When Patrick M. Arthur received his first computer in the early 1990s, his parents signed him up for a subscription to AOL dial-up internet service – an amenity that was promptly taken away when the phone bill skyrocketed to $700.
The Weehawken-based author has since learned to take advantage of the internet in a much less expensive way and is now using it to promote his writing.
In less than a year he has gained a strong following through his creative use of social media and the success of his online portfolio. Now he is harnessing its power to finance his first book, “Life in oZnog: Odyssey of an Outlaw Pen.”
The 2011 Park Avenue Festival of Art & Music will take place on July 19.
____________
As part of that effort, he is hosting the 2011 Park Avenue Festival of Art & Music in Weehawken on July 19 from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. The showcase of rising North Jersey and New York City talent – including musicians, photographers, comedians, painters, actors, and spoken word performers – will take place at Paula Restaurant on Park Avenue.
A sociable ‘outlaw’
Driven by a desire to emulate the diverse books and articles he enjoys reading, Arthur’s work spans genres from what he describes as “gonzo journalism” to fictional stories.
The book itself is a collection of his various writings, some of which are featured on his website.
Arthur said his inspiration comes from travels to peace protests, social change forums, cannabis marches, and various rallies.
It was networking at those events that led him to embrace the opportunities offered by the Internet’s social outlets to promote the work of himself and others.
“I saw the opportunity to share,” he said. “I found other people who are like-minded and help them get their words out.”
“You don’t have to do all your own promoting,” he added. “If you’re helping others they’re helping you also.”
The ultimate idea of his mission is to leave a template for others, he said, and show them how they can bypass the hang-ups of “profit-driven” publishing houses and begin working for themselves by investing a little time into learning new things.
Celebrating Weehawken’s art community
When he’s not fulfilling his duties as an “outlaw” writer, Arthur is a server at Paula’s, the restaurant where his fundraiser is taking place.
As a resident and employee in Weehawken, Arthur is well aware of the effect that the gathering could have on the artistic esteem of the local community.
Though it’s not the obvious artistic center like Hoboken or Jersey City, both of which are home to several arts festivals throughout the year, the small town is home to scores of talented people – both homegrown and transplants to the area.
“I would love to see Weehawken really embrace what they have,” he said. “There are a lot of talented people around here. There should be something for all of these people to get together.”
And though it was not the original intent, Arthur said that if there’s enough interest in this inaugural festival, he could envision it being an annual event as well.
Where the money goes
Arthur’s online goal at Kickstarter is $1,200 and he hopes to raise between $3,000 and $4,000 with the festival. The money raised through both Arthur’s online campaign and the festival will mostly go toward printing and initial marketing costs for his book, as well as to pay his editor. Any additional money raised will to go help fund a book tour.
The book will be released in softcover, limited edition hardcover and all eBook formats.
Eventually Arthur said he would like to parlay the success of this venture into releasing a novel of his own and the beginning of a “micropress” to help other writers publish their work.
Party time at Paula’s
The 2011 Park Avenue Festival of Art & Music, to be held from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m., will be without a dull moment.
“If there’s not something going on stage, there’s gonna be something to dance to,” he said. “It’s gonna be a big party.”
Guests for the evening include photographer JackiePost, Hoboken and Manhattan music scene favorite Tom Moloney, creator of the Sketchy NYC Underground Variety Show Kristen Lucas, and many more.
The event will also feature a buffet spread, wine, beer, and music.
Advance tickets can be purchased at Paula Restaurant, 3706 Park Ave., or at Arthur’s website (www.loveunitymagic.com) for $50. Tickets at the door will be $55.
The fundraising effort on www.kickstarter.com will continue through July 25.
Lana Rose Diaz can be reached at ldiaz@hudsonreporter.com.