Scott McCloskey's Blog: RainHand Books (Goodreads Digest), page 5
September 2, 2014
The Cusp of a Sequel
For those of you who have been waiting patiently for Everywhere the Road Ends, I offer my apologies. We're literally just trying to get the paperback version's spine to line up correctly with the guidelines so the the book won't go to print crooked. This was a tumultuous issue with TGL as well which I attribute to the "machine" - not the illustrious efforts of the dedicated cover artist. Unfortunately the files have to go through multiple checks and reviews each time we try, and we need to have a look at a physical proof copy that takes a few days to ship, to ensure that you, the reader, are getting the best possible product. I won't settle for anything less and I don't expect you to.
So...any day now. Ord awaits!
Don't forget to like the Traveler of Ord on
Facebook! The road home is darkening, and the Ellsworth siblings need your support!
So...any day now. Ord awaits!
Don't forget to like the Traveler of Ord on
Facebook! The road home is darkening, and the Ellsworth siblings need your support!
The Cusp of a Sequel
For those of you who have been waiting patiently for Everywhere the Road Ends, I offer my apologies. We're literally just trying to get the paperback version's spine to line up correctly with the guidelines so the the book won't go to print crooked. This was a tumultuous issue with TGL as well which I attribute to the "machine" - not the illustrious efforts of the dedicated cover artist. Unfortunately the files have to go through multiple checks and reviews each time we try, and we need to have a look at a physical proof copy that takes a few days to ship, to ensure that you, the reader, are getting the best possible product. I won't settle for anything less and I don't expect you to.
So...any day now. Ord awaits!
Don't forget to like the Traveler of Ord on
Facebook! The road home is darkening, and the Ellsworth siblings need your support!
So...any day now. Ord awaits!
Don't forget to like the Traveler of Ord on
Facebook! The road home is darkening, and the Ellsworth siblings need your support!
August 21, 2014
The Choices We Make
Time to wax.
Winnie the Pooh probably would have said, "Blogs are a nice sort of thing to have on a blustery day."
And why not? Everybody wants to be heard - even those of us who prefer not to declare ourselves from a soapbox in the village square. On a blog, you can say your peace at length, and not have it disappear at the bottom of the 'timeline' in three hours. On the other hand, you may end up just talking to yourself.
I choose to talk to myself, except that I ascribe names and personalities to the voices in my head. It's not psychosis. It's writing.
Well...it may be both. They go well together.
Sitting about listening to this little gem of a soundtrack, a topic comes to mind. The topic of choice. We've all heard that life isn't a game and there are no 'do-overs'. I partially subscribe to that notion, but only insofar as it applies to the same life (an entirely different topic). Choices are a part of life, and it can be said that living from moment to moment depends upon making choices.
So? Are you the type who reflects on the choices you've made? Or do you throw more coal on the fire and move full speed ahead through life? Perhaps some of both?
Two choices I've made come to mind. For one, the choice to leave Japan. Of course at the time I was a student on a limited visa with a finite bank account, but I could have worked my way towards returning. Though I enjoy all of the following aspects, I can say I didn't go there just for the people, the culture, the land, or the history. I went there because it felt like the place I wanted to be. A connection I can't really put into words, that made me want to spend my time sitting in a quiet place to relish in the joy of just being. Not that I have any disrespect or lack of love for my roots, but something about it felt like home. Yet, I didn't go back, and now I believe that ship has sailed. There are too many people and too many circumstances binding me to the states, and these are important enough that they must take priority. I am not unhappy - far from it. But, there are times when I find myself sighing with nostalgic melancholy all the same. What would have awaited me had I gone that route? Is it even really worth thinking about? My desire to be there was simply one of existence. Those who know me are probably aware I care little for the pursuit of wealth and power; preferring to enjoy my days at my own pace. I doubt I could have joined a monestary, so would I have been any happier chasing the yen than the dollar? I can't say. What I can say is, there are things I have now that I would miss. My relationship with my wife, I believe, is a rare type of love in this day and age. We are close enough to nearly be extensions of the same person, and though we have as much our share of bickering as any healthy relationship, she has my complete faith and trust. Many people in this life never obtain that - even those who find romance. My children? Well, if I had built a life for myself across the Pacific surely they would be different people, if they existed at all. I like the little people they are now. My books? Considering the circumstances upon how I come across most of my ideas, I doubt any of them would have been written by now. No matter what becomes of them in the future, they will always be a part of my legacy - even if that legacy never reaches beyond my own house.
The other choice is one of career. There was a time some years back where I had an opportunity to pursue a position at a local elementary school. I chose not to - preferring instead to chase the dollar. Uncharacteristic for me, but I learned some very important life lessons from that choice that have shaped a lot of my values today. Had I taken that job, education for my children would have been easy - go to the school I work at, graduate to the one across the street, and graduate again to the next building over from that. But, my first daughter wasn't even an apple in my eye at the time, and even though I do say I don't like money, I do recognize the need for it - I make twice what I would have made at that position now, and I don't have to look for supplementary summer work. Was it the right choice? Hindsight is 20/20.
So, I've made my choices, and now I am a devoted father of two who has chosen to put life on hold until my young ones can stand on their own, as opposed to a Buddhist otaku who may (or may not) have done the same.
It helps to put things in perspective from time to time. I am happy. Perhaps that's all that really matters.
Now then, back to the stories in my head. To whomever may be listening, I invite you to reflect on your own choices. You're more than welcome to share.
My next book? It's already written, but is on hold for a bit to prevent conflicting releases with
Everywhere the Road Ends. The topic is a secret (unless you really want to talk about it). Here's a hint:
Winnie the Pooh probably would have said, "Blogs are a nice sort of thing to have on a blustery day."
And why not? Everybody wants to be heard - even those of us who prefer not to declare ourselves from a soapbox in the village square. On a blog, you can say your peace at length, and not have it disappear at the bottom of the 'timeline' in three hours. On the other hand, you may end up just talking to yourself.
I choose to talk to myself, except that I ascribe names and personalities to the voices in my head. It's not psychosis. It's writing.
Well...it may be both. They go well together.
Sitting about listening to this little gem of a soundtrack, a topic comes to mind. The topic of choice. We've all heard that life isn't a game and there are no 'do-overs'. I partially subscribe to that notion, but only insofar as it applies to the same life (an entirely different topic). Choices are a part of life, and it can be said that living from moment to moment depends upon making choices.
So? Are you the type who reflects on the choices you've made? Or do you throw more coal on the fire and move full speed ahead through life? Perhaps some of both?
Two choices I've made come to mind. For one, the choice to leave Japan. Of course at the time I was a student on a limited visa with a finite bank account, but I could have worked my way towards returning. Though I enjoy all of the following aspects, I can say I didn't go there just for the people, the culture, the land, or the history. I went there because it felt like the place I wanted to be. A connection I can't really put into words, that made me want to spend my time sitting in a quiet place to relish in the joy of just being. Not that I have any disrespect or lack of love for my roots, but something about it felt like home. Yet, I didn't go back, and now I believe that ship has sailed. There are too many people and too many circumstances binding me to the states, and these are important enough that they must take priority. I am not unhappy - far from it. But, there are times when I find myself sighing with nostalgic melancholy all the same. What would have awaited me had I gone that route? Is it even really worth thinking about? My desire to be there was simply one of existence. Those who know me are probably aware I care little for the pursuit of wealth and power; preferring to enjoy my days at my own pace. I doubt I could have joined a monestary, so would I have been any happier chasing the yen than the dollar? I can't say. What I can say is, there are things I have now that I would miss. My relationship with my wife, I believe, is a rare type of love in this day and age. We are close enough to nearly be extensions of the same person, and though we have as much our share of bickering as any healthy relationship, she has my complete faith and trust. Many people in this life never obtain that - even those who find romance. My children? Well, if I had built a life for myself across the Pacific surely they would be different people, if they existed at all. I like the little people they are now. My books? Considering the circumstances upon how I come across most of my ideas, I doubt any of them would have been written by now. No matter what becomes of them in the future, they will always be a part of my legacy - even if that legacy never reaches beyond my own house.
The other choice is one of career. There was a time some years back where I had an opportunity to pursue a position at a local elementary school. I chose not to - preferring instead to chase the dollar. Uncharacteristic for me, but I learned some very important life lessons from that choice that have shaped a lot of my values today. Had I taken that job, education for my children would have been easy - go to the school I work at, graduate to the one across the street, and graduate again to the next building over from that. But, my first daughter wasn't even an apple in my eye at the time, and even though I do say I don't like money, I do recognize the need for it - I make twice what I would have made at that position now, and I don't have to look for supplementary summer work. Was it the right choice? Hindsight is 20/20.
So, I've made my choices, and now I am a devoted father of two who has chosen to put life on hold until my young ones can stand on their own, as opposed to a Buddhist otaku who may (or may not) have done the same.
It helps to put things in perspective from time to time. I am happy. Perhaps that's all that really matters.
Now then, back to the stories in my head. To whomever may be listening, I invite you to reflect on your own choices. You're more than welcome to share.
My next book? It's already written, but is on hold for a bit to prevent conflicting releases with
Everywhere the Road Ends. The topic is a secret (unless you really want to talk about it). Here's a hint:
August 18, 2014
It's just about time!
Finally! The first proof copy of Everywhere the Road Ends is on the way! Barring any unforseen (and at this point unexpected) printing issues, expect a release in a week or so (for real this time)!
Everywhere the Road Ends: The Traveler of Ord Book II
Everywhere the Road Ends: The Traveler of Ord Book II
August 4, 2014
Fading Away in the Writer's Cup
(From The Journal of Ord.)
I've shared this tip before, but I find it to be sound advice to the point that I'm about to put it out there again.
To those writers who find they never quite have time to get anything down on paper, I submit to you that any amount of time you spend on your craft, no matter how insignificant, is still an accomplishment. There's no shame in nickel and dimeing, especially if your willingness to work at all is on the line. It's easy to sink into the assumption that if you only have half an hour a day to write its not worth your time, and you might as well wait until tomorrow. Then tomorrow comes, the weekend comes, vacation comes, and you find that by Christmas you're still right where you started, justifying why only a little time is not enough.
Do you like coffee or tea? I'm partial to Earl Grey myself. No matter how busy your day is, I find it somewhat difficult to accept the fact that you have so little time on your hands that you can't at least sit down to a cup of your choice and the paper (or tablet as the case may be) once a day. If you're so tied up with life that you don't even have time to drink something, that's an entirely different issue. Use that cup as your timer, and instead of whatever you normally do while enjoying your drink, write. When the drink is finished, so are you.
It may not seem like much, but even if it's fifty words (or just a brainstorming session), at least you accomplished something today. That goes a long way towards keeping your eye on the prize and your head in the game. A project never worked on will only fade away.
I've shared this tip before, but I find it to be sound advice to the point that I'm about to put it out there again.
To those writers who find they never quite have time to get anything down on paper, I submit to you that any amount of time you spend on your craft, no matter how insignificant, is still an accomplishment. There's no shame in nickel and dimeing, especially if your willingness to work at all is on the line. It's easy to sink into the assumption that if you only have half an hour a day to write its not worth your time, and you might as well wait until tomorrow. Then tomorrow comes, the weekend comes, vacation comes, and you find that by Christmas you're still right where you started, justifying why only a little time is not enough.
Do you like coffee or tea? I'm partial to Earl Grey myself. No matter how busy your day is, I find it somewhat difficult to accept the fact that you have so little time on your hands that you can't at least sit down to a cup of your choice and the paper (or tablet as the case may be) once a day. If you're so tied up with life that you don't even have time to drink something, that's an entirely different issue. Use that cup as your timer, and instead of whatever you normally do while enjoying your drink, write. When the drink is finished, so are you.
It may not seem like much, but even if it's fifty words (or just a brainstorming session), at least you accomplished something today. That goes a long way towards keeping your eye on the prize and your head in the game. A project never worked on will only fade away.
July 29, 2014
Journal of Ord Redesign
In anticipation of the imminent release of Everywhere the Road Ends, I've coded up a brand-new facelift for the Journal of Ord. New look, new topics, new content, and more to enjoy. Take a look!
The Journal of Ord
The Journal of Ord
July 22, 2014
Everywhere the Road Ends - Imminent Cover Reveal!
The time finally draws near!
Being what I suspect will be the longest book in the series, the long and winding road towards the Traveler of Ord Book II is finally ending. Expect a cover reveal in the next few days, followed by kindle and paperback releases!
Being what I suspect will be the longest book in the series, the long and winding road towards the Traveler of Ord Book II is finally ending. Expect a cover reveal in the next few days, followed by kindle and paperback releases!
April 28, 2014
Right Around the Corner
UPDATE: Everywhere the Road Ends, The Traveler of Ord Book II, is now more than halfway through the final edit phase. This is the last one, really. After this it's going straight to Create Imaginations to start work on the cover design. We're in the home stretch - get ready for more people, more places, more plot - More ORD!
The Goldenwealth Light
The Goldenwealth Light
April 15, 2014
TGL's Back!
Well, it has been for a few days now, but I thought it fair to jump on and mention that formally. I must say the new matte cover finish is WONDERFUL. If you're planning to pick up a paperback copy of TGL and have yet to do so, now is the time!
Book II is now most likely an imminent release for May, as I have taken control of the considerably long editing process in an attempt to get the ball rolling again (4 months is just too long on one book, even for an editor). Stay tuned!
In other news, I've decided to cut down on a few groups I've been a member of for awhile. Not all of them certainly, but I've noticed there are some out there that are a little too trigger happy when it comes to firing off group messages. Remember the line between informative and spammy, no?
Book II is now most likely an imminent release for May, as I have taken control of the considerably long editing process in an attempt to get the ball rolling again (4 months is just too long on one book, even for an editor). Stay tuned!
In other news, I've decided to cut down on a few groups I've been a member of for awhile. Not all of them certainly, but I've noticed there are some out there that are a little too trigger happy when it comes to firing off group messages. Remember the line between informative and spammy, no?
April 3, 2014
TGL Temporarily Unavailable
I've fallen in love with CreateSpace's new matte cover finish option, and have decided TGL must have it. Therefore, The Goldenwealth Light will be unavailable in the Amazon store for the next few days while the cover finish is updated. Don't mind the price if you try to look it up - as soon as a previously available book on Amazon suddenly becomes unavailable, for some reason the list price shoots up to something ridiculous (like $300+!). All will be well once the book becomes available again. In the meantime, TGL remains available on Kindle for just 99 cents!
http://www.amazon.com/Goldenwealth-Li...
http://www.amazon.com/Goldenwealth-Li...
RainHand Books (Goodreads Digest)
A digest of posts from my writing and review blog, RainHand Books. Check out rainhandbooks.com for more!
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