69 Flavors of Paranoia

I'd like to talk about a little 'zine called 69 Flavors of Paranoia. This little publication, which began in August of 1996 and fizzled in 1999, was a valiant effort on the part of Rycke and Miranda Foreman to provide an arena for new writers to present their words to the world -- or however much of it the little 'zine could reach. In any case, the project was a success, however short lived.

I was still struggling to make a name for myself back then. I did whatever I could to build a list of publishing credits, which is what any self respecting writer should do. I had written a lot up to that point, with a few minor publishing scores to my credit, but I wasn't making any money yet. I was still in the give-it-away phase of my career. Beginning writers should do this, always, to help establish a list of credits that will eventually lead to more paid gigs.

I published two pieces with 69 Flavors of Paranoia. The first was a naughty little poem called "Head" which appeared in the 1998 Jan/Feb issue (issue #2, volume #2) and a tale called Chill in the 1998 May/June issue (issue #4, volume#2). No, I didn't get paid for either of those pieces, but I did get the satisfaction of knowing someone was reading something I wrote, and really, why else do we write?

I get paid to write these days. Very rarely do I give my work away. On occasion, for something special, yeah, but for the most part, I avoid writing for nothing. I have a family. We need to eat. There's bills to be paid. I'm fortunate enough to be able to do those things with the words I write.

That said, if you're a beginning writer who's looking to build a list of publishing credits, there's nothing wrong with placing your work with a free market. Everybody has to start somewhere.

69 Flavors of Paranoia is back, as a web-based 'zine this time. Check them out at the official website, 69 Flavors of Paranoia, and show a little support. Rycke and Miranda are still running it with the same spirit and intention of the original 'zine. Drop by and say hi. Consider submitting a gruesome tale.

Thanks, Rycke and Miranda, for the early support.