PPA Party (AKA Free Booze)

For this week's literary event, I'm going the easy route. The PPA Cocktail Party is tonight, so if you can get your boss to cough up $75 ($65 for members), head on over to Fig & Olive Fifth Avenue at 6 pm for free drinks, free snacks, and tons of publicity people crammed into one space.

Rakesh's Birthday

This week's literary event is the Golden Birthday of everyone's favorite editor, singer, and novelist ... Mr. Rakesh Satyal. Since his evite list already includes over 400 of his nearest and dearest, I figured he wouldn't mind a slunch shout-out and a couple extra people present to buy him drinks. The Brooklyn Inn, this Saturday, 9 pm. See you there!

Report from DBF

So, I didn't make it to the Decatur Book Festival this year because...well, I went to the beach instead. Sue me. But, I did ask people I knew there to send me tidbits, so here are the bits of news that have filtered back. I can vouch for none of these things, but, hey, can I ever?

1. WordSmith sucks. AGAIN. I posted something vaguely snarky about them last year and was rebutted for being misinformed (which I was, so yes, my bad), but this time, I swear it might be true. I heard from several sources that Wordsmith under ordered books for the event, making certain people question why they sacrificed their holiday weekend to sell 30 books instead of say, 200. Or more. I would like to stress that absolutely no one blamed the Festival for this. I only heard good things about it, but people questioned Wordsmith's ordering practices. I'm betting it has to do with Zack's lack of credit with the publishers, not to mention this. Please stop giving them jobs and focus on the other wonderful independent booksellers in ATL.

2. Parties are fun! The party at the Old Courthouse on Saturday was just as entertaining as the previous year's. Organizer Tom Bell should be proud. I heard there was some delish cheese but the describer seemed unsure of what was in it. But yeah, I guess if you go next year, look out for cheese?

3. Props to the Decatur Presbyterian Church for hosting events in their sanctuary and chapel that might not seem like such a natural fit...ie, The Pornography of Power or Rick Bragg.

4. Robert Olen Butler's event filled up completely, and apparently he gave a great presentation. I heard that in person though, he seems to grant more attention to the cute single ladies than anyone else. Perhaps ROB is still feeling his way out in the single life? We know subtlety has not been is strong point in the past. Or perhaps my source was just an unfortunate victim of too much free booze?

5. Eric Jerome Dickey was also hanging out and was totes sweet. I've never actually read one of his books, but I have heard they are quite racy. I'm happy to hear that he was quite a gentleman and was not acting in the least bit inappropriately (unlike some people, ahem). In fact, I was told that he was very approachable and more than pleased to chat.

6. It was hot there. Although, what did you expect by visiting Atlanta in August?

That's all I've got for now, but let me know if any of you guys made it down south and have anything to add!

--Ladytron

Breaking Dawn Release

As some of you loyal readers may remember that one our first posts was about the Harry Potter Book 7 Release. In honor of that, I'm making this week's literary event, the most anticipated release party since that INSANE event. That's right, folks. Stephanie Meyer's Breaking Dawn is being released this Friday - and the midnight buying frenzy is back. I've never actually read any of these books, but Paige Sexie, Ladytron, and Babytron swear by them. Well, maybe swear by is a bit strong, but they seem quite obsessed. So, in honor of them (and Ms. Meyer), dress up and line up to learn the fate of Bella, Edward, Jacob and the rest of those crazy vampire/werewolf kids.

It remains to be seen, however, if Ladytron will once again brave the masses to report on the chaos for us. She seemed quite frightened at the idea of lining up in Union Square again. So if any of you slunch fans attend a party, feel free to send something in to us! And look for a review of the new book in the next week or so.

Do tell,

The Editor

Drunk to Publishing

This week's literary event of the week is brought to you courteous of the crazy kids over at Drunk to Publishing. Celebrate your summer fridays (for those of you that get them) by heading over to the Parkside Lounge (Houston & Ave B) for happy hour with the rest of the slackers in the biz. Happy hour starts at 2 pm and goes until you can no longer walk a straight line...and perhaps even longer.

Do tell,

The Editor

mediabistro = bad party hosts

I've been to a lot of parties in my time. Publicist and all. I've organized some for authors, I've attended those organized by friends. I've gone to awards banquets, thank you parties, anniversery parties, charity parties, receptions for this and that. And, really, my expectations are really never high. Have alcohol readilly available. If there is food, wonderful, but not necessarilly expected. Just really really hoped for.

So, when I attend a party held by a company that was sold for $23 million a couple years ago, I kind of expect it to be a pretty awesome party. Um, no. I showed up about 6:45, 15 minutes after the party was supposed to start. No music, no food, no bartender. A bunch of mediabistro staff members standing around awkwardly. I didn't even have a magazine with me. So I went with the old stand-by and just pulled out my phone and started texting people to look busy.

I think the bar probably opened up a little after 7...over 30 minutes into the 2 hour party. There was one bartender. He had no cash. No bar back. It took about 5 minutes per person to get your drink. The line was soon wrapped around the room - and I'm not even exaggerating. Oh, and of course, the alcohol was NOT free. So basically, I spent half the night in a line, spent money I didn't have, and met random bloggers and mediabistro employees that had nothing to do with books. I did spot the galleycat crew floating around, but all in all, the event felt more like a mediabistro employee party rather than a meet-and-greet. I learned absolutely nothing, I spent too much money on alcohol, and when I left, I was so hungry, I went home and ate a lot takeout that was very bad for me. Thanks a lot, mediabistro.

--Paige Sexie

Because everyone wants to see an author play a guitar bong...

yeah, that's right. guitar bong. or bong guitar? whatever. you can smoke pot out of it and make music with it. so, you get the point.


oh, and btw, that's Mike Edison, the former publisher of High Times and author of I Have Fun Everywhere I Go: Savage Tales of Pot, Porn, Punk Rock, Pro Wrestling, Talking Apes, Evil Bosses, Dirty Blues, American Heroes and the Most Notorious Magazines in the World.

ooo, and side note? I heard his book party was catered by White Castle. I damn well wish I had known that in advance. I totally would have crashed it. I wonder if above guitar/bong made an appearance...

Do Tell,

The Editor

Galleycattin'

I know it's not technically next week, but the Literary Event of the Week is on Monday, so I figured we'd give you guys a bit advance notice. Plus, it's almost five on a Friday so I'm having a hard time doing actual work. And it's raining. And cold. Ugh.

Anyway! Monday night, mediabistro is having a cocktail party where you (as long as you are a full-time "media professional") can meet all the writers/editors/bloggers from the different sites, including...galleycat. YAY! Although, really, any publicist worth their salt should really already know Ron, Andy, and/or Emily, but hey, if you've been slacking, now's your chance to make up for it.

From what I understand from Ron's kinda not-very-informative post, this party will be held at Corio, and I believe it starts at 6:30. Here's my question, though. If mediabistro is "throwing" this party, does that mean free booze? Oh, well. I guess we can all just expense it anyway.

Do tell,

The Editor

Newman Party: The Review

Last night, the Von Tron family gathered for an intimate night of drinking with close friends. By which I mean, Ladyton, Publitron, and Babytron showed up to get wasted for free with all the other freeloading publicists at the Newman party. And, as predicted, it was awesome.

Anything at the bar was fair game, but with a two tricky (and easily loopholed) rules: no shots, no martinis. Bizarre, yes? However, the bartenders were more than accomadating in helping us cheat. A shot of makers mark because a makers on the rocks with the tiniest spash of coke. A vodka martini became vodka, vermouth, and olives with a cube of ice in a tumbler. And anything that a garnish could be added to, well, I mean it's hardly a shot if there's a twist of lime floating in there, right?

We're pleased to report that there was no buffet, but instead servers carried platters of trays around, and then placed the leftovers on the bar or back table for us to go back for seconds, thirds, and fourths. My personal favorite were the little mini-pizzas that looked like keish, until surprise! Bite in and get a mouthful of cheese, pizza sauce, and a little mini-sausage. Delish.

And, per usual, mingling with former co-workers, current friends, and new drunken besties - as well as old drunken besties, ie people that you have no memory of meeting at a past function because you were obvi too wasted to retain any info but they know your name and think that you're good friends and it's very embarassing. Not that that happened or anything. Ahem.

Moving right along. The final word? The party was awesome. Thanks again David Ratner and Newman folk for treating us to another wonderful night of drunken debauchery.

Love,

The Von Tron Publicity Family

Reminder: Newman Party

Latitude Bar & Lounge. Eight Avenue (between 47th and 48th). Tonight. Booze. Food. Publicists galore. Be there. All the cool kids are doing it.

Do tell,

The Editor

You say "charity," I say "PBR"...

So I dragged my butt down to Crosby Street last night in the name of charity - Housing Works "First Words" Silent Auction and Cocktail Party. And, you know what, it was kinda fun. I thought the whole cash bar thing was gonna be a real downer, but wine was only four bucks, AND they had PBR for three. I like a place that caters to their audience. It was like being at doc holliday's - but without the smell emanating from the bathrooms. There was also free food. I guess I should have realized that there would be the usual cheese/assorted fancy meats/fruit/veggie spread, but thankfully, I had been planning to be drunkorexic for the night and didn't bother to eat beforehand, allowing me to take advantage of those adorable little cherry tomatoes.

I, of course, didn't bid on a book since, whatever. Like it's hard to get a free signed book. My office is filled with them! Oh, also, I'm poor. Slunch has no expense account kids, so those three glasses of wine I drank? Yeah, all coming straight from my pocket. So Housing Works better make good use of the $20 I spent (if anyone points out that three glasses of wine is $12, I will kill you. I also tipped and payed $10 to get in. So, really $25). I'm thinking that it's gonna be by 20 (25) bucks that finally helps doctors and scientists discover the cure for AIDS. Or, at least provide a couple packs of cigarettes to some hard-working, stressed-out smart person. And really, isn't that the most important thing?

Oh, and the most exciting part (not really, that was the relatively cheap booze), people I saw: Ron Hogan and Andy Heidel of Galleycat; Nathaniel Rich, author and son of Frank Rich; Mark Mangan, co-founder of Flavorpill; shiny-haired Sloane Crosley, author and publicist; Elizabeth Spiers, original Gawker contributor who now does other stuff that I can't remember; Alia Habib, publicity manager at Houghton Mifflin Harcourt; John Freeman, former NBCC president; and tons of other people that I just plain didn't recognize but I'm sure were equally important.

And, now, as 5 pm rapidly approaches, I will pretend to do work for another 30 minutes while contemplating whether I want to drink whiskey or beer after this. That is all. Happy Thursday.

--Ladytron

Sloanch Recap

I know that you have all eagerly been awaiting the Slunch recap of Sloane's party last night. HOWEVER, Publitron seems to have submitted his synposis to galleycat instead - I think maybe they offered him money or something. Bastards. But, whatevs, here are some notes kindly submitted by Publitron's date, who I suspect has a secret crush on me. Kidding. But, no, really. I mean, you don't know who I am, but believe you me, I'm quite dashing.

Anyways, the list follows.

Do tell,

The Editor


Publitron's Date's List of Observations

1. Julia Allison let me pet her dog! Lily is adorable in person (in puppy?). She might have been my favorite part.

2. Mary Rambin is scary skinny. And I diskline being surrounded by people who are the size of my thigh bone. I also dislike being in a room of people dressed in outfits that cost what I made last year.

3. I was greatly angered when one of the hot waiters LIED to me. As he took my empty mojito glass, I said/slurred, "You're gonna bring more, right?" He assured me that another tray was coming out pronto. I waited for forever (five minutes) before deciding to investigate. Apparently, they had stopped serving, but were allowing you to get refills if you held onto your glass - which I totally would have had the hot waiter not LIED. Anyway, I was forced to swipe a dirty wine glass, wipe it out with my dress, and have them fill that. And before you judge me, there were a lot of people doing the same thing. Suddenly, everyone seemed to be drinking mojitos out of smudgy wine glasses.

4. Another problem with the staff? I questioned their judgement. A couple people were asked not to smoke pot in the stairwell - because the staff wasn't sure if people were allowed to stand there. Because, obviously, that's the real issue in that scenario.

5. I felt bad for the lady selling books - If she'd been selling glasses, she would have made a killing at the end.

6. There was a real lack of food. When you serve wine, there should be a cheese platter. That's party throwing 101.

7. Everyone is correct - Sloane's hair is very shiny.

In summation, cons were the staff, the lack of food, people better dressed and skinnier than I. The pros, shiny hair, JA's dog, and free booze. And as any good Slunch reader knows, in the case of a tie, the win goes to the side with free booze.

Introducing...Literary Event of the Week!

In an effort to stop the Slunchies from slacking constantly, I, the Editor, have decided to up the ante. That's right, Slunchfans. Instead of a literary event on the month, we'll have one each week! Then, at the end of the month, we'll pick our fave, which will earn...the title of literary event of the month. This will start in May because, frankly, I don't have the energy to pick one for next week and force someone to attend.

Do tell,

The Editor

Congrats, Sloane: The Party

So...we've been slacking in all aspects, having Californication as our literary event of the month for, oh, 6 months or so. But, an invite just fell into our anonymous laps to a party that is worthy of topping David "Why Don't You Love Me" Duchovny and cast. Everyone's favorite publicist, Sloane Crosley, is having another book party! Unlike the official launch party earlier this month, this Tuesday's event is a "Congratulations for Your Immense Success" party thrown by Crosley BFFs Elizabeth Spiers, Jonathan Ames, A.M. Homes, and Nick Stern

If you can't get an invite, don't worry. We'll give the full report - hopefully in a drunken haze from the "I Was Told There Would Be Alcohol" open bar.

--The Slunchies

ps. I know we seem to be covering Sloane a LOT lately, but come on. She is everywhere. But, we promise, after the party, we're going to put a moratorium on coverage and pick on someone else. Like maybe my author who won't stop calling me.

deathwatch

There is a deathwatch for a certain editor whose hard-partying ways might be catching up with them. Always late, that’s if they show up of course. Continues to drink throughout the day, just ask anyone who walks by them in the hall, elevator, or street. Others are beginning to catch on because he isn't doing a good job of hiding it anymore!

-Sparky