Hey Now, You’re a Rockstar
The more known you are, the more people expect from you. At least all us struggling artists have the freedom to do whatever we want and be whoever we are.
Billy McCall
Billy McCall is a writer and artist living in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He has a large collection of WNBA trading cards, and an even larger collection of zines and comics. He’s old enough to remember dial-up Internet and hopeful enough to believe that this crummy world still has a chance. He runs the website www.ilovezines.com, and is always looking for new pen pals. Feel free to email him at iknowbilly@gmail.com.
Long Live the PaperNet
I’ve been writing that newsletter every month for over three years now, so I thought I would share a few tips on how to create and maintain a mass mailing list.
Knowing Your Audience
I am a writer with many personalities. This used to cause confusion in my writing life, but gradually I’ve learned when to use which voice.
Exploring the Underground
I met a young graffiti artist at a party a few months back, only I didn’t know he was a graffiti artist. We gradually became friends, shared stories, shared art, and eventually he revealed his secret life to me.
Why I Put Down My Camera
When I see some great graffiti, I have to stop, look, and remember. When I go to a show, I close my eyes and really listen to the music.
11 Life Lessons I Learned From Tetris
I play a couple games of Tetris almost every day. I do some sort of writing almost every day. It occurred to me that there are some similarities here.
Learning How to Go With the Flow
Go with the flow, people. Follow your instincts, follow your dreams. If you wake up one morning with the urge to try something totally new, go do it.
Through Trial and Error, I Found a College that was Just Right
Have I ever actually used my diploma to get a job? Does having a degree ensure I am best friends with movie stars? The answer is a definitive “NO.”
Five Things to Know When You Fall in Love with a Writer
Writers will write, and they will write about you. Talk honestly about your boundaries. Of course, if you ever break up all bets are off, so good luck.
The Art of the Hustle
A person’s skill level, medium, location, and connections are all things that factor into the equation of whether or not they can make money from their art.
Five Reasons You Aren’t Famous
You keep telling yourself to exercise, to practice guitar, to hit the books, and so on, but then you remember that a new episode of “Breaking Bad” is on.
I Can’t Tell Which Job Is My Side Job
The whole time I wrote weekly greeting cards and marketing copy, I also worked 40 hours at a regular job. So which was the side job?
Art and War
Make art. Because there are a lot of other people out there who are just as upset as you, but don’t know how to express it.
Buon Journal
For two Euros I acquired my first Italian keepsakes, a ball point pen and a lined notebook.
Five Examples of Terrible Lyrics
Sometimes an awful song is saved by amazing lyrics. But more often a great song is ruined by terrible lyrics.
Zine Fests: Meccas of Joy for Writers
Zine fests are a great for meeting new authors and finding inspiration. They’re like art openings for writers! Here are some tips for tablers and attendees.