I first discovered Simon Stalenhag when I stumbled upon some of his art posted on a message board. It immediately caught my attention. The image was of a young girl and a small robot standing in what looked like an airplane hanger. To one side, sitting in shadow, were the remains of a giant, decaying…
Author: RB
Productive Procrastination [Creativity]
I recently stumbled upon a term I hadn’t heard before: Productive Procrastination. The basic definition is when someone is productive as a way to avoid doing some other productive endeavor. Weird, right? But I get it. I know I’m guilty of it myself. I’ve caught myself working on a blog post instead of editing a…
Gift Ideas for Writers [Writing]
Buying gifts for writers can be easy. Most people simply buy us books or give us gift certificates to book stores, which is perfectly fine. I love buying books, supporting my fellow writers, and helping out local bookstores. Of course, that can also become repetitious and you may want to do something different for your…
Initiating Change [Mental Health]
I’m a firm believer that we are all a result of our lives up to this point in time, and that regardless of our current situation, we’re all capable of change. What I mean is, everything we experience in our lives, the good and the bad, the positive and negative, has made us who we…
Self-Promotion [Creativity]
My least favorite part of being a writer and creator is self-promotion. It makes me uncomfortable. I’m one of those people who finds it hard to brag and sell myself. I have no problem in selling other people’s work, promoting them and their endeavors, but for myself, well, it’s awkward. I feel that my writing…
Sweet Potato Casserole [Cooking]
My partner loves sweet potatoes. No lie, she will gladly eat them in pretty much anything, any combination, any form or shape. Sweet potato ice cream? She’s on it. Sweet potato fries? Absolutely. Sweet potato mashed with parsnips and used as a topping for cottage pie? She’ll want a second helping. And possibly a third….
Adding Excellence to Your Day [Mental Health]
“What is the most excellent thing I can do today?” – Neil Peart It’s no secret that I am a fan of the late drummer, lyricist, and writer Neil Peart. The quote above is a question he would ask himself every morning when he awoke, and I’m incorporating it into my own daily routine. I’ve…
When You Can’t Write, Write [Creativity]
Everyone has off days. You know, those days when the brain goes on strike and you can’t come up with any good ideas. Words don’t want to cooperate. All we’re left with is staring at a blank screen in frustration. I don’t consider it writer’s block. That’s something that persists. What I’m referring to is…
People Watching [Creativity]
I’ve always enjoyed watching people in public, overhearing snatches of conversation, noticing body language and movement. It comes from being a writer and trying to learn how people act and react, how they talk and move and interact. It helps me to make my characters more real. During lockdown, I wasn’t getting that immersion, so…
Birthday Thoughts [Mental Health]
So, I recently celebrated another birthday and the occasion got me thinking about myself and who I am at the moment. I consider myself a work in progress. I’ve always been of the mind that if there’s something I don’t like about myself, then I need to change it. Ask anyone who’s known me for…