"The Golden Age of Trance and Other Stories" Press Kit

 The Golden Age of Trance and Other Stories (Alien Buddha Press) by James Schwartz. Available on Amazon Aug. 17! Foreword by Perry Brass 

James Schwartz returns with his seventh book from Alien Buddha Press, following acclaimed titles such as Motor City Mix (2022) and AMISH ALCHEMY (2026). The Golden Age of Trance and Other Stories is a fearless collection that explores identity, memory, desire, and the complicated search for belonging. Whether set beneath the flashing lights of Chicago nightlife or the quiet isolation of rural America, these stories pulse with emotional honesty, sharp wit, and unforgettable characters who refuse to fit neatly into anyone else's expectations. Schwartz writes with compassion for outsiders while never looking away from the contradictions that make them real.

A poet, slam performer, speaker, and author, James Schwartz is the Lambda Literary Award nominated author of The Literary Party: Growing Up Gay and Amish in America and a Pushcart Prize nominee whose work has appeared in numerous literary journals. Bold, heartfelt, and impossible to forget, this collection further cements Schwartz as one of Alien Buddha Press's defining voices.

"James has the spirit of many writers flowing through his blood." - Fevers of the Mind 

GOODREADS PAGE

'Gay and Amish' Charts on Amazon Gay Poetry Bestseller List!

 Congrats to The Literary Party: Growing Up Gay and Amish in America (Kindle, 2011) for reentering the Top 100 Gay Poetry Bestseller list! My Literary debut previously reached #1 in 2011 and in the Top Ten several times over the years. 

Alien Buddha Zine #85

 

Alien Buddha Zine #85 (includes an excerpt from Amish Alchemy) is now available! Read a preview here! 

Why is Amish Crime Happening?

Amish Alchemy Now Available! 🌹

Amish Alchemy (Alien Buddha Press) is now available in paperback! Read a preview here. 

Poet James Schwartz (author of the Lambda Literary Award nominated The Literary Party: Growing Up Gay and Amish in America, 2011) returns to Alien Buddha Press with a sparkling collection of poetry mining his Amish heritage into gold.

Through a raw autobiographical haiku sequence and love sonnets Schwartz confronts homophobic religious intolerance and loss, death and grief transforming to spring, love, freedom and renewal.

Amish Alchemy is a transformation of the Ages, illustrated with stunning images from the Public Domain Image Archive spanning antiquity and offering alternative mirrors of contemplation.

In this Amish themed journey through the Midwest and beyond lies beautiful temples of knowledge, fountains of wisdom and the alchemy of an exquisite artistic endeavor.

Amish Alchemy Goodreads page  

Press Release: "Amish Alchemy" by James Schwartz

Press Release: "Amish Alchemy" by James Schwartz

In my fourth decade on this planet I just feel grateful to still be around and still inspired! 

A Michigander who happened to grow up in an isolated, high control religious environment and rebelled against the homophobic status quo.

Conform or be shunned. The Amish Closet or the streets. I chose the road less traveled (with a lot of gay bars along the way). 

Exotic locations, a few romances, a lot of friends and many adventures later I have not forgotten about the youngsters in similar situations, this act of alchemy is for them. 

My new poetry collection Amish Alchemy also raises awareness for  The Misfit Amish org. I am honored to serve as an Art Ambassador! 

"The Misfit Amish delivers secular insights into Amish, Mennonite and Plain communities, striving to bridge the gap between Amish and English cultures, offering resources authored by former members of these communities and developing presentations to enhance awareness and promote understanding." 

Amish Alchemy (Alien Buddha Press) available via Amazon Feb. 18th!  

Amish Alchemy POEMS 🌹 2/18

Poet James Schwartz (author of the Lambda Literary Award nominated The Literary Party: Growing Up Gay and Amish in America, 2011) returns to Alien Buddha Press with a sparkling collection of poetry mining his Amish heritage into gold. 

Through a raw autobiographical haiku sequence and love sonnets Schwartz confronts homophobic religious intolerance and loss, death and grief transforming to spring, love, freedom and renewal. 

Amish Alchemy is a transformation of the Ages, illustrated with stunning images from the Public Domain Image Archive spanning antiquity and offering alternative mirrors of contemplation. 

In this Amish themed journey through the Midwest and beyond lies beautiful temples of knowledge, fountains of wisdom and the alchemy of an exquisite artistic endeavor.

Release date: Feb. 18th! 

FREE PRINTABLE BOOKMARK!

Quote

"Gay Amish people have been excluded from the very start of the Anabaptist movement. We are still oppressed and shunned today. America is quick to laud the Amish for their lifestyle but remains silent on their homophobia. Amish practice shunning which is forced family separation and conversion therapy which is illegal.

The harm caused by the church has led to LGBTQ Amish suicide and physical, emotional and spiritual abuse.

The Amish communities place a great emphasis on their ancestors who were martyred yet today persecute their LGBTQ minority."

‐ James Schwartz  

Schwartz Family Genealogy 🇨🇭🇫🇷

 Several years ago I was interviewed by students at the University of Zurich researching Swiss Amish. I meant to add some genealogy material then but didn't get around to it. I have been working on a mini essay distilling this which is harder than it sounds! Genealogy research is not necessarily an interesting topic but French Anabaptists are rarely mentioned.

Open Letter from the Old Order Amish

 

An open letter from the Old Order Amish Church. 

Could this be leading to either a mass exodus of Old Order Amish churches and/or a church split? 

Amish Book Society 2024 - The Misfit Amish blog breaks down what this all means. 

"They're Conspiring Against the Alien Buddha Too" July 4th!

 They're Conspiring Against the Alien Buddha Too a conspiracy themed anthology (including my recent poem Birds) dropping July 4th from Alien Buddha Press! 

Plain Rainbows Pride 2024 🌈

 A truly historic day for the Amish and Anabaptist communities as LGBTQ Amish and Anabaptist marched in Pikes Peak LGBTQ Pride parade today! For more photos visit Plain Rainbows podcast on FB! 

Plain Rainbows 

Some Are and Most Aren't and It's Always Been Like That

 Amazon link 

Some Are and Most Aren't and It's Always Been Like That Selected Poems 2004-2024 by James Schwartz (Alien Buddha Press) 

James Schwartz's collection of selected poems, "Some Are and Most Aren't and It's Always Been Like That," offers readers a compelling journey through the intersections of identity, society, and personal experience. Spanning two decades of poetic exploration from 2004 to 2024, Schwartz's work delves into themes of LGBTQ+ identity, cultural heritage, societal norms, and the human condition with a raw and unflinching honesty.

One of the most striking aspects of Schwartz's poetry is his ability to blend personal narratives with broader social commentary seamlessly. Through his keen observation and introspection, he crafts verses that resonate deeply with readers, inviting them to reflect on their own lives and the world around them.

The collection showcases Schwartz's versatility as a poet, ranging from poignant reflections on his Amish upbringing to powerful expressions of queer pride and resilience. His use of imagery and metaphor creates vivid landscapes that transport readers to the heart of his experiences, whether he's navigating the complexities of love and relationships or grappling with societal injustices.

In addition to his thematic depth, Schwartz's poetic craftsmanship shines through in his attention to language and form. Each poem is meticulously crafted, with every word and line contributing to the overall impact of the piece. From free verse to structured forms, Schwartz demonstrates a mastery of poetic technique that enhances the emotional resonance of his work.

#PlainRainbows

 * I was honored to finally meet in person and co-present with my Plain Rainbows podcast co-host Mary Byler at the 15th Annual Champions of Children Conference on Amish issues (presented by the Children's Advocacy Center of Illinois). 

March 5-7, 2024 15th Annual Champions of Children Conference Speaker Spotlight 

Mary Byler, Born Amish, is the CEO of The Misfit Amish, an organization they founded to create and provide meaningful and educational resources for survivors, medical and legal support systems. They are certified in social and behavioral research by the Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative and serves as a researcher and cultural advisor for the Lock Haven University study on child sexual abuse in conservative Anabaptist communities. They are actively working on publication of a peer reviewed study on Amish and Anabaptist Child Sexual Abuse with Tara Mitchell PHD, Lock Haven University, presenting educational information to Healthcare Providers, Domestic Violence Advocates and CYS/DHS to bridge the cultural gaps, while collaborating with The Plain People’s Podcast, other professionals and experts to continue creating resources that will enable Amish and Mennonites to access information that meets them where they are.

As an educator and advocate for Amish children, they collaborate with other organizations and agencies to provide research supported and evidence-based best practice-based resources for Amish / Plain communities and survivors. A medical coder by profession, Byler also holds a Master certificate in life coaching, multiple certifications in trauma awareness, and specializes in working with survivors from cults and conservative sectarian religious groups. Byler was a co-creator of an exhibit in Lancaster County on Amish/Plain clothing and sexual assault. They produce audio and video recordings of Amish / Plain survivor stories, focusing on LGBTQ survivor stories.

WITNESS PODCAST

SOFT WHITE UNDERBELLY  

#LGBTHistoryMonth

 Happy LGBT History Month! 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️ #makinghistory #PlainRainbows 

"Long Lost Friend" Press Kit

LONG LOST FRIEND PRESS KIT 

James Schwartz writes about truth, the grit of the Midwest, survival, life through perseverance of city life, depression, crimes and more. 

Now imagine writing through the aspect of someone growing up Amish and also gay.

James writes with truth, brutal at times and completely a great storyteller with amazing imagery.

- David L O'Nan of www.feversofthemind.com 

Sometimes the truth may be stranger than fiction. Superstitions may often abound in Amish country and communities. Some Amish culture is rich in superstitious lore as is Long Lost Friend. Thank you James. 

- Mary Byler, author of Reflections and Memories of an Amish Misfit: "My therapist says that’s not true, but I digress" 

SUNSET IN ROME Book launch!

 "I have written a wicked book, and feel spotless as the lamb. Ineffable socialities are in me. I would sit down and dine with you and all the gods in old Rome's Pantheon." 

- Herman Melville 

Unlike most Old Order Amish children I attended a public school with teachers who nurtured my love for writing and books. I also was allowed to have a library card. 

The official launch for SUNSET IN ROME is October 9th! If any of my readers will be in Detroit on that date please join me at the book signing / reading / orgy... just kidding about that last bit! Really! Do expect an intimate evening with yours truly in the D! 

Now available on Amazon!

Event link: https://fb.me/e/2LGLaiNhD 

Of course an ex-Amish man's book will be banned. This is a story about defying the church so sermons may even be preached condemning it! Exciting times! 

I even drew the wrath of several ex-Amish YouTube preachers (basically my queer existence, also Plain Rainbows podcast) but let's not forget that these men are selling fundamentalism now. 

https://youtu.be/dXCFrKLNxAI 

Conservative Anabaptists Reject Fundamentalism 

https://anabaptistworld.org/conservative-anabaptists-reject-fundamentalism/

I fail to see the difference between a sex worker and hoeing your Amish heritage for click bait and monetization or book sales.

 SUNSET IN ROME will be suppressed by all Amish publications and those that are controlled by the Holy Hetero Amish Church but it may be found by the gay Amish person who needs to read this story.  

See you at the party!  

SUNSET MIX

 

A playlist inspired by SUNSET IN ROME (ALIEN BUDDHA PRESS) 9.22! 

What All Sex Workers Want You to Know 

https://youtu.be/oHypTun-Izw 

Male Escort EXPOSES Vatican Secrets 

https://youtu.be/m1L6k_9mWNU 

10 Famous 

https://youtu.be/v146niszXbo 

Gay of the Day

https://youtu.be/6UfJjm3h1RM 

Total Eclipse 

https://youtu.be/_WF6nMTVfbY   

Devil's Playground

 I have taken meetings with producers over the years but most Amish themed reality TV shows don't pay much. There is also the matter of artistic integrity. In my opinion the best Amish film is Devil's Playground, filmed near where I grew up. 

Plain Rainbows / PCADV Caucus

 Your Plain Rainbows co-hosts are happy to have recently presented an overview on LGBTQ Amish to the PCADV Gender and Sexual Justice Caucus! 

We are grateful for the opportunity to help and provide the Caucus with a presentation highlighting LGBTQ Amish issues. 

 A special thank you to Jenn for the opportunity to present and for their thoughtful questions! We feel seen! 

In gratitude,

Mary Byler and James Schwartz