I've Got A Few Things For You

As I mentioned in my most recent post, I have a flash fiction piece in the first Housefire Publishing release, Nouns of Assemblage. In my inexperience with print publications, I think I was underwhelming in my enthusiasm for this collection. I'm so thrilled to have my piece, "A Murder of Crow," be included in the anthology, which honestly features some of my favorite lit people, like J.A. Tyler, Mel Bosworth, Matty Byloos, xTx, Janey Smith, Frank Hinton, Riley Michael Parker, and Andrew Borgstrom, among a lot of other people. For $12.95, I'm not sure you'll find a better deal on such a cool collection of small press writers right now.

As for the personal stake in it, this is my first legit print publication beyond a few small university literary journal publication, so in my heart, this thing means a ton. Also, I really believe in what Housefire is setting out to do. Not only do they have a super legit website/online journal, but they have some incredible plans for the future, such Housefire anthologies. Also, I know they are planning to release a novel by Matty Byloos, again based on prompts, that is sure to rock for real. As they go deeper into print publishing, I can't think of a better place to have my work.

Now, here's my little plea. I know books are not high on many peoples' to-buy list, and if they are, that list is probably swamped. However, from a slightly-selfish stance, I'd love to see this publication of mine on your bookshelf. And from a more community-oriented perspective, I'd be thrilled if you supported this vast collection of awesome writers and a growing press. So if you think that sounds nice, you can buy it here.

STILL NOT CONVINCED? I really like the idea of showing my support for other people (whether it's your writing, your music, your visual art, your cooking, your parenting), and if you're so kind to support this venture of mine, I've got some reciprocity in my pocket for you. On a beautiful day here in Indiana, I was able to play some refreshing disc golf, and I came up with some options for you, if you buy the collection between now and my birthday (September 25th) based on my recommendation. If you've bought this collection already, but promise that it was in large part because of my blog post/Facebook post or because of my inclusion, I'll probably still let you pick one of these.

(THIS ONE WILL BE GOOD IF YOU WANT SOME FEEDBACK ON YOUR OWN WORK) (LIMIT FIVE)
1. I'll write you a poem or flash fiction piece, with the title, epigraph, and/or dedication of your choosing. Also, I'll give you honest written feedback on a draft of your work, whether it's writing (five poems or 2 flash fiction pieces), music (a demo or two or something), or some other art.

(THIS ONE WILL BE GREAT IF YOU WANT ANOTHER AUDIENCE MEMBER FOR YOUR WORK) (LIMIT FIVE)
2. I'll write you a poem or flash fiction piece, with the title, epigraph, and/or dedication of your choosing. Also, I'll give you honest written feedback on published/finished pieces of your work, whether it's writing, music, or something else, as long as I can have access to it. (Possible bonus: if it fits, I'll post about it on this blog)

(THIS ONE MIGHT BE GOOD IF YOU'RE NOT A WRITER) (LIMIT FIVE)
3. I'll write you a poem or flash fiction piece, with the title, epigraph, and/or dedication of your choosing. Also, I'll write you a personal letter to you, about whatever seems appropriate.

(THIS ONE WILL BE GOOD IF YOU LIKE WHEN I'M ANNOYING) (LIMIT FIVE)
4. I'll write you a poem or flash fiction piece, with the title, epigraph, and/or dedication of your choosing. Also, I'll tweet messages about you three times a day for a week in ALL CAPS.

(THIS ONE IS GOOD IF YOU HATE WORDS BUT LIKE CRAPPY DRAWINGS.) (LIMIT FIVE)
5. I'll write you a poem or flash fiction piece, with the title, epigraph, and/or dedication of your choosing. Also, I'll draw you a picture, either in PAINT or by hand. It'll probably suck.

(THIS ONE WILL BE GOOD IF YOU LIKE WHEN I LOOK LIKE AN IDIOT) (LIMIT TWO)
6. I'll write you a poem or flash fiction piece, with the title, epigraph, and/or dedication of your choosing. Also, I'll send you a video me singing "You're Body Is A Wonderland" by John Mayer.

(THIS ONE IS GOOD IF YOU'RE A CONTROL FREAK OR REGULAR FREAK OR FREAK ON A LEASH) (LIMIT TWO)
7. I'll write you a poem or flash fiction piece, with the title, epigraph, and/or dedication of your choosing. Also, you can ask for a second incentive (subject to approval; preferably before you buy)

BONUS: If you buy it on my birthday (September 25th), you'll not only get your choice of the above options, but I'll send you a video of me reading my piece of NOA on my birthday, likely boozeful, likely shirt-less, likely SUPER STOKED.

Alright. THERE YOU HAVE IT. Email me at gobble(dot)tyler(at)gmail(dot)com or Facebook me if you have questions or need to redeem your incentives. I will hope you'll take advantage of this. If not for you, then for me.

THANKS A LOT LIKE FOR REAL

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN TRAVELIN' AND TRAVELING

So, Frank's all like I'm going to Asia for three months, living out of a tiny backpack, sleeping on floors, etc. Other friends have been to Europe, biked to Maine, toured this country in an old van playing shows to six people and loving it. I can be a jealous dude in one situation: experiences.

I'm talking to Sara and I just blurt out, "I'm going to drive to Portland, Oregon after I graduate (after the May 7th In The Face of War Final Show/Away With Vega Reunion, of course)." Apparently, she wants to go, too, which is sweet.

Here's the vision: Three to four weeks, Indiana to San Francisco to Portland back to Indiana, one car, sleeping at friends/friends' friends house, some camping, some car sleeping, lots of disc golf, good food, major bookstores, cool hiking, money spent mainly on gas.

I'm wanting to do this, because eventually I'd like to go overseas, but I really don't think I'm ready. I've hardly seen this country my own way, meaning no RVs or $25 meals like with Sara's family and no hotels and relative visits like with my parents. My goal is to focus on the trip, the sights, the sounds, the experiences I value. Adding Sara in the mix will help me from getting lonely and give me someone to bounce ideas off while on the road.

So, I'm looking for suggestions/help/etc.:
- Suggestions on booyeah bookstores between Muncie, IN and Portland, OR/San Francisco, CA?
- Suggestions on must-play disc golf courses between Muncie, IN and Portland, OR/San Francisco, CA?
- Suggestions on awesome food places between Muncie, IN and Portland, OR/San Francisco, CA?
- Suggestions on sweet hiking/nature stuff between Muncie, IN and Portland, OR/San Francisco, CA?
- Ideas about cheap/free places to stay between Muncie and Portland/San Francisco?
- Ideas about how to turn a car into a sleepable place?
- Any other ideas or suggestions?

Don't worry I'll ask again and again. I do that.

Really, this is something sweet that I've never had the time/energy/money to do, so I'm super stoked. Any help is greatly appreciated.