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| Indie Press Projects >> Bravest Lil' Jenn Publishing |
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As you may have suspected, Bravest Lil' Jenn Publishing is run by a gal named Jenn. Based in Missoula, Montana, this DIY publisher carries books, zines and crafts (even soap!) from all over the place. Bravest Lil' Jenn began as a way of helping young writers in Great Falls. Explains Jenn, 'before I moved to Missoula, I lived in the plains town of Great Falls, Montana. For young writers, there were not many opportunities. So, I started the Great Falls Writers Forum, which was an open-mic designed evening of poetry once a month, geared towards young people. After I moved to Missoula for college, my intent was to start the same thing here, but Missoula has a much bigger writing scene. So instead, I chose to start Bravest Lil Jenn. I felt like it'd be a good opportunity to get people who know little about zines involved with small press.' |
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Jenn is helped along with the press, but she's the backbone. 'I have help from my roommate and boyfriend, Tyson. He is very supportive and I often table at events he sets up in town,' she says. 'I also work with a variety of artists and writers who release books with me. Right now, local artist David Johnson has helped to form ads for BLJ, my friend Becca Sayre designed the website, and touring solo musician Drew Danburry and I are working on a book of stories together.' 'I spend most of the week at Kinkos. Thank God for the student discount,' says Jenn on how she gets it all together, 'I run most things out of my apartment and try to find recycled things to use as much as possible. It helps when friends buy me gift cards to local craft stores, too.' Right now, Jenn's working on a historical cook book of Western Montana, a tour journal and children's books. All interesting enough projects for their own paragraphs. |
 Jenn in Olympia |
 Jenn on the radio in Bellingham |
The cook book is going to be called, Mixing Pot: A Historical Cookbook of Missoula, Montana, and is slated for release late this summer. Jenn on the project, 'I want it to point out the historical importance of our city through the eyes of younger kids who've lived here. I want it to point out some of the interesting facts, like the brothels that used to exist and the underground tunnels beneath the university. It will be like a d.i.y. tour of Missoula. With recipes.' I think pretty much any tour is better with recipes. On the tour journal, says Jenn 'Tyson Ballew runs Tummy Rock Records. It is a small CDR label that recently took a hiatus from releasing anything. I am trying to convince him to become more active with it and releasing a book of stories of bands past and present.' And where do children's books fit in to the whole thing? 'The great thing about children's books is that there is no pressure to be a literary genius. All you need is a good story and a silly way of telling it,' explains Jenn. |
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'I enjoy writing for kids because they make things seem brighter and they are always appreciative of what you do. I am hoping next year to go on a tour reading to children. I think that would make every day so much fun.' Other notable stuff is the handmade stationary, buttons, and of course, the Lil Softies. A note about that from Jenn, 'monster-shaped stuffed toys. Soon they will each have a small book to go with them, which will explain each of the characters.' I had to ask, of course, what zines she was reading now. Erin Tobey's Here It Is #2 and 'Drawings' by Friends and Relatives Records. |
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Jenn's Playlist
1. Jenny Lewis and the Watson Twins - Rise Up With Fists 2. Tender Forever's entire new album - The Soft and the Hardcore 3. Beth Orton - Heartland Truck Stop 4. Ghost Mice new album - Europe 5. and local band Helmet Tag's CD at the college radio station Bravest Lil' Jenn Publishing |