|
Contributors' Profiles
Unbound Press - An International Journal of Words & Images
£5.00 (+£2.00 p&p)
David Beaty
- David and I were introduced, via email, during the last few hours before the cement set on the final version
of the current issue. I wish everything about unbound press went as smoothly as our correspondence.
David provided the short fiction “Lover by Lover.” I probably fell in love with the actual story for all the wrong
reasons, but I admire David’s talent for all the right reasons - I assure you. He is a graduate of
Columbia University and earned an MFA
from Florida International University.
His story “Ghosts” was published in The Best American Mystery Stories 2000
 .
Emily Boyd
- Amazing things ahead for Emily, folks… she’s a very talented senior in high school this year with plans of
attending college to study photography, which is exactly what she provided for the journal – a shot called
“Two Minutes Before.” Emily actually provided several photographs from which to choose – some of them were much
more dramatic and daring in content than the one selected, all were good. We selected this one though, a self-portrait,
because we wanted her to open this journal and be immediately reminded, immediately faced with the idea of being true to
herself and knowing that she has the strength inside to reach all her goals.
Kathy Briccetti
- Kathy’s contribution to our journal is an excerpt from her memoir Blood Strangers. I think one of the first
things I noticed about this submission was the balance she was able to maintain throughout. There is a great strength
in her writing and yet there is an accessible, deep tenderness as well. Kathy’s work has also appeared in a variety of
local, national and online publications, not to mention public radio and several anthologies. She teaches creative writing
classes and earned an MFA in the
Stonecoast low-residency program at
the University of Southern Maine. Please take a moment to stop by Kathy's Official Website.
Kurt Caswell
- Every time I think of Kurt I can’t help but sing a little Johnny Cash… I’ve been everywhere, man…(forgive me,
Kurt, if that is entirely inappropriate... to add insult to injury... I can't carry a tune to save my life). Kurt is
an assistant professor of literature and creative writing in the Honors College at
Texas Tech University. He has also taught in
Hokkaido, Japan, on the Navajo Reservation, and at schools in Arizona, California, and Wyoming. He holds an MA in English
from the Bread Loaf School of English at
Middlebury College, and an MFA in literature and writing from
Bennington College, where
he was recipient of the Lucy Grealy Memorial Scholarship. He was a 2001 fellow at Fishtrap writers’ conference. His work
has appeared in Idaho Magazine,
Isotope,
Left Bank, Mountain Gazette,
Northern Lights, Orion, Potomac Review, and West Wind Review,
among other publications. Kurt’s contribution to our journal is an excerpt from a longer nonfiction project
called "Unsettled: A Teacher’s Year in Navajoland." It is a straightforward, unflinching account of
“Mr. Caz-well” coming home to America to find himself a stranger in a strange land, perhaps?
Christina Cook
- Christina is student at Vermont College, where she is a candidate for the MFA in Poetry with a Concentration in
Translation. Her work has appeared in Buckle & and the online journal
Poemeleon. When you purchase a copy of
unbound press for your very own… you’ll notice that we have four poems by Christina, when I asked her for
permission to publish them and she said yes… it was a good day.
-
-
K.E. Ellingson
- And so KE’s submission began… Editor’s Note: The manuscript of the short story, “The Diet of Worms,” was found
among the papers of Grete Samsa-Selingman during the investigation following her disappearance. Despite extensive
inquiries, we have been unable to locate its author… What? I had to read on to see where this was going, right?
And by the time I realized Grete could do a pretty good Marlene Dietrich impression and knew her share of vulgar Yiddish
words, well – I was hooked. KE’s work has also appeared in the
Madison Review,
Kansas Quarterly, Animals, Studies in Contemporary Satire, and
The Sun.
Andy Heatwole
- Andy’s contribution to our first issue is a photograph called “Ominous Path.” It is just that. From the perspective
of the camera… or I should say from me, from you – us… we’ve got a choice: a gravel road, long and unforgiving,
stretched out before us in the distance, flanked on each side by little comfort, and oppressed above by dark clouds
with bottoms pushed flat against the sky. Do we want to try and race ahead, try to make it a little further down the
road or is it worth turning around and going back the other way? We’ve made it this far, after all, decisions… decisions.
You’ll have to see for yourself, I guess? At any rate, Andy is an ace photographer from Central Texas who spends most
of his weekends exploring the countryside in the area. His greatest passion, perhaps, is experimenting with light and
he says that it is a driving force in most of his images. To see more of Andy’s work, I encourage you to stop by
Blue Hour Photo…
take a spin through the archives, too.
Ann K. Hoff
- Ann received her Ph.D. from
the City University of New York
and is currently an Assistant Professor of Modern Poetry at the
University of Alabama at Birmingham. We are pleased
to have two of Ann’s poems in this issue, “Wireless” and “Might.” During one of our editorial meetings, in which we
read Ann's work, the idea immediately came to mind of snapping a candid shot with an ancient Poloroid camera, waving
it in the air and watching as a faint pastel and then darker, darker image began to reveal itself... you'll have to
forgive my self-indulgence... Ann's work has nothing to do with Poloroids or faint pastels... but intimate revelation,
sure...
Amber Jenkins
- This is the house that Amber built, or more correctly – this is the poem that Amber submitted entitled,
“Spare Room,” with images of a man - a father - hammering and planning and roofing into the night in concert
with “wailing jazz.” Amber is a recent graduate from the Johns Hopkins University’s Writing Seminars and Humanities Programs where she studied with poet Dave Smith. She is now studying poetry at the University of Virginia’s MFA Writing Program. Her work has been published in the Allegheny Review and she recently won first prize in both Undergraduate College and Adult division of the Poetry Society of Virginia’s annual poetry contest.
David Johns
- I hesitate to make public the following information… not only because I didn’t offer the other contributors such
enticements, but also because I haven’t yet made good on my promise. See, David agreed to let me publish his photograph
“Chain” on the basis that I give him the half full bag of semi-stale Halloween candy corn that was sitting on my desk at
the time I sent my enquiry. It was the only thing in my immediate line of vision that was worth anything of substantial
value and so I put it up on the negotiation table, he went for it. I subsequently ate said bag of Halloween candy corn…
David, Valentine’s Day is coming up soon… how do you stand on chocolate covered marshmallow hearts? Seriously, although
David currently lives in Alaska he has me singing Johnny Cash too… I’ve been everywhere, man… He has previously lived in
Florida, Utah, Colorado, Arizona, Hawaii, Montana, Ohio and Ontario. Go pay him a visit, won’t you…
Dave’s Pics.
Hossein Khiabanian
- Hossein is an Iranian student living in the United States and, from what I understand, he has a rather healthy
obsession with chocolate. In fact, he has the loveliest way of describing his photography as (and I'll paraphrase here)
the bittersweet feelings that linger, as memories do, not unlike the aftertaste of a piece of chocolate… We’ve published
two of Hossein’s photographs, “Eyelashes” and “Siesta.” It is worth your time to visit his photoblog, take a spin around
the archives, maybe bring your own piece of chocolate or two and jive with the vibes of one cool photographer over the
wonderful World Wide Web. Visit Hossein at
Bittersweet.
Jane Kretschmann
- Jane grew up in Alabama and now calls Ohio home, where she teaches community college. Her work has appeared in serveral
publications including Fresh Boiled Peanuts and Wavelengths: Poems in Prose and Verse; online in Artistry
of Life, Right Hand Pointing and Muscadine Lines: A Southern Anthology. When not teaching or writing, she
enjoys reading, singing, and walking her retriever, Belle. Lately she's trying to learn the guitar.
Rose Loughran
- Rose Loughran is 18 and she draws Stuff. Lots of Stuff. With a capital S, because she is fond of Stuff.
She lives in Scotland and is studying for a degree in Computer Arts at the
University of Abertay. Right now she is mainly working
on Eclipse (a webcomic slated to launch early 2007). To see various other writing and illustration projects please visit
her Sketchblog. When not drawing or writing she
likes to play the flute, compose orchestral music and eat cookies. Also, she has a cat called Sponge. Although I do not
have a particular affinity for cats (no hate mail please), I must say that I am immediately drawn to a person who composes
orchestral music, loves cookies and has an absolutely wicked talent, as Rose does… and just for the record… she is a
writer, as well… ah – the gifted… You'll find an absolutely ace illustration by Rose in our Inaugural Issue, a work
called, "Darkfire."
David Martinidez
- Dave lives and works in New York City. He describes his approach to photography as an intuitive one: “I am attracted
to moments in time. Photography is about light, shadow, and form... and how these elements merge together for an instant,
either to be caught by the camera or lost forever.” His photography spans a number of genres, including street photography
and New York cityscapes. His work has been exhibited at the Jen Bekman satellite gallery in New York City, and has been
published in
A Comprehensive Guide to Digital Travel Photography (Digital Photography)
 .
One of his photographs will be featured as the cover to a forthcoming album by the Italian rock band Epo.
He maintains an online portfolio of his photographs at
martinidez.com,
as well as a frequently updated Photoblog.
-
-
-
-
Stevi Moshogianni
- I was first introduced to Stevi’s work via the Internet, she operates under an alias, but don’t we all… when the
occasion calls for it. I approached her and made a suggestion, and in retrospect, perhaps it was a bizarre request for
a literary journal – but having seen her work and the interesting way in which she combines various mediums… I was sure
I wanted her to be part of our first issue. So I asked, “Stevi… would you please consider creating an original postcard
and poem that could be reproduced in black and white for our Inaugural Issue?” And you know what? Well, of course you do!
She agreed! Although Stevi technically describes herself on paper as a journalist living in Greece… I would hasten to add
that she is also an amazing photographer and talented graphic designer.
David Nightingale
- David lives in Blackpool, on England’s northwest coast, with his wife and five children – all of whom have grown
accustomed to him spending a great deal of time behind the lens. They moved to Blackpool a couple of years ago and have
since found it to be a never ending source of inspiration – from the tacky tourist scenes, through endless opportunities
for street photography, to breathtakingly beautiful seascapes. David says, “I guess, at some point, I’ll feel as though
I’ve photographed most of it, but for the time being at least it seems as though there are an infinite number of
photographs still to be taken.” In the extremely early stages of unbound press David was so kind to us, he was most
agreeable and generous with his work and I think you’ll find… when you visit his photoblog… that you’ll be absolutely
blow away. His site really is one of the best on the net, but don’t take my word for it, go have a look-see for yourself
chromasia.com.
Martin Oostidijk
- Martin is a man of mystery, in fact… Martin Oostdijk is actually the hastily erected pseudonym for the author
behind the american short-timer blog. I will tell you this, if you wish to reach the man behind the mask(?) the blog(?)
you may do so at americanshort_timer@yahoo.com. That’s all I’m a
liberty to reveal at the moment, well, that and the fact that he gave us a poem not for the faint of heart – but one
you all should read – “Einstein’s Comet.”
Ralph Pennel
- While we have been struggling to get unbound press off the ground, Ralph has been involved in an exciting project,
as well. He is the Fiction Editor of Midway Journal, a fresh, innovative, new online effort brought together with a great
deal of hard work and passion. Ralph contributed a poem called “Planning Our Departure” to our first issue and to see more
of his work you can visit camera shy. In addition, his work has appeared in various journals and publications including,
most notably, a monologue – which was also staged – in a collected monologues called Monologues from the Road. Ralph is
currently working on his second novel, Our Patient Labyrinths, and seeking publication for his first novel, Surviving
Bunnie.
William Prince
- We were very pleased that William was interested in being part of the first issue, not
only because he has recently completed an amazing novel called French Sally, the first
chapter of which is featured in unbound press, but also because he is our Guest Writer,
as well. When we first began tumbling ideas around for our journal, one area that was
very important to us was to profile an excellent writer who also happened to be a member
of the academic or publishing world. And by profile, we didn’t want to tap out a typical
bio. We wanted to give this person an opportunity to express themselves, to introduce
themselves by way of creative essay, followed with publication of a selection of their
work. William was perfect for this first issue and we appreciate him humouring us along
the way, he has been very patient! As you’ll read, in the journal, he is a British
professor, living in France with his family and working at a university as coordinator
of the language centre.
Ryan Rahn
- Ryan Rahn grew up in the Midwest but now calls the bustling desert suburb of Chandler, Arizona his home. He is
currently majoring in Aerospace Engineering at Arizona State University. In our first issue you’ll find a submission
of photography by Ryan called “Notebooks” but, in addition to photography, he plays the piano and violin and has a deep
love for classical music. To see more of Ryan’s work, please take a moment and stop by his photoblog Ryan Rahn Photography.
Vance Roberts
- Vance has spent most of his adult life in Devon, where he worked at a variety of jobs – including teaching for over
twenty years. He now lives on the Isle of Skye where he spends his time exploring, chopping wood and playing a variety
of wind instruments to bemused sheep. Vance’s work quite often mixes the playful and the profound and combined with his
skilful photography, it is always a powerful presentation. To see more of his work please pay a visit to his virtual
i-land-i-site.
Terez Rose
- An insatiable curiosity about the world beyond her native Kansas led Terez Rose to Gabon, Central Africa, in 1985,
where she served for two years as a Peace Corps Volunteer. This produced endless entertaining adventures that helped her
create her novel, Black Ivory Soul. She now makes her home in California’s Santa Cruz Mountains. Her writing has
appeared in numerous publications, including
Literary Mama,
Espresso Fiction,
Peace Corps Online,
the Milwaukee Journal- Sentinel and the L.A. Daily News. Anthology credits include
Women Who Eat: A New Generation on the Glory of Food (Live Girls Series)
 (Seal Press, November 2003), A Woman’s Europe (Travelers’ Tales, June 2004) and Italy, Italy, A Love Story: Women Write About the Italian Experience (Seal Press, June 2005). She is currently at work on her second novel.
Lorissa Shepstone
- Lorissa is a South African photographer and designer currently living in London. Her work has been featured
in various publications including the Guardian (UK), Digital Camera Shopper,
PC Magazine, 28mm, U&I Magazine, Small Spiral Notebook and the recent book,
Create Your Own Photoblog by Catherine Jamieson. In 2002 she co-created
Expressions —a popular hosted photoblogging
service - and is currently working on a new photoblogging application, Vividry. In her spare time, Lorissa runs the
London chapter of Photobloggers.org and an online
e-zine promoting creative women, All Things Girl.
Her photography can be viewed at
ApparentlyNothing and
Foodography.
Barry Spacks
- Barry Spacks has had poems published in every conceivable journal over all these many years since the French &
Indian Wars; also stories, two novels, etc. and nine poetry collections from such publishers as Harper’s,
Doubleday, U. of Georgia series, Godine, Michigan State University Press, and Johns Hopkins
(Spacks Street, New and Selected Poems (Johns Hopkins: Poetry and Fiction)
 , winner of the Commonwealth Club of California’s Poetry Medal). He’s also put in multi-years of teaching, at M.I.T. & U.C. Santa Barbara mainly; shoe size 11B. He has three CDs out, A Private Reading - a selection of 42 poems (plus chat) from 50 years of work - a reading from his 2004 collection, Regarding Women, and one from his forthcoming What Breathes Us. In April 2005 he was invested (Ta-TAH) as the first official Poet Laureate of the seaside city of Santa Barbara, California. Maxine Hong Kingston says of his work: “I enjoy reading Barry Spacks’ poetry for his attention to real things, real people, real life. He finds ways to know everything - the earth, the air as
miraculous, as beautiful, as playful.”
-
-
Lorraine Fraser Thomas
- We’re lucky… not only is Lorraine an excellent writer, she is an excellent chef, as well. Those two credits
(oh, and her sense of humor) were what prompted the good folks at unbound press to approach her with a
question… “Dear Lorraine, will you please consider writing the first installment of a (hopefully) regularly recurring
feature in our journal, a little ditty we like to call Will Write for Food?” And that, boys and girls, is how we got
“Will Write For Food: Chicken & Leek Pie.” Lorraine was able to give us exactly what we were looking for, a piece of
creative nonfiction that, yes… although it has a recipe attached to it… doesn’t smack of Ladies Home Journal
(not that I have anything against those good folks, no hate mail please). I encourage you to visit her blog
Here’s the Thing where you’ll get a good
dose of her Erma Bombeck-ish antics plus 10.
-
|
|
|
