Robert James Russell

I’m not just saying it: Every subsequent issue of Midwestern Gothic makes me more and more excited. The newest issue, Fall 2011 (Issue #3) is out now.

Get a copy

In 2010 I had an idea to put together an anthology that would, in effect, deconstruct sex in literature–leaving only the scene itself and very little context around it–creating a work that would, ideally, showcase how we all perceive such intimate things. The result was Sex Scene: An Anthology, a collection of stories I am so, so proud of.

And, in the interest of getting it out there, checked out by all y’all who have not already checked it out, it is, as it always has been, free. Very free.  (Get yourself a free eBook here.)

It is also available as a hardcopy and for Kindle (for nominal fees).

I highly recommend that if you haven’t, check it out now. Again, I wouldn’t classify this as erotica, per se, more like an experimentation of sex in literary fiction. Here’s the nitty-gritty:

Sex Scene: An Anthology aims to decontextualize sex, asking the reader to look at the act itself as not only a form of art, but also as the very basest of human urges. The result is a cacophony of unique perspectives, cultures, styles and scenes–from soft and romantic to deranged and hardcore–that invites you to leave any hang-ups behind and actively engage in conversations about the all-too-often taboo topic, showing that, perhaps, we are not so different after all. Featuring stories by: Sabina England, Penny Goring, Dan Holloway, Sara Lippmann, Kirsty Logan, Sarah E. Melville, Gary Percesepe, Leah Petersen, Jeff Pfaller, Remittance Girl, Scott C. Rogers, Robert James Russell, and Cherise Wolas.

Love it.

via Gemma Correll

One of the best bands you’re not listening to.

Along with three other local publishers (Dzanc Books, Black Coffee Press and Absinthe: New European Writing), Midwestern Gothic will be co-hosting/sponsoring a new reading series called Wednesday Night Sessions that takes place the last Wednesday of every month.

I’m really quite proud of this, and I’m excited for host a venue where local (read: Midwestern) authors/poets can come together and mingle and have a great time.

More details on the official site. First session is on Wednesday, September 28, from 7-8 PM at Mentobe Cafe in downtown Farmington, Michigan. If you’re in the area, do us a solid and stop by.

Oh, and if you’re on Twitter, please follow the reading series there too. Updates and fun things, I swear.

More as we get closer to the date.

Heard it in the new Drive trailer. Fell in love. End of story.

Good times. Chicago Publishes, a wonderful website that tracks the world of publishing in Chicago (where the other half of MG–Jeff–lives), published an interview they did with he and I.

Check it out here.  (And forgive the picture. It was the only one of Jeff and I worth posting.)

The little lit journal I founded and edit with friend and confidant Jeff Pfaller is gearing up to launch its third issue. Check out the cover below. Full contributor listing here. Enjoy and pass it on.

Chillwave goodness. Oh, yes.

The newest column in The First Year series that I collaborate on for the wonderful site Portal del Sol (which talks about the trials and tribulations of starting a literary journal) is now up (and, this month, it’s written by me). It’s about triumphs. You can find it here.