NOLA UPDATE

My fellow Common Groundlings:

I wanted to give you an update on how the Gut Check anthology is coming along.

Last month I sent out a call to contribute to every Common Ground volunteer I had an email address for. In addition to the contacts I gathered during my time in New Orleans, I picked up a handful of other addresses from a number of you. All told, I had about 55 names at my disposal.

While I would’ve loved a 100% response rate, I was grateful that nearly half of you responded with encouraging words and enthusiastic vows to contribute to the project.

As of today, I’ve received submissions from 13 of you. The list of contributors includes:

—Tufts Alexi
—Missouri Peter
—Knoxville Quinten
—UCLA Pooja
—North Carolina Josh
—Miami Thom
—Portland Rob
—Memphis Julia
—Tufts Jonathan
—Minnesota Robert
—Massachusetts Johanna
—SoCal Jackson
—Tufts Neel

Plus, I’ve got commitments to contribute from another 13 people, including:

—Austin Thom
—Arizona Jeremy
—Chicago Jess
—Chicago Ryan
—Krystle Ramos
—Marin Doug
—New York Zeke
—Princeton Matt
—Massachusetts Stephanie
—St. Louis Nick
—St. Louis Cherie
—Texas Jesse
—Chicago Gio

In addition to these contributors, I’ve written a few pieces myself. I’ve transcribed a fascinating chat I had with Wendell, a Lower 9th resident who shared his Katrina story with me. I’ve transcribed an inspiring speech Malik gave to an incoming group of volunteers. And I’m including a number of conversations I have on video for a section I’m calling “Random Acts of Conversation.” (I found it fascinating how no matter where you were, there always seemed to be the imminent possibility that an interesting conversation—often with a stranger—might break out. Luckily I recorded many such conversations.)

Now for the latest developments…

When I originally contacted most of you I told you I needed your contributions by today, August 22nd, as I intended to have the book designed, edited and off to the printer as close to Aug. 29th as possible. (Since the 29th is, as I'm sure you already know, the 2-year anniversary of the day Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans.)

Well, there’s been a slight change of plans.

Last week I found out about a Common Ground group on Facebook that consists of over 400 former volunteers. Which means I’ve now got access to EIGHT times more potential contributors than I had when I started this process.

So instead of having 25-30 people contributing, I’m hoping I can rally 100 or more current and former Common Ground volunteers to chime in with their perspective.

Thanks to this new discovery, I’ve decided to push everything back a month. (But no more than a month!)

Consequently, I’m now hoping to have all the contributions in by September 13th September 21st. Which should give me ample time to design and edit the book in time to send it off to the printer by the end of September.

On August 29th I will be sending out a mass email to the 500+ names in my address book pimping our soon-to-be-published anthology. After reading the submissions I’ve received thus far I’m absolutely convinced that we’ll be producing a book that we can all be proud of.

So if you were on the fence, here’s your chance to dive in. And for those of you who vowed to contribute but haven’t gotten around to writing down your thoughts yet, you now have another 3 weeks to pull it off.

If you’re still having trouble focusing on what exactly to write about, I strongly suggest you simply go here and answer some of the questions I’ve posed.

And if you want to find out more details about what I have in mind for this project you can read my initial call for contributions here.

Thanks for your time. You will NOT be sorry you took the time to do this. Write on!

In solidarity,

Bob

POSTPONED PAUL

A WEEK AGO I WAS ALL SET TO SEND OUT THE BIG mass email. The one I intend to get to everyone in my address book. The email announcing the 1st of my 13 Collaborations. "Tall Paul Gets Cool is written. The photos have been shot and selected. The characters have been finalized. The prices from the printer have been procurred."

The plan was to announce the arrival of the book on August 1. On the 13th we were gonna post the 1st 13 pages of our new book, while also taking an avalanche of book orders. This was a schedule and pace that both Ernie and I were comfortable with. We were confident we'd pull the whole thing off as scheduled.

Then I got the news last week. While on his way to work Monday Ernie was hit by a woman who ran a red light. His car was totalled. And Ernie, while relatively okay compared to the woman who hit him, had his back and knee jacked up.

He feels like shit. And he's got to find a new car, pronto

So Tall Paul Gets Cool has been put off a month or 2. Which means the 1st of my 13 Collaborations will be Gut Check, the anthology of words from and about the residents of New Orleans and the volunteers who showed up at Common Ground in the 9th Ward to help them out.

We're trying to get that one done and to the printer by August 29...the 2-year anniversary of Katrina.

Until then...

9th WARD STORIES

To my fellow Common Ground volunteers and residents:

Many of you already know me. But for those of you who have no idea who I am, please allow me to introduce myself. My name is Bob Makela and our paths have crossed because I, like you, spent some time helping out with Common Ground down in New Orleans. (If, at the end of reading this, you're still curious to find out more about me you can read this.)

The reason I'm addressing you right now is because I recently began a 13-month multi-media endeavor I'm calling 13 Collaborations. This idea will consist of me completing 1 creative project per month with the help of various collaborators over the course of the next year. (You can read about some of the ideas I'm considering here.)

My first project is a children's book that I'm doing with this friend of mind in LA. (I met Ernie when I volunteered for a mentor program at the Hollywood orphanage he was living at back in 1989.)

The next project I'd like to undertake—my August collaboration—is an anthology of stories, poems, lyrics and anecdotes from New Orleans volunteers and residents. I plan to call the book Gut Check and I intend to publish it under the BOBtimystic Publishing banner, a modest self-publishing venture I began last year when I used the profits from my 1st endeavor, Poetry For People Who Don't Read Poetry, to fund my initial 2-week trip to Common Ground last Thanksgiving.

This experience has given me invaluable insight into making and marketing a polished, quality product—something we can all be proud of. With the technology available today, the only obstacle to getting an interesting book out into the world is no longer the New York publishing world gatekeeper looking to fill X amount of slots per fiscal year. Now the only obstacle to getting a decent book published is the material. The words. The stories.

I heard and witnessed enough stories in New Orleans to write my own book.

And I bet a bunch of you feel the same way.

But rather than embark on a full blown memoir that each of us may or may not ever finish, what do you say we pool our resources?

I'm proposing that we each chew off a bite-sized chunk of our New Orleans experience. I'm hoping to get at least ONE story, one poem, one song lyric, one essay about your time in the Big Easy. It could be focused on anything. Your favorite day at Common Ground. Your most haunting experience in the 9th Ward. The most memorable character you met in New Orleans. Your scariest moment. The encounter that left a lasting impression on you.

If your reaction to my request is "But I'm not a writer" my response to you is "But you've got a story to tell." I'd be happy to help you with your piece if you're questioning your writing abilities. (Once upon a time I used to be a magazine editor.) What we did, what we experienced, was unique and should be shared and celebrated. What we saw was chilling and inspiring. Depressing and exhilirating.

I know how I saw it. I want to hear how YOU saw it.

If you'd like to write a 3,000 word essay, go for it. If you'd rather jot down a quick 300 word anecdote, that's cool, too. If you've got something you've already written—an article for your school newspaper, a journal entry, a poem, a song lyric, an email to your friends back home—bring it on.

I'm interested in getting as many voices and stories as possible into this collection. Contribute! Don't make me beg.

.
..
...

Okay. You're in. Beautiful. So here's how it's gonna work...

My plan is to have the completed manuscript in pdf form ready to be sent to the printer in Minneapolis on August 29—the 2-year anniversary of Hurricane Katrina. On that date I plan to send a heartfelt, compelling email to the 500+ friends/family/contacts in my data base announcing the project. I'll also let all my people know that I'm taking book orders, too. I figure if everyone who contributes to the endeavor does the same we'll be able to sell a fair number of copies. And I've got several contacts in the MSM who might jump on a story like this.

If you're concerned about your privacy, but would still like to share your story, you're free to use a pen name. Don't wanna incriminate anyone? Change their names, too. Wanna stay completely under the radar and keep your story for yourself? That's cool, too.

But just remember, a book like this has the potential to inspire others to get involved and give back. That, as much as anything, is my ultimate goal for this project. That and raising awareness about the heartbreaking, inspiring stories from the 9th Ward.

Regarding how the profits will be distributed:

The book will be a quality paperback priced at $20. You'll get them for $10 and are free to sell as many as you want or can for $20. My cost to produce and ship them to you will be $7.00 to $8.00. So for every book I sell I'll make $12.00 to $13.00 where you'll be making $10.00. I also intend to give 50% of my profits to a yet-to-be-determined Katrina relief organization. (Common Ground being the most likely candidate, obviously.)

So what do you think?

The question isn't whether or not you HAVE something to contribute. The question is whether or not you have the TIME and the WILL to contribute?

I've already got a half dozen pieces for the book. From a beautiful little story written by Peter from the University of Missouri. To the lyrics to this amazing song by my friend Quinten. I'm publishing a conversation with my new 9th Ward friend, Wendell, who told me how he survived his decision to stay in the Lower 9th when Katrina hit. I'm also transcribing excerpts from an inspiring speech Malik gave to some Common Ground newcomers and the Veteran's For Peace contingent.

If I can have all your stories, poems, lyrics and anecdotes by August 22nd September 13th September 21st, I will have this book done by the end of next month September. It's actually possible. So send me what you've got to 13bob13@gmail.com.

Help me make this happen.

Let me know ASAP if you think you'll have something to contribute. And thanks for hearing me out.

Don't forget, we lived something truly unforgettable. Now we have a chance to share our stories and perspectives.

With each other.

With New Orleans.

With the world.

P.S. Feel free to forward this URL to anyone you know who was also at Common Ground. Spread the word!

13 IDEAS

This is the 1st batch of ideas I'm putting out for your consideration. Pick the one that you'd like to see, buy or support so I can get cracking over here. Grazie!

1. Paranoid Lloyd. PROJECT: Screenplay. IDEA: An uptight Santa Monica water delivery truck driver becomes the focus of a multi-agency government manhunt—while falling in love on a blind date with a sexy former secret service agent-turned yoga instructor. COLLABORATOR: Carlos T. Dogg. BEST CASE SCENARIO: Jack Black’s take on Lloyd turns into the biggest hit of his career. WORST CASE SCENARIO: We have a completed 1st draft in dire need of a rewrite.

2. 13 BlissPICS. PROJECT: Oversized framed digital photos (2'x3'?) from my travels. IDEA: Gallery show in San Francisco. (Or LA? NYC?) Invite all my local friends and their 13 closest friends. Eddie Elliott flavors the vibe by playing my 13 favorite Eddie tunes. COLLABORATORS: Eddie. Maria M. (connoiseur of fine art and interesting people)? Pattee S. (curator extraordinaire)? BEST CASE SCENARIO: The night is such a smash that we get offers from people in 12 other cities to host/promote “13 BlissPICS” nights all across the U.S. WORST CASE SCENARIO: We have a fun night in a cool city, hanging out with friends and listening to good music.

3. Gut Check. PROJECT: Book. IDEA: Self-published anthology of stories, essays, poems and lyrics written by me and my fellow 9th Ward volunteers from Common Ground Relief about our experiences in New Orleans. COLLABORATORS: Any and all Common Ground volunteers. BEST CASE SCENARIO: The book perfectly captures what it was like to volunteer in post-Katrina New Orleans. The project strikes a chord, inspires many more to get involved and ends up being featured on Oprah. WORST CASE SCENARIO: We have a handsome, well-intentioned book that explains to family and friends just what it was like to volunteer in the 9th Ward.

4. Opening Act. PROJECT: Documentary. IDEA: 13 days on the road with Eddie Elliott. From opening for David Wilcox, one of his music heroes, during 3 gigs in Northern California. To driving out to Iowa, where Eddie was the headliner for another trio of shows in Iowa. I shot 13 1-hour DV tapes when I hit the road with Eddie in early May. This project is full of heart, soul and great music. A peak into the life of a wise, articulate musician trying to carve out a career in music. COLLABORATOR: Eddie Elliott. BEST CASE SCENARIO: The project gets into Sundance and Eddie becomes the next Dave Matthews. WORST CASE SCENARIO: We've got a DVD that Eddie can package and market with his first live album.

5. Tall Paul Gets Cool. PROJECT: Children’s book. IDEA: Nearly 3 years ago I put together a "Flat Stanley" book for my nephew Parker’s 2nd grade class. Since the Flat Stanley character is someone else's creation, I've taken the same story—which proved to be a big hit with all the 2nd grade classes at Parker's school—and reconceptualized the 2 main characters. Flat Stanley and Lisa Simpson are now "Tall Paul" and "Round Robin." Starring in a story about alienation, self-acceptance and what it means to be cool. COLLABORATOR: Ernie, who's designed the Tall Paul and Round Robin characters. BEST CASE SCENARIO: The media picks up on the story of our collaboration, leading to huge sales and more Tall Paul books. WORST CASE SCENARIO: We've got a cool little book that we can pass along to friends and family.

6. 13 GreetingCARDS. PROJECT: My photos turned into memorable greeting cards. IDEA: I’ll produce 3 sets of cards with a trio of different themes (winter/summer/humor). The 1st set I’ve already completed using photos from my SaltSpring Island winter. The 2nd and 3rd sets will use my photos paired with captions/punchlines submitted by readers. COLLABORATORS: Anybody willing to contribute an idea. BEST CASE SCENARIO: The cards are a hit, we sell enough boxes to fund all my other creative ventures and greeting cards become a staple moneymaker in the Bobtimystic Publishing empire. WORST CASE SCENARIO: We've got an endless supply of cards we'll be giving to friends and family for the next 13 years.

7. My Old Lady. PROJECT: Short film. IDEA: A simple story utilizing 2 of my favorite people in the world—Ruth and Tamale, both of them former actresses. We'll make the whole thing on the cheap. Using my consumer model DV camera, shooting almost entirely at Ruth’s new assisted living home. COLLABORATORS: Ruth & Tamale. BEST CASE SCENARIO: Our little film gets into a bunch of film festivals, while Ruth and Tamale get flooded with acting offers. WORST CASE SCENARIO: Ruth gets the satisfaction of acting with her new favorite hairstylist, Tamale.

8. Letting Go of VanGo. PROJECT: Documentary. IDEA: The story of me and my beloved, troubled car. The project will explore the history and mystique of the VW bus, while also touching on many of the interesting stories revolving around the vehicle I bought 13 years ago. From magazine photo shoots, to appearances in MTV videos to multiple cross-country adventures to trips into the Hollywood Hills to visit supermodels. This old boy has been around. The project will also follow my efforts to raffle off the bus. Once I've sold $13,013 "tickets" at $1 per entry, the movie will conclude with me taking my final VanGo road trip to deliver the car to the winner...wherever they might be. One last adventure. All of it on video. With lots of cool music. COLLABORATORS: My director friend Nippy? NYC Bugsy? Anybody willing to look through my VanGo footage and help edit tapes? Atlanta Glenn? BEST CASE SCENARIO: Another film festival favorite, one last crazy adventure with VanGo and enough leftover cash to buy a reliable new ride. WORST CASE SCENARIO: VanGo catches fire in the New Mexico desert and gets totalled by a meth-crazed teenager while I'm off hunting down a tow truck.

9. Under the Radar. PROJECT: Book. IDEA: A collection of stories, blog entries, essays and poems written by me and the small army of bloggers I’ve been reading the last couple years, most of whom have never been published before. COLLABORATORS: All the bloggers I love. BEST CASE SCENARIO: The book turns into a must-have summer read while launching a number of professional writing careers. WORST CASE SCENARIO: Everyone who contributes to the project has a nice looking book to prove to friends and family that they are, in fact, a published author.

10. 13 Songs/13 Stories. PROJECT: Music, storytelling & photography. IDEA: A night of songs and stories. With pics projected onto the wall behind us. This is my chance to share some of the stories I've accumulated during my travels, plus an opportunity to get over my fear of playing music in front of a crowd. I'd also utilize many of the songs written and performed by my friend Eddie to underscore and illuminate my stories and photos. COLLABORATORS: Eddie Elliott. Anyone willing to host/promote such a night in their living room/backyard/loft/favorite bar/theater/warehouse. BEST CASE SCENARIO: The night is such a hit that we get offers to take the show on the road, hitting another dozen towns with our stories and songs. WORST CASE SCENARIO: Everyone has a great time. I polish up my storytelling skills. Eddie sells lots of CDs and we both make some new fans.

11. 13 Artists. PROJECT: Paintings. IDEA: Gallery show in...LA?...Santa Fe?...San Diego?...Little Rock? Featuring the various artists I’ve connected with during my last few years on the road. COLLABORATORS: Mr. and Mrs. McQueen of Santa Fe? The Laser sisters of Little Rock? Team Quixote in Hollywood? BEST CASE SCENARIO: All the paintings sell and each of the artists gets some well-deserved recognition. WORST CASE SCENARIO: The paintings don't sell but the artists get exposed to new audiences while everyone has a good ol' time drinking too much wine.

12. Relationship Killers. PROJECT: Screenplay. IDEA: A pair of friends come up with a killer business idea for getting non-confrontational people out of unwanted relationships. I started writing this idea with my friend back east last fall. COLLABORATOR: NYC Bugsy. BEST CASE SCENARIO: Vince Vaughn and Owen Wilson hit pay dirt again with this smart romantic comedy. WORST CASE SCENARIO: Another 1st draft in need of a rewrite.

13. Wide Open. PROJECT: ???? IDEA: I'm leaving this spot open for someone to come to me with an idea. It could be a video or film project. A photography idea. A publishing venture. The sky's the limit. COLLABORATER: You?


* I'll be posting another 13 ideas here soon. In the meantime, weigh in NOW with your opinion about which project you think I should tackle next.