Yes, I’ve Been Doing Some Writing.

Here are some of my latest clips:

My goal was to culture jam in such a way that young people who had MTV on their radar would also know about #SayHerName if they didn’t already, as well as find out about the Black Girls Lead conference. Nailed it.

My amazing editor Shana asked me to write about this topic and I was able to include – along with celebrities who don’t necessarily need more fame – some amazing activists who inspire me every day. Nailed it.

I don’t know about you, but I love Lucy Lawless and vampires in equal measure. I got to preview the “Salem” trailer and go full fangirl. Nailed it.

This post is a promise to myself that since I apparently have time to write for pay, I’m going to (gasp!) start blogging on The Lair every day, no matter what. I think I’ve attempted to do this a few times since 2007, but paid work and life have always been obstacles. Despite my legitimate excuses for not writing consistently, I’m going to start taking advantage of this website I pay for and share more of my own creative writing with the world. Wish me luck.

On My Radar: Comic Love and ‘No Straight Lines: Four Decades of Queer Comics’ coming June 2012

I’ve been waiting for No Straight Lines: Four Decades of Queer Comics since I first heard about it last summer. I just found out today that it’s not being released this month as previously announced and is coming in June. I can’t wait!

Here’s a blurb from the publisher:

Until recently, queer cartooning existed in a parallel universe to the rest of comics, appearing only in gay newspapers and gay bookstores and not in comic book stores, mainstream bookstores or newspapers. The insular nature of the world of queer cartooning, however, created a fascinating artistic scene. LGBT comics have been an uncensored, internal conversation within the queer community, and thus provide a unique window into the hopes, fears, and fantasies of queer people for the last four decades.

No Straight Lines showcases major names such as Alison Bechdel (whose book Fun Home was named Time Magazine’s 2006 Book of the Year), Howard Cruse (whose groundbreaking Stuck Rubber Baby is now back in print), and Ralf Koenig (one of Europe’s most popular cartoonists), as well as high-profile, cross-over creators who have dabbled in LGBT cartooning, like legendary NYC artist David Wojnarowicz and media darling and advice columnist Dan Savage.

No Straight Lines also spotlights many talented creators who never made it out of the queer comics ghetto, but produced amazing work that deserves wider attention.

- some of my graphic novels

It’s no secret that I love graphic novels — especially those that are informed by historical events and introduce me to new ideas. But in the beginning my inspiration was the “funnies” section of the newspaper. My father got me into collecting comic paperbacks when I was around five years old.

I would spend many a weekend at thrift stores going through their discount bins and uncovering treasures I first discovered in The Sacramento Bee like Hurray for B.C., I Love You, Broom-Hilda and other classics. I learned what social commentary was through comics, from collections like Do They Ever Grow Up? and of course MAD Magazine (I collected the paperbacks).

Inspired by my love for the TV series “Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman,” in the 90’s I started reading and purchasing comics and graphic novels again. After the show ended I admit I forgot about collecting comics and didn’t pick it up again until I started working for MTV News in 2006. It was perfect timing. There, I had the opportunity to suggest a name for the new comics blog and it was selected: Splash Page. I contributed interviews and reviews when I had the time, such as a great Q&A with The Alcoholic‘s Jonathan Ames.

After I left MTV News in 2009, I took my interest in reviewing comics and graphic novels (as well as technology-driven innovation) over to MTV Tr3s, where I created the “Comics” category on Blogamole and interviewed High Soft Lisp author Gilbert Hernandez, of Love and Rockets fame. I encouraged Tr3s’ contributing bloggers to continue pitching comics coverage after I left.

I still purchase comics and graphic novels but haven’t reviewed them on The Lair or for any of my employers in quite some time. When you work in media, it isn’t always easy to align your passion with your work commitments. I don’t have time to get as deep into comics and graphic novels as I used to, but this year I promised myself that I will review any new comic purchases I make and I will definitely be blogging about No Straight Lines: Four Decades of Queer Comics when it’s finally on my shelf!

I’m thankful for the opportunities I had through MTV News’ Splash Page and at MTV Tr3s to celebrate comic culture and the people who continue to innovate in that space. I’m not an expert whatsoever — just a fan who was at the right places at the right times to contribute to the culture. If you’re looking for experts, follow my colleague Rick Marshall. He’s an excellent person to research and contact if you’re interested in learning more about a career that involves comics coverage and all sorts of geeky pop-culture opportunities.

For those of you looking to pick up and learn more about independently-published comics (and you’re within traveling distance of NYC), check out this year’s MoCCA Festival on April 28 and 29.

DISCLOSURE: My headline was inspired by this beautiful song.

On My Radar: Afro-Punk 2009

BAMcinematek and Toyota present

The 5th Annual Afro-punk Festival

featuring Film, Music, Art, Skateboarding and Independence

July 3 – 8 in Brooklyn, NY

Thanks to BFF, I’ve been going to AP shows since 2005. Last year I did a feature on the Afro-Punk festival and community for MTV News. It took six months to pull everything together and was a great learning experience.

Aside from the opportunity to interview inspiring musicians like Tamar-Kali and Janelle Monae, I was able to meet artists of all mediums and make several new friends.

Check out my news brief below and article, then feast your eyes on this year’s lineup.

Afro-Punk Festival 2009
Free and open to the public, Afro-Punk Festival 2009 will spotlight some of the most exciting young artists and bands from the US and abroad, presenting live music and films every night throughout the festival, along with several other key events including:

4th July
Pure Hell
Whole Wheat Bread
American Fangs
Game Rebellion
The Objex
Joya Bravo
& more

5th July
Living Colour
Earl Grey Hound
Tamar Kali
The London Souls
Apollo Heights
Sabatta
& more

6th July
Saul Williams
Janelle Monae
The Dallas Austin Experience
Elevator Fight
Chewing Pic’s
Peekaboo Theory
Blackie
& more

The festival will once again feature an eclectic film program, co-curated by BAMcinématek with Matthew Morgan and James Spooner. Like last year, there will be a skate park and Afro-Punk Block Party with DIY vendors.

I’m dissapointed that this year’s festival won’t be national, but considering the economy it’s a blessing that this event will be happening again in the first place – and still free to the public!

– press release via Girlie Action