400 Words

Issue 2: Compulsions

I picked up the autobio edition of 400 Words from the Microcosm webstore about a month ago and I just got to digging into it. In checking out their site I've noticed that not only has another issue come out, but they're also accepting submissions for a third.

Basically, they give you a theme, and you write about it in 400 words or less. Simple concept, and the execution is excellent. Of course a few of these stories come off like Sylvia Plath outtakes, but for the most part, the honesty and simple expressiveness is very intriguing. Also, speaking of honesty, this makes a great bathroom read for the perpetually curious. Gotta get writing...

Tin House

Tin House!

In preparation for a long summer of working/writing/drinking I've started ordering zines and subscribing to magazines to produce somewhat of a mini-library to keep me from completely missing out on what sort of things are being created around me. Being in the heart of the print world, I'm constantly reminded of how much of a dying art it truly is, and in witnessing that, as well as the death of film (the actual material not the medium) I'm gaining a greater appreciation for both.

I picked up the year's first copy of Tin House and I'm already feeling great about it. It's a potent mix of everything that someone like me is looking for, all crammed into one refreshingly dense volume. I suspect I'll be subscribing in the near future. I'm sure I will post about all sorts of cool shit I find in here over the next few days.