I was going to do that!

I just found a folder with paperwork I have been looking for for at least a year. Even though I have tried applying myself to finding this folder on and off, during all this time, to be honest, it has mostly been off.

But something miraculous has happened. For the first time in a very long time, all my office stuff and files are in one place, and I actually found this folder and I am able to look at myself and things with new eyes.

I am always looking for some kind of silver bullet to help me deal with constant procrastination and dealing with paperwork, and my current arrangement stuff and the cabinets, drawers, and file drawers just might give me the edge I’ve needed all these years.

Either that or it’s understanding something fundamental about myself that allows me to finally apprehend a lot of things about how I operate. I have recently discovered I am an undiagnosed adult with Aspergers Syndrome. At this age, I will not be pursuing an official diagnosis, but that doesn’t change how I am.

One of many hard things about Asergers is dealing with procrastination and a nearly physical aversion to doing something I don’t want to do. The amount of cajoling I must do in order to get anything done has required an inordinate amount of energy.

Performance Demand Avoidance (PDA) is a subtype of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) characterized by a strong, persistent, and distressing aversion to everyday demands and expectations.

Adults with PDA can experience disorder in many ways.

There is first and foremost, avoiding or delaying tasks that are perceived as demanding or stressful, such as work assignments, household chores, or social activities.

They might also have difficulty initiating and completing tasks, even if they are familiar or routine.

There might be excessive procrastination or indecision. They will engage in repetitive or avoidance behaviors to relieve anxiety.

Adults with PDA will often present as disorganized and lacking motivation. They might be perceived as passive-aggressive or difficult by others.

There will be reports of struggling with relationships and managing emotions in social situations. They will often report feeling overwhelmed and anxious in demanding situations.

Everyone experiences PDA and Aspergers differently and individuals may present with some, but not all of these traits.

For me, it’s been helpful to understand this very fundamental part of the way I operate in order to get a handle on the tasks that absolutely need to be completed. No matter how I feel about actually doing them.

How to successfully launch a book

As someone who has been involved in print and publishing for many years, I have a love/hate relationship with printing or publishing anything. On the one hand, there’s nothing as lovely as a beautiful book or print piece, but as an editor and designer, there is nothing so ugly as malingering copies of print pieces and books that will never move because you didn’t give them the right launch.

Turns out there’s a trick to a good book or publication launch. If you cover all the following steps you can rest assured you’ve taken all the right steps to give your publication the beginning it deserves. Planning and executing a successful book launch is crucial for self-publishers as it helps in creating a buzz around your book and attracts readers. A well-planned launch can set the tone for your book’s success and create a lasting impact. Here’s a guide on how to plan and execute a successful book launch.

Set a Launch Date

The first step in planning a book launch is to set a launch date. It is important to choose a date that is feasible and gives you enough time to prepare and promote your book. Consider factors such as holåidays, peak publishing seasons, and events that might impact the visibility of your book. Choose a date that works for you and your audience.

Create a Book Launch Plan

Once you have set a launch date, it’s time to create a book launch plan. This plan should include a timeline for promotions, marketing activities, and any other events related to the launch. Make sure to include specific goals, target audiences, and tactics for reaching them. Your plan should also include a budget for promotions, advertising, and any other expenses related to the launch.

Build Your Author Platform

Your author platform is your online presence as an author. It includes your website, social media profiles, and any other online profiles you have. Building a strong author platform is crucial for the success of your book launch. Make sure your website is up-to-date, professional, and includes all relevant information about you and your book. Create social media profiles and start building your online presence.

Reach Out to Reviewers

Reaching out to reviewers is an important part of promoting your book. You can reach out to book bloggers, Goodreads reviewers, and other book review websites. Offer them an advanced copy of your book in exchange for an honest review. Make sure to personalize your outreach and include a brief summary of your book and why you think it would be of interest to them.

Use Social Media

Social media is a powerful tool for promoting your book and reaching your target audience. Make sure to have a presence on all relevant social media platforms, such as Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Use social media to engage with your followers, share updates about your book, and offer exclusive content such as sneak peeks and behind-the-scenes looks at your writing process.

Host a Book Launch Party

Hosting a book launch party is a great way to celebrate the release of your book and connect with your audience. You can host the party in person, or virtually if you prefer. Invite your friends, family, and fans to the event and make sure to include a brief reading from your book. This is a great opportunity to connect with your audience and answer any questions they may have about your book.

Offer Giveaways and Contests

Offering giveaways and contests is a great way to get people excited about your book and generate buzz. You can offer signed copies of your book, book-related merchandise, or other prizes to encourage people to engage with your book and spread the word. Make sure to promote your giveaway or contest on your social media profiles and other online platforms.

Use Paid Advertising

Paid advertising is a great way to reach a larger audience and generate more visibility for your book. Consider using platforms such as Amazon Advertising, Facebook Ads, and Goodreads Ads to promote your book to your target audience. Make sure to set a budget for advertising and track your results to see what’s working and what’s not.

Connect with Bookstores and Libraries

Connecting with bookstores and libraries is a great way to get your book in front of a wider audience. Reach out to local bookstores and libraries and offer them copies of your book for sale or for their collection. You can also consider hosting a book signing or a reading at a local bookstore to connect with readers in your community.

Follow Up After the Launch

Once your book launch is over, it’s important to follow up with any potential leads or opportunities that arose during the launch. This could include connecting with reviewers, following up with bookstores and libraries, and responding to any comments or questions you received on social media. Make sure to thank everyone who supported your book launch and continue promoting your book to keep the momentum going.

A successful book launch requires planning, effort, and creativity. From setting a launch date to reaching out to potential reviewers, make sure to consider all aspects of promoting your book. Utilize social media, host events, offer giveaways and contests, and connect with bookstores and libraries to reach your target audience and generate buzz around your book. With these tips and a solid plan in place, you’ll be on your way to a successful book launch.

Is it a trap or a tool?

Creating AI art as a conventional artist can bring a unique perspective to the field of artificial intelligence and art.

One of the good points of combining conventional art techniques with AI is that it allows for a greater exploration of the potential of AI as a tool for creating art. Conventional artists bring their own style and aesthetic to the table, which can be used to create new and exciting forms of AI-generated art. Additionally, conventional artists may be able to use their existing skills and knowledge to create AI art more efficiently and effectively.

Another good point is that combining conventional art and AI can lead to new and unexpected forms of artistic expression. AI algorithms can generate new and unique forms that may not have been possible with traditional art techniques. Additionally, AI can be used to generate multiple versions of a piece of art, each with its own unique variations.

However, there are also some potential downsides to creating AI art as a conventional artist. One is that the process of creating AI art can be quite technical and may require a significant amount of time and effort to learn. Additionally, the process of creating AI art can be quite complex and may require specialized software and hardware. Furthermore, the resulting art may not be fully under the control of the artist and may not align with their intended vision or style.

Another downside is that AI art may be perceived as less valuable or less “authentic” than traditional art. This perception may be due to the idea that AI is simply a tool, rather than a true artist. However, it’s worth noting that this perception is changing as AI art becomes more prevalent and widely accepted.

Creating AI art as a conventional artist can be a challenging and rewarding experience, with the potential to produce unique and exciting forms of art. However, it is important to be aware of the technical challenges and potential downsides involved in the process.

The Collective Force of Life on Earth

Morphic resonance is a theory proposed by Rupert Sheldrake, a British scientist, and author, that suggests that there is a type of collective memory or influence that exists within and between species. According to Sheldrake, this collective memory is shaped by a process called morphic resonance, which he defines as the “influence of previous structures of activity on subsequent similar structures of activity.”

The concept of morphic resonance is based on the idea that each individual organism within a species is connected to a larger collective field, or morphic field, which contains the collective memory of the species. This field acts as a kind of blueprint or template for the behavior and development of individual members of the species. Sheldrake suggests that this morphic field is shaped by the collective experiences and behaviors of the members of the species and that it influences the development and behavior of new members of the species through a process called morphic resonance.

One of the key ideas behind morphic resonance is that species do not evolve solely through the process of genetic inheritance and natural selection, but also through the influence of the collective memory of the species. Sheldrake argues that this collective memory is passed down from one generation to the next through the process of morphic resonance and that it shapes the development and behavior of new members of the species.

There are several examples that Sheldrake cites to support the idea of morphic resonance. One example is the process of learning and the transmission of knowledge within a species. Sheldrake suggests that when an individual learns a new skill or behavior, this information is not just stored in their individual memory, but is also transmitted to the collective field of the species through the process of morphic resonance. This means that other members of the species may be able to learn the same skill or behavior more easily and quickly, as they are influenced by the collective memory of the species.

Another example of morphic resonance is the process of instinctive behavior in animals. Sheldrake suggests that certain instinctive behaviors, such as bird migration or the building of nests, are not solely the result of genetic inheritance, but are also influenced by the collective memory of the species. He argues that the morphic field of a species contains the collective memory of the species’ past experiences and behaviors and that this influences the development and behavior of new members of the species through the process of morphic resonance.

There are some criticisms of the theory of morphic resonance. One criticism is that the concept is not supported by empirical evidence. While there are some examples that support the idea of morphic resonance, there is not yet conclusive evidence to support the idea that a collective memory or influence exists within and between species.

Another criticism of morphic resonance is that the concept is not based on established scientific principles, such as the principles of genetics and natural selection. Some scientists argue that the theory of morphic resonance is not supported by scientific evidence and that it is not a valid explanation for the evolution and development of species.

Despite these criticisms, the theory of morphic resonance remains a topic of interest and discussion within the scientific community. While the concept is still being explored and researched, it offers an interesting and alternative perspective on the evolution and development of species and the role of collective memory and influence in shaping the behavior and development of individual organisms.

The end of Twitter? At least for me and for right now.

I’ve been a Twitter user since 2008. I think it was still in Beta when I got my account. I have 3000 tweets and 1300 followers and I’ve had to walk away since Elon Musk took over.

It’s been difficult because Twitter is where all my digital buddies are. In the two weeks I’ve been off Twitter, all my social media traction with regard to digital art has disappeared. It highlights a couple of things for me.

One: Keeping the traction going and the drip of brain chemicals coming is a lot of work.

Two: I’m not sure I GAF any more about traction. No one is going to hire me for a job. I might pick up some kind of work or odd commission for a VR space, but I am pretty sure my days of being employable are zero.

No one from my list of friends has reached out to say I am missed. It’s harsh, but no one cares. I can’t think of any reason to keep doing something except to hope that when you quit doing it, you are missed. Think of life and death in the same way. It is impossible to care about a whole ecosystem that needs itself in order to perpetuate itself.

So it’s like a snake eating its own tail. I have to stay engaged on Twitter to maintain the illusion that any of those fuckers care about me or my work, let alone how I feel about being included or excluded from this or that clique of other scrappers. Since they don’t really care about anyone other than themselves (the grind! the shill!) they don’t care about you no matter how high you hold up that sign that says, “Look what I did! Isn’t it grand?” So isn’t it better to put away the sign and get back to work — if that is what you’re comfortable doing?

So that is what I am doing. I keep my profile and account there so that no one can replace me or assume the profile, and maybe if Musk runs out of money and his controllers whistle and call him home, I’ll come back. But there’s a big hole in my day now. This hole used to be filled with FOMO, audio Twitter, shitposting, and caring about what The Syndicate was doing at the moment (The Syndicate was a little group of young smarty pants I thought were friends but, nah).

It’s a little like getting my life back but since no one in my physical world is doing VR and 3D work, I find myself alone again, drifting in the digital world, faceless and without any context. But I can’t stop doing it. It’s the kind of work I dreamed of doing when I first started out in the mid-1980s. OG that I am I look and look for my digital tribe.

Where? Who? Is it just me again?

I do have a Discord server. I’d post a link but since they only work for a week, I’d say hit me up on Facebook for a link. I’m sure you’re more than welcome to join.

Beginning of August is always …

The beginning of August is always a time filled with autumnal anticipation. The weather is still warm, but things are ripening in the garden. If something is going to bloom, it will have done it already or is just on the verge.

The verge. That’s what it is. The verge of autumn.

It’s a short post but that’s how the month of August is going to feel. Before we know it, there will be Halloween candy on the shelves (if it isn’t already there) and Facebook will be full of pumpkin spice jokes and memes.

New animation abilities

Wow! The user interface in Chaoitica has really improved and making an animation has been made pretty easy. I can’t directly upload the video here, but here is a still from it, and it gives me a lot of inspiration for building more.

New systems check-in

Every 10 years or so I get a new computer or impose a new system on my workflow, and I have just finished another transition.

Besides being able to download a new version of Chaotica to experience the new Garageband which is resident on the new iMac, it’s been quite a wonderful shift.

As soon as I am able I will be buying the professional version, finally, of Chaotica, so I can finally make the animations I have dreamed of.

Regarding Garageband, on the surface, it is still the Playskool application for song-making but there is enough to fiddle with now that makes it a little easier to imagine actually composing with it.

So, deep in the heart of winter, I am feeling a well-spring of creativity eager to force its way to the surface. Coupled with the VR work I’m doing in the Oculus, I am very excited for the future.

Yaaaaaas 🙂

Thumb comics about #Clubhouse

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I started a little comic about my Clubhouse app experiences. As you can see, the style is stabilizing over time and as soon as I get these basic structures ironed out, I will be reay to made them somewhat larger and on better quality paper, but also to not have them bound up, but single sheets. This first batch, though, are on a simple Moleskin knockoff. Maybe I can eventually auction off the pilot sketch book.

Chariot

“The Chariot,” oil on panel by Melwell, 20×16

The seventh card of the Major Arcana is the Chariot.

7. THE CHARIOT.—Succour, providence; also war, triumph, presumption, vengeance, trouble. Reversed: Riot, quarrel, dispute, litigation, defeat.

I have always loved the Crowley Deck version of this card because the charioteer is holding a huge cup filled with life, movement, and sacrifice. I also appreciate the Cancerian symbolism.

Here, I have captured a little bit of the forward momentum of a moving chariot. the charioteer is holding his shield. It may help to know the warrior has sipped his adversary’s blood from the bowl-shaped form of the shield. Many have been sacrificed on the point of his virtue, and rolled under his wheels, to complete the symbolic imagery.