Monday, September 14, 2015

Part 2 - Finally Back!

 It's taken me way too long to get to my second post. but here it finally is.





I have several pieces of news regarding some projects that we hope will pan out.

First - there is a plan to publish an anthology of Bob's stories in France.  I have been corresponding with a French publisher who hopes to get a number of stories translated and published in 2016.

Second - we also have been working with an English screenwriter who has bought the rights to one of Bob's stories, which we hope will be made into a movie.
Of course both of these projects will take some time, but we are so happy to see interest continue in these stories.

One project we are sure of is the 15th anniversary edition of Feesters in the Lake,
to be published next year by Centipede Press and edited (again) by Jim Rockhill, who has been a great help to my sister and me.  I will post the publishing date when I know it.

I suppose the best place to start is with the earliest "Vinegar Worm" that I have, Vol.1, #2.  The first fanzine my dad published was called "The American Journal of
Oculenteratoology", which was only one issue.  After that it became "The Vinegar Worm".

"The Vinegar Worm" was published from the various places we lived over the years he
wrote it.  These first were written and printed (on a hand cranked mimeograph machine in our basement, which my sister and I often had the pleasure of turning) in Denver, Colorado.

The Vinegar Worm
(Formerly the American Journal of Oculenteratology)
Vol.1, No.2

OUT OF THE CRUET
If any of you noticed, the previous issue of this irregular publication was entitled "The American Journal of American Oculenteratology.  "Oculenteratology" was an etymologically imperfect coinage of mine, meaning (or intending to mean) "the study of bug-eyed monsters".  This little joke was ill-received in some quarters, and was the occasion, I have gathered, for a number of copies having been thrown away unread - the recipients having been under the impression that it was some sort of crank publicity, on the order of scientology or dianetics.  Furthermore, "The American Journal of Oculenteratology" is an unwieldy kind of title, and takes a long time to type - and to say.

So, "The Journal" passes into history, after a brief  but uneventful life, and its place is taken by THE VINEGAR WORM.  The vinegar worm is an ugly small creature that lives in an acid environment; it absorbs acid with relish, and secretes acid constantly.  THE VINEGAR WORM's title stands as its policy statement.

*
You must admit that THE VINEGAR WORM is nothing if not solicitous of the readers' wishes; this issue has been tailored according to the specifications outlined in your cards and letters. ("This is your magazine!") You asked for fiction; below is Fred Haggard's "A Game of Jacks".  You asked for poetry; there are three poems in this issue.  A few tasteless clotpolls made the suggestion that I simply discontinue publication, as a public service, but I treat them with the lofty disdain they deserve.

A small number have asked for a letter column.  I find this a bit puzzling - I've never cared to read other people's mail myself - but if you want it, you'll get it.  Space limitations preclude an extensive letter department in this issue, but just so no one will feel slighted, I set out below two letters I received last week.  (I know you wouldn't be interested in old letters.)
          
          Dear Bob,  Autumn has come to Illinois, and the maples were never more
          beautiful,  Your Uncle Herbert and I have been taking long walks, just
          soaking up all that beauty - and Pepper scampers along with us, making
          many a side-trip in pursuit of squirrels.
          Herbert's arthritis is much improved, thanks to Dr. Veblen.  I, however, have
          been unable to obtain relief from ny asthma.  I understand the winters are
          very cold in the mountains, so don't neglect to wear your muffler on bitter
          days.
                                                                                     Love,
                                                                                     Aunt Martha

          Dear Sir:   Thank you for your letter of December 12.  We regret that we are 
          unable to refund your money, but the damage was clearly caused by your
          mishandling of the apparatus.  We trust that we will not hear from you  
          further in this connection.
                                                                   Yours very truly,
                                                                    The Atlas Products Corporation

Well, so much for letters.
         




7 comments:

  1. I was so very pleased to hear about another edition of FEESTERS! Looking forward to this.

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  2. I was so very pleased to hear about another edition of FEESTERS! Looking forward to this.

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  3. Will post the publication date when I know it!

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  4. This is very exciting news. The Bob Leman stories I've read so far have got me hungry for more. "Come Where My Love Lies Dreaming" is especially breathtaking.

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  5. I've read about eight of your Dad's stories, and they all made a huge impression on me. I do hope Centipede follows thru on their promise to re-publish Feesters, and I will definitely buy a copy if it becomes available and encourage others to do the same. I commented on a couple of Leman stories in my blog The Runestone. Here's a link, enjoy... http://www.berserkerbooks.com/content/my-favorite-short-stories

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  6. Hi, Nancy! I hope that all is well with you. Please come back here and post new content. I want more Vinegar Worm!!! :-)

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  7. Has there been progress on the publication of a new edition of Feesters?

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