It’s no secret that publishing is a challenging business, filled with obstacles large and small. But in the heart of Tacoma, there’s a place steadily working on demolishing barriers, one book at a time.
Since its founding in 2017, Blue Cactus Press in Tacoma has been wonderfully and unapologetically committed to changing the paradigm with its offerings. According to the website, they “ [C]reate books that encourage community conversations and move us toward liberation.” This commitment extends to a wide variety of genres, covering personal narratives, ambitious fictional works, anti-racist texts, and everything in between.
A Labor Of Love
The whole endeavor is the brainchild of Chris/tina Vega, the outcome of a lifetime desire to write. After serving as a linguist in the Army, they decided to pursue this dream upon leaving the service. When it came time to release their poetry collection, “Maps,” Vega took self-publishing to the next level, developing an entirely new entity outside mainstream outlets.
Thus, Blue Cactus Press was born to circumnavigate the traditional, exclusive world of publishing and create a space that could amplify diverse voices. It wasn’t long before Vega began bringing in other writers, many from the supportive artistic community in the area.
Local writing group Creative Colloquy, famed for its workshops and open mics, was one of the main places Vega first encountered other like-minded creatives. “They were my biggest supporters,” they explained.
Perpetual Progress for Blue Cactus Press
This grassroots model has required Vega to use innovative methods to promote and connect. Turning up everywhere, from book fairs to farmers markets, they focus on first-hand engagement.
Of course, there’s the ever-growing roster of artists involved with the press from all different disciplines. For Vega, it’s about “letting people bring their full expertise from whatever their background is,” resulting in more innovative projects.
And it’s not just about reaching out but also bringing people in to keep the collaboration going.
A Space for Growth in Tacoma
The press has also focused on providing a physical space to nurture community. Their combination shop and studio, located at the corner of the UW-Tacoma campus, is a place where works by marginalized authors can come to the forefront, and visitors can browse through the latest offerings and pick their next favorite book.
It is also a welcome refuge for all sorts of creatives, offering much-needed resources and community without the traditional economic barriers.
This summer, they took things to the next level by launching a new series of open studio sessions. Held on the first Saturday of each month, they serve as a chance for community members to restructure sentences for their next novel or dabble in new materials for an art project. They can seek free editing advice, project consultation, and more, getting a chance to break out of the often solitary artistic world and nurture a supportive and productive community. As Vega put it, “I’m really interested in stimulating the local creative economy.”
What’s Next for Blue Cactus Press?
Of course, new projects are always coming out, covering every imaginable genre. While poetry, fiction, and personal essays continue to make up much of the output, the press has also started putting out more nonfiction works, including projects designed to help Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Inclusion (DEAI) professionals with their work.
While Vega is taking some time off from the workshops, the series is scheduled to return later in the fall. In the meantime, Blue Cactus Press will facilitate several other public events.
Author Kelli Richardson’s second edition, “ The Art Of Naming My Pain,” will be celebrated at noon on September 8 at Parable in Tacoma.
On September 28, they will hold a joint workshop on indigenous sovereignty at their studio with the Redbird Camp Collective.
It’s all part of the goal that has driven this enterprise for seven years — to boost the unheard voices, offer opportunities where there have been none, and bring diverse voices and ideas to the region. “What are the artists here talking about?”
At the heart of it all is the commitment to helping others achieve their artistic dreams with fewer heartaches and hurdles. As Vega put it, “We really just want to connect people with cool voices… [so they can] see themselves reflected in what we do.”
To keep updated on their offerings and events, follow Blue Cactus Press on Facebook and Instagram, and keep an eye on their website.
Blue Catucs Press
Tioga Building
1901 Jefferson Ave Office #105, Tacoma