May 03
For the benefit of those who can’t read the eBook version of Sol, Playa y Mar, I’m putting the story up on Lonesome Cosmonaut as well. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I’ve enjoyed writing it. Continue reading »
May 02
Hey Canada,
I know we don’t talk as much as we used to. Oh, I’ve been around, and I know you’ve got your thing going on as well. I just happened to notice you shook up your style a bit today, and a lot of people on Facebook were mentioning the same things I was thinking.
I know you’re changing (aren’t we all?), and change can be a good thing. But I just want you to know that if you change too much you’re going to stop being yourself. You’re trying to fit in really hard with those other kids, and you look pretty uncomfortable trying. You’re swinging from one side to the other all the time, and that’s really not that healthy. Are there problems at home, Canada?
Look, I’m not writing this as a part of an intervention or anything – I still think you’re pretty cool. We all do. It’s the land of beavers, maple syrup, and lacrosse as a national sport (just kidding, I know you’ve started recognizing that hockey fad, too). But don’t forget a lot of your good qualities, alright? You just need to chill out a little. We’re looking at a beautiful summer coming up, and Justin Bieber still seems to be a public icon (wow, he really took over Anne Murray’s role, didn’t he).
Best friends forever,
Dave
May 2nd, 2011
Apr 29
I’ve finally decided to dip my toes into digital publishing. I was originally planning on putting it on Amazon, but I’d rather people just read it and skip all the rigamarole of purchasing it. It’s in .epub format, so it should work fine on most e-book readers (or you can read it on your computer for free with Calibre).
I wrote this after I got back from Aruba, and it’s a little love letter to the country, and a reflection on what home is.
Download Sol, Playa y Mar in .epub format
Apr 17
Up to this afternoon, I’ve held the belief that “the first step is the hardest.” And many times, the first step is very hard, indeed. Anyone who has ever faced a metaphorical (or literal) blank page has felt that sense of dread. Inertia is a powerful foe.
But as I was typing up another article for your consumption, I came to a point where I was unsure of how to continue on with the article. I was trying to make a point, but as I tried to figure out how to make it, everything I had written up to that point began to seem hollower and hollower.
Losing confidence in your own work is the most devastating feeling one can have. It feels like there is nothing that can be done. At this point, the purpose is forgotten, and one can only dwell upon the general failure.
By making a point of reminding yourself why you are doing something, you can avoid the problems that result from the lack of confidence. Maintain your purpose, so when everything falls apart, you will remember that what you are doing right now is merely the means, not the end.
Apr 16
If you’ve been looking to add a few more records to your collection, April 16th is the day. Record Store Day is when record stores and bands give back to fans with deals, limited edition releases, and longer operating hours. Not all stores celebrate it, but my current favourite store, Sloth Records, is this year, and they’re opening at 10 AM to let the dedicated buyers have the first crack at the deals.
