A post about me and my life.
I was wondering what I would tell my younger self the other day. My brain instantly came up with an amazingly long list of all the advice I’d love to pass on to all young people… but the topic was directed at myself, so… some things I’d like to tell my younger self (if I could):
Expect to get hurt (both physically and emotionally). No matter how much you try to avoid it, you’re gonna get hurt. Expect it. Learn the lesson you were meant to learn and move on. Don’t dwell on the hurt.
Where do I get my ideas? A question that seems to be asked of authors everywhere. I’ve tried to think of an answer that I might be able to rattle off quickly if I ever become famous enough to be asked that question (lookin’ to the future), but it’s not something that I can answer so easily.
I began writing earnestly just over two years ago. I’m a newb, technically. My first short story, Bridge to Limbo, was an idea I got from reading a story by Hugh Howey (The Plagiarist). The next short, Galileo Among the Stars, was my way of solving the problem of time travel using the theory of quantum entanglement (sometimes my mind wanders when I hear about new technology). The third one, The Strange Life of Walter Moody, was kind of a love letter to the woman who is now my girlfriend. I imagined how it might be possible to change reality by writing it (a la Death Note, but in a good way).
Today just so happens to be my birthday. That means everyone else will be getting a gift. Starting tomorrow, August 3, until Sunday, August 7, all three of my short stories will be free on Amazon. Easiest way to get ’em? My author page on Amazon. So, pass the word and enjoy some free stuff.
Today isn’t anything special. It’s the first day of many Augusts I’ve lived through. It’s the day before I turn 44 years old. It’s a hot summer day like many we’ve had before. But what if I made it special?
What if I decide to mark this day in my life as a marker. A beginning of something new? Set it down for all (well, those that visit this site) to see… a statement of intent and purpose. Instead of a new year’s resolution, I think I’ll do it on my own terms. August is kinda special for me, so I’ll use that as my flag in the ground.
Camp Nano is in two days.
That’s enough to cause some palpitations right there. Even though it’s spring, and I’ve never actually been to camp in spring, it reminds me of summer camp. I participated in a few YMCA summer camps as a kid (as I was a latchkey kid growing up). While all the other kids were excited and frantic with wild energy, I didn’t really want to go. It meant you had to be social… and do… outdoorsy stuff. That was punishment for a kid that just loved to sit inside and read all day.
I learned this morning that an author that I look up to… and enjoy reading very much, passed away. Sir Terry Pratchett is no longer with us and providing a much needed outlet for my stress and anxiety. He did leave us with over 70 books, but it’s not enough… it’s never enough for someone of his greatness. Let’s hope that Death shows some compassion to the man, and takes him on a tour of the library in the Unseen Academy, so he can at least give the librarian a hug goodbye and an “ook” in return. You will me missed, good sir.
I know I’m not the only one that’s been standing here, tapping my foot and waiting for Spring to finally pop its sleepy head around the corner. But enough about that…
Have you ever noticed that when a holiday is coming soon, that people start getting excited about it? I mean, a good holiday like Christmas or Valentine’s Day or the Fourth of July, not one of those crappy holidays (I’m looking at you, President’s Day).
Camp Nano is next month. (I know, because I’ve received the emails) While it’s not as… intense as NaNoWriMo (It can be, if you make it), it’s still a challenge. You have a deadline… and a goal. If you’re part of the working class, then you’ve got a job to do at the same time. The younger crowd generally has some form of school. Some of the lucky few have both to contend with while pounding out words on a daily basis.
Today is a very disjointed day. I’m feeling the after-effects of yesterdays non-stop running around, and still reeling from the news that I finally get to see my girlfriend… after almost eight long months of anticipation. All of that combined, leaves my brain in a state of limbo… no real motivation to write… no idea WHAT to write, but with the help of my awesome writer’s group… I’m writing about disjointed writing. (clear as mud, huh?)
It caught me… hook, line and sinker. I had resisted for so long, yet it got its dirty, blocky talons in me. What is this evil thing that lurks around the corner? Minecraft. All the chunky wondrousness of it finally hooked me and dragged me flopping from here to kingdom come.
I’m not going to sit here and tell you about the wonders of the game… that’s not what this blog is about (apparently it’s about setting you up for some cool stuff about writing… then leaving you in the dust as I go run around some digitally created world made out of blocks).
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