Read Meet Author: Louis E. Bourgeois

It mixture of patience and dedication that may just allow the hopes and ambitions of Louis E. Bourgeois to be realized in 2010. He has been involved in the literary landscape for many years as both a writer and editor and is primarily known for his work with Vox Journal and press. However, this year he is poised to do quite a few things. First, he will release what stands to be a controversial collection if placed in the right hands. Then he will begin to elevate Vox Press to a new level through the release of some new titles, and possibly see another of his own books published. It is going to be a big year, but one question I failed to ask him in our interview was why now?

I believe that, like many folks out there, Louis is already feeling like this year is a year of realization and accomplishment. I happy to launch a another year of interviews with him, and hope that we have at least made you curious about his new collection Hosanna due this year from Xenos Books. If not, here is one of my favorite lines from Hosanna, and it is taken from the section titled "Notes on The Revolution".

"Once enough people lose their fear of death and realize the government cannot exist without them, then revolution becomes not only a possibility but an absolute certainty."

Orange Alert (OA): What can you tell us about your new book?
Louis Bourgeois (LB): My latest collection, Hosanna, is a collection of anti-religious religious (sic) aphorisms. I finished writing this book over five years ago and it’s taken this long to find a publisher worthy enough to publish it. Luckily Karl Kvitko at Xenos Books is a brave man to publish such a book as this that gives praise to many taboos such as Satanism, matricide, the glories of genocidal Cambodia, anti-literature, and so on. If I’m lucky, I’ll be sent to prison for writing this book. Hopefully Karl and I will share the same cell.

OA: How do you manage to run a press and still find time to write?
LB: Lately, I haven’t done an exceptionally good job at being a full time editor and writing works of art. For the last couple of years, my personal and professional life has been utterly insane and I haven’t managed very well at getting new words on the page. However, I have a back log of manuscripts that need to be published, so that I could not write anything new for 5 more years and still have two or three titles come out each year. Currently, I am attempting a new poetic prose project and if I can just get clear of all my obligations for about 72 hours I could be done with it.

OA: As an editor, what role do you feel a writer should play in the promotion of their books?
LB: Obviously, a writer should do everything he can to promote his work. On the other hand, if he does that, what time has he left to write new work? Therein lies the rub…

OA: What are your thoughts on small press distribution services?
LB: The third issue of VOX was distributed by DeBoer, INC but DeBoer went bankrupt not long after it distributed VOX #3. It appears that DeBoer did a good job distributing VOX as I received emails all over the country praising VOX. Last summer I was tooling around in Brooklyn and saw copies of VOX #3 in a book store there and it did indeed make me happy. I think actual distribution of a book to book stores is still essential. In 2010, you will find VOX PRESS books across the country in as many book stores that are still left to go to.

OA: Do you feel cover art and presentation is more important in the small press?
LB: Cover art is an important aspect of any book publication. I wouldn’t go so far as to say the cover art is equal to the content of a book, but nonetheless it is an essential nail that finishes the coffin and clamps down the lid.

OA: What’s next for Louis Bourgeois?
LB: This is an overwhelming question: 2010 will certainly be the busiest year of my life and I do think the true rise of VOX PRESS will begin. I just hope I’m up to the challenge of completing everything that needs to be done. I even quit a 20 year cigarette habit simply to have enough energy to face 2010. Look for many VOX PRESS releases in 2010 including a few titles that bear the name of Louis Bourgeois.

For more information on Louis Bourgeois and Vox Press please visit his website.