Originally, I thought the only costs for Muzzle would be the web domain costs. Unfortunately, as we expand and try to become a more legitimate organization, the fees are piling up. 

From now until July 31, 2011, I am donating all online sales of my chapbook Pain Needs to Remember to Muzzle Magazine to help cover accrued and upcoming costs. Copies are easily purchased via paypal. 

In case anyone is wondering where their money is going:
1) $298 (currently sitting on my credit card) to register for a DBA License in Cook County, a Federal Employer ID number, and processing fees for LegalZoom (the company that handled our filing for the DBA and FEIN/ made sure I didn't fuck shit up on my first try at this). Not to mention-- the looming fees of registering as a DBA in New York once I move for grad school.
2) I need money to set up a DBA checking account for Muzzle, unless somebody knows of a bank that'll set up an account for a DBA without a starting balance?
3) For the "Best of the first Year" print issue, I need to provide copies for contributors to that issue. There are about 40 contributors (artists + poets + reviewers + editors). At cost, that's easily $200. 

Ideally, within the next month I will have a bank account set up for Muzzle. Then we can have a paypal "donate" button on the site and also sell copies of the upcoming print issue. 

Here's a clip of me reading my poem "Three Rachels" last  Friday at "Ain't Nothing Wrong," a variety show put on by Real Talk Live and West Side School for the Desperate.

It is possible that I have a bit of a bias, but it was honestly one of my favorite performances I've seen since moving here; the full-sets from JW Baz and Avery R. Young damn near made me cry. I had the privilege of reading at this show as a sorbet poet.

I was a bit nervous that I was out of my league reading there. A couple of strangers had commented positively on my delivery,, and I was a little concerned that it was like when You see someone wearing something hideous and compliment it because otherwise you're just sitting there staring. After I got the balls to watch it, I was pleasantly surprised by how much better it was than videos I saw of myself about a year ago. Not to say it's anywhere close to a perfect reading, but progress is relieving.

I am very proud to be a finalist for the Write Bloody manuscript contest, along with fellow Real Talk ave. artist John Paul davis. Here's the complete list of finalists (which is very badass and intimidating).

I am nervous and excited about this opportunity. I have had what I thought was an unrealistic goal for myself to publish my first book by 25. I think there's a decent chance that could happen now. I feel very lucky. Somehow, in my writing life everything seems to be aligning perfectly this year. 

Plans for the next 2 weeks:
1) buy a new laptop (which I've been putting off for 6 months) so I can work on the manuscript without freaking out constantly
2) request time off during the last week of June so I can focus
3) revise, revise, revise
4) revise, revise, revise

I'm still thinking about process/ if I want input. I probably should, but part of me wants to work in a vacuum/ to see what I can come up with on my own.

Real Talk Live, a variety show I help organize with a group of Chicago poets/performers/awesome humans, recently was named as one of the "Best Chicago Literary Readings" in an article by Mason Johnson that's up at CBS Chicago. 

On a related note, on June 17th, Real Talk is joining forces with West Side School for the Desperate to put on a pretty dope show, co-promoted by Poets & Writers, Inc. The show will be hosted by Roger bonair-agard and features Avery R. Young, Kristiana Colon, JW Basilo, and Shannon Cason. I'm really excited that I get to watch this line up. 

Click here for more details on the show.