Billy McCall ~ Featured WIZD Zine Maker

Billy McCall is a zine maker from Baltimore who makes perzines, workzines and educational zines.  His zines include titles Proof I exist, Last Night at the Casino, The Difference Between and many more. You can find Billy's zines for sale at Wasted Ink Zine Distro and in our online store. ​

Tell your zine story. What inspired you to make zines? 
I've always been a writer, since I was a kid, and began making zines before I'd ever seen one. I was 17, at a punk show, when someone handed me a zine, and I was like, "Whoa, other people make these things?"

That was 20 years ago. I've been an active part of the zine community since. I've worked in zine libraries, done readings, attended zinefests, and even ran a distro out of Chicago for a few years.

Why are zines important to you? Why do you choose zines as your outlet?
Zines are real, and raw, and anything you want them to be. When I make a zine, I can open up my life and share as much, or as little, as I need to in order to get my story out into the world. As the world becomes more and more virtual, zines are one of the last things remaining that still feel real.

Share your favorite zine story with us. 
One time me and a handful of zinesters went on a 3-day tour, reading zines from Chicago to Iowa City. After our reading in Iowa City, me and 4 other friends snuck into a local hotel and weaseled our way into the swimming pool. None of us had bathing suits, so we just jumped in with our clothes on. We swam for over an hour before being kicked out, laughing all the way. A month later we all came out with new issues of our zines, and each told the story from our own perspective. It was awesome.

You can find Billy's zines at Wasted Ink Zine Distro or on his etsy.