WestSide Press

WestSide Press Validity, Voice, Vision We intend to evolve with that process, seeking to remain relevant, current, and in tune with these changing times.

In addition to the conventional book format, we here at WestSide Press will produce literature in a variety of electronic formats, including podcasts, audio books, videos, and electronic books, in an effort to bring to you our stories in whatever way you desire to consume them. For we understand that even in a new and technologically evolving and exciting age there still exists an age-old thirst f

or a good story. Many of the faces and voices that appear in the stories will be black and brown. But they are stories that run far deeper than one’s skin color or ethnicity. They are stories that center on fundamental universal truths and our collective commonality as members of that one true race known as the human race.

COMING FRIDAY!
07/28/2026

COMING FRIDAY!

Stream and Pre-save Soul Of A Writer - Distributed by DistroKid

BORN IN THE USA BUT STILL NOT FREEOn this Fourth, I am filled with mixed emotions as America’s great promises, moreover,...
07/03/2026

BORN IN THE USA BUT STILL NOT FREE

On this Fourth, I am filled with mixed emotions as America’s great promises, moreover, her reneging on those promises, has perhaps never seemed more flagrant to me. More than the “freedoms” I possess, I am reminded of my unenviable status as a 21st century Post-Emancipation, Post-13th Amendment Black American slave.

'It is slavery of a different kind. It is more insidious, more pervasive in some ways, more hideous. More difficult to break, to escape. Slavery of the mind.'

A stirring and yet haunting cry for an end to the violence that continues to claim the innocent and young, even amid ano...
06/24/2026

A stirring and yet haunting cry for an end to the violence that continues to claim the innocent and young, even amid another looming summer under the threat of more violence. A tribute to those slain, “Playground of Peace” sounds the clarion call for a city to rise up, and echoes a refrain to “heal the land.”

https://open.substack.com/pub/johnwfountain/p/one-writers-cry-in-song-for-peace

K-Town The Songclick, then click three dots to download
06/16/2026

K-Town The Song
click, then click three dots to download

K-Town is the initial release on a forthcoming project titled, “Soul of A Writer” under John W. Fountain’s pseudonym, JWes—given to him by his late cousin William "Fift Element" Lockhart.

I have no aspirations, particularly at my ripe old age, of becoming a star AI-assisted music artist or topping the music...
06/14/2026

I have no aspirations, particularly at my ripe old age, of becoming a star AI-assisted music artist or topping the music charts. Only to share the lyrics and melodies of my heart and soul as a writer so hopelessly in love with words and storytelling.

"K-Town" is my musical debut.

I have no aspirations, at my ripe old age, of becoming a star AI-assisted music artist or of topping the music charts. Only to share the lyrics and melodies of my heart and soul as a lifelong writer.

Rather than shooting from the hip in a world oversaturated with podcasts, what if I used this genre to engage listeners ...
04/22/2026

Rather than shooting from the hip in a world oversaturated with podcasts, what if I used this genre to engage listeners in the age-old art of storytelling mixed with commentary, reflections and detail-rich narrative?

What do you think? Please let me know.

Sincerely,
John W. Fountain

What If 'Life' Is As Good As It Gets

Aunt Mary was sanctified. Her sanctification was lived at church and at home, where she was prone to speak in tongues “a...
04/19/2026

Aunt Mary was sanctified. Her sanctification was lived at church and at home, where she was prone to speak in tongues “as the spirit gave utterance”—as she often testified at my grandparents’ (George and Florence Hagler) True Vine Church of God In Christ on Chicago’s West Side, where our family settled during the Great Migration.

Aunt Mary was a major force at church, often spearheading testimony service, leading us in worship and song with fiery spiritual intoxication, two-stepping across the carpeted floor when her joy overflowed.

Aunt Mary was sweet. But aunt Mary didn’t play. And her love for us and for the Lord never waned.

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