- I guess I’m on summer vacation. Or maybe it’s a longer break from public life, so I can work on creative things that need my attention. I haven’t been on Twitter much, and when I am, it reminds me why I decided to do other things with my time. I’ve been working on finishing the first draft of this novel I accidentally ended up writing, spending about two full weeks doing very little writing and a lot of stuff that looks like I’m not writing, while I’m figuring out how to get out of the box I inadvertently wrote myself into. I solved the problem with the help of index cards and a cork board, which is a reminder that I should have done cards and a board in the first place. In my lame defense, I never intended for this story to get as long and involved as it has, so … there.
- One of the things I’ve been doing when it looks like I’m not working is painting Warhammer 40K figures. I read all the advice I got when I posted about finding my way back into the hobby, and ended up buying Dark Imperium. I love the lore in the rulebook, and the models are gorgeous. I am as bad at painting as I ever was, but I’m old enough now to not let it bother me like it once did. Like, my sense of self worth isn’t tied up in how good or bad I am at every single thing I attempt, like it was when I was younger.
- Friday night, Chris took me to Vegas to see Steve Martin and Martin Short. They were amazing and hilarious, and I highly recommend seeing the show when it comes to a town near you. The band that plays with them, The Steep Canyon Rangers, is so amazing, I think I may actually like bluegrass music.
After the show, we got to go backstage and meet them, because Chris is a big deal. When Steve Martin shook Chris’ hand, he told Chris, “I am a huge fan of your work. It’s so nice to see you.”
I felt like I was going to cry. I’m so proud of Chris and everything he has created, and so grateful that he’s been my friend for almost 30 years. I can’t even imagine what it must feel like to meet someone who inspired you to do the work you do, someone who played a part in shaping who you became as a human, and finding out that they not only know about your work, they enjoy it and identify as a fan.
Some really funny things happened when we were there, but I’m putting them into my next live show, so you’ll have to come see me perform if you want to know about them.
- I also played poker for the first time in years. It was a 1/2 NLHE game, and I played for about four hours. I lost some big pots, I won a bunch of small and medium pots (and one huge pot where I proudly outplayed a guy who I read perfectly) and when I left, I had more than when I sat down. It wasn’t a lot, but it was a lot of fun and a nice way to spend Friday afternoon. I felt good about the way I played, and left feeling like I didn’t totally suck at cards.
- I’ve talked on RFB about how I want to do a horror movie in the style of the 1970s Grindhouse releases. In the last week or os, I broke a story in my head. I know all the major plot points, and have notes in my book! When I finish the first draft of the novel, I’m going to start doing cards for the movie, and figure out the details, so I can write the screenplay. I have no idea how I’ll get it made, but it’s a thing I’m doing because, like Lin-Manuel Miranda said, “Don’t wait on anyone to make your favorite thing. Make your own favorite thing. Go.”
What do you want me to know?
I would love to see you do a horror movie! That’s awesome about the show – I remember on a podcast Chris has mentioned that he’d be afraid to interview Steven Martin since he’s a hero of his – so neat that you all got to meet him!
38 days until Hickey season starts.
Hickey season? Does your lover know that’s coming up?
Sorry, the image popped into my head as I read that. Pretty sure meant hockey….probably, eh?
I want you to know that even though you haven’t missed Twitter, I’ve missed you being on Twitter. Totally understand why you don’t want to return though. I also, really, really miss Radio Free Burrito.
That all being said, I’ve been working on my own writing and a business idea to bring the Tiki Bar concept to a small midwestern town because I love to take risks apparently. Keep being you bud. We love you.
I saw Steve Marting & Martin short when they were in Concord … It was a stupid amount of fun and the Steep Canyon Rangers are indeed amazing. I also now like bluegrass. (But to be fair, I do have Steve Martin’s albums with Edie Brickell, which are great … so I was already mostly there)
I want you to know I always look forward to the things you do. And your pets are freakin adorable.
For the past few weeks you have been part of my commute. I listen to your audiobooks/RFB to and from work. Thanks!
When is the next tv crimes coming? Love the show!
Any upcoming appearances on the east coast?
Just finished Memories of the Futurecast which makes me sad becuase there is no volume 2.
Thanks for sharing your 5 things.
Regarding poker, I still recall fondly the games you hosted for PokerStars back in the day. They were a lot of fun, and I appreciate that you took the time to do it. Just thought you’d like to know.
Bluegrass is an amazing art. There is a lot of bias due to the perception of where it is popular. But the music reflects art and skill. Especially when you consider some of the amazing guitarists who play in that style.
I just finished listening to Ready Player One. I know I’m six years late to the party, and I’m kicking myself a little. The book is on my school’s summer list and I waited until it became available from the library which hasn’t happened. I wasn’t happy solute having to plunk down 17.50 for the Kindle with Whisper Sync (my preference for reading) until I heard the voice. Then, I was satisfied I was going to be entertained. I had no idea how addictive the story was…I listened to the 15 hours in one day! Highly recommend!! Now I’m fired up to see the kids and get started!
The book also reminded me how much I love science fiction. Teaching saps all my reading time into what I teach and the peripherals necessary to teach. Now, I’m going to make certain to carve out a little fun reading time to reenergize seeing how I feel from this one book.
Enjoying a great hobby with my dad. When my mom died, my dad lost both his life partner and his purpose–he was her 24/7 caretaker for the past 8 years. Now, he’s creating a book from the photos he and I have been going out to take–he taught me photography as a kid and I brought it back to him just hoping to get him out doing something he at least used to enjoy.
Art Spiegelman is coming back to Boston for a talk and I am definitely going! Can’t wait!!
I only have 4 things, but they’re substantive and that’s good enough.
I wish I could edit the typos!
It’s so good to hear that your concentrated art-ing and self care are having the desired positive outcomes. 🙂
On the low-budget horror movie front… ::whispers:: Dude, you know Dean Devlin.
I really enjoy reading about your progress in writing as I am a 62-year old ”wanna-be” writer. I’ve always wanted to write and let too many potholes in the road of life send me down too many detours. Following you on twitter has inspired me to actually put words down on paper (or words into my computer). Please keep on keeping on.
I’ve missed your reflections, but I am glad that you are valuing your time and talent. We will all be richer for the results.
Glad you’re taking care of yourself. I got your audio collection on Bandcamp last month and look forward to listening to the audiobooks while swimming.
I spent the summer working on writing projects, starting my first comic project, and failing to learn Swift. Felt really good to finish my 8th novel. Now let’s see if any of my books will lure an agent (that’s the project for the fall).
Go back to teaching tomorrow. Would rather keep writing, but this is the best headspace I’ve been in at the start of a school year in… 10+ years.
Keep being awesome Wil. 🙂
Here’s what I want you to know:
1) I should be running my first ever Fate Core game right now, but I’m laid up at home with a migraine. But I’m really excited for our first session of play (not counting game and character creation, which was great–one of the players has never played an RPG but has always wanted to, and she came up with some of the best worldbuilding stuff while coming up with a character she wanted to play). I rewatched the Fate Core episode of Tabletop this morning and I really REALLY want a gif (JIF) of Felicia’s face when you start eating the scraps of paper. Oh, and the game is using the Mindjammer rulebook, but we’re only using the setting stuff that works for our game and putting our own stamp on it. I’m personally throwing in bits of inspiration from Star Trek, Babylon 5, Dark Matter, Killjoys (which I just got into), and one of my old loves, classic Traveller.
2) I’ve mentioned before in your comments that I’ve been going through a long, bad depression. I’ve been seeing my therapist again and she’s been helping a lot. I was having a really good, non-depressive day the other day, so I decided to take advantage of feeling good and wrote a letter to myself for when my depression or anxiety is really bad, telling myself some of the general and specific ways that depression and anxiety lie to me and why I shouldn’t listen to them. I don’t know if that’s something you’ve done or something that would help you, but I’m putting it out there.
3) Related to the depression: a little over a week ago, I got overwhelmed by all of the anger and sadness and weariness I’ve been seeing and expressing myself on Twitter and Facebook, so I decided to take a break. There are times when I miss it, when I miss being in touch with my online friends that much, but when I go back, I’m quickly reminded why I decided to take a break. If/when I go back, I think I want to try what Anne was doing of posting as positively as possible rather than sticking with anger and sadness. I know being able to do that is a privilege, but at the same time, self-care is important, right? And there are smarter, more eloquent people than me talking politics online. I doubt I’m contributing much when I post from a place of anger.
4) The cards and cork board thing…have you ever used Scrivener? I’ve tried it and I like it in theory because my brain is super nonlinear, so writing a story with virtual card and cork board makes sense to me, but in practice, I don’t write on only one computer, so it’s just easier for me to write in Google docs and have all sorts of things in a story folder in Google Drive. I think there’s also something to be said for using real cards and cork board, just like there’s something to be said for writing by hand.
5) Okay, not something I want you to know, per se, but I can’t imagine what I’d do if I were in a situation like Chris hearing that from Steve Martin. That’s so great for Chris! Isn’t it terrific to see your friends recognized for being awesome?
6) Thanks for posting, Wil. I’m happy the writing is going…at all, even if there might be times when it feels to you like it isn’t going well. I hope your brain is being less of an asshole.
I’m glad you’re having a fun summer. We miss you though. Twitter shits suck ass.
Yay! Who gives a shit if you are good. Enjoy a thing and fuck all else.
Oh. My. Gosh. Did hardwick like, explode? He’s always been afraid to meet Steve because he was such an idol. That is soooo great for him! After my Africa trip I came home and quit listening to radio. I didn’t realize it was permanently. Most of what I’ve listened to in the car since is the soundtrack to Moana and Frozen, and nerdist podcasts. 4. Yay yay. 5. Yay yay yay. Lin is so great. I love this plan.
What do I want you to know?
A. I received a poseable skeleton for my birthday from husband. He thought it was like 18″ tall and was surprised to find it was 5 feet tall. I have since made a game out of us taking turns hiding and finding it. I have named him Matt Damon because it’s fun to say I found Matt Damon in my bed. Yes there are pics. This is the highlight of my summer.
https://flickr.com/photos/9413273@N04/sets/72157688189195365
B. Husband is currently napping and I’m doing tech support via text with my mom because she is at my house and something is wrong with our tv. Kill me.
C. I secretly hope for more instagram videos but with more farting noises. I’m 12.
Where did you end up playing? The Aria is relatively new but pretty cool.
If there is one thing I love more than you reading me books, it’s you reading me your own books. I CAN’T WAIT.
I love how proud and generous you are whenever talking about Chris. I love seeing you two together. #FriendshipGoals Also I’m so happy for Chris, knowing how many times he’s said he would be too nervous to even meet Steve Martin, let alone interview him for the podcast. I’m thrilled to hear that experience went well for the both of you. I got to see them a few months ago and it was such a great show. (But I am not a big deal so no backstage pass. XD)
Will Friedle has a new show on Alpha all about learning to paint minis. Matt Mercer did a great first few episodes with him. I think you might knows those guys… 😉
I keep having to work on Mondays so I miss Storytime with Wil, if you still even do those. I miss them!
Thank you for everything you do.
Your friendship with Chis Hardwick is such a great and heartwarming thing. I’m grateful to you guys for sharing little pieces of it with us unwashed masses. I hope you’ll be back on the Nerdist podcast before long; your episodes are always favorites.
What do I want you to know?
Well, it’s kinda boring and stupid and perhaps maudlin, but my son started his 10th year in public school this year as an 8th grader.
So not stupid, or boring. I’m dealing with the same. My son is starting 10th grade next week, somehow I’m more emotionally charged by that than when he started high school last year. :-/
I am dreading my son transitioning to high school next year because he’s special needs (Autism and ADHD with a lot of comorbid crap that came along for the ride to make things interesting just cuz LOL.) and our high school is so danged BIG. I’m really hoping they’ll have an aide for him again next year (he’s had one almost full time for the last 2 years) to help him navigate the crowded hallways and deal with the stress/strain that comes with being shoved in with so many other students.
I feel you there. My daughter is 19, going to be 20 in Dec, and she is on the spectrum with added sensory and anxiety disorders. She too went to a larger high school.. In elementary she was in a smaller class and did so well they mainstreamed her during her middle school years and she did ok until she transitioned to the high school. Our district was stingy with the aides and other resources so sadly she regressed quite a bit and ended up having to be transferred to an alternative high school setting where she did much better. She graduated last year. It was a bumpy sometimes hellish road but she worked so hard and came so far. I’m very proud of her. It’s so hard for us mamma bears isn’t it? We worry and fret, and often rightly so, but it sucks so hard when they’re hurting in ways we can’t just “kiss and make it better”. I hate that helpless feeling. Hugs and love to you and yours. I hope you are getting support for yourself as well.
Mine’s always been mainstreamed, thank goodness but yeah..he was supposed to have an aide in elementary and there just weren’t enough to go around because there were 3, maybe 4 aides for the entire elementary school. ::headdesk::
And yeah…I’ll be back in therapy and back on my meds once our insurance kicks in next month. Hubs changed jobs over the summer, so we’ve been without insurance since the end of June. I am SO looking forward to getting back on my meds because I’ve had some really bad days where I know they wouldn’t have been AS bad if I’d had my meds.
I am starting a 12 week Artist’s Way Journey September 1, 2017 based on the book The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron at The Artist’s Way Circle https://www.facebook.com/groups/artistwaycircle
I want to be a writer. So I am writing a business plan using the Right Brain Business Plan by Jennifer Lee. During November I want to write my memoir during NaNoWriMo the National Novel Writing Month.
Good luck!!!
34 days until I get married to my best friend and personal carer! Other than that nothing new Wil; hope all goes well for you!
Today Canada’s Chief of Defence Staff (and some of Canada’s other senior military leadership) marched in uniform in a Pride parade.
http://www.metronews.ca/news/ottawa/2017/08/27/vance-becomes-first-cds-to-march-in-pride.html
It sounds like you’re in a good place and I’m happy for you. 🙂 Also I’m excited that the cards and board helped with the novel (one day I will try those and not, you know, just keep writing and hope for the best) and that they’re helping with the horror film. Make the thing! Do the thing! Lin-Manuel Miranda believes in you! So do we all! waves pompoms and cheers 🙂
I used to play in an online RPG. We got to write our own character bio. Mine took on a life of it’s own and ended up around 4000 words. Of course the GM edited it to 3 paragraphs. But I kept the original, using the GM’s 3 paragraphs as a prologue. I think this was in 2009. About a year into the game I was given an impossible task, which I accomplished, and another 4000 words came out. So I stuck that in the same folder. Sort of a character memoir. In 2011, the love of my life/dearest friend/woulda been married if it was legal then was killed in an accident. The mourning was terrible, but the story took me over and I wrote her death in, another 4500 words. The game broke up, people moved on and earlier this year I wrote another short story to put into the folder, Cynianne’s Tale. Nearly 20K words now, and really in character memoir form. Each could be a stand alone short story, but are best as one piece. No idea what I’m going to do with it, but there’s another character tale banging around in the back of my head, trying to find it’s way out.
On Monday night, well Tuesday morning the 22nd about 3 am my time, my lover/partner/fiance has been dead for 6 years. This is the first year I didn’t spend 2 months on the floor in a puddle of tears and snot. Just a bit leaky. Did a guided meditation where she came to me. Got drunk one night. I guess I’ll leak for the rest of my life because I miss her so much. There’s a whole chapbook length folder of poetry and creative non fiction in my computer. The few pieces I let out of my hands have been published, but I feel very protective of it and don’t want any rejection, or acceptance that will require an edit.
I’ve been a hermit for coming up on 3 years this fall. When I was a kid I was told the myth of St. Francis, how he lived in a hut and all the little woodland creatures loved him, just like a Disney movie. I wanted to be him. I found out that tale was bullshit and I was really bummed. Then in middle school I discovered On Walden Pond, which proved to me it could be done, and I wanted to be Thoreau. Then I found out he would have starved without his sister and mother bringing him food, and even his friends wives’ did his laundry. I wasn’t just disappointed, I felt betrayed, like what a fucking liar. My shrink had me make a happy place in my head for meditation and it was similar. Giant trees, and a small rough shack on a pond, with a sunlit meadow. And all my dead pets, of course. Well, due to circumstances cuz shit happens, I found myself homeless, and I moved into a 9×14 room in the back of my kid’s garage. It’s in the rl Hood, but giant live oak trees, a gone to hell above ground pool that is now a giant koi pond and my Hut, I realized I’d created this place I’ve been looking for since I was around 8-9 years old. I feel safe.
Part of the shit happens is I’ve had some serious health problems that kept me from working, and will forever. Where I live there is no healthcare fall back like Medicaid unless you are pregnant or dying. So I’ve been bouncing around county clinics for 4 years, in a system that is under funded, under staffed, and over worked with a really poor communication system. My care team are great people in a lousy system. So I fired one disability lawyer and hired another that made my shrink cheer, and my Primary Care guy really happy. My neurologist looks like Garrison Keillor and he’s arguing with a neurosurgeon who looks like Amy Schumer about shall they cut into my neck or not, and what about all the similar but unrelated to my neck but similar symptoms on the rest of my body that have not yet been diagnosed. I’m thinking of moving to Canada or the UK just to get universal health care, but being a southerner, I’d probably freeze to death even if I could get into either place legally.
Being a southerner, I’ve been looking at the 1/8th of my family lineage that was part of the building of this country, helping bring genocide to the indigenous people, owned slaves and fought in the Civil War. We were raised on tales of southern romanticism, with of course, slavery being bad. So I’m watching the monuments come down and I’m torn. They’ve been there all my life, and I’d never thought about the hate and fear they both represent and inflict. Stone Mountain – how do you get rid of something that big? When the Sphynx was excavated it had a whole hose. It was quickly blown off piece by piece by people using it as target practice. I think that’s a suitable death for Stone Mountain. And while we’re at it, Mt. Rushmore, too, as another racist monument built on the sacred ground of the people we brought the genocide upon. Neither will ever happen, but maybe they can be dynamited, they way the mountains were to create the sculpting surfaces. Maybe the then scarred surfaces will remind us to not glorify oppression.
Wow, that was long and depressing. Maybe I should just copy/paste and email it my shrink. Nah, I’d rather just leave it here, like you do. You really have helped my journaling skills.
Whines, “WordPress won’t let me use bullet points and I didn’t double space my paragraphs.” But then, fuck it, it’s your blog and you already know this.
From everything you’ve said, it sounds like you have found much solace in the written word. Sometimes it can feel so much safer to express those more deeper painful and even joyful emotions that way, especially when you’ve lost someone as you have. I’m glad you’ve found that release for yourself. I get the feeling that there’s times where interacting with the world (people) around you can feel so very draining, exhausting even. I can see the allure of having that hut to escape to and feel a measure of peace, a chance to recharge and recenter yourself. I’m glad you’ve got a care team that works so well for you, and feel your frustration at having to deal with an unreasonably greedy and overcomplicated so-called healthcare system. If I may, I’d like to encourage you, if you haven’t already, to consider adding the support option of reaching out as needed to talk with someone online. Lifeline’s network is always expanding their network, they’ve got tons of resources on their website, and they’ve got online chat options now as well. You may find talking on their chat with someone to be an additional source of support. https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
If you made a horror movie I would totally watch it. Also that’s I’m happy you and Chris had a good time seeing Steve Martin and Martin Short. That must be an amazing show.
I want you to know that I’ve begun to take steps toward doing what I really want to do, which is be a translator. My current job makes me feel dirty and gross. I speak four languages – why not use them to help people? But I had too much debt and too much fear, and I think one day I just reached my end point. So off I go. Hopefully.
Didn’t kill myself today. Partially due to your “depression lies” statement, which is often my mantra.
Finally opened up to a close friend about struggling with how I feel about my mother, who remains a strong Trump supporter, even after his loathsome comments following Charlottesville. We’re both native Virginians. I’m gay. I no longer buy the “Lost Cause” narrative, she’s defending leaving the monuments where they are and denying that they cause, or have had, any negative impact. She is one of the few family members with whom I am still in touch, and I love her dearly. At what point do the actions of a loved one become so traitorous and damaging that you have to abandon the loved one to their own ignorance and hatred?
Am continuing to work on controlling my diabetes—in the course of six months, my A1C went from 11.8 to 6! My nurse practitioners are proud of me. So am I, dammit!
Failed, again today, to write a single word of the story that’s been kicking around in my head for nearly a year. Feeling under attack by current events nearly 24/7 isn’t conducive to writing.
Had some good back-and-forth with friends on Facebook and located two friends whom I haven’t seen in years.
Aren’t you sorry you asked?
Well, crap. Those items were all numbered with a blank line between each paragraph. Come on, WordPress—that’s pretty basic formatting!
Yeah, WordPress does that, and it’s an irritation. But I’m glad you didn’t kill yourself today. I really get the racist family & being the total black sheep in it part. It seems they get bolder the older I get. When I was little, I guess I was sheilded from it like I was some of my now favorite cuss words. And your getting your diabetes under control? GO YOU! That’s a huge good lot of work and self care. You should be proud, you’ve earned it. I have a story that’s been bouncing around in my head for years, but other things keep over riding it. I do try to write something every day, even if it’s not a new spin on one of the Arthurian legends. I’m glad you didn’t kill yourself today. I didn’t yesterday, either. And I’m not going to today. I already promised my dog and my cat, which is part of my morning ritual. Dog is going to be pissed at me later when I give him a bath, but he stinks, and he forgives me pretty quickly. Do you have a therapist? If not, ask your Diabetes team. You don’t have to tell them all the details, just the depression and anxiety part, plus a bit about the abuse you are taking. Get a therapist. Mine is the worst I’ve ever had but it still helps. Don’t kill yourself today, either.
I’m so very glad that Wil asked, and most of all that you responded. I see the struggle between discouragement and determination you’re dealing with. SO discouraging and painful when a loved one is letting you down like that. And I get the feeling that having to deal with that on top of everything else makes it that much harder for you. From what you said it sounds like you feel so scared about losing that relationship you have with your mother if you end up having to turn away in order to protect yourself. I’m dealing with much the same with my parents, and it sucks. Especially since I just moved back “home” (next door to my parents) after being in another state for 18 years. I look at my son and think, “This is not what I wanted for him to learn about his grandparents.”
But really, have to note the strong determination I’m seeing from your words, the sense of pride and accomplishment for the hard work you’ve done in managing your health, both mental and physical. I too get that “but…” feeling about myself like you mentioned about your frustration with your writing. I’ve been having trouble with my own creative impulses with the negative influences of personal and world stressors. It wasn’t until I took a step back and changed my tactics that I started feeling able to create again. In the past I was dealing with a bad case of writing blues and found that joining a writing group that met monthly in person was very helpful. Each meeting we would work out a writing prompt and then share the results at our next meeting. It was very helpful for me to have a deadline and people expecting some kind of results each month. Sometimes if I had trouble getting going I’d start out just typing word association, not editing, or bothering with proper paragraph structure, just letting the words flow. Then I’d reread what I’d written and edit it into something presentable for the next meeting. One of my best short stories came about that way. If you don’t have groups meeting near you, check with your local library to inquire about starting one yourself. Or worse comes to worse, check out a book of writing prompts from the library. Choose a page at random and just free associate on the prompt you find.
As with an above comment, I’d also like to suggest you may wish to consider checking out Lifeline’s website for additional support resources, and their online chat option as well. Just having someone to talk to outside of your family/friends and even therapist (if you have one) for those times when things get overwhelming can be a safe release valve from all the pressure you’re struggling with. And because I’m a mom too, and I really do care, I do ask that if you find that those thoughts of killing yourself increasing or becoming overwhelming that you will reach out for someone to talk to day or night. Hugs and take care. ❤
https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
I’m very glad you’re still here. Thank you for holding on.
I’d recommend listening to some of Tess Rafferty’s videos on the family thing. She really lays it all out. Haven’t seen anything new on the Charlottesville episode, but she has two post election ones that are worth listening to.
Good for you for controlling your diabetes! I went through the same struggle, and it sure feels great to have A1C back in the “normal” zone! Now it’s 4 years later, and I’ve crept back up to 6.6, and trying not to beat myself up. That’s what they have medication for, and it’s all about keeping up with the healthier lifestyle. You keep up the awesome lifestyle you’ve created!
I would like to see / read a graphic novel or illustrated novel version of your bio – up to this point. Particularly focussing on your life struggles and mental health (leading to successes) and how you are still dealing. I think it would be both inspiring and uplifting for those of us still trying to work through things…
Thank you,
Michelle H.
I want you to know that I’m really happy to hear how you’re doing and what you’ve been up to, and also the news about Chris having such a positive interaction with one of his self-declared idols. I love both of you guys, and it makes me happy to read things like this. Thank you.
Chris can pretty much retire after that. That’s great for him. The only word to describe what that feels like is Rapturegasmnarok.
What do I want you to know? Well, since you brought up bluegrass, there’s some great modern bluegrass out there that I’d highly recommend checking out. Trampled by Turtles, from right here in Minnesota, is amazing. Mandolin Orange has some amazing and haunting tunes. Sarah Jarosz is a phenomenal musician, and shouldn’t be missed. Her live performance of Mansinneedof is incredible. Finally, the album If Sorrows Swim by Greensky Bluegrass is a must listen.
Also, I want you to know I’m jealous you got to meet Steve Martin 😉
I had a drink on cinco de mayo (it was awful) and aside from that I think I haven’t had any alcohol this calendar year. Alcohol has had a significant impact on my life and I had been slowly reducing the amount over last year. I remember sometime last year on a random Tuesday feeling sad. I checked in with my life and there was nothing externally that could explain it, except maybe the bottle of wine on Friday. No alcohol, no random sadness.
I still consider drinking every now and then but the heartburn, bad sleep results, waistline, and emotional weight just aren’t worth it for me. Like you, I used to brew beer and drink my fair share as it was part of my life. I didn’t find a replacement, rather just did more of all the things that I’ve been doing before. I can’t quite look at alcohol drinkers quite the same anymore. I can relate to their way of life but I don’t make that choice anymore. I’m not one of them.
There are variety of other things going on. I’m back at running and going to try Nanowrimo for the second time. First time was 12K words and a lack of structure killed it. Lots of planning going on now and also shopping for a good writing platform. I’m on Linux so Scrivener is out. I’m testing a bunch of others this week. Wife, kids, Harvey and Texas. Mostly, trying to make the most out of my time above ground.
Thanks for asking what’s on my mind.
Great news all around, Wil. My bit to share is that, quite out of the blue, I’m involved with two separate television development deals. I had a hand in writing both pilot episodes and the series bible for each. They may never end up going anywhere beyond where they are now, but to be involved in two projects like this simultaneously is sort of mind blowing…
http://www.scifipulse.net/council-tree-productions-acquires-greg-wilkeys-mortimer-drake-novels-for-television-press-release/
Kewl. Glad to see so many first loves returning to your present presence. Same for me actually. And to be able to admire a friend like that, that is one of life’s richest blessings and joys. More power to you Wil. I’ll let you be in my world, if I can be in yours.
Well, since you asked, and all.
I’ve been writing up a storm, both in regards to a new book and touching up an old one that’s been baking since 1985. Yeah, let’s hear it for OCD.
Also been making new friendships and renewing old ones. Nice to see everyone, including both my children, are doing so well. Very rich life, glad I have it.
I can’t wait to see your horror movie! I know it’s going to be great!!!
I want you to know that you have helped so many people and that you inspire me to keep trying to achieve my goals.
Love painting Warhammer figures! If you’re getting back into that hobby, you’re just a 3D printer away from enhancing some other tabletop gaming experiences 🙂 https://stuwahacreations.com/2015/02/11/3d-printed-custom-settlers-of-catan/
I create characters for stories in The Sims 3. I tried out The Sims 4, but it’s all a bit ‘hair that looks like a hat’. The mods in TS3 are better. My avatar, Evadene, is one of my characters.
I do that too! Sadly it looks like I’m going to have to give up on Sims 3 as it keeps crashing my computer, but Sims 4 seems to be working so far. I tend to imagine the variations of style and design when the actual game doesn’t meet my mind’s image. Best I can do for now. 🙂
Are you a Mac or PC Windows user, Metz?
I use a pc laptop, 🙂 I pretty much know what the problem is just don’t have the funds to fix it, so it’s a make do kind of situation all around. Nothing so bad I can’t “suffer” through. 🙂 Just glad I’ve got the means to get online and to play some games sometimes.
I am liking the new upbeat and positive Wil!
Good luck keeping the focus, that has always been my issue with anything creative….oh look shiny
“my sense of self worth isn’t tied up in how good or bad I am at every single thing I attempt, like it was when I was younger.” This is the best thing I’ve read all week. It describes exactly how I feel in my 40’s – I will never be the master of all things, but unlike when I was in college, it’s OK!
I’m taking your oft shared advice to “make something” and embarking on a huge project with my dearest friend. I’ve had this idea for a tarot deck in my mind for near onto 20 years now and am finally getting off my arse to make it real. We’re being diligent about fighting the “getting overwhelmed and/or distracted and giving up” discouragement by keeping regularly scheduled meetings and setting smaller reachable project goals to strive towards. It’s been too long since I’ve felt this excited and creatively engaged.
You are a hero of mine, so it is odd to read a list in which you list all of the ways you didn’t suck. Way to not suck!
Wil, let me suggest a director for your grindhouse movie. He lives in Virginia and has done some experimental films and VA Filmfestival Movies. His name is Matt Burchfield (my 35 yoa brother). Crowdfund your movie. You are loved by enough gamers and movie fans that you will get all the funding you need and more. Kickstarter the movie. Crowdfunding is the builder of dreams. I’ve built my board game company with Kickstarter and now 13 years later the dream lives on! Also, if you ever want to try your hand at historical boardgaming (wargaming) send me an email with a ship to address and we will get you some games out. email me at [email protected].
All the best and happy gaming,
Grant Wylie
I want you to know that you always inspire me.
Nothing but love for all of this. Enjoy your break!
Twitter can be exhausting. I can’t wait to read/watch your next projects.
Honestly, I’ve just finished listening to the best season so far IMHO of a podcast you turned me on to: You Must Remember This. The talk about the anti-Vietnam war protests, how both Jean Seberg and Jane Fonda were connected, and how the two got onto decidedly different paths. Easily the most fascinating season Karina Longworth has done. I definitely want to listen to your audio stuff too, but thanks for hooking me on YMRT. Easily has become my favorite podcast, and I am even half tempted to go back and listen to the Joan Crawford ‘beach read’ series she did last summer.
I’ve been battling my About page for a week and a half. I’m still not convinced about it. It’s weird, because I tend to have a lot to say about me when I’m pushed. Or, you know, even when I’m not.
Except for (some) writing, I haven’t had a lot of time for hobbies this summer. Because, summer. Besides the vow-renewal thing (which went well!) I’ve been, you know, partying a lot. It’s been over 100 for every day but, like, 4 here and that means whenever anyone says “pool party, bring beer!” I do.
I haven’t painted anything in my entire adult life. That’s impressive, right?
I was in Vegas recently (for that vow-renewal thing) and was there for 5 days with 30 other people and I managed to never see a single show. Talent like that cannot be taught.
Your reboot check-ins inspired me to do many cool things. I never properly thanked you for that. “Thank you for that.” I don’t know if that was proper enough, either. But it’s a start. 😉
Are you going to make another Radio Free Burrito in the near future? I only started listening (I’ve been a Welcome to Night Vale fan for years & am slowly finding more podcasts to listen to), and I find your take on things and interests cool! Plus you remind me to keep up on pop culture and watch shows like Rick&Morty, Mr. Robot, etc. I thinking podcasting/radio is such a fascinating platform, & I’m inspired sometimes to record myself telling stories cuz it’s fun. Whatever you decide with RFB, you’re awesome! and I hope September starts auspiciously for you.
I’m happy to hear things are going well for you. As much as a total stranger can be, I’ve been a bit concerned about how quiet you’ve been online lately. It sounds like it’s for all kinds of good reasons!
Bluegrass bands to give a listen to” Frank Solivan & Dirty Kitchen or The Stray Birds.
Both are not the typical yodeling Bluegrass that most people have issues with.
KEEP WRITING. Done is better than perfect.