yrfriendliz:
Lately, I’ve been really into the idea of being...
Lately, I’ve been really into the idea of being connected to the tiny things our bodies do everyday — the idea that we are both aware and unaware of processes driving us. I’m into the idea that we are always “experiencing” and that our bodies can cheat us of that experience (not perform at all) or function without our consent (unconsciously) or function only when we ask them to (conscious effort). Or that the things around us (speakers, macbook cameras, sun on a cold day) can trick us into experiencing non realities. Bodies and brains and what we can or cannot do with them, and what they can or cannot give us.
I’d like to explore this in a chapbook called “In Advance of Air,” after Beam 7 from ARK by Ronald Johnson (excerpted above). I want to think about the following themes:
How do we try to “hear in advance of air”?
How do we try to cheat experience?
How do our bodies cheat us?
How do we perceive things we’re not ready for?
How do we learn or train ourselves to perceive?
What about ghosts? (no, really. I think about them all the time)These themes, like everything else, can either be taken literally (in a science/ body/ metaphysical sense) or abstractly or a little bit of both. They can elicit completely fictional responses, or personal responses, or evidence-based responses, or funny responses … I’d be interested in how you interpret these themes on your own terms and I’m really into just going crazy on the thing.
Into it? Here are our general guidelines:
Each submission should be roughly 1,000 words. Artwork can span two pages. This is to save space and keep printing costs bearable.
You are welcome to use this as kind of a workshopping space for new stuff or as a “kick my ass into gear” thing to get something you’ve been working on done.
We generally edit for clarity or space. We might send something back if it’s just not getting along with the other pieces or if we think it could use more time.
We usually print in editions of 50 depending on how many contributors there are.
Submissions are going to be due in early February, as I hope to get this laid out and printed by Mid-March 2014. Use this winter/ your vacation to think about writing.
Submissions are generally accepted unless we run out of room or, as I said, we suggest you work on your piece a little more.
You don’t get paid (I know!) but you do get a free copy of the chapbook. And new readers! And maybe some new friends.Think about it, let us know if you’re interested. Shoot us a message (include your name and email) with any questions, or submit/ inquire directly at championofthecouch at /g/ /mail/
Thank you!
Champion of the Couch is looking for submissions for a new chapbook!
