This was meant to be a post about the gap between intention and action.
It was meant to be a post about how hard it is to close this gap.
Fittingly, I wasn’t able to close this gap myself.
I started thinking about a whole bunch of other things instead.
I remembered that it’s my newsletter and I can write about whatever I like.
I struggled a bit with motivation, but reading back what I achieved in the last 10 or so days it doesn’t seem so bad.
I started imagining what 14th century Italy would have been like had they invented cybernetics. The Cyber-Rennaissance. A late medieval / early modern story of betrayal, intrigue and warring factions (with cybernetic enhancements). Just as Game of Thrones was based upon the Wars of the Roses, this would be based on The Italian Wars.
George Reorge Rartin Martin took elements from the Wars of the Roses and changed them. The Yorks are the Starks. The Lancasters are the Lannisters, and so on. Terry Pratchett also said that there are many more interesting ideas in history than there are in fiction. Some things that really happened are so unbelievable that you could not write them.
It would not be a historical fantasy. I’m not that interested in accuracy. It’s a work of fiction. I just feel like I really want to read this book. So I feel almost compelled to write it.
While I’m enjoying very much thinking of the setting, the big problem that I have with fiction is always character. Characters are the engine of fiction and are products of the world they live in, as well as acting as eyes and ears for the audience to experience that world. They act as counterpoints to the setting and particular characteristics of the character can be used to highlight or downplay aspects of the setting. Characters want things, and tension and drama is created by placing obstacles in their way. Ultimately they either get the thing they want or they don't. Sometimes it comes at a cost. Sometimes what they want changes. But really all a plot is characters overcoming obstacles in pursuit of a goal.
The troubles are multiple: who should we explore the world with, and what do they want? Do they get what they want or not in the end?
I have had an idea for an unbelievably cool character, but I don’t know her well enough to know what she wants yet. I think there will be multiple points of view.
My head is full of questions about it all. I’ve been interested in cyberpunk for a long time, but the whole 'near future' crap is played out. We have been living in an eternal present since the invention of social media timelines. The only advancements have come in the field of torture nexuses (nexii?, nexae?). Let’s surgically enhance history instead.
I read The First Law last year, despite usually reading more scifi. I could not put it down. I’m reading it again but this time with my writer's eyes on. I like the slow drip of revelation. The way that the world and history is built up bit by bit. The characters are fantastic. There’s nothing like an unreliable narrator to keep the reader on their toes.
Please let me know if you want to hear more about this book. Nothing would make me happier than an excuse (any excuse) to write it. I’m oscillating between thinking it’s an incredible piece of distraction to thinking it’s anincredible idea for speculative fiction.
I saw this incredible painting by my friend Jillian and began making a 3D version of it in Blender. I have done a bit of stuff in Blender but I only know enough to be dangerous. I haven’t done anything like this before, so It’s a challenge
I released the free typeface EXPANDA. It’s pretty barebones in terms of kerning and character map. It only has 0-9 and A-Z. Perhaps one day I will make a lowercase for it, and some other characters too. I had fun using Blender to make the renders for the animation as well!
If you like it, please give it a 5 star review!
What if productivity was not only a nil sum game, but by actively increasing my 'productivity' I reduce someone else's? Let's say that I want to get to inbox zero. That probably means that I have to send out a bunch of emails. Sending email just makes more email in the world. The total amount of email in the world cannot be lessened by sending more of it. Some of those emails will require replies from others. When does it f*cking stop?
I (finally) started organising things for The Design Kids.
You have no idea how long it took to write this damn description:
Mark your calendars for the first Tuesday of the Month!
The Design Kids is an international group that connects new designers to the world of work.
Are you an up-and-coming designer?
Are you a design student or career changer?
Are you interested in connecting with others in the local design scene?
Join us at the Social Hub for a free design meet-up!
This in-person event is the perfect opportunity to expand your network and gain valuable insights into the world of design. Don't miss out on this exciting opportunity to grow as a designer and have a great time with like-minded individuals.
More about The Design Kids
Instagram --> https://www.instagram.com/thedesignkids/
Hashtag --> #TDKtuesdays
Rotterdam --> https://thedesignkids.org/city/rotterdam/
Rotterdam Host --> instagram.com/supermerger
Even more links --> https://linktr.ee/thedesignkids
Get involved
We are expanding! Be part of our growth and shape the future of The Design Kids Rotterdam:
I think it took so long to get started with it because I was really scared of it. It doesn’t seem so bad now. In fact I’m looking forward to the whole thing. I had a meeting with the Social Hub and it’s all happening next month.
…
On the subject of events I’m looking at doing a series of Noise events. I’m speaking with a venue and getting artists booked. First event is likely to be in October.
Find out more: Local Noise Scene
That’s it for this time. Sorry not sorry it didn’t turn out the way it was supposed to.
Thanks for reading!