As someone who for years dreamt of creating his own movement, I’ve looked up to Kurt Schwitters (1887-1948) as a hero. He had the strength to say, Screw it, I I’m doing my own thing, and never look back. In the end, he became the epitome of what those who rejected him represented. Schwitters aspired … Continue reading Bizarre History: The Merz Movement
Author: Zé Burns
5 Favorite (Bizarre) Books Spring 2019
I know every time I post one of these, I say “I read some great books this _____” but this spring takes the prize. It had some of the best bizarre books I’ve read this year. Normally, I rank them from 1 to 5. But these first three books tied for first, all spectacular. I … Continue reading 5 Favorite (Bizarre) Books Spring 2019
Author Interview: Kirk K. Jones
After being blown away by his incredible novel Fuck Happiness (my review here), I was thrilled to interview author Kirk Jones. Let me just say, he did not disappoint. Here are his verbose, but fascinating answers. -- ZÉ BURNS: How did you discover bizarro fiction? KIRK JONES: I spent a lot of time searching random … Continue reading Author Interview: Kirk K. Jones
10 Things I Learned: Rebirth of Mothra Trilogy
There are few film genres that I consistently enjoy. However, Toho’s kaiju films (“kaiju” meaning giant monsters à la Godzilla) have always been my favorites with nary a bad movie among them. Of these monsters, for me Mothra reigns supreme. For those who don’t know, Mothra is a giant rainbow-winged moth who unlike other kaiju … Continue reading 10 Things I Learned: Rebirth of Mothra Trilogy
How I Discovered Bizarro Fiction
We’ve all had those life-changing discoveries, those moments where we find things we could never imagine living without. Mine came with an obscure, underground small-press genre called bizarro fiction. In the summer of ’06, I visited Prague with my mother. My reading and writing at the time revolved around fantasy with bits of literary fiction … Continue reading How I Discovered Bizarro Fiction
Author Interview: Andrew J. Stone
Before we get started, I thought I’d share that S.T. Cartledge interviewed me on his blog “The Manifold,” my first time on that side of an interview. You can find it here. - - - With two books published and more on the way, Andrew J. Stone has accomplished a lot in his mere 26 … Continue reading Author Interview: Andrew J. Stone
Book Review: ALL HAIL THE HOUSE GODS
Rating 8/10. The spectrum of bizarro fiction goes from “kinda weird” to” 4-plus-wacko-bananas.” Andrew J. Stone’s novella All Hail the House Gods is definitely in bananas territory. Still, he manages to pull off a believable and engaging story that rivets you to the page. I’ve read it twice now and I’m so glad I did. … Continue reading Book Review: ALL HAIL THE HOUSE GODS
A Guide to Neurotic Editing
All last month and into this one, I’ve been editing like mad. Eraserhead Press (the largest bizarro publisher out there) is starting one of their yearly open submissions, putting the pinch on what is otherwise a leisurely task. Meanwhile, I’m struggling to rewrite a novel I wrote years ago that just won’t cooperate. This week … Continue reading A Guide to Neurotic Editing
Author Interview: John Wayne Comunale
I got the chance to pick the brain of the immensely talented writer, musician, podcaster, and all around great guy John Wayne Comunale. Click here for my review of his novel Scummer. ZÉ BURNS: When did you start writing? JOHN WAYNE COMUNALE: When I was a kid I liked to write stories. As I got older … Continue reading Author Interview: John Wayne Comunale
My 5 Favorite (Bizarre) Books Winter 2019
I’ve been caught up with my new obsession, horror, but still managed to read some great bizarre books this winter. The books below were my favorites. I should note that these are books I’ve read in 2019, not necessarily books that came out in 2019. 1. IF ON A WINTER’S NIGHT A TRAVELER by Italo … Continue reading My 5 Favorite (Bizarre) Books Winter 2019
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