Hosho McCreesh's Blog, page 13

What's With This Art Book Thing Anyhow?

So those are the original collage-cover hardbacks…each it’s own one-of-a-kind-cover for the signed, lettered hardback edition and presentation copies of my debut novel Chinese Gucci. They were a helluva lot of work, and came out beautifully…and once they were shipped out, I knew I’d regret never seeing them all together again…

So my buddy (photog-extraordinaire and former-man-about-town) Freddie De La Cruz snapped a grip load of photos before the books went away…

Then graphic-design-beast-savant, Sean Lynch turned them into this gorgeous little ditty:

I scribbled a little intro plus a handful of captions about both the process of writing and making the book, the collage, and the deeper themes at work in the book and art and, well, that — as they say — is that.

It’s a coffee-table like trade paperback featuring almost all the collage made for the project, and serves as an insider’s companion piece and peek behind the curtain of all things Chinese Gucci. The text offers some additional insights into both the intentions and insights of the book and her characters…and it’s pretty damn nice to look at too.

Anyhow, it’s one more piece of the project that has been made real (hell, better than real!) by all the true talents associated with it, making me look damn good once again. If you liked the book, you’ll probably find something else to like in this visual companion project.

Half are already spoken for, so if you’re interested…I probably wouldn’t dilly-dally.

get the art of Chinese Gucci

Illustration Gigs Through the Years...

I recently finished tinkering on an illustration gig — a mix of watercolor, collage, and other elements for a forthcoming project from Alternating Current Press. It got me thinking back on a handful of occasions throughout the years where I made book covers for friends.

I’ve never really sat down to look at them all together, so I figured why not make note of it here, if only for posterity’s sake. The publishers all made my work look great (probably better than it was!) and hopefully it helped a few people discover the terrific writers of each book.

The Art of Chinese Gucci PRE-SALE

Those on the NOTIFY LIST already know that the PRE-SALE is off and running. For those not receiving my occasional emails, consider this your invitation to join and get advance notice of special editions and pre-sales and whatever other fun stuff we can manage here at the HQ. And, if you’re interested in THE ART OF CHINESE GUCCI, grab your copy HERE (at a discount!) before it’s sold out.

Remember, the book’s release date is November 30th, 2020.

Betterism!

I had a nice chat with Glen Binger, the driving force behind Bing Bang Co., for his flagship podcast, Betterism.

We talked a bit about being a drunk poet, living by an uncompromised artistic code, what success looks like, and geographic isolation as a kind of opportunity. His show is premised on the notion that “by teaching, we learn” and, darn it, that makes for some pretty inspirational chats!

So if you have an hour or so, and you are interested, pop on over and have yourself a listen!

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The Art of Chinese Gucci

Coming Soon…

November 30th, 2020

Poetry and Punk Podcast

A Very Special Episode…

Martin Appleby, recently sporting a dapper, green mohawk, has taken a cache of poems from our A DEEP & GORGEOUS THIRST - UNABRIDGED AUDIO for “EPISOD 004” of his PAPER AND INK LITERARY ZINE PUNK & POETRY PODCAST. The episode includes an Interview with punk poet Dave Cullern (Fuck Ballads), music from Falaun and then a bit of the stink from us here at the HQ! There’s Joseph Ridgwell narrating for some poor sap at the gas station in his underwear. William Boyle speaks to getting screwed in Hollywood, and Willy Vlautin talks of the naked guy in his buddy’s pool. So grab a beer and start listening!

For those who don’t now, Martin is the driving force behind Paper and Ink Zine, and is a tireless supporter of small press goodness, all while still being a terrific writer in his own right. So if you’re looking for a taste of what the audio book, check out the podcast (and all the other stuff Martin gets up to)!

I also have it on high authority that anyone who wants a copy of the audiobook can reach out to Martin, as he’s got some free full length download codes.

The Daily Drunk

Two Great Drunks That Drunk Great Together!

The Daily Drunk was nice enough to give everyone another chance to check out the animated poems we made for the audio release of THIRST. Pop on over and give ‘em a watch!

Leeches of Lore

Three brave amigos are they

If any of you reading Chinese Gucci wondered about Akira’s favorite band, Leeches of Lore, and if they were real, the answer is yes, and unfortunately they’ve lost their terrific and talented keyboardist, Noah Wolters. One of the reasons their amazing concert, Leeches of Lorechestra, was featured in the book was, frankly, people needed to hear and see it. It was a special show and a special time for me, and, if you’re interested, you can check it out below.

I believe that people who struggle and strive to make art in an unblinking, uncompromising, and professional way — especially when plowing through day-jobs and navigating the steppes of the undiscovered or under-appreciated are a human glue that binds not only influences to future art, but us to each other in the joy of shared experience. Leeches, for me, is a truly mighty band…one I wish everyone could know. Their blend of professional musician-ship, dirty grit and whimsy, and down-right fucking rocking is a model for art made the way they wanted to make it. And this recent loss stings…even for a late-comer like me. The handful of times I met Noah, he was this blend of cool, chill, funny, and warm — with that rock-and-roll edge that the band as a whole has. A great guy, and another incalculable loss to Albuquerque’s music scene.

If you can, and if you’re moved to, his family could use the support. You can CHIP IN HERE.

Now, strap in and enjoy the ride. I hope to catch Noah again on the next go round.

Support Your Favorite Independent Bookstore Today!

Yep, today is Independent Bookstore Day, and there’s no better way to help KEEP BOOKS DANGEROUS than by buying something from your favorite spot.

And hey, if you want to multiply your personal impact, find a small press writer or publisher and order their stuff through your favorite store!

Now that’s some real culture-making, folks!

Updated Digital Audiobook Spots...

Lots of ways to listen!

One the off chance you’ve been waiting, here’s an updated list of audiobook platforms (yes, that one) where you can get your copy of A DEEP & GORGEOUS THIRST - UNABRIDGED AUDIO.

And, because times are tough, remember, the audiobook is also available through your local library’s platforms — free to you once they get a copy. So request away! We should be readily available in their systems, and so even if you can’t visit in person they might still be able to get a digital copy to check out remotely.