S.W. Hammond's Blog, page 17

Descartes' Wax: More Important Than the Existence of God

First, let’s consider a question: if a thinking mind didn’t contemplate a piece of wax, would the wax even exist?

According to Rene Descartes, existence is predicated upon thinking. In order to know if something truly exists, it must think. So can wax not exist because it doesn’t think? Or does the wax not know that exists because it doesn’t think? Or do we, thinking things, give the wax existence simply by virtue of us thinking about it? But then what thought about us?

Before we can attempt to answer any of these questions, we must first define existence. “Let us consider those things which are commonly believed to be the most distinctly grasped by all: namely bodies we touch and see” (45). We can touch, taste, smell, and see the wax—we use our empirical senses to define its existence. “But notice that, as I am speaking, I am bringing it close to the fire” (45). The wax heats up, it changes shape, it loses its scent, it turns to liquid. “Does the wax still remain? I must confess that it does; no one denies it; no one thinks otherwise” (45). But if so, what happened to all of the empirical data that was originally collected to verify its existence? Those same attributes—its shape, the way it feels, smells, sounds—all are no longer accurate, but yet the wax still remains. The point has been made that empirical evidence—your senses—are not a reliable assessment when determining the true nature of being.

Mom And Dad

Mom & Dad - It's All Your Fault

If there were ever to be a hierarchy to this list, these two belong at the top. Aside from the obvious, I literally wouldn’t be here doing this if it weren’t for them.

At this point in my life, and looking at what my parents have done for me, I am most awed by their amount of patience. I was supposed to be a big-boy-adult long ago. The high expectations I have for myself have been self-inflicted, but the “normal” things one should want in life—the things I know they hope for me—a wife, kids, house, retirement plan, a place in society; my parents have been extremely forgiving. Or, at least, silently held their objection. I’ve lived a lot of dreams, I’ve packed a lot of life into a short amount of time. I’m sure that once the music industry passed through my system they had a sigh of relief—"oh thank god, now he can finally move on with his life." Well, I don’t think that chasing baseball was what they had in mind. Then a novel after that?? Grow the fuck up, kid.

However, they never said that. Not once. In fact, they supported me. Gave me a free place to live while I drained my savings and wrote. They were the first to read my rough drafts, and the first to say how proud they were of me when all I wanted to do was light the thing on fire and jump off of a bridge.

I have no depth of understanding of what it means to be a parent. It’s certainly not a rational endeavor. I know I got sick of myself a long time ago—my whims, dreams, and idealism. However, they continue to be there for me. I hope I can one day show them how much I appreciate that… how much I appreciate them.

I want to be successful to show them that it was all worth while. However, I know that doesn’t matter to them. That’s not how they judge me. I assume everyone wants the best for their children—my parents happen to have an enlightened and sophisticated definition for the word “best.” They know me, intuitively understand me, and the things I need to be a whole person. Best for me is living life a little differently, and they’ve given me the freedom and acceptance to do that. Again, it’s their patience that astounds me.

"The Final Book: Gods" Cover Reveal & Trailer Update

Lots of big news on the horizon, but here’s what’s been going on:

The Final Book: Gods is complete! I have a hardcover proof in hand. I’m basically just making sure that the dust jacket prints well and that there are no disastrous formatting issues within the text. I have to say, things look good—I’m happy with it! That’s a big admission seeing as I was quite skeptical before holding the physical copy. I think the cover conveys the proper tone, adds a bit of intrigue, but more importantly lets the reader know what they’re getting themselves in for. I suppose you, the public, will be the judge to say if I've accomplished those things—the big cover reveal being just around the corner!

The Final Book: Gods will be available in hardcover, paperback, Apple iBooks, and Amazon Kindle versions.

Next, I’ve been working on the press kit and video promotional trailer. My goal is to have all of these elements complete prior to really beginning any sense of advertising or promotion. I’m basically a one man band here, so it’s a lot of work and I don’t want to promote a release date and then miss it—that would be extremely embarrassing. So, I’m working a bit backwards compared to how normal a normal release would be handled—racing toward a hard deadline—as I’m making sure each version of the book is complete and all of promotional elements have been created prior to announcing the release date. No sense in putting out a rushed product just to meet an arbitrary self-imposed deadline.

With that said, my spidy sense is telling me that the book will officially release in June. Advanced copies for review will begin shipping the day of the cover reveal—hopefully within the month.

If you would like an advanced copy for review, please email me: sean@swhammond.com

Beyond that, the calendar is beginning to fill up with Comic Con appearances. I am registering booths, mostly in the Artist Alley areas, at con’s throughout the western states.

Caitlyn

Caitlyn - A Friend, A Constellation

I met Caitlyn in college. She was young, blonde, and beautiful and we skipped class for pancakes more than we went. We instantly clicked—saw some sort of reflection in each other that has carried us throughout the years. We have what I can only assume is a cosmic understanding—we don’t always agree on earthly matters—but we don’t need to. All is solved with a nod and smile, and always having mutual respect.

Thinking back, she is essentially responsible for all of the great things that have happened in my life. She got me my job at Sony Music. She introduced me to some of my favorite artists and thinkers. She was an immovable pillar of support all throughout the six year writing process of The Final Book: Gods—not to mention, a very tangible editor and shaper of the final product.

Caitlyn is now very much a woman. Strong, intelligent, capable—still beautiful but now filled with a bit more poise and grace. Throughout all the years with the various paths that have woven us a part and curiously brought us back together again, she is a friend. You don’t get many of those in life—true friends—and I can’t thank her enough.

How Will Feminism Remember Kellyanne Conway?

No. For reals. I’m genuinely asking.

While Conway isn’t single handedly responsible for Donald Trump being elected, she was certainly instrumental. A strong case can be made that if it weren’t for her, Hillary Clinton would have become President. In my opinion, this has to create tremendous pause within the movement.

Is Kellyanne the troll of women’s rights? The pawn that men used to tear down another woman? Or, is Kellyanne the posterwoman of the movement’s success?

Conway forged a successful career in a highly male dominated field. She was hired as Trump’s campaign manager based on her merits, and she blindly went after Hillary as a competitor regardless of gender ideology. She was hired to do a job, and she did it well. Professionally, Kellyanne represents everything Feminism stands for—except that she used it against them.

Millennial Extremism - Is Democracy In Jeopardy?

I was taken aback after the 2016 Presidential Election, but not in the way you’d think.

I understand the higher over-arching symbolism that each candidate represented. Breaking the glass ceiling, women vindicated—or simply keeping someone out of office who openly derogated women, religion, and minorities. I understand what our President means to the world, what the position means to children and how the position sets the tone of what we agree upon as a society is acceptable behavior. The Presidency is much more than policy.

As stunning as it was to witness our country elect Donald Trump, I was more shocked and dumbfounded by Millennials. Their response. How they reacted and handled themselves. The level in which their feelings, lives, and outlook of the world was so entwined with the person in office.

I’m an ‘old man’ Millennial. I’m about as old as you can be and still be considered a Millennial. Frankly, I feel completely out of touch with kids entering college. The generation gap between me and 20 year olds is just as significant as someone who is in their 40s, or 70s.

At first, I was disgusted. I looked upon the kids rioting as my parents did—they were nothing but a bunch of spoiled brats who had never been taught how to lose. They don’t understand or respect democracy and seem unable to accept that someone may disagree with them. I was honestly shocked by the pure venom and vile hatred they were spewing in “safe spaces.” They’re a soft, coddled generation that is self-absorbed and completely out of touch with the grittiness that it takes to sustain a nation.

2016 Election - The Separation of Culture and State

The 2016 Presidential Election has been challenging. An understatement, obviously.

Not only has it challenged our democratic system and the strength of our union, but it has also touched our citizens personally. Deeply. It’s widely complex. Not just debatable on the way we interpret facts and policy, but also how we are choosing to represent our civilization.

Our government, intentional or not, has become more than a government. It’s the organization we look to as a society that sets the tone of how our culture is supposed to be lived. The things we value. The ideology we pass down. The fundamentals we set and lead by as an example to the rest of the world.

Our government was never intended to be a social and civil barometer of civilization. When we were being founded, we barely squeaked out a war over the world’s largest empire. We were not a super power. We were not the world’s leader. We were not the idealistic posterchild of democracy, freedom, or opportunity. However, the small government our founding fathers created—filled with restrictions of power and checks and balances—allowed us to become the greatest society in the history of man.

Las Vegas Strip

{loadposition lasvegashalloween}

The glittery lights of Las Vegas. Shot on Halloween, 2016. Click on an image to enlarge.

Veruca Salt - A Warm Blanket Out Of The Dryer

Maybe you can never go home again. But if you could, Ghost Notes would be the soundtrack.

For some reason I’ve avoided writing about Ghost Notes since it came out last summer. I’m not sure why—I really like this album. I also love Veruca Salt. They make the short list of my all-time favorite bands. The only thing I can think of is that I was trying to keep this album for myself. It’s like reliving a memory—something you’d only share with someone who understands what you’ve been through. Or maybe it’s because Nina and Louise harmonizing again feels like a freshly washed blanket out of a warm dryer and I just want to curl up and daydream while I listen. It’s been my sanctuary, invitation only.

Ghost Notes is vibrant, powerful, and packed with refined adult angst; it’s also extremely familiar. That’s not a bad thing. In fact, it’s my favorite quality of the album. It’s everything I miss about Veruca Salt and how I’ve romanticized the idea of what it would be like to recapture teenage love. Reality will never be as good as the fantasy, but in Veruca Salt’s case they’ve managed to rediscovered the magic they had from their first two albums, and in doing so brought me right back into my high school bedroom. Maybe you can never go home again, but if you could this would be the soundtrack. Older, more mature, and all of the childish insecurities buried deep beneath an exterior of defiance and collared shirts.

Not that Veruca Salt was ever the youthful exuberance of pop rock, the band leaning more on cerebral advances and driving guitars, but this album is a living will of their progression as musicians and songwriters. They’ve become masters of their craft, something only time and experience can develop—a kick to the nuts of the double-edged tragedy that is rock n’ roll’s youthful expiration date. Eddie Vedder keeps doing it, Beck—even though Jack White and Billy Joe Armstrong will never see another Teen Choice Award—nostalgia aside—the craftsmanship of their music has dramatically improved with their age.

Susan Helene Gottfried - West Of Mars

Susan Helene Gottfried - West of Mars

Susan crushed The Mixtape Manifesto—she was awesome. I wish we had found each other years earlier. With more than 25 years of editing experience under her belt, and more importantly an irrational love for rock n’ roll, she was the perfect person to work on this book. Not only was she witty, fun, and I smirked many times at her “red pen in the margin” comments, but she’s good. She found the smallest mistakes that made the biggest difference. Being an author is a lot easier, all smoke and mirrors, when you have someone like her on your side. She makes me a lot better than I really am.

Despite dreams of growing up and being a zoologist and a DEA enforcement agent (hey, she wanted to drive Sonny Crockett’s cars. Can you blame her?), the one thing Susan could never get away from was words. Fictional words, most precisely, and she found herself enrolled in the United States’ oldest creative writing program at the University of Pittsburgh. She’d already been working at a record store for a few years and … her passion for Rock Fiction was born. Her love of editing came soon after, as she took a job at the Pitt News as a copy editor.



In regards to both writing and editing, she hasn’t looked back once, even turning down jobs at record labels (yes, more than one!) in order to pursue her love of the written word.



From Pitt, it was on to the country’s second-highest-ranked graduate school in Bowling Green, Ohio. After that, Susan worked as a non-fiction editor, taking on the occasional fiction project when she missed her red pencil.



Learn more about Susan and her services at her website, West Of Mars.