Digging Deep
Art by Nick Sheehy
Ah yes, we’re knee-deep in the entrails of December and we’re flourishing. Yes, that includes you too. We speak positivity on this side. I’ve been selling Christmas trees, playing with chainsaws, and getting my hands covered in tree sap…
In other news, I’ve been writing Project Melancholy and enjoying the pure act of creation. Digging deep into the recesses of my imagination and throwing the herbs and spices into the creative gumbo. I thought there were only two main characters, but then it turned into three once I realized this was a cyberpunk book. Shoutout to the group chat M***** C*** R*** for encouraging me to write this because I’m having a lot of fun.
I’ve been listening to a lot of Spanish music and Rosalia during the creative process…next thing you know, a fourth character breaks into the scene. I love this character though. He adds so much flavor and tension to the cyberpunk world I’m building.
I’ve never been a fan of outlines. I rather fly by the seat of my pants. I hate the term pantser btw. It’s so lame. Yes, I go with the flow when I write…I throw paint at the page, and sketch out my characters until their voices come through full and clear…
When I found that Joe R. Lansdale doesn’t outline his work, I knew I was on the right path. Now I will say I keep a loose outline document ready to go more so to keep track of what the hell’s going on in the narrative.
One night I was high and stumbled across this crowd-funded Swissploitation film called Mad Heidi…and as expected, I loved it. If you like grindhouse flicks with a comedic air and bloody self awareness, then this is for you.
If you read this newsletter, you’ll probably like it and you’ll be supporting independent creators.
I finallly got around to watching Everything Everywhere All At Once. Whenever I see massive hype for a book or move, I tend to avoid it. Plus, I saw a few people say this was an overrated martial arts film. I think these people might be sociopaths.
There’s so much heart and humanity in this flick. The way the mom goes on this surreal journey just to fix her family made my ass cry left and right. It’s so beautiful and I’m happy to see Asian representation here as well.
On the writing front, obviously you know I’m working on Project Melancholy along with Project Blacker Gypsies. Things are flowing and I am pleased.
Currently Watching: Moon Knight & Ozark Season 1 & Love, Death & Robots Season 3
Currently Reading: God Damn Chainsaw Murderer by Sean M. Thompson & Nudes by Elle Nash & Blame! by Tsutomu Nihei & To Rouse Leviathan by Matt Cardin & Women Who Run With the Wolves by Clarissa Pinkola Estes & Mercy by Kelby Losack
My Broken River brother in arms Kelby Losack just dropped his cyberpunk novella Mercy. I read an early draft of this and it’s a powerful poignant book that sticks with you after reading the final page. Scoop it up…
Currently Smoking: Miss Grass - Quiet Times Minis
Currently Listening: Black Tapes Podcast & The Danny Brown Podcast
“The open sea is no place for a lady…”
Kiki Rockwell defies gender constructs and sings with the power of divine femininity over brooding guitars and hypnotic drums. The instrumentation gives this song a mythical air and Kiki voice is absolutely perfect here.
Be careful watching this if you’re high. The visuals combined with the music almost overwhelmed me. I can’t believe we get an A24 level of quality in this 7 minute music video.
SZA reaches Future’s levels of toxicity on her new album, but does it in such a beautiful way. She shows off this skillset in “Nobody Gets Me.” It’s delusional, toxic, and selfish yet the vulnerability and sheer honesty makes SZA relatable in an endearing way.
There was a time in my life that I was a die-hard Ab Soul fan and this freestyle illustrates why I think he’s such a great lyricist. It’s an exciting time knowing his new album Herbert just dropped.
Until next time…
I'm definitely with you on Everything, Everywhere. The hype made me nervous, but I genuinely loved it.