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Behind the Zines #1

I sent out some 22 copies of the first issue of The Oblivionspin Occasionally on Monday. Just 5 days ago, although it seems like 50. The interest and support has been overwhelming, even though only one person besides myself has seen it yet.

I'm fiddling with content for the second issue, really hoping people enjoy the first, and I already ran into a major issue.

My life is not lighthearted.

Anecdotes I thought would be charming need content warnings. I'm quarantining upsetting conversations to companion minizines. Sitting here anxiously wondering what planned features I need to scrap.

I am the creator, editor, marketing, distribution and everything for this teeny tiny magazine. Any expectations people have for it so far are purely based on their perception of my personality. It isn't a question of who this project is for- nah that's easy- people who are interested in what I have to say, people who see what I do online and like what they see.

I've just got to ponder the existential question: who do people think I am?

Comments

  1. We've all got a dark side, sharing stories helps others put their own in some kind of perspective..? You are a storyteller.

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    Replies
    1. "Perspective"... that is a good way to think about it. I've been pondering a lot o what I expect a reader to get out of my writing (creative non fiction writing especially). Perspective is probably one of the many answers.

      I think this is the first time I have ever been tasked with thinking "why would someone want to read this?"

      Delete
  2. "Why would someone ever be interested in my -fill in the blank- " has been an ongoing thought of mine from way back. Mostly I don't care these days...

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