Holiday Special

Orange Alert Press Holiday Sale!

From now until January 1st, Orange Alert Press will be selling each title the press has released for just $11, and the set of three for $30 (That is a savings of $14!). Here are what people are saying about the Orange Alert titles.

Prose. Poems. A Novel. by Jamie Iredell (Oct. 2009)
"Prose. Poems: a novel is a slacker story, but a slacker motivated to understand not just his context (where slackers tend to top out; Douglas Coupland’s Generation X) but himself within the context (Dan Rhodes’s Gold). And much like the latter comparison, Iredell’s story benefits from its entrenchment in a captivating setting, one that both houses the characters and illuminates them." - Caleb Ross

Sunlight At Midnight, Darkness At Noon by McCreesh/Cunningham (May 2009)
"I could not put this book down and found my own mind wandering on the many issues brought up in their letters and poems." - Poet Hound


Most Likely You Go Your Way and I'll Go Mine by Ben Tanzer (Oct. 2008)
"Most Likely You Go Your Way and I’ll Go Mine is an honest, funny book whose depiction of dating angst in the nineties will ring true for those of us who were there, and likely win plenty of new converts for this talented Chicago author." - Matt Staggs (Enter The Octopus)

Iredell vs. Lovelace

Check out a new interview conducted by Sean Lovelace. The topics range from love to Zima to bowling and much more!

Favorite line: "If bowling’s a sport, then so is snorting cocaine."

New Review and New Contest

Caleb Ross has reviewed Prose Poems over at the wonderful Outsider Writers site, and J. Kaye Book blog has launch a giveaway contest for the book. The contest ends Dec. 12th.

Jamie is currently in the process of planning a several book tours this Spring with the likes of Blake Butler, Molly Gaudry, and hopefully others.

Check out an audio excerpt from Prose Poems:

Deck Fight on Prose Poems

The music and lit blog Deck Fight has taken a very in depth look at Prose. Poems. A Novel. and has clearly states what they found. You can check out their review here and then check back in tomorrow as Jamie will be appearing on their Friday Five segment.

Mel Bosworth is a Genius!

Iredell Press Release

In his debut collection, Jamie Iredell calls on a classic and seldom used literary form to tell a story of travel, adventure, boredom, and life in general. Prose. Poem. A Novel. is a precisely written series of poems that when collected tell an addictive story. However, don’t expect to see complex titles and strict structure, this after all is a novel. Iredell masterfully pushes the reader through every detail, but as each page is turned form and genre melt quickly into a vital story.

"If Mary Robison listened to more punk, grew up in Las Vegas in the 80s before the 80s sucked, did whippits while reading Ben Marcus and scrolling the alternative personals for golden lines to crib, she might have exploded into the post-post-Beat sentence index that is Atlanta. But she didn't. Jamie Iredell did, and in reading this lean but dense meat-eater of a sui generis prose poem cycle, one realizes there might still be a way for chapbooks to compete with porn." – Blake Butler

Prose. Poems. A Novel., the third release from Orange Alert Press, is filled with brilliant and thematic illustrations from Christy Call (Literary Dispatch, Publishing Genius, and Willows Wept Press). These illustrations are in full color and add an even more vibrant visual element to Iredell’s story.

Jamie Iredell was born in Carmel-by-the-sea, California, andgrew up near Castroville. He moved to Reno, Nevada for his Bachelor’s and Master’s dregrees, and to Atlanta for his PhD. His writing has appeared in many magazines, among them The Chattahoochee Review, The Literary Review, Keyhole, Zone 3, Descant, elimae, Lamination Colony, Elysian Fields Quarterly, and Weber: The Contemprary West.

Review copies are shipping this week!

Review Copies Available

Prose. Poems. A Novel., the debut from Jamie Iredell, is on track for its October 20th release date. The review copies arrived today and will be shipping out with a soon-to-be-written press release this weekend.

Poet Hound Interview

Poet Hound has posted a wonderfully in depth interview with Chris and Hosho. In it the two discuss their motivation for wanting to publish their letters, art, politics, friendship, and so much more. They interview also give big props to cover artist Chris Roberts.

Check out the interview here. Of course you can buy a copy of Sunlight At Midnight, Darkness At Noon right here. Don't forget that the book comes with a CD of Chris and Hosho reading from the book with music by members of Noot d'Noot.

Ben Eats His Book!

Ok, maybe he wont eat the whole book, but it is a starts. In a salute to Blake Butler, Ben has eaten a page of Most Likely You Go Your Way and I'll Go Mine.

This is the one year anniversary month of Most Likely and it is on sale until Sept 30th for just $10.

I have also collected some of my favorite quotes about Ben's book from the last year.

"Ben Tanzer's second novel, Most Likely You Go Your Way and I'll Go Mine, is a glorious amalgam of dating, dysfunctional families, and pop culture. The book explores nascent relationships, complete with their insecurities, possibilities, hurdles and wonders." - Largehearted Boy

"Most Likely You Go Your Way and I’ll Go Mine is an honest, funny book whose depiction of dating angst in the nineties will ring true for those of us who were there, and likely win plenty of new converts for this talented Chicago author." - Matt Staggs (Enter The Octopus)

"Rarely do I run across a writer who makes me glad I can feel so deeply the words in a book. You are probably one of the rarest of gems and I hope more readers will tune into your books." - J. Kaye (J. Kaye's Book Blog)

"It’s a sweet look at life in the big city." - Baby Got Books

"Most Likely You Go Your Way and I’ll Go Mine is a brilliant, clever, humorous, edgy, and raw portrayal of urban single life. Deftly written, it will capture your attention from the first page and leave you shaking your head in awe until the end." - Kelly Moran Author & Reviewer

"Neither seems like a great start to a great relationship, but this isn't a story about great relationships. It's a story about real ones." - Veronica Bond (Gapers Block)

"Tanzer's writing style reflected the deeper layers of meaning in Most Likely, with longer expressions of intellectual and emotional intimacy." - Jeremy Gershfeld

"He is a very nice man. His head maybe isn't on straight. Neither is mine." - Everyday Yeah

Announcing: Prose. Poems. A Novel.

I am extremely excited to announce the release date of the next novel on Orange Alert Press. On October 20th we will be releasing the debut novel from Atlanta-based writer Jamie Iredell. Prose. Poems. A Novel. is exactly that, a collection of prose poems that come together to tell a compelling story. The novel also will feature full-color illustrations from the wonderful Christy Call.

Jamie Iredell was born in Carmel-by-the-sea, California, and grew up near Castroville. He moved to Reno, Nevada for his Bachelor’s and Master’s dregrees, and to Atlanta for his PhD. His writing has appeared in many magazines, among them The Chattahoochee Review, Keyhole, Zone 3, Descant, elimae, Lamination Colony, Elysian Fields Quarterly, and Weber: The Contemprary West.

You can pre-order your copy here for a special pre-order price of $12.

Here is an excerpt from the novel:

The sign—Pedestrian Xing—beamed out the
Pontiac’s window, the 4 x 4 that once held it in
the Earth a slash across the back seat’s vinyl. The
night extinguished the lights in the fog. Dave
was our left guard, though he could’ve been a
running back, for his svelte size and his speed.
Dave was also the first guy to have given my
sister a smack on the lips. When the headlights
of another car beamed down Tustin Road, our
speedometer jumped past sixty. We took the
curve tighter than a fat lady’s sock. The row of
mailboxes sent the sign through the windshield
at fifty miles per, its post gonging our noggins.
In the wake of all this Dave guided us home,
leaning out the driver’s window. Next day, he
remembered nothing—not me, my sister, or
the sign.

Happy Birthday, Most Likely

Most Likely You Go Your Way and I'll Go Mine turns ONE this month. To celebrate we are lowering the price of the book for the next 30 days to $10. They first five people to order will receive an autographed copy, and the first 20 order will receive my homemade 1993 Flashback Mix CD and a copy of Orange Pulp Vol. 1 or 2.

Order your copy here today!

Cunningham/McCreesh Interview

Artist and blogger David Foox has posted a great interview with Christopher and Hosho on his blog Kung Foox.

In addition to conducting a great interview he had this to say; "After reading the book from cover to cover, I felt a connection with these two writers - a connection based on the visceral style they employed in communicating what is going on (and wrong) in the world today."

You can my interview with David here.

Sunlight Shout Out

Sunlight has received high praise as being one of the two books Amy Guth of Chicago Subtext is currently reading. You can read her entire interview at Eco-Libris.

Reading Frenzy

There is a new interview with Ben up at Reading Frenzy. Check it out!

Also, there is big news coming soon from the press and a forthcoming interview I did with Amy Guth of Chicago Subtext. You can learn even more about the person the behind all of this Orange Alert stuff. Stay tuned.

Sunlight Preview

Take a look inside Sunlight at Midnight, Darkness at Noon. This is a slightly stripped down version of what awaits you in just the first section of Sunlight if you choose to purchase a copy.

New Interview and Contest

There is a new interview that was posted today with Ben on Author Kelly Moran's blog. If you jump over and leave a comment you could win a copy of Most Likely!

Also, Most Likely will be featured in Issue #45 of Wonka Vision so keep an eye out for that.

Printer's Row Update Part Two

We braved the weather and occupied four feet of space at Printer's Row yesterday. We sold some books, made some new friends, and didn't lose any books due to rain. We were in the wonderful Chicago Publisher's Tent fully sponsored by the Chicago Cultural Art's Center. You can find more pics here.

Printer's Row Update Part One

Ben stopped by Printer's Row to talk with Amy Guth of Chicago Subtext

A work of Art

The hardcover books have been signed by Christopher and are now in route to St. Charles where they will be matched up with CDs and shipped to their final destinations.

The Backbone

A few updates:

The Sunlight Tapes arrived today and they look and sound amazing! Orders and review requests can now be filled.

Orange Alert Press will have a presence at this year's Printer's Row Festival (June 6-7). We will be in the Chicago Publishers Tent sponsored by the Chicago Cultural Artists Center.

Rough Hardcover Prototype

A box of books has been sent to Bill Roberts of Bottle of Smoke Press to construct the custom hardbacks! Hosho will be joining Bill this weekend to help work on these collectors items. Above is a prototype and a beauty.

They Have Arrived!

The softbacks have arrived, and we are right on schedule!

Preorder Sunlight

Preorder Sunlight at Midnight, Darkness at Noon today. All preorders will ship on May 25th, and all order placed before May 25th will include FREE SHIPPING in US.

Each order will include The Sunlight Tapes compact disc featuring the authors reading a series of excerpts from the letters, backed by a fantastic spectral, experimental score created by The Bimbi Garraux and Dream Sanitation Axis Of Soundscape.

Cost: $16US plus shipping (around $3US; slightly higher for overseas shipping)

Face Down in the Filthy Streets

I never said I was a photographer, but here is another photo of the proof in front of my Royal 440.

Also, here is another track from The Sunlight Tapes. This selection is called "Face Down in the Filthy Streets". (music by Noot d'Noot)

It's Proof Day!

I apologize for the blurry pic, but the proof has arrived and despite this photo it looks great!!! The first run has been order and softback copies of Sunlight will be available starting May 25th (The birth date of Miles Davis). I will try to post a better image tonight...

An Epic Interview

There is a very indepth interview conducted by Father Luke over at in Mary Literary in the Ping Pong Section. Here is Hosho talking sharing his thoughts on the book:

"...it's been a strange journey for me. This book is as wide-open as I've ever been--the writing as pure as I've ever written...which is a little uncomfortable. Growing pains, i guess. Looking back through the manuscript I was, at times, embarrassed, at times shocked, sometimes indignant, sometime proud...but I've remained, strangely, moved by the book as a whole. I believe very much in this book, and the ambitious things it tries to accomplish."

You can read the entire interview here.

A Long, Thin Line of Blue Grey Smoke & The Intangible Wonder at the Impossibility of Being Human - Cunningham

The Sunlight Tapes

Here is an exclusive track from "The Sunlight Tapes", a recording of audio excepts from Sunlight at Midnight, Darkness at Noon. The musical backdrop for these recording were provided by Noot d'Noot. Every copy of Sunlight that is ordered directly from Orange Alert will include a copy of The Sunlight Tapes. 

Sanctuary, Salvation - Cunningham

Props for Sean

Sean Lynch of 10pt Press has devoted a great deal of time and energy to designing the guts of Sunlight at Midnight, Darkness at Noon, and everyone involved in this project was proud to see him get a little recognition in his hometown. (photo by Mal McCann)

Check it out!

Sneak Peak!

I am so excited to give you a sneak peak at the cover of Sunlight at Midnight, Darkeness at Noon. Created by Iowa's Chris Roberts this cover has gone beyond anything I could have imagined.

Here is the Sunlight playlist (in case you missed it the first time):

Sunlight At Midnight, Darkness At Noon

A project that has taken way too long to complete is nearing its final stage, and I am proud to announce that Sunlight At Midnight, Darkness At Noon is now available for preorder. This is a collection of letters written between two poets, Hosho McCreesh (interview) and Christopher Cunningham (interview) in the year 2002. When compiled these letters form a narrative of a forming friendship, a commentary on a world in chaos (much as it is now), and a story of the struggle to express all that we feel when working with such a limited language. This collection is the story of the American worker, the American Poet, the underground and the under appreciate, but above all else this is the story of two men (who have never met in person) attempting to justify their existence and make sense of it all.




"McCreesh and Cunningham are excellent poets, and the inventiveness, compassion and concern for humanity that fill their poems shines through in their letters as well. An entertaining and engaging read." - William Taylor

To complete this daunting project and truly attempt to present to you a masterpiece of independent lit, Orange Alert Press has enlisted some of the most respected figures in the small press to take part in the project. The interior of the book is being crafted by Sean Lynch of 10pt Press, the hardcover editions (26 lettered editions that will include extra goodies) are being handmade by Bill Roberts of Bottle of Smoke Press, and the cover is being designed by Chris Roberts (interview). There is more information to follow, but the 26 hardcover editions have been released for presale. As of today we have four left unclaimed. If you wish to be one of the 26 individuals to own a hardcover copy of this project please contact me today. This edition will be handmade and will also include a hand type double side broadside with poems written just for this project, as well as other items. Please stay tuned for more information!

The Coolness of Ben Tanzer

Ben is featured on Michael Kimball's blog today, check it out! You can learn the history behind the legend.

New Review from Enter The Octopus

Enter The Octopus and Matt Staggs have been kind enough to review Ben's book.

Most Likely You Go Your Way and I’ll Go Mine is an honest, funny book whose depiction of dating angst in the nineties will ring true for those of us who were there, and likely win plenty of new converts for this talented Chicago author.

You can read the entire review here.

Ben is also embarking on an ambitious virtual book tour to promote his short story collection the was published by CCLAP, but I'm sure Most Likely will come up once or twice on the tour. Here are list of the site he will be visiting in the next few week. We should have more details soon.

PeteLit Format: Guest essay
What To Wear During An Orange Alert Format: First in a new series of "author to author" interviews, Pete Anderson of PeteLit once again guesting
Chicago Literary Examiner Format to be determined
Elizabeth Crane Format: Interview
Michael FitzGerald Format to be determined
Amy Guth Format: Interview
Tim Hall Format: Exclusive new MP3 of a story being read
Jason Jordan Format: Guest essay on the inspirations behind each story
S. Craig Renfroe Format: Guest essay on artistic self-marketing
Jason Riley Format: Interview regarding the craft of writing
J.A. Tyler Format: Interview regarding the book's unusual publishing and pricing

Finally, Most Likely will soon be on the shelves of one of the coolest indie stores in town... No Coast. I will be shipping a few books tomorrow, and I couldn't be more excited.

Attention Book Clubs!

If you are in a book club and are considering selecting our first title (or any future titles) as you book club selection please let us know. If you order your copies directly from us we will offer you a substantial discount and a group shipping rate. In addition, if you are a book club located in the Chicagoland area, author Ben Tanzer is willing to come and speak to your group. You will be able to get additional insight and discuss the hidden gems and pop culture nuances contained in the chapters of Most Likely. So, if you are making your selections for the year, or just the next month, we would love for you to consider Orange Alert Press.

Special Orange Alert Reading @ The Book Cellar

In honor of AWP being held here in Chicago Orange Alert is hosting a special edition of its monthly reading series on February 11th at The Book Cellar. With the great influx of talented writers that will be roaming the streets next month we were able to compile a pretty decent line-up. Here are the details:

Blake Butler (No Colony and Lamination Colony, forthcoming books on Calamari Press and Featherproof)
Barry Graham (Dogzplot, Paper Hero Press)
S. Craig Renfroe (author of the short story collection You Should Get That Looked At and the poetry chapbook Flirting with Ridicule)
Stephanie Kuehnert (author of I Wanna Be Your Joey Ramone)
Jason Jordan (editor of decomP Magazine and author of Powering The Devils Circus)
John Domini (author of Earthquake I.D. and A Tomb on the Periphery)
Allison Eir Jenks (author of The Palace of Bones )
Molly Gaudry (Editor, Willows Wept Review, Editor, Willows Wept Press, Co-founding Editor, Twelve Stories, Associate Editor, Keyhole Magazine)
Peter Schwartz (poet, painter, author, editor, publisher, essayist, playwright, humorist, and musician)
Ben Tanzer (author of Most Likely You Go Your Way and I’ll Go Mine and editor of This Zine Will Change Your Life).

This is a free event and it begins at 7:30pm. For a list of all off-site events related to AWP go here.

Baby Got Books

We've just been mentioned on Baby Got Books:





Ben Tanzer is a funny guy, but Most Likely is a mostly serious look at modern-day relationships, romantic and familial. The title is taken from a Bob Dylan song, and pop culture references are sprinkled liberally throughout. When dispensing relationship advice, one character speaks in a Yoda inspired sentence structure. It’s a sweet look at life in the big city.

Check it out here!

Happy Inauguration Day from Orange Alert Press!

Most Likely the Mad Lib

The cleaver cats at Everyday Yeah have posted a little bit of creative nonsense about our book. Check it out and fill in the blanks. We've also been told that a full review may follow at some point.

This week we also sent review copies to Wonka Vision and Stop Smiling. We would like to thank both fine and remarkable publications in advance for their support and what we are sure will be glowing reviews.

The Truth

If you need to find the Truth then watch this video and then of course buy a copy and find out for yourself.

Also, if you were ever interesting in who might play each character in a movie version of Most Likely You Go Your Way and I'll Go Mine the check out StoryCasting.com. Find out who Zooey Deschanel would be playing.

News Flash

Most Likely You Go Your Way and I'll Go Mine is now available at Chicago's Women & Children First!

Orange Alert Press was mentioned in the book section of Timeout Chicago's Best of 2008.

Here is the line-up for the next reading. We are proud to welcome Chris Bower, Jill Summers, Nick Ostdick, and Scott Stealey.