergency preparedness— gives seminars on personal safety and has a business teaching self-defense and first aid (for people and pets). Several of us speak at local public libraries (and I serve on the board of trustees of Mary Meuser Memorial Library.)

Darrell Parry serves on the board of the Easton Book Festival, which kicks off next week. McKenna Graf works in community theater with Touchstone Theatre and is active with the campus English Club at Lafayette College.

I could go on… lecturing in college classes, talking to high school book clubs, serving on non-profit boards and in organizations related to the local arts scene, and teaching…

This is why when Magnus Mateo, a talented young poet, asked for help with tonight’s Zine workshop hosted by the Icehouse Literary Arts Committee, I said yes.

I’ve been collecting art supplies for two months, so please join us.

Zines trace their origins to the “amateur press movement” nearly a century ago. The Library of Virginia offers this great timeline of Zine history: Click here. These small, limited edition and often imperfect handmade mini-publications made often political and usually strong statements about society. As photocopiers became mainstream, these became a tool to spread simple Zines quickly and economically. Spreading a message motivates many Zine creators. Some libraries and even museums collect Zines.

So if you want to try your hand at Zine-making, and give a voice to your inner child, join us tonight at Bethlehem’s Icehouse, 6 to 8 p.m. on Sand Island.