December 14, 2010
For immediate release
BALTIMORE, Md. – Prompted by the recent public furor over a Hampden restaurant-owner's trademarking of the word "hon", award-winning local literary zine Smile, Hon, You're in Baltimore! announces a call for submissions of stories, essays, poetry, photography and related artwork for an upcoming issue focusing on the term's roots, its celebration and exploitation, and its past, present and future roles in Baltimore's identity.
"Given the anger and pure, raw emotion floating around out there, it's clear that there is much more at play here than a simple three-letter term of endearment," says Smile, Hon Editor William P. Tandy. "That said, what a wonderful thing it would be if we could put this well-nigh unprecedented outrage and energy to positive use – for the city, for ourselves, for each other."
Questions and ideas to consider include (but are not limited to):
- Are you angered by Denise Whiting's actions in and of themselves? If so, why?
- Do you see Ms. Whiting's actions, and the rancorous public response to them, as being representative of a bigger picture? If so, how? Are there implications of gentrification, greed, corruption, racism, class-ism, etc.? If so, how?
- If you aren't necessarily enraged by these events, do you see other necessary changes within this context?
- What would you like to see going forward?
- Family photographs/other artwork depicting genuine Baltimore "hons", versus the manufactured, exploitative caricatures Ms. Whiting has perpetuated in recent years.
As always with Smile, Hon, personal experience and wisdom are always good vehicles for discussion. Also, please note that we are not looking to produce an issue focused exclusively on the question of new Baltimore vs. old Baltimore. Rather, Tandy seeks to "keep all channels open, and use Ms. Whiting's actions to open a deeper dialogue."
"Together, I think we can create something here that will be of great interest not only to Baltimoreans, but anyone struggling with similar issues in other cities, too," he notes.
Articles (100 – 1,000 words) are preferably received via e-mail (wpt@eightstonepress.com) as attached Word documents. Image files should be approximately 5" x 7", 300+ dpi (.JPG or .TIF format). All contributors will receive a byline/artist credit for their work as well as two (2) complimentary copies of the issue when published. The deadline for submissions is Saturday, January 15, 2011.
From the harbor to the hills, Smile, Hon, You're in Baltimore! collects the tales of those on whom Mobtown has left her indelible mark. Polished, professional essays; barroom sermons delivered from the sanctity of a favorite stool; the poet's fleeting sentiment, captured in both word and snapshot – Smile, Hon offers a slice of Baltimore as told by Baltimore, presented with the time-honored DIY accessibility of a limited-run, handcrafted zine. A two-time Utne Independent Press Award Nominee, Smile, Hon has also been dubbed "Best Zine" by Baltimore Magazine (2008) and Baltimore City Paper (2004).
An Eight-Stone Press production, Smile, Hon, You're in Baltimore! is available locally for purchase at Atomic Books (Baltimore, MD); City Lights Books (San Francisco, CA) Cyclops Books & Music (Baltimore, MD); Microcosm Publishing (Bloomington, IN, and Portland, OR); Quimby's (Chicago, IL); Red Emma's Bookstore Coffeehouse (Baltimore, MD) and Ukazoo Books (Towson, MD). For more information, contact:
William P. Tandy, Editor
Eight-Stone Press
P.O. Box 11064
Baltimore, MD 21212
http://www.eightstonepress.com
wpt@eightstonepress.com
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