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Zine Review: Strictly Ballroom: A Fan Zine

Strictly Ballroom: A Fan Zine
Larua Bibby
www.bloomurder.etsy.com
bloomurder@gmail.com

I feel a little weird reviewing a fan zine. It almost feels like someone professing to love doughnuts, and me saying things like, “I really like how you express your love for doughnuts… but where are the contact details for people who want to know more?” That being said…

Strictly Ballroom is a full-colour mini fanzine about the classic Australian romantic comedy by Baz Luhrmann.

Laura starts off the zine by lamenting about not seeing this movie sooner (it’s from 1992) and all the good times missed (oh, I do so love a twirly skirt as well). As much as I understand Laura’s pain, I have to say that I really love that this is a fanzine borne not of years and years of love but of discovering something and loving it so intensely from the get go that she made a zine about it. There’s just so much energy and excitement in Laura’s writing that I can’t help but feel like I need to get my hands on the movie and watch it again straight away!

Laura launches into five reasons why you should give the movie a go (or a rewatch if you’ve already seen it). I had to laugh when Laura got to talk about Fran’s character and got so excited that she wrote about the possibility of a zine dedicated just to Fran. It was almost like talking to someone who is so excited about something that they can hardly finish one sentence before starting the next.

Strictly Ballroom isn’t comprised only of the list, though, but I’ll leave the other contents for you to discover.

This zine has left me feeling pretty upbeat, energetic, and inspired. I love all the energy and delight Laura has put into this zine, and I think you should check it out.

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Zine Review: Conversation to Falafels

Conversation to Falafels
Meeni Levi
http://astrangershandwriting.tumblr.com
www.facebook.com/meenilevi

Conversation to Falafels is a full-colour mini-zine about being small (and maybe a couple other things that are flying over my head?).

Meeni writes about hating feeling small but the point being that some days Meeni doesn’t hate being small. Read that one carefully, because I’m not sure I am going to explain myself adequately with this one. In writing, I really like being set up for one thing but then having that flipped on its head. Within the space of one page, Meeni sets up talking about sometimes hating being small but then flips it to the logical conclusion: sometimes not hating being small. Suddenly we launch into not the hating of it (as expected) but rather the times that Meeni doesn’t hate it. A small but important reversal.

The writing in this zines very poetic. (Perhaps not surprising as ‘poet and zinester’ is part of the bio Meeni includes.) It’s lyrical so much as expressing things that can make you think beyond the actual words on the page. I do feel like a couple bits went over my head. I don’t know if I’m just not picking up the imagery or not understanding for some other reason, but I have reread the entire mini-zine a few times and those spots still mystify me.

Conversations to Falafels is lovely to look at. I like the use of different colours, and Meeni’s handwriting is easy to read. But the big thing I really love and absolutely have to point out is how Meeni did the ‘about me’ and contact details.

They are inside the mini-zine!

When you unfold this zine, you find a collage page with a bit about Meeni as well as a couple links. I won’t take a picture of it because I feel like that would ruin the surprise, but I adore this so, so much. I always feel like I’ve found the secret toy surprise when I take a peek and find that that other side of a mini-zine has been printed as well. Hidden away for those who choose to look further. Fun fun.

While some of the writing did lose me, I enjoyed this mini-zine. If you like poetry and deciphering imagery, I think you’re going to like it.

PS. When I first picked up this zine, I missed the ‘to’ and thought the title was ‘Conversation Falafels’. I spent a few minutes wondering what they were and making up other phrases like ‘discussion avocados’ and ‘chat roti’. (This is what I do. I make assumptions, and it never ends well.)

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No Hiding – No Stigma

It’s not easy knowing what to say. When to say it or whom to say it to. It can be a struggle of not wanting to burden others but also wanting so desperately to be heard and know that you’re heard.

There’s always someone who is worse off, so you certainly don’t want to give the impression that you’re whining. But there are those times when you feel the weight so keenly on your chest, your shoulders, your heart, and your mind…

I didn’t want to be quiet after I moved. Oh, I had such plans to complete all the have written posts I have (already) scattered around the house on scraps of paper and sticky notes. The plans I have for zine projects and activities that, well, I thought I’d have set up by now.

The thing is, I’m struggling. But that’s okay.

The move has been a wonderful thing; don’t get me wrong. My asthma and, unexpectedly, chronic fatigue have improved. There is a level of tension and stress that has all but gone from my life thanks to my new location. Alas, losing not one but three friends in such incredibly painful ways have left me feeling burnt by people I trusted, unsteady, and so much more alone than I used to be.

I write this post not to gain sympathy or make excuses. I write this because there’s no shame in writing it. There’s no reason why I or anyone else can’t talk about depression. I will not be part of a stigma that sees me and people like me feeling like they have to hide.

I’m afraid I don’t have an inspiring to write at this point – as much as I would like to. I will say thanks for all the encouragement, support, and lovely nice little notes and comments. It all reminds me of kind and good things, and we all need reminders of these things sometimes.

I will be back tomorrow with a zine review because it’s what I do – and what I love to do. <3

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Happy Mail Monday: Wonderful Friends

Hello, zine friends! Welcome to another Happy Mail Monday where I share the wonderful snail mail goodness that has come my way in the past week.

I must admit I nearly missed today because it’s a public holiday here in South Australia, so this quiet town I’m in is especially quiet. However, wonderful friends have sent wonderful mail, so how can I not be in the spirit to share?

I was pouting a bit on Twitter about moving out of Victoria mere weeks before the Tonerpalooza 2 – especially because I wanted a super cute YES pin (which I thought was a sticker but am super pleased is a pin) by @yippywhippy. Well Apples very generously volunteered to stop in and pick one up for me!

Even better, she surprised me with a zine – fresh made by her friend on the day of sending. How nice is that? A very happy little package indeed. Many, many thanks to Apples for her help – and to Avery for the zine!

Just in case anyone noticed the fuzz in the background of the picture, yes, Asimov wanted to get in on the photo session.

This isn’t zine-related mail, but I figure happy mail is happy mail, right? I want to share it all!

A friend of mine went to Japan recently, and she picked up some goodies for me! The ninja and Totoro letter sets are super cute – and of course the little fox (something says fox rather than cat, but I’m not sure) is too. The glint of gold is a bookmark from a Miyazaki film I’m not familiar with (but will now definitely search out), and the other packs are origami paper.

There is a gorgeous notebook on the right, which is so cool not only in and of itself but also because I’ve wanted to teach myself Japanese style book binding for ages. Then we have the Snoopy (squee!) pencil case! I’m not ‘into’ Charlie Brown on the whole, but I always loved Snoopy because he was always writing a novel (like me as a kid). Hehe.

Though she likely won’t see this post, thank you to my friend M for thinking of me on her wonderful holiday!

PS. There was also Pocky in the package, but… well, I love Pocky and ate them before I got to taking pictures. Oopsie.

 

That’s all the mail goodness for me this week. I am in the midst of unpacking boxes and organising my new office space, so if you have any favourite organisation tips, websites, or the like, please leave a comment! I’m feeling a little overwhelmed over here at the moment.

May your week ahead be beautiful, and the birdsong be lovely.

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Call for Calls for Submissions: Spread the Word About Your Zine/Distro/Library!

Zine Calls for Submissions

Share your call for submissions, let people know about your distro or zine library, announce your newest zine, let people know you are crowdfunding a zine project… If you have an announcement to make that has to do with zines, do it here! Sea Green Zines wants to be your megaphone. Even better? It’s an automatic shout out on Facebook, Twitter, and Tumblr when you advertise here.

Big fuzzy love hearts to those who have a .jpg call for subs, but all are welcome. Get in touch by emailing theauthor[at]inkyblots.com or comment below.

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Call for Submissions: Arospec Poetry Network

The Arospec Poetry Network is seeking submissions from arospec (= who belong on the aromantic spectrum) visual artists to illustrate the third issue of its collective art/poetry zine “Don’t Talk To Me Of Love”.

This issue will center around the theme of beginnings & endings.

Artists have the choice between directly submitting original content related to this theme, or getting in touch with our members to work in closer relation and illustrate a particular piece of poetry.

We accept traditional art, digital art, photography, comics (1 to 2 pages), … You can always get in touch if you’re not sure whether you’re artwork would fit our zine.

All rights will remain with the artists. Since the zine is going to be a free publication, we cannot offer financial compensation. Submissions limited to three pieces at a time.

Due date for submissions is October 4th.
The zine should be released in December/January.

You can contact us and/or send in your submissions per e-mail: meenilevi@gmail.com or through tumblr: @arospecpoetrynet.

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Zine Review: Radical Vulnerability and Mental Health

Radical Vulnerability and Mental Health
Queer Marshmallow
queer_marshmallow@riseup.net
IG: @queermarshmallow

Radical Vulnerability and Mental Health is a black and white… I feel like it falls under the category of perzine, but I really want to call it a ‘contemplation zine’.

In Radical Vulnerability and Mental Health, Queer Marshmallow explores thoughts on the meaning of ‘radical vulnerability’ and how it applies within the context of mental illness. More specifically within the realms of anxiety, depression, and borderline personality disorder.

I started reading this zine knowing that I liked the way ‘radical vulnerability’ sounded but also knowing that I wasn’t actually sure what it was all about. With recent events leaving me feeling particularly vulnerable, I decided it was about time to look into it.

As much as I wanted a solid, ‘official’ definition, I like how QM started from a place of what radical vulnerability meant to them and then took it from there. At no point was there a feeling of being told what is, only personal interpretations. In the grand scheme of things, I don’t think the writing could have demonstrated any more perfectly exactly what it was talking about.

I didn’t expect to identify so strongly with this zine, but I truly did. Perhaps it’s simply from the common mental diagnoses, but I have many times asked myself the same questions QM asks. Where is the line between expressing what is going on and becoming a burden? When does honest become too honest?

This zine isn’t a guide or a how to, but it is a beautifully vulnerable – excited but shy – exploration of feelings when it comes to opening your true self up to the world. If that sounds like something you would enjoy, pick up this zine.

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Zine Review: In Movement

In Movement
Nina
http://echopublishing.worpdress.com

I would describe this zine, but really, Nina already has it handled on the cover. In Movement is…

A 24-hour zine about moving and finding a home

I’m not a stickler for descriptions like I am about contact details, but there is certainly something to be said about having the description right up front. You don’t even have to open the zine (but why wouldn’t you – it’s a zine!) to have an idea of what you’re getting.

However I do believe that I am getting ahead of myself.

Nina takes you through the process of moving through reflection pieces, tips from friends (love this idea!) about making a new space home, lists, and even brief summaries of other zines about moving.

I do have a long-standing love of lists, but the reflections resonated with me. I like how Nina mentions how moving is both a physical and an emotional process. Nina’s desire for one’s own space and the desire to feel safe are something I have longed for for a long time.

Later in the lists section with the list of fears, I found myself nodding right along. Even though I live with Wanderer, I worry about taking care of all the “adult” stuff and whether I will be lonely. (So far so good on *not* having noisy neighbours. Win!)

The aesthetic of this zine is definitely cut and paste, but it’s not at all overwhelming or distracting from the words. I like how the backgrounds are house/home related with everything from maps to boxes to houses. The zine itself is wrapped up with lovely blue yarn that matches the tree on the front cover. The pages did get a little squiggly with the binding going around but not through, but the fact that I was taking it with me from room to room with various other things definitely contributed to the squiggling.

I do have to give a smile to this little symbol drawn on the inside corner. Something about the idea of a ‘Belgium 24 Hour Zines’ stamp really made me smile.

This is absolutely only a review of this zine, but I did want to bring up the point about how fun it was for me to have more than one zine by the same zinemaker. A few things referenced in this zine were also mentioned in Scissors & Chainsaws, and I really enjoyed that sense of continuity and connection between zines with different subjects.

I wish I had made the time to sit down and read this zine before I moved because I found it comforting to read like chatting with a friend about the frustrations of moving. That being said, reading it after the fact is just as lovely, and this zine is a big inspiration in regards to making a zine about my own move.