C.S. Robadue's Blog, page 6

Creative Reserves

JUNE 2021 – One of my favorite things about the summer is relaxed weekend afternoons spent reading. Total escapism, without a care in the world, its a glorious thing. The flowers blooming in the gardens this year have been especially stunning, which is wonderful to see. The color pallet of nature never fails to delight and make me want to break out the colored pencils or paints. Seeing the water lilies has me wishing I had my oil pastels with me to pay my respects to the tradition of glorious garden paintings that Monet put forth in his time. There is a pond near where I live that has been showcasing the subtle delight of the refined spectacle that happens when these colors collide, just incredible.

Really need to head over there with my writing notebook in hand and get to work journaling. Been a lax month on the writing front, mainly been kicking back, getting outdoor with friends and spending time in vacation mode. This period has been good though as I can feel my creative reserves being restored and I’m eager to get back into my daily ritual of writing. I’ve been listening to a lot of podcasts and focusing on getting extra sleep, so I’m sure that has helped too with being amped up again to create. But there is no substitute for the daily practice that is required to be a writer.

Appreciate the additional feedback that I have received for my most recent book, ‘Defending the Kingdom’, the insights have been very helpful. Trial by fire seems a necessary component of becoming better at endeavors that have an audience. And you never know exactly how your words will land in the mind of readers, so it is interesting to hear the responses. I genuinely want my work to always be more sophisticated in its level of quality and meaning than it was in the past and to evolve. And I think this process is essential towards getting there. So thank you to those who have read it and weighed in on the story and themes present.

What did I read this month? Snagged a random pickup this time around and selected ‘Dragon Teeth’ by Michael Crichton. One of his works of fiction, a top-tier action/adventure story about two rival paleontologists who in 1876 were exploring the American West for dinosaur bones. Based off real events involving historical figures, it has my kind of mix of fact and fiction, where it is incredibly enjoyable to read, but you also gleam some valuable information in the process. Don’t think it had ever occurred to me how rather recent the discovery of dinosaurs (by man) really was. Have a feeling it won’t be the last Michael Crichton book I read this summer, as he is one of my favorite summer blockbuster writers, haha.

Here’s to a laid back close to the weekend and a reminder to enjoy life and the fleeting bursts of artistry that mother nature has on display.

~ CS

PS: Don’t miss twitter at all.

Retiring Social Media

MAY 2021 – As an artist, do you have to have a social media presence in the 21st century to be noticed? You know, I have generally assumed that social media was very valuable to artists and a given that you should embrace it and make a concerted effort to put forth your work in the best light possible online in these apps for it to grow in reach. As an aside, myself personally, I have very little interest in social media and posting about my personal life online. I prefer to share those moments and memories with my inner circle of family and friend.

But I maintained this nagging thought that I ‘should’ be posting more on social media and making an effort to grow my presence and audience there. With a lukewarm effort, I have done so with various attempts at it over the years. And in truth, I never really found it to be that personally gratifying or helpful towards introducing new audiences to my creative work. It is unclear to me that I picked up a single new reader of my writing from social media, not a one, zero. And if anything, being on social media is an enormous distraction from actually creating new vibrant work and developing my skills further as an artist in the disciplines that actually interest me (writing, drawing, design).

My current thinking is that it is far better to utilize that time and energy on creating better work. And I would far rather guide people to my own website here at WaveGarden Arts than guiding them to some companies website that is just trying to sell advertisements and mine their users data. None of that is in alignment with my values and seems counter to what I want my name and work to be associated with.

And I’ve always made the argument to myself that I need to play ‘this’ game (that being social media) to be successful as a writer and artist. But if I think about it critically, me posting about my own work is essentially just an ad on social media in disguise. And in truth, I myself don’t buy books because the author of that book says that their book is good. I listen to the testimony of other readers to help me determine which book I would like to read next. And I don’t think I am unique in this. As it is far more valuable to have other people talking about your book online, versus you yourself talking about your book online. And me not being on social media does nothing to inhibit other people from talking about my book online.

So then what should writers and artists do to help spread awareness for their work? Building a core audience seems key and I think being involved with the platforms of others is the key in this regard. Whether it be an interview for a podcast, a blog writing cross-over campaign, going out to library/bookstore/festival events, or doing your own paid advertising when you are at that point. But I think the single most important thing is to have excellent quality work to share that speaks for itself. So any effort spent on marketing a novice effort is likely not the best use of your time and attention. When you really should be back in the trenches, working on your next project, versus spending time and valuable mental energy and creativity on marketing your social media page. Which will draw attention to someone else’s platform (the social media companies) and enriching them, at little to no benefit, if not a net-loss to yourself.

Thus I have decided to retire my social media accounts. I have already deleted my twitter presence, and will be doing the same with my instagram in the not-too-distant future. If anything it feels like a bold declaration and I am more excited about being creative as a result. As the sneaking suspicion that I was commercializing something that I loved was never far from my mind when I was posting on these sites about my work. If you are here and reading these words, it is because you are genuinely interested in my work and what I have to offer as a creative person. And for that, I thank you As the work itself needs to be good enough to stand on its own. Think of every amazing work you have read or piece of art you have seen. Did the social media presence of its creator matter to you? I would guess not.

Truth and beauty matter and that is where our attention should be spent seeking in our work, in ourselves, in each other, and the world around us. And I don’t think social media is the answer to finding that. Thus I am retiring all of my social media.

Spending more time in nature, with friends and family (in real life!), making an effort to live a more genuine and authentic life, that is the stuff that will build you up and make life feel more engaging and alive. Try it out, see what you think, it might surprise you how much joy you are able to find in your creative work again. I know it has been helpful for me. And I don’t miss the false sense of progress that I felt I was making. Engage with reality on your terms.

Until next time, peace!

~ CS

Will the next book be sci-fi?

APRIL 2021 – Another month in the books, err, yeah, haha. Had intended the last three months to be time spent marketing my latest book and focusing on the business side of WaveGarden Arts. But, well, I haven’t actually done much of that as I am still trying to figure out what manner of promotion makes the most sense for me at this stage in the growth cycle of my creative work. I suppose when you don’t have one standout great solution it becomes easiest to do nothing, and that might not necessarily be that helpful either to the cause. Very happy though that two readers did rate the book on Amazon, that was so awesome to see! And the feedback that I have received from the early readers of the book has been overwhelmingly positive, so I’m incredibly appreciative of that.

Once there is some base level number of reviews/ratings of the book, say ten, I think it will make more sense to do some promotions and such. Without any reviews or responses online, it becomes too big of a gamble for readers stumbling across the title themselves or seeing it in an ad to take the leap on purchasing it. So until the base of feedback is achieved, it doesn’t make a lot of sense to put resources behind promoting it I don’t think. That is my take on it at least. Perhaps I’m off the mark there. At this stage I would just welcome people reading it and providing constructive feedback. As that can help me become a better writer in the future.

Decided that it is time to at least start a new creative journal for the next book project. Another work of fiction, with a setting and characters to be determined. While not writing, nor marketing, haha, I did pick up a book to read from the library. Snagged ‘Children of the Mind’ by Orson Scott Card. The fourth title in the Ender’s Game series, of which, the origin story is one of my favorite books. Science Fiction is always a go to genre for me when I am reading for fun. I’ve never really considered writing in that genre, but man, is it enjoyable to read when done well. When reading sci-fi from decades past (like this title from the 90s), it is cool to see what types of technology the writers envision becoming reality. And then seeing how close to the mark we have come in that intervening time. Imagine a lot of people would have guessed we’d have flying cars by 2021 if you asked them about it in the 80s. Not quite there yet though, haha.

Keep at it and I’ll be back for another update in the not-too-distant future, cheers!

~ CS

Water & Waves

MARCH 2021 – Building the future is always an exciting prospect. Spring’s return has me feeling optimistic and psyched for the coming months and exploring and engaging more with the outside world. I guess you could say I am waking from my creative hibernation and feeling energized, haha. How is the start of the season treating you? Make any cool discoveries in your own backyard? I checked out some new (to me) hiking spots last weekend and have welcomed the warmer temps with open windows and long ambling walks.

Been reflecting a lot about life and progress and what these things mean to me. Perhaps that topic will show up in a future video on my youtube channel, but for now I’d like to tell you about what I would like to do in the short-term and have been pondering for sharing ‘Defending the Kingdom’ with more people. In the interest of encouraging more people to give the book a try and share their thoughts and opinions about it with reviews on platforms such as goodreads and amazon, I am contemplating doing a free e-book giveaway for everyone interested in checking it out. What do you think? Good call? Strongly considering it!

View from one of those recent hikes, just spectacular. The rocky coastline, nothing else quite like it. Something about the water and waves, just puts me at peace, love it!

This month I picked up a copy of the classic British tale, ‘Watership Down’ by Richard Adams. Had of course heard of this story before, but only in passing, and I went into it expecting more of a ‘Wind in the Willows’ type adventure. Haha, didn’t know what was coming my way at all. Book arrived weighing in at nearly five hundred pages and a much more serious tone and far less of a fanciful childhood tale about rabbits and carefree summer days that I might have guessed it to be. Took me nearly a hundred pages to fully envelop myself in its world, but then it had me and I was invested.

Books always seem to be in one or two camps in the engagement regard. Where they are either slow movers and ease the reader into their world with lavish descriptions, ample backstory, and delicate introductions and world building. Or they aim to grab your attention from the first sentence and feed you extraordinary happenings right from the off. I enjoy both style immensely for different reasons, and this book was certainly the later.

Thanks for stopping by, catch you next time!

~ CS

Careless Afternoons

FEBRUARY 2021 – To hibernate or to be creative? That is the question! And the daily struggle, haha. Been a pretty relaxed stretch of late (outside of work, the new semester has brought with it a flurry of objectives), and I find myself spending more time reading than writing, sleeping than adventuring, and thinking than doing. But it is full on winter at the moment, so allowances can be made, and wistfulness embraced during careless afternoons. Despite the cold I have been going for a lot of long walks, we’ve had plenty of snow lately and it has created a vibrant sense of the season. Been trying to get some photos of the falling snow that due it justice, but it never quite seems to capture the magic of it.

Very much appreciate everyone who has checked out ‘Defending the Kingdom’ and lent their support to my writing. Response has been awesome and I want to thank each of you, really gives me so much encouragement to continue putting pen to paper and dreaming up new stories to tell. Was asked this past weekend if I’ve started writing a new project yet or if I was enjoying having a bit of a break from writing.

I haven’t yet started a new project, still have a few ideas kicking around (that in truth I probably should jot down now that I think of it, haha), but had intended to work on the marketing efforts for my new current book before switching back to the drawing board so to speak. And I am definitely recharging and feeling less wound up with a creative fervor than I was while going through the editing process. As I had such high expectations for ‘Defending the Kingdom’ and didn’t want to fail to deliver. Now I am happily riding the wave of accomplishment of finishing ‘something’, haha.

Have read online and heard interviews with independent authors where they say things like, 90% of being an (indie?) author is marketing and 10% is writing. Have to say that is a rather depressing statistic for someone who likes the creating part of the process vastly more than the sales end of it. But one sort of fuels the other and creates a symbiotic circle of sorts. With everything in life requiring certain amounts of energy and momentum and interest can be the lifeblood of a young creative. I haven’t done much in the way of campaigning for this book.

Will try and think up some fun and interesting ways to market the book and share it with readers. In-person events seem to be not optimized at present for obvious reasons. But I’ll give alternatives some thought. Also sort of waiting to get some reviews of it on Goodreads and Amazon before I market it too much, as it is still an unknown, even within its own small circle. I also don’t want to bombard my social media friends with endless product placement posts and mentions, haha. Not my scene. But we’ll see what other avenues there are out there. From blogs I’ve read they say podcasts are the answer. Now how to get invited on a podcast, hmmm….. haha.

Read ‘The Running Man’ by Richard Bachman, aka Stephen King, this month. Quick backstory, I had seen the film adaptation starring Arnold Schwarzenegger years ago, so that was in the back of my mind when sitting down for this one. Had been looking for a Stephen King book to read, as I haven’t delved that deeply into his collected works. And my editor has frequently sung the praises of his work (and with good reason!) and the active voice with which he writes.

Now the film version and book are dramatically different, sharing only the loosest elements of the plot and character names. After reading the book, I can see why they did change it, at least for budget and accessibility reasons. Still, the lasting message of the book was completely lost in the film version (from what I recall at least, I think I saw it as a kid, so maybe I wasn’t paying that close attention to any subtext) and I think it is unfortunate, as there is an important takeaway to be gleamed from this story. The book came out in 1982 and predicts a very dystopian future for humanity. Will leave the details out, but for mature audiences who enjoy dystopian novels I think this could be for you. Going to be reading a classic novel next, so check back next time for that and I welcome any recommendations for books to read.

Keep at it everyone, enjoy this prime hibernation weather, and start planning adventures for the coming months, as I know I will be!

Take care, stay well, and I’ll catch you in the future!

~ CS

Concerning Creativity

JANUARY 2021 – As an artist, being creative in practice is a crucial component of exploring your abilities and making work that is meaningful. But what is the value of creativity and how can we as individuals be more creative in our lives? I decided to share some of my thoughts on this interesting topic in a new video on the WaveGarden Arts YouTube channel. Will embed the video below so you can check it out as part of my new ‘Artist Series’ where I intend to share my thoughts on various topics associated with art, writing, and creative pursuits.

With the start of the new year I have been spending a lot of time pondering what I would like to work on next. I am very happy with the response to ‘Defending the Kingdom’ thus far, and it has been extremely gratifying to hear initial reactions to the writing and story. Need to further develop my book marketing skills to help share it with others that might enjoy it and take something away from having the chance to absorb the material within its pages.

Welcome any ideas on how to get the word out there! I was thinking of doing a book giveaway, so I ordered some copies of the book and will have something about that in the coming weeks. And I think a YouTube video about the book launch is a good idea too. I’ve done book trailers in the past, but my instincts are saying to switch it up a bit this time, so we’ll see. Guess I better start figuring out some ‘creative’ solutions, eh? Haha.

Read several books this month, was feeling rather philosophical so I snagged a copy of ‘On the Shortness of Life’ by Seneca, which was written in 49 AD. Another benchmark in the world of stoic philosophy, and an important reminder about how easy it is to waste your life in meaningless pursuits. The other title I read was ‘Hagakure – The Book of the Samurai’ by Yamamoto Tsunetomo, wanted a taste of Eastern philosophy and yikes, the honor culture of the Samurai (through a 21st century lens) is absolutely brutal. Their view on death feels completely foreign to me, but something that does make one stop and pause and consider the potential impact of your own life. And whether or not you are following a true, authentic path in life.

Here’s to a year full of insights, happiness, and vibrant new experiences!

~ CS

Defending the Kingdom

If William Loch only knew how many lives were depending on him… Born on the tiny northern island of Carraig, he is a skilled sailor, scholar, and gentleman, with a uniquely analytical mind. And everything is fair game when it comes to surviving encounters with vicious marauders, vile corruption, and violent storms at sea. William, along with his ambitious twin brother James, seek to build their fortunes by leveraging their father’s growing shipping company, turning it into a powerful business empire. Opportunity abounds, but the twin’s rivalry fuels an invisible danger that threatens to destroy not only their family but the entire nation.

I am so proud to announce that ‘Defending the Kingdom’ is ready to be shared with the world! It is an incredible honor to have such a supportive and encouraging audience who has kept me going on my creative work since even before I was a student in art school, it means the world to me, and I appreciate it. Work has continued on steadily for months on end with the new book project to have it ready for release and that day has finally arrived. From sitting on the beach journaling ideas for it three years ago, until now, the day of its launch, so many hours have been spent and I am thrilled with the end result. I can’t wait for you to have the opportunity to read the new book, it is such a step forward in my writing, and I hope readers will enjoy the story.

The book is available in print as well as digitally as an e-book. Both versions include over forty new illustrations for the chapter art and page details. All of the artwork was done by hand in pencil and I designed the cover to look like a classic novel, as I really enjoy that visual styling. And I opted to go for the glossy finish this time, as it really brought out the full range of colors in the design and mirrored the rich, deep tones of the visual elements.

For months I have kept all information regarding the character and plots completely secret. Only to now reveal that the story follows the Loch family, at the turn of the nineteenth century in a purely fictional world not unlike our own. With the story beginning on the small northern island of Carraig, where young twins William and James have lived their entire lives. Ambitious and capable, they are each forging their own path towards their destiny.

I will leave the setup and hints there, as like any book it needs to be experienced and illuminated through the lens of your own imagination! Which is one of the many things I love about reading and writing, is that it is such a fantastically personal experience and exchange. Where individual meaning can be unique to the beholder and it remains a standout way to share creativity and your vision and ideas with potentially millions of people. Beyond excited that this new work is now out in the universe to be explored and enjoyed.

And I eagerly await hearing the first wave of feedback from the early readers to the tale! As it has been percolating in isolation for a long time and is ready to meet its audience.

Cover art comparison between the matte (left) and glossy (right) finish for the proof copies of the first printing that I had made. I opted for the glossy cover art for the final version, which looks amazing in person.

Thanks for stopping by, catch you all next time in 2021! Happy (early) New Year!

~ CS

 

The Book is Done!

DECEMBER 2020 – Everyone, the book is done! Can you believe it? What were the odds I was going to finish it this year? Like one in a hundred? Haha. I almost can’t believe it, but that might just be because I haven’t had much sleep in weeks trying to finish it, haha, but the deed has been done. The new book, ‘Defending the Kingdom’ is here. I’m going to do an official launch posting in the very near future with links to purchase a copy and some photos of the proof copies for you all to see. Thus far I have ordered a small selection of copies to have as an initial printing of the completed book. Which I’m insanely excited to flip through and add to my collection and share with you all!

Has been a journey to bring the book all the way to publication and I am thrilled with how it came out. Creatively, it is the best work that I’ve done, between the writing and the illustrations, and the combined materials and their impact. Incredibly curious to hear what readers think of it and find its meaning to be. As this is a high adventure philosophical thriller and is twice as long as my previous book. It is more geared for an older audience, which I would say is likely for advanced readers over the age of twelve, given that it is a young adult book versus juvenile fiction, like my previous two titles.

The last several months has felt like a bit of a sprint to reach the series of deadlines that I set for myself. Whether it be getting the cover art layout perfected, the grammar vetted for the book, or any of the countless other details that you need to finalize before launch. Both the print version and the e-book version are complete and ready to go for launch. Which I will set for this coming week, Tuesday perhaps, as that is the typical launch day of the week for books and I can start promoting it then. Very proud of how it came out, I have read through it dozens of times at this point, so my objectivity is more than a bit bonkers at this stage, haha. But I have had one generous test reader (Thanks Deb!), go through it with me and offer up the very first feedback on it, which was immensely helpful.

Feel like this post is all over the place, as I’m just really really excited. And I hope that this piece finds its audience, as it has a lot to offer the reader bold enough to take it on! More information soon, just wanted to share my excitement with you all. And extend a massive thank you to my dear family and friends who have been so supportive of my writing and offered me encouragement, it means the world. I know the details of the book have been kept a complete mystery, but the wait is over. And all will be revealed!

More soon! Thanks for stopping by!

~ CS

Test Proof

NOVEMBER 2020 – First proof copy of the new book has arrived. Feels brilliant to say that! There is still loads of work to do as it is these final weeks that take the project from generically good to what it was intended to be. With any piece of art, to the creator it is largely never ‘finished’, yet there is a point where it is ready to share. And my friends, we are very nearly there. The seventh, yes seventh round of edits is going to be kicking off soon. Will have to go back and check to see how many versions of ‘The Tao of Tula and Olso’ there was before I let it out the door. Probably a similar amount.

I immediately flipped through the test proof copy as soon as I could get it out of the packaging. The cover art was much darker than I intended it to be, largely due to the matte finish I selected for the book (Which is what my first two books have). As a result of how dark it is, you can’t see a lot of the texture and detailing. Warranting revision and another proof run to see if it can be improved or if I need to start over with a fresh design. I changed some of the file settings, modified a few elements, and then ordered a glossy proof copy of the print. As that will have a much greater visible color range, given that it is a clear coat finish. In natural light, the matte finish looks a lot better, but in low light, it looks pretty murky and muted.

So there will be a second round coming soon. I also went through all of the illustrations, which the scaling and clarity of was fine. But the print registration wasn’t dark enough, so they need to be resubmitted as well. Took a minute, but redid all of the design elements/illustrations, and can better assess the 2.0 version when it arrives in a few days. Still, momentum is picking up and Deb is working with me on the final round of edits to make sure the best version of the story is being released. She is absolutely brilliant with her editing catches and asking all of the right questions about the plot arc and devices. I’m learning so much about what works and what doesn’t and being really ruthless with what I cut and take out in editing. Is tough to delete sections, but the finished piece and what is best for the story and the reader is more important than my attachment for excessive witty dialogue or rampant adverb use, haha.

Photo above is the pencils I use for the illustrations, just a classic number 2 pencil, and a .5 mm mechanical pencil. Eraser helps too, haha. Will make a full post on how I do illustrations at some point I think, that could be cool to share.  Wish me luck as I go through the final few weeks of design work and editing decisions. I’ll have an update for you soon with a release date and write-up about the book!

Sincerely,

~ CS

A Long Time Coming

OCTOBER 2020 – Illustrating has been the primary focus of my creative efforts this month. Have done dozens of drawings and by the time you are reading this they have all been scanned in to the computer and added to the book! There are individual chapter drawings and a selection of other inner cover artwork. This book is for an older audience than my previous work, but I think there is still room for illustrations. I think they really add a lot to the work as a whole and the experience of enjoying the story.

Cover artwork has been a bigger challenge. I have a visual in my mind of what I would like it to look like and the current design is getting closer to that, but there is still a missing piece. I have tried several different ideas to bridge that gap between expectations and reality, but I’m not quite there yet. I was looking at covers of books on the NY Times Bestsellers list and the top selling Amazon books listings. And there are some design fundamentals that seem prevalent as the ‘in-style’. My current design continues my antique book look that I’ve started with my other titles and will be continuing for this one. Though I do think in the future I’d like to try a more modern take on visuals for a book cover, as it would be fun to do something really wild and imaginative.

A more classic design seems much more fitting given the material.

Autumn leaves have been gorgeous this year. Feel rather remiss for not taking any photographs of them to share. My brain has been rather preoccupied between work and the new book, it has sort of dominated all of my attention. For all of you who have been waiting patiently for the next book to come out, I thank you! Has been a LONG time coming, but I’m beyond amped up to share it with you all. Most days I have this internal bouncing creative energy as I’m so happy with how this is all coming together. Glad I didn’t make any predictions though for how long it would take to complete!

This month I did read, I snagged a copy of Brandon Sanderson’s book ‘Starsight’, the sequel to ‘Skyward’ which I’ve mentioned in the past on the site here. If you want a prolific writer who is an absolute workhorse and machine, Brandon Sanderson is your writer! He has an amazing level of capacity for creating new material, it is amazing. I’ve been listening to his YouTube video lecture series as encouragement and I was happy to read his new (as of 2019) book. ‘Starsight’ continues the adventures of Spensa and the distant human race as they struggle for survival and to escape into space. Was a fun read, very different than what I would have guessed it to be, but I like that, as it opened up a lot of doors for him to take the series in a number of different directions.

It also made me want to read more Science Fiction, so I think I might look to read more Orson Scott Card this Winter. But first things first, and make sure there is a new, completed, C.S. Robadue book to read this Winter! Hahaha.

Cheers everyone!

~ CS