Matrix Dreams.

You may be familiar with how I use Write Steve Write as a personal journal in order to chronicle my progress, lack of progress, and inspiration when it comes to writing. Specifically when it comes to fine tuning my manuscript, Temporary, and its little brother, Shell.

I’ve set goals, missed goals, and hit goals during my time sharing all my wins and loses with those who care to read them and be a part of this long adventure, and I’m appreciative of everyone one of you who has taken the time to follow along.

For those of you who may be stumbling across this for the first time: Welcome!

If you’ve ever wondered what the process is like for someone with no industry contacts, and only a love of story to warm them during those long, cold nights, then you’ve come to the right place. You’ll be able to chart back every major turn and event I’ve taken with Temporary, right up until, hopefully, I’m able to blog about such incredibly positive things with Friends inspired titles like “The One Where I Get An Agent”, or “The One Where I’m Published and On An Awesome Book Tour, Please Come Meet Me!”.

Until then, there’s this:

Another pass on #Temporary, and it’s like I can finally, sort of, maybe see #TheMatrix. #amwriting #amrewriting pic.twitter.com/WC4dcgIsHf

— Steve Russell (@stevetendo) January 20, 2016

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Start As You Mean To Go

So here we are with a New Year. 2016. A new year, a fresh start, a blank slate. Right?

Not exactly.

So many times, like you, I imagine, I’ve heard and seen people make commitments that you know, in your heart of hearts, that they won’t be able to commit to.

“I’m going to do [insert this/that].”

And all you can do is tune out slightly and rest your eyes, a fixed smile on your face as you nod your head in agreement.

But why?

Why do these resolutions and promises fail? Is it because they’re overextending? Attempting to reach way too far with unrealistic goals, considering they’re starting from zero?

Most probably.

If I started out this year with a goal in mind, let’s say I wanted to strive to get my black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Well, I’m a one stripe blue belt and have been for almost a year now. Is it possible for me to go from one stripe blue, to black in the 365? No way! Why? Because it’s way too big a goal.

So, what’s the answer?

Like with Temporary, it’s down to making small, seemingly tiny, unrelated progressions, that all, hopefully, add up to a much bigger picture.

This Painting Is Done…

…said no artist, probably ever.

To be honest, it’s one of the hardest thing that I’ve encountered with every creative process I’ve been through; writing, screen writing, directing, podcasting, whatever the medium there’s always that lingering voice of doubt at the back of my head when I reach the perceived end of a project.

Is it really the end?

Just when, exactly, do you know that what you’ve been working so diligently on is at a point where there are no more tweaks to be made, no more major issues to be dealt with, to know that it’s, without any doubt, ‘done’?

Shell.

Somehow we are almost through November, which means a few things.

1. December is almost here, which means…
2. Christmas is almost here (!)
3. The deadline for the short story is up.

I’ve never entered a piece of writing into a competition before, and I’m interested in seeing how it does, especially as the theme of the competition is Superheroes. 

It just so happens that the manuscript I’m (still) working on, Temporary, is all about exactly that, which put me in a great state of mind for tackling this subject.

At first I wasn’t sure whether I wanted to stay within those themes and ideas, but having cultivated Temporary for so long, becoming somewhat well versed in Superhero mythology in the process, I couldn’t think of a better time to take some time away from Temporary and work on something new, yet immediately familiar.

Perhaps too familiar?

You see, Shell is set within the same Universe as Temporary.

TUFF Invitational (6/12/14)

This past Saturday I was lucky enough to attend the first ever TUFF Invitational tournament, courtesy of two free tickets I won via Jiu Jitsu Style (the BJJ magazine for the Gentlemanly Connoisseur of the Gentle Art).

I’m not particularly blessed with the graceful touch of Lady Luck, as the shamefully high amount of ripped up lottery tickets I’ve thrown away over the years can attest to, but the Jiu Jitsu Gods were smiling upon me when my name was drawn, and on Thursday I received an e-mail from BJJ Style informing me that I had won the opportunity to witness the first of what could be many.

For those unfamiliar, here’s the lazy comparison point: the TUFF Invitational is the UK’s attempt at the USA’s Metamoris.

20 minute rounds, no points, submission only, super fights, all taking place on an impossibly perfect white mat canvas. The only thing missing was the continuous drumming that has become a staple that accompanies all Metamoris fights – though I honestly haven’t decided whether that’s actually a pro or con just yet.

BJJ Lifestyle vs BJJ Life.

Ever since I was promoted to blue belt a few months ago there’s been a question a few people have been asking me recently, and it’s one that has been playing on my mind for a little while now: when are you competing?

Mike “The Nightmare” Neun

I’ve only ever participated in a competition once, an inter club no less, after training in BJJ for approximately 3 months. Needless to say, I got totally owned. It didn’t help that I was, at the time, heavy enough to be competing in a light heavyweight division – with opponents such as notable MMA competitor Mike “The Nightmare” Neun. Let’s just say it didn’t go my way.

Since then I have grown. Not just on the mats, but as a person, and all thanks to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. I am not disillusioned about my current position: I have, somehow, managed to become a blue belt, but I still have a long, long way to go.

I do not feel that I am as good as my teammates suggest, but, on that same note, I am perhaps not as bad as I believe myself to be. Either way, there is so much opportunity for personal growth through this sport, and I can’t wait to continue learning as much as I can.

The question then naturally segues to ‘why’? If you don’t intend to compete, why are you training at all? If you don’t want the medals and the accolades, why bother?