Announcing "WOMEN IN JAZZ - Special Edition" 

Dive into the captivating world of jazz with "Women in Jazz" by Sammy Stein, a groundbreaking book that shines a spotlight on the incredible contributions of women in this beloved genre. This special edition book containing both "Women in Jazz: The Women, the Legends & their Fight" and "In Their Own Words" by Sammy Stein in one hardcover volume, takes readers on an inspiring journey through the lives and stories of female agents, arrangers, composers, musicians, PR professionals, radio hosts, record label managers, singers, writers, and more.

In "Women in Jazz," Stein expertly charts the paths of these remarkable women, celebrating their presence, amplifying their voices, and marveling at their unparalleled talent. The book provides an intimate glimpse into their experiences, sharing their unique perspectives on jazz and their visions for the future of the genre. From seasoned performers who share wisdom gained through years of dedication to emerging artists reflecting on the evolving landscape of jazz, each chapter offers a profound exploration of their journey.

Through a collection of interviews and firsthand accounts, "Women in Jazz" bears witness to the unwavering dedication, resilience, and passion these women have brought to their craft. It captures the generosity and positivity with which they have overcome challenges, offering a testament to their unwavering commitment to their artistry. Stein's book serves as a testament to the indomitable spirit of these trailblazers, inspiring readers with their stories of triumph.

Within the pages of "Women in Jazz," readers will gain an appreciation for the profound impact these women have had on the jazz landscape. Their creativity, innovation, and sheer talent have shaped the genre and paved the way for future generations of musicians. This book serves as a tribute to their invaluable contributions, ensuring that their stories and voices are recognized and celebrated.

Released to critical acclaim, "Women in Jazz" has garnered praise for its comprehensive and insightful portrayal of the women who have left an indelible mark on the jazz scene. Stein's meticulous research and engaging storytelling bring to life the vibrant tapestry of jazz history and the extraordinary women who have shaped it.

Whether you're a passionate jazz aficionado, a music lover, or someone intrigued by the power of women's voices, "Women in Jazz" is a must-read. It invites you to embark on an enriching journey through the lives and experiences of these remarkable musicians, leaving you with a deeper appreciation for their immense talent and the barriers they have overcome.

Pick up a copy of "Women in Jazz" today and join the celebration of these extraordinary women who have transformed jazz and continue to inspire future generations.

ORDER IT TODAY... (Limited to 500 copies)

On "Women in Jazz":

"It's all here, beautifully written, eloquently argued, clear-eyed in its intentions and open in its invitation " Jane Cornwell, Jazzwise Magazine
"All That’s Jazz author Sammy Stein’s new book Women in Jazz: The Women, the Legends & Their Fight uses a wide-angle lens to look at how women in a range of different roles have made a life in—and helped shape—jazz. Instead of only focusing on well-known performers, Stein interviewed agents, arrangers, composers, public relations professionals, media members, and more. Her subjects bridge generations (and international boundaries) in an effort to honor the past, assess the present, and point to the future." Emile Manasche, Jazz Times

"The reader is left in no doubt of Sammy’s knowledge and authority on the subject, yet she manages to tackle a challenging topic in a direct, passionate and sincere, yet easily digestible way. The sheer volume and status of the people who have given up their time to help Sammy, both women and men, is testament to the respect Sammy has earned across the industry and the trust people have in her to relay their stories faithfully." —Darren Harper, Jazz Matters

“A fascinating insight into the lives of contemporary jazz women and one that will be read with great interest by jazz enthusiasts of any gender. It really is an intelligent, insightful and consistently entertaining read, a book that either be read from cover to cover or dipped into at random. Even the most casual perusal of the work is guaranteed to unearth a nugget that will intrigue, inform and entertain". —Ian Mann, Jazzmann reviews

“One eye-opening narrative leads to a fascinating historical photo that leads to priceless quotes and offbeat reference sources, keeping the reader hungry for the next surprise Stein will veer off to". —Debbie Burke, jazz critic.

“In her own inimitable way, Sammy Stein has given us a work that will be read, pored over and discussed for quite some time." —Nick Lea, Jazzviews
'What an incredible book ' Phace magazine

Rolli writes... a humorous essay in the latest issue of Plenitude

In an age dominated by digital connections, the search for genuine friendship can be a challenging endeavor. 8th House author Rolli explores the experiences of a writer who embarks on a journey to find companionship through online classified ads. Via a humorous essay, "The Lonely Life: A Quest for Friendship in the Digital Age." Rolli shares his encounters and misadventures with individuals who respond to his ad seeking interesting conversations.

Initially excited by the prospect of meaningful connections, Rolli quickly realizes that the online realm can be a breeding ground for inappropriate advances and solicitations. His inbox is bombarded with messages that are far from what he had anticipated. Undeterred, Rolli refines his ad to emphasize the platonic nature of the conversations he seeks.

As the writer concludes his article, he reflects on his experiences and expresses gratitude for finding a true friend. While he may have encountered a series of unusual and unsavory characters along the way, Rolli remains open to the possibility of finding true friendship amidst the noise of the digital world.

Read the full essay.

COMING SOON: "Sithana Burning" by Somsy Camvan

In a remote village of Laos, rival gangs plot to seize control of the land and exploit its resources for their own gain. But when their plans are threatened by Sithana's appearance, a deadly chain of events is set in motion that will test the limits of loyalty, courage, and love. As tensions rise and alliances shift, a web of corruption and deceit is revealed, and the villagers must band together to fight for their way of life. 

Sithana Burning is a gripping tale of love, loyalty, and justice, featuring vividly drawn characters and a richly evocative setting. When Sithana returns to Laos from Canada to bury his family and avenge their deaths, he finds himself drawn to Viengvilay, a woman who understands his pain and shares his desire for justice. Meanwhile, in the bustling city of Luang Prabang, Laos, Touy Silavong her fiancé is a rising star in the world of organized crime. With a combination of cunning and ruthlessness, he's built an empire that extends far beyond the city limits. As Sithana and Viengvilay navigate the dangerous terrain of a corrupt society, they are forced to confront their deepest fears and make choices that will determine their fate. With vivid descriptions of Laos and its culture, Sithana Burning is a powerful story of resilience, love, and the human spirit's unyielding will to survive.

COMING SOON!

196 pages | 5.5" x 8.25" | ISBN 978-1-926716-74-9

Neurodiverse Writing with Rathwell & Rhenisch

As the world becomes more aware of the spectrum of human neurodiversity, many are looking to understand and appreciate the unique perspectives that neurodiverse individuals bring to various fields. One such field is writing, and in the article "Neurodiverse Writing with Rathwell & Rhenisch," readers can gain insights into the creative process of two neurodiverse writers and the innovative ways in which they approach their craft.

The article (which you can read here) is centered on the book "Don't Expect the Sun to Shine - A Wake for Robin Blaser," which pays tribute to the influential Canadian poet and scholar Robin Blaser. Rathwell and Rhenisch were both contributors to the book, and in the article, they delve into their own experiences with neurodiversity and how it shapes their writing.

Rathwell, who describes his writing process as being nonlinear and associative, embraces his unique way of thinking allowing it to inform his creative work, often discovering unexpected connections and insights in the process. Rhenisch, similarly uses his neurodivergent perspective to inform his writing, to see patterns and relationships in language that others might miss.

Reading about these writers' experiences can not only deepen our understanding of neurodiversity but also inspire us to appreciate the beauty and power of different ways of thinking. And, of course, for those interested in poetry and literature, "Don't Expect the Sun to Shine - A Wake for Robin Blaser" is a must-read.

https://apocalyze.net/2023/03/17/neurodiverse-writing-with-rathwell-rhenisch/

Don't Expect the Sun to Shine - Videos Part II, III & IV are now out!

Videos I through IV are now available. Burn your popcorn as you watch:

Don't Expect the Sun to Shine - Part I: Canadiana

Don't Expect the Sun to Shine - Part II: Creativity vs. Alignment 

Don't Expect the Sun to Shine - Part III: Stalin & Angels

Don't Expect the Sun to Shine - Part IV: Creativity (Continued...)

Don't Expect the Sun to Shine - Part V: Poets & Wars (Coming Soon)

Check out the video series here. One video to be released each week until the April launch... Pre-Order the book today!

"Don't Expect the Sun to Shine" is a record of the wake of the American-Canadian poet Robin Blaser, who taught a generation of Canadian poets American techniques derived from the WWI experience, techniques of blowing apart meaning, deriving meaning from the arrangement of text on the page, and using pages as cloud chamber bowls. Anything on them derived meaning only from their relationship in space to the other objects in that space. 

These were called poems, but they were really scripts to tease the cognitive patterns of biological readers. Unlike book-based poetry, they did not interact with the technological constraints of books but with the neurological constraints of humans. Their purpose was to turn space into time. Their purpose was to stop death. Every poem was a wake.

In Don’t Expect the Sun to Shine, Rathwell and Rhenisch turn time back into space.

We want readers to wander around wherever they like. We don’t control their hike. Their biological history does that. We are just hosting a party, so they can meet. — Harold Rhenisch

Don’t Expect the Sun to Shine responds to three ongoing trends in the development of written language in the age of images: the treatment of words as images in art writing, the evolution of criticism as a form of creativity that fails its potential because it remains enslaved to the academy, and the contemporary world of narrative fiction, which sees fictional worlds as the greatest truths, enjoys being dominated by normative narratives, and treats characters as clothing taken on for public display. 

Novels have become self-help, identity racks in a mall that you page through to find the one that fits. Then you wear it. — Harold Rhenisch

An Anthology of East African Literature is now available!

8th House Publishing is proud to announce the release of "An Anthology of East African Literature" edited by Beatrice Lamwaka & Josh Mali. 

Containing over 300 pages, more than 50 contributors from more than 10 contributing nations, this is the volume everyone has been waiting for.

Get your copy today!

Watch the promo video.

An Anthology of East African Literature

Edited by Beatrice Lamwaka & Josh Mali

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

An Anthology of East African Literature: A Collection of Masterfully Crafted Pieces from 50+ Contributors across 10+ Countries

Montreal, CANADA - The literary world is about to receive a gift in the form of An Anthology of East African Literature. This new book, featuring the works of more than 50 contributors from over 10 countries, promises to be a granary of artistic abundance. With over 300 pages of literary art, this anthology is a rich tapestry of poems and short stories that draw from the African oral storytelling tradition.
The poetry section of the anthology is rich and sundry, reflecting the diverse spectrum of literary expression to be found across the East African region. From playful use of verb repetition to create a sense of frequency and emphasis, to the conversational form of Ngonjera, readers will find a wide range of styles and themes.
The short stories section is equally diverse, covering a range of societal and personal issues. From terrorism to romantic cravings, political disenchantment to justice and gender equality issues, the writings in this section showcase some of the finest writing in terms of both form and meaning.
“We are excited to present An Anthology of East African Literature to the world,” says Josh Mali, one of the editors. “This book is a fitting gift to the lovers of literary art in this first quarter of the 21st century, and we hope readers will enjoy the rich variety of masterfully crafted pieces that it contains.”
Featuring the works of renowned writers such as Beverley Nambozo Nsengiyunva, Lydia Kasese, and Billy Kahora, this anthology promises to be a must-read for anyone with a love for literary art. The book is set to be released soon, and readers can pre-order it now to ensure they get their copy as soon as it’s available.
For more information about An Anthology of East African Literature please visit the publisher’s website. The editors are available for interview.

Don't Expect the Sun to Shine - Video Part I: Canadiana

Check out the first video in the series here. One video to be released each week until the April launch... Pre-Order the book today!

"Don't Expect the Sun to Shine" is a record of the wake of the American-Canadian poet Robin Blaser, who taught a generation of Canadian poets American techniques derived from the WWI experience, techniques of blowing apart meaning, deriving meaning from the arrangement of text on the page, and using pages as cloud chamber bowls. Anything on them derived meaning only from their relationship in space to the other objects in that space. 

These were called poems, but they were really scripts to tease the cognitive patterns of biological readers. Unlike book-based poetry, they did not interact with the technological constraints of books but with the neurological constraints of humans. Their purpose was to turn space into time. Their purpose was to stop death. Every poem was a wake.

In Don’t Expect the Sun to Shine, Rathwell and Rhenisch turn time back into space.

We want readers to wander around wherever they like. We don’t control their hike. Their biological history does that. We are just hosting a party, so they can meet. — Harold Rhenisch

Don’t Expect the Sun to Shine responds to three ongoing trends in the development of written language in the age of images: the treatment of words as images in art writing, the evolution of criticism as a form of creativity that fails its potential because it remains enslaved to the academy, and the contemporary world of narrative fiction, which sees fictional worlds as the greatest truths, enjoys being dominated by normative narratives, and treats characters as clothing taken on for public display. 

Novels have become self-help, identity racks in a mall that you page through to find the one that fits. Then you wear it. — Harold Rhenisch

Reading and Discussion with Darren C. Demaree

Join Darren C. Demaree in-store for a reading and discussion on February 13th at 6pm for the release of "the luxury" at the Prologue Bookshop in Columbus, Ohio.

Coming March 2023 - "An Anthology of East African Literature"

A video on the upcoming book:

300+ pages, 50+ contributors, 10+ countries

This is not just a collection of poems and short stories; it is a granary of artistic abundance! For here, will you find a rich variety of masterfully crafted pieces in a range of style, including those that draw from the African oral storytelling tradition. It is a montage of pieces of literary art, curated in a manner that allows for the ‘strict grammarian’ forms of expression to coalesce with those given to poetic licentiousness. 
The anthology’s poetry is rich and sundry, mirroring the diverse spectrum of literary expression to be found across the East African region. Verb repetition – a familiar linguistic form often used to create a sense of frequency or emphasis in many Bantu languages – is at play as the persona in Aquagasm playfully draws us into her romantic entrancement with nature.

She dip dips in the Ocean with her toes,
Smack smacks the waves with her breasts 
Lick licks the sand with her fingers
Point points at the sky with her nose

Ngonjera, a Swahili word for a conversational poem with more than one persona’s voice, comes to the fore in Who Will Marry Her? This conversational form, a characteristic of many an African poetry recital rooted in the oral poetic tradition, is more overtly recognizable in the opening line of Poetic Justice:

First wait I tell you!

The anthology’s short stories section features some of the finest writing yet, both in terms of form and meaning. Thematically, the writings cover a range of issues, from the societal to the personal. This way, you have terrorism juxtaposed with romantic cravings; political disenchantment residing side by side with justice and gender equality issues; sexual exploitation and human/family relations finding acres of space in both the prose and the poetry, and an unmissable glimpse into racial and ethnic issues. In some cases, the themes have a bearing on the style employed. 

Whichever your favourite genre is, this anthology of East African literature has delivered something that has not been served to readers in many years. It is a fitting gift to the lovers of literary art in this first quarter of the 21st century.

 - Josh Mali

Coming Soon! - "Don't Expect the Sun to Shine - A Wake for Robin Blaser"

"Don't Expect the Sun to Shine" is a record of the wake of the American-Canadian poet Robin Blaser, who taught a generation of Canadian poets American techniques derived from the WWI experience, techniques of blowing apart meaning, deriving meaning from the arrangement of text on the page, and using pages as cloud chamber bowls. Anything on them derived meaning only from their relationship in space to the other objects in that space. 

These were called poems, but they were really scripts to tease the cognitive patterns of biological readers. Unlike book-based poetry, they did not interact with the technological constraints of books but with the neurological constraints of humans. Their purpose was to turn space into time. Their purpose was to stop death. Every poem was a wake.

In Don’t Expect the Sun to Shine, Rathwell and Rhenisch turn time back into space.

We want readers to wander around wherever they like. We don’t control their hike. Their biological history does that. We are just hosting a party, so they can meet. — Harold Rhenisch

Don’t Expect the Sun to Shine responds to three ongoing trends in the development of written language in the age of images: the treatment of words as images in art writing, the evolution of criticism as a form of creativity that fails its potential because it remains enslaved to the academy, and the contemporary world of narrative fiction, which sees fictional worlds as the greatest truths, enjoys being dominated by normative narratives, and treats characters as clothing taken on for public display. 

Novels have become self-help, identity racks in a mall that you page through to find the one that fits. Then you wear it. — Harold Rhenisch