Updates From Janice Brabaw & Tangled Up In Blue Productions
May 14, 2010
After a six month hiatus, I am very happy to report that I am back in the swing of things. I left Brooklyn behind and relocated in the bucolic suburban community of Warren, NJ. It's pretty much the most random place for me to land but I'm here and I'm very happy. I have a hellish 3-3.5 round trip commute everyday to Queens as I work on Big Lake for Comedy Central but I get to come home to a front porch, a bbq grill, trees, lawn, and quiet.
I was starting to wonder if I was going to perform or write anymore. I just wasn't feeling it but in retrospect, I think I was just burned out. Just when I thought my poetry days might be behind me, at least for awhile, I was contacted by Keira Van Gelder, a BPD advocate and the author of the upcoming book, Buddha and the Borderline. She said that she had come across my info and was curious if I would be interested in speaking at the 6th Annual Borderline Personality Disorder Conference at Yale University. My jaw dropped and the only thing I could think was "OF COURSE!"
So last week my friend Zak and I headed out to New Haven for the conference. This year it focused on BPD and Obesity and Eating Disorders. I found right away that a lot of the material presented during the actual conference hit a bit too close to home and I had to keep stepping out of the lectures because a lot of the research was bleak. I was especially freaked out when one psychiatrist spoke about how an obese 30 year old essentially has the same body, metabolism, and health profile as someone who is 60. I knew it was stuff I needed to hear but still it was just a tad bit much when I was also supposed to be speaking.
When it came time for me to speak, I stepped up on stage of this big lecture hall (it reminded me a larger version of what you'd see in House but with dimmer lighting!) and... well... I laid it on the line and poured my heart out to a room full of other borderlines, psychiatrists, counselors, researchers, med students..... and it was amazing. Absolutely amazing. When I was done speaking and was walking back to my seat, I saw the audience rise to its feet and continue to applaud me even as I blushingly sat down and softly repeated over and over "thank you thank you thank you." I was awed and humbled.
After the performance, it was even more wonderful. I sold all of my books, I networked with some amazing people and I heard so many stories by people whom suffer from this disorder or know someone who does. People asked to hug me and cried on my shoulder. I was just... speechless. Since the conference I have heard from so many people who thanked me for being able to articulate what they can not or to help them understand what their loved ones are going through. One woman clutched me and through tears said, "you spoke my heart. Thank you."
I've been ask to speak at an adolescent treatment facility in Massachusetts and to teach a class on journaling. The offers keep coming in and I am filled with this glorious light. I can help others. I can speak for others. What better way to dedicate your art and your time?
I'm still soaking in the experience but the conference has stoked my love of performing and writing once again. Im happy to be back and I feel like I'm back with a purpose so it's even more meaningful. Check back here often as I get my ass in gear to update the website and book new gigs. I can't wait to see you out at an upcoming reading! Thank you SO much for your continued support! I am truly blessed.
December 11, 2009
Okay so apparently I either dreamed I had written more updates since October or I accidentally deleted them. Quite honestly, either is possible. Since then, the book has come out and has been received quite well. Check out the Press section for articles and reviews! Don't forget to pick up your own copy in the Bookstore, Amazon, or at your local book shop. If they don't have it - request it!
I also have decided to leave New York City - at least for awhile. I am retreating to the arctic tundra of Northern New York (aka my homeland) for a month or so to write, recenter myself, and plan the next step in my life. If you haven't lived in New York it's hard to explain how it feels to leave. There's a reason why there are so much literature and other arts that talk about this city - it's more than a collection of buildings and people, NYC is an ENTITY. It is as powerful as any relationship, any religion, any family. I've written a lot about my abusive relationship with this city. One minute we're in love and the next it leaves me bruised and confused. But beneath it all there is this weird masochistic love of New York. I think part of me will always belong here even if I move across the Hudson, across the country, across the globe. There's a reason why people flock here and why people have such a hard time leaving. Especially after eight years! And who knows maybe I'll be back. To mix metaphors, NYC is also like a drug to me. Or maybe it's just my home. I've lived here all my adult life and have so many amazing memories here. I don't think I"ll be able to fully process it until I'm gone for awhile. So we'll see.
So as of December 15th I am jumping a Greyhound north and going to do some book events up there. It's a good place for a single thirty year old girl to struggle with an existential crisis in many ways. Who am I? What do I want? What do I want to do with my life? Where do I want to be? All of these things seem to change more or less on a daily basis right now. The only thing I'm sure of is who I love. The whats, whys, hows, whens, and wheres are the tougher questions
So come out to see me and let's talk poetry, let's talk life, let's talk about how freaking cold it is. :) And if you wanna support an unemployed writer as she explores her neuroses and demons, buy my book. Thanks!
October 29, 2009
Last week I wrapped on "The Beautiful Life" and it's been wonderful being back on the dole, as they say. :) Bad because of the lack of weekly paycheck, good because I have all my time to focus on promoting Tongue for Folie.
We had an amazing photoshoot a week or so ago at my apartment where photographer K. Shelton and make-up artist Shana Ladin Miner worked their magic! My friend Meghan Berry was also on hand and the ever so talented writer cum hand model Andrew Grice lent his skills. The resulting photos are spectacular and I've had a really hard time choosing what ones to use. Jason Madison is hard at work completing the cover design and the goal is to have the final galleys off to the publisher by next week.
I am so excited for this book because whereas I feel Universe was sort of a mish-mash of time and eras and feelings and such, this collection is more focused. All of them poems were written between fall 2008 and fall 2009. To me it's really neat because it's almost like a yearbook of what I've been through in the past twelve months. Publishing the book, finding my voice, touring and performing, falling into like (although not love - sigh) and back out, turning thirty, struggling at my "day job," trying to find my way in this big ugly city that wants to seem to crush you on at every turn. Tongue for Folie is a record of my growth and an exploration of myself that I really hope others can relate to. Sometimes it's ugly, sometimes it's beautiful but at the end of the day it's REAL and that's the most important thing to me.
The book should go on pre-sale on Amazon in the coming weeks and I'm working to get it stocked in some supportive local bookstores both here and upstate. You should check out the events page because I've been booking venues left and right as part of this promotional tour. We're even offering a special day - buy both of my books for $15! It's over $10 off the cover price.
It's been an amazing year filled with new friends, new reflections, and lots of growth. I hope you enjoy the book and I hope to see you at one of the upcoming events!
October 2, 2009
Today Tangled Up In Blue announced that Janice Brabaw's second collection of poetry, Tongue For Folie, will be released November 20, 2009.
And I'm excited as HELL. The final edit of the book has been locked and I am working with Brooklyn photographer K. Shelton on my idea for the cover. My friend Shana Miner Ladin is lending a hand as well. She is an amazing makeup artist as well as a friend to kitties everywhere! I can't wait to show everyone!
I'm also busy setting up events. Right now I am reading at my friend Caroline Berger's series, Salon Sunday on November 15th and the official New York City release party for Tongue For Folie will be held at Otto's Shrunken Head on December 1st. I'll soon release the dates and info on my Williamsburg and Upstate release parties. Yay!
Thanks for everyone who has made this possible. I really hope you enjoy the book. So far it's getting really amazing critical praise!
August 14, 2009
Janice is taking a break from poetry and publishing while she works in the CW show The Beautiful Life. Sadly, working 60-70 hr weeks and having a second career as poet just isn't possible right now. Stay tuned for updates here.
June 18, 2009
This show on 7/7 is getting better and freaking better. We just found out new hostess - actress, writer, comedian Glennis Mc Murray. Her past credits include The New Electric Company and Conan O'Brien! She is one half of the comedy duo I Eat Pandas who regularly appear at The Upright Citizens Brigade and can currently be seen in a series of humorous promos for Showtime's hit series, The Tudors.
We also are so psyched to announce that Tara Betts will also be reading on 7/7!
Check back here for the most up-to-date Stained Glass news!
Oh and I was just asked to feature at the Phoenix Reading Series this weekend here in NYC at Bengal Curry. Check out the details on my events page!
Oh oh oh oh OH! I also got some bittersweet news from Hazmat Review. Good news - My poem "Crazy Down" is in their latest edition. Bad news -- it's their last. D'oh!
June 12, 2009
We're baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaack!
Stained Glass Confessional makes it Bedford Ave debut on 7/7 @ 7 at Spike Hill!
Check out Upcoming Events for all the details!
Also I wanted to report that I'm taking some time off from readings to focus on my next book. HOWEVER, I am available to feature at your events if you have anything coming up. I'm just not busting my ass in that area right now. I'm busy doing the final edit on my memoir, And Again, as well as putting together second edition of The Best of Stain and the first volume of Persephonous Blue (and its new website!)
Busy busy and I am heading back to work on a new tv show for CW called The Beautiful Life.
June 6, 2009
Well, so far we haven't secured our new venue for our shows. We've got a few contenders but haven't been able to finalize anything. So I'm just doing lots of open mics and trying to work on getting booked for features at other shows in the meantime. It's hard for me because I'm so anti-social (yes, I am) but I find that if I post them on facebook and friends pledge to go that it goes better. More likely to get off my ass and go.
So between compiling submissions for PBQ and seeking a venue, it's pretty quiet in Janiceland. Will update as soon as I have something exciting to share.
May 20, 2009
I am reporting this news with the heaviest of hearts. After five years of supporting the New York art scene, our beloved Stain Bar is closing. It's absolutely devastating to the owners and our friends, Craig and Caroline, and it also brings questions about the future of An Echo, A Stain and Stained Glass Confessional. James and I currently discussing other potential venues and will let you all know as soon as we've found our new home. As for now, we have no shows planned until further notice.
May 18, 2009
The Best of Stain Anthology, Volume 1 was just reviewed on Poet Hound. Congrats to Darcie Van Hamlin, Patricia Carragon, and Frank Kelly for being selected from the bunch!
Stain is based out of Brooklyn, New York and is a product of a group called the Stained Glass Confessional that meets at the Stain Bar to perform poetry, stories, and more. Janice Brabaw, the editor, created this anthology featuring the performers from her press, Tangled Up In Blue which you can find out more about with the links provided at the bottom. The variety in the anthology is a great collection of various personalities in poems, pictures, stories and emotional expressions as anyone could wish for. Luckily, Janice Brabaw has given me permission to share a few of the poems in their entirety: (please check out the blog for the poems themselves)
Innocence
By Patricia Carragon
Don’t you think this is a clever poem? I do. Comparing innocence to washing the laundry may not be a novel comparison but I love that the stains only get darker the harder you try to scrub them away and how the neighbors would complain if you hung your “dirty laundry” out to dry for all to see. Very typical of society who is typically dysfunctional but always going to great lengths to hide it or get rid of the dysfunction.
STR8 Appearing by Frank Kelly
Frank Kelly brings up an interesting dichotomy, of gays appearing to fit in with the very same people who have or may still be oppressing them. There are plenty of questions to ponder on about that strange socialization of fitting in and an excellent poetic way of bringing about those questions.
Fall
By Darcie VanHamlin
I think this poem says more the more often you read it. In general, you know you can fall for and into things with full awareness but then you can look deeper into the kinds of falling Darcie describes.
If you enjoyed this short excerpt into Stain, you can pick up your very own copy and find out more about Tangled Up In Blue Press by going to:
http://www.janicebrabaw.com/the-best-of-stain-anthology.html
May 13, 2009
An Echo, A Stain is being re-invented.
For the past four shows - and the upcoming show on Monday - we've had a bunch of featured readers and then a small open. In order to separate AEAS from Stained Glass Confessional, I'm going to make it more of an open mic with only a couple featured readers.
It might fall on its face but hey, it's worth trying.
In other news, fellow SLU alum (and author) Mark R. Brand and I are putting together a book event at our alma mater for this fall. We're thinking a book fair, some readings, a panel. It'll also be to promote his new anthology, Thank You, Death Robot, Bridgette's Gallagher's Reading Leaves, and my new collection, The Grape Jelly Conspiracy. Exciting!!!
I'm also pushing back the release date of my memoir, And Again to Spring 2010.
May 12, 2009
I'm super happy to announce that three of my poems - "Photosynthesis", "Off", and "Tongue For Folie" have been selected for the first volume of Violent Femininity - Journal of Female Poets. I'll update you when the site is up so you can all check it out!
Also I forgot to let you know where you can check out smoke.
The print edition will be out this fall!
May 7, 2009
Just got word that my new poem "A Dollar A Pack At The Rez" is being published in smoke. Sweet :)
Three new pieces for Persephonous Blue -
"Circadian Soul Prison" by William Bryant
"Persephone Meets Pluto on the Web" by Richard Marx Weinraub
"Under The Olive Branch" by Ron D'Alena
May 6, 2009
I've unburied myself from the mound of submissions and started picking some of the pieces that'll appear in the first edition of Persephonous Blue. Check out the names of the lucky authors on my blog and on the PBQ webpage.
I'm also happy to announce that a little blurb about me appears in the May 2009 of Fourth Coast Entertainment Magazine.
May 1, 2009
Today was a rainy and gray day here in New York City but I was too busy to notice. I started work today on the new film, Family. You'll be here more about it in the next few months for sure. When it comes out in theaters and you go to get your Bow Wow fix (it's his vehicle), stick around after film to see moi in the credits as payroll accountant. It's so dorky but even after eight years in "Hollywood" I still giggle when I see my name.
Anywho, the REAL big news today is that the third edition of The Toronto Quarterly was released today and features my poem "Future." You can pick up a copy at Lulu for $6 here!
April 30, 2009
As National Poetry Month draws to a close, I'm happy for a breather but also really happy about all the wonderful events I was a part of this month. Tonight is my last official event with Poem In Your Pocket Day at Ozzie's Coffee. It's an open mic I'm running that starts at 7 pm. Check out the "Upcoming Events" page for the latest information.
I'm happily drowning in submissions for Persephonous Blue and am getting really psyched about this first volume. I'm skimming some of the entries but for the most part I'm putting everything aside to read in one big burst over the Fourth of July weekend. I'm making some decisions as regard to layout and format. I'd like to do a perfect-bound edition but I think that until we have more funding and are more established, a glossy cover chapbook is the best way to go. I've had questions about subscriptions and distribution and all I can say is -- it's coming about. :) Soon you'll be receiving announcements about Tangled Up In Blue publications available on Amazon and indie bookstores near you.
In personal news, after an extended period of unemployment (ick), I am returning to work tomorrow. So between the process of slowly re-designing the website and these evil people who are forcing me to trade my free time for money (bastards!) I might be a bit slower than usual to reply to emails, etc.
Oh and one programming note - Tony Mancus won't be joining us at Stain on Monday and Carrie Vandenburg will be stepping up in his place. :)
April 25, 2009
Today we launched Persephonous Blue! Check out the submissions guidelines!
April 20, 2009
Super excited report that Tangled Up In Blue will be releasing Reading Leaves - the first chapbook by Bridgette Holmes Gallagher. More news as the book shapes up!
April 14, 2009
I am currently working on my next book, a collection called The Grape Jelly Conspiracy. I have the words - what I need are the pictures.
That's where YOU come in, friends & photographers.
Have you ever noticed whenever you go to a diner for breakfast they always - without fail - give you a packet of grape jelly? Never strawberry, never raspberry - ALWAYS grape. Well, that's what I need for my cover. The basic elements I need are - grape jelly packet and white diner plate. Everything else is up to you. Just be mindful of labels, trademarks, etc.Send all your entries to
TANGLEDUPINBLUEPRODUCTIONS@Gmail.com
DEADLINE 5/15/2009The photographer whose picture is selected for my cover will win 5 copies of the book, credit inside the book, and a free copy of my other book, Universe, Disturbed. You also will win the chance to display your photos at an upcoming Stained Glass Confessional show in June.
Start clicking!!!!
April 11, 2009
With the help of the lovely and talented Ms. Ayumi Stubbs, JaniceBrabaw.com is currently undergoing a complete overhaul. We will announce when the new site is completely up and running (so please sign up our mailing list if you haven't already!). In the meantime, please be patient :) xoxo - Janice
April 10, 2009
Check out the event listings for An Echo, A Stain in The Greenline and Time Out, New York this week!
Also I'm happy to say that pre-order sales of The Best of Stain Anthology are going well. Make sure to reserve your copy now! (Check out the main page to order)
March 14, 2009
Universe, Disturbed reviewed in Barbaric Yawp.
Universe, Disturbed by Janice Brabaw {is} a collection of poems written mostly during Brabaw's "raw and melodramatic" high school and college years in rural upstate New York. .... Universe, Disturbed is a wild, emotional roller coaster. Brabaw doesn't hold anything back - she gives you all of it, the highs and the lows, the lost loves, the suicide attempts, the fierce physical lust. I'm not crazy about poor-me literature - I mean, everyone has problems - but this is different. There is a strange blend of euphoria in this work, an unmistakable feeling of power. As she's gobbling down pills or slicing herself with a knife, Brabaw thinks about her parents, her friends, her loved ones - but it doesn't seem to matter. She's on this path of self-destruction, despite everything.
What's weird is the power I mentioned earlier. Towards the end of the book, when I'm exhausted by blistering accounts of mangled love and attempted suicide, we encounter a series of robust songs - a drinking song ("Drink it down ladies/drink it down gents/Another shot for love/ Another shot for hate"), a punk song ("You never loved me/you wanted what I had/You never loved me/such a nasty fucking lad"), a love song ("When your standards are low/You're never lonely"), a Riot Grrl song ("I could kick your ass/But I won't/I could break your heart/But I won't/I could end your life/But I won't"), an angry punk song ("Hid the knife in my pink panties/No one would doubt my sanity"), and some regular songs, five of them "Ooh I've been warned about/ Boys like you with their guitars/Close my eyes and drift into your song/Take me where I want to go/I'm all about the ride..../The ride... the ride....")
Another thing that saves this book from utter bathos is the sarcastic attitude Brabaw has toward herself. When in the mood, she winks at her own rants and furies, finishing off a suicide poem with 'maybe I should just take my damn anti-/depressants," as though the entire episode could have been easily avoided. When you are done with this book, you'll feel as though you've really been through the wringer.
--John Berbrich, editor of Barbaric Yawp