2023 Creative Projects and The Heart of Nature Edits

The joys of having spent thirteen years writing stories and slowly developing my writing skill is the constant catch up and backlog of stories. There are soooo many stories I want to get my poorly circulated typing fingers on but in the words of my wise and wonderful mother, "one thing at a time, Steven." 

I still have not learned such wisdom, but at least in this situation it's just one writing project at a time. Never mind that I'm also doing one full DND campaign and one mini campaign, a writing group, a board game night twice a week, and twice a month at the weekends, and trying to be the best friend I can be. Writing this I ponder what's wrong with me. My health stuff is so savage and yet I proceed to walk the cliff edge like some adrenaline junky, knowing if I lose my footing everything must go on hold for weeks, if not months. I don't seem to be able to fully stop and rest until one foot is over the edge and I'm about to fall, or actually falling.

But, oh well, these are the choices we make. Like the choice to delete the two hundred word rant/tangent I wrote that had nothing to do with writing, books or creative endeavours. Time to focus a bit.

I have attempted a couple of creative projects since my last update, aka editing my story Empiphany, submission of a novella, and selling hoodies with my doodles on.

Empiphany edits didn't go so well. The story needs to have the structure demolished and rebuilt from the foundations up. I look forward to doing this because there are a lot of exciting ideas and I will be able to do that story and characters justice. It's tough having written such stories over a decade ago and having to admit destruction is often part of the creation process. It will be a year or two yet, but I look forward to returning to Empiphany.    

My novella was super close to being published, but I was told it needed a little more editing than the five that were chosen. Missing out is tough, but the publisher and one of the editors said they would happily go over it in the future and get the story edited. That was lovely and sweet.

The hoodie project was so cool. However, some of the product quality ended up being below the standard I wanted, which was so upsetting. I have put this project on hold for now but will resurrected it at some point. Thank you to those who supported by donating money and buying a hoodie.

So, yeah, lots of 'failure' but all part of the process. I never see them as failure, but experiences to grow from and improve. The only hard part is knowing I've let people down at times with quality of product. It weighs heavy on me. I hope to continue to improve so the quality is to a high standard. 

And here I am in 2023, working on the current project. The Heart of Nature is being edited for hopefully its finally time. It is going super well. My editors have both been incredible. To have such talented writers/editors onboard with my projects is humbling. The editor I'm currently working with has got us to chapter four of thirty super quickly, and the flavour of the story has already become so much more tasty. I have always struggled with world building, but my editor is highlighting places I can add little things and I'm loving it. And to have chapter four end with my editor saying, "Really good chapter. Not much needed at all" was one of the best moments of my life. A slight hyperbole but not too far of the truth. I know I'm still not an amazing writer but I know my stories are fascinating and intriguing. They deserve to be told and I want to be worthy of them. To know my writing is at least improving is a relief. Sure there will be chapters ahead that are the opposite of chapter four and need ripping to pieces, but it's nice to know I'm becoming worthy. 

The next few months of editing will be lots of fun, but also no doubt exhausting. But I feel the end is in sight. To have The Heart of Nature as a finished story and physical book is going to have me sobbing with joy. 

2022 Part 2

2022 has been a busy year so far. I am still running the four nights a week social events like board games and dungeons and dragons. I’ve tried to take a bit of a step back from the Monday and Tuesday nights because I was doing too much. That said, in true me style I’ve started a Saturday board games day at Waterstones Café once every 5/6 weeks and most recently a writers group every Friday. Both are going well and fun to be a part of.

In writing news, I need to get better at marketing the Book of Prophecy. I have a few ideas to help for such, but need to put them into practice. The cover for The Heart of Nature has been revealed which was a good step forward. I’m currently waiting to see how the edit is going, and hear back about the read through of a standalone book. I have also submitted a novella for publication, so we’ll see if that is accepted for such.

2022 Update

It’s been nearly a year since my last post. The year has had many ups and downs, as I’m sure it has for most. One highlight was getting the board games night running again here in Gloucester. We now do four nights a week. It has been incredible to see people come together and make friends. The isolation of the lockdowns has been tough on many, and I think people realise even more how important it is to have connections with good people.

Book stuff is going well. The Book of Prophecy has had the new cover done and is able to be purchased. I’m excited to get promoting again. This year’s goal is to get The Heart of Nature released and maybe one other book. I’ve also been recording my stories on youtube so that option is there for people to listen to.

I’ve also got projects underway for artwork and looking forward to seeing how those go. I will try to keep this blog updated on what happens.

If you want to look at various ongoing projects this is my website- http://www.stevenjguscott.com/

Valentines Day Poem

I can't believe I haven't posted anything since October.

I've been writing bits of poetry, editing various projects, and doing some map making for Dungeons and Dragons. I'm still having lots of fun with my projects and making progress a little bit at a time.

Here's a random poem I wrote for Valentines Day:

Love is the peak of our species progress,

Yet, we pollute what's pure with toxic selfishness.

More often than not it's not intentional,

Something in our DNA just makes us irrational.

The power to purify our very nature,

Takes more than a clichéd superficial gesture.

Each day is the way we fight for bliss,

Kind words, a smile, a gentle kiss.

Joy In The Success Of Others

One of my best friends, Sammy HK Smith, has had their book picked up and is coming out next year!! The cover reveal for, Anna, was last week and it looks so good!!! 

Click the link to see more :)

https://rebellionpublishing.com/cover-reveal-and-excerpt-anna-by-sammy-h-k-smith/?fbclid=IwAR3MplZ65qaxp4Wv1GWoPnKPSvc46hwogp5kzt1IuCVIMS4AIStVeimHN6w

DREAMS

Still one of my favourite little writing pieces.

Freedom: “What are you doing?”

Vicarious: “Dreaming?”

Freedom: “Well stop! You know that’s wrong!”

Vicarious: “I know I’ve been told it’s wrong. I don’t know that it is.”

F: “But Father and Mother say your dreams are wrong. That you shouldn’t see what you see in your dreams.”

V: “Mother and Father are scared of what they do not understand. What I see gives me experience. It teaches me infinity. I learn and live through others because of my dreams.”

F: “Don’t you worry what they would all think if they knew you could see them in your dreams?”

V: “Don’t be so narrow-minded. This is a gift given to me. I shouldn’t deny it because of some notion of privacy. Besides, they don’t know I can see them. It’s not like I can hurt them. All I do is watch.”

F: “Yes. All you do is watch. What about your life? There are chores to be done, people to meet, friends to be made, dreams to be lived.”

V: “Those dreams aren’t real to me. What I dream is real. When I dream, I dream of billions of chores, billions of people meeting, billions of friends being made, and billions of dreams being lived. Nothing can compare to that. No one dream outweighs the dreams of billions.”

F: “You’re wrong, you know?”

V: “Oh really? Enlighten me, oh experienced one.”

F: “My dreams... My dreams, are more important than a billion-billion other dreams.”

V: “And why is that?”

F: “Because they are my dreams. I shape them with each choice and act I make. I do not know how they will be fulfilled, but I try, and I struggle, and I bleed for them. I do not do it to simply learn, or for others to simply watch. I do it for you, for Father and Mother, for those I love.”

V: “But that is so limited. When I close my eyes and dream, I look though their eyes; through the eyes they put on their streets; and the ones in their markets; and those on their flying machines; and some in unimaginable places in the spaces between where they all live. I see it all. And by seeing, I am everything.”    

F: “You’re frightening me.”

V: “Frightening you? You should marvel at my dreams. You should beg to hear them and learn through me of what is out there in what we call the unknown. I have seen horrors and joys, and pleasures and pains, all of which you and your dreams could never fathom or conjure.”

F: “And what good does it do you?”

V: “It makes me a god of knowledge and wisdom.”

F: “It makes you nothing. You stare at a mirror and you have no reflection. It is all to feed your wish to be important.”

V: “I am important! Do you not wish to be important?”

F: “Not like you do. I want to be smiled at and hugged to prove to me that I am important, and most of all I want to look in the mirror and see my reflection. I want to see myself smile with the knowledge I live my dreams. Without that evidence how can you know of your own importance?”

V: “I know. You refuse to understand. You can’t see what I see. You’ll never understand.”

F: “I know I cannot see what you see, but you could come and see what I see. Then you would understand me. All you have to do is try.”

V: “Why would I want to waste time and effort on that when I can watch all people try. I can watch them fail and I can watch them succeed. All from the comfort of my dreams.”

F: “I don’t think it will be enough for you.”

V: “What do you mean?”

F: “Eventually you will get bored and you will want to try. But you won’t try to see through your own eyes and live your own dreams, for you will have none. You will try to live theirs. They will not want you trying to live their dreams. When you finally show yourself they will be able see you’ve been watching, and they will hate you. They will not give you their dreams. They will hate you for not earning the right. It is their right to give their dreams freely.”

V: “...hmm...maybe so. But I will know all. I will know what to say and what to do so they do not suspect who I am. They will not see me, for they will only see their own reflection.”

F: “You underestimate them. They will know. And when they do they will take back their dreams and you will have none. And then you will be nothing because you have no dreams of your own.”

V: “I will dream again. It is of no consequence.”

F: “You won’t dream again. You can never go back after that. Not once they’ve seen you and know you’ve been in their dreams. They will know how to shut you out. It will be over for you and you’ll be lost forever.”

Vicarious: “You are jealous and trying to spoil my gift. Leave me alone to my dreams.”

Freedom: “Don’t you mean their dreams.”

Vicarious: “Yes, their dreams, but they are my dreams too, don’t forget that.”

Freedom: “I’m sorry you’ve chosen this way. I truly hope you learn. Maybe if you put things right they will forgive you. But I think not. I do not think we will see each other again. Well, maybe in our dreams. Goodbye, Big Brother.”

From My Heart

Something I wrote on Facebook a few weeks ago. This year has been so intense I felt I had to let out some feelings and thoughts. 

In these times of ever increasing extremes it's so hard to know what to write, or say, and most importantly, do.

The world and its events are so massive. The number of different beliefs so vast. Hate and Love on a global scale are growing stronger and stronger as they feast upon the need to fight harder and harder to beat the other.

What can I do in such a world? My tiny garden of influence, beliefs and perspectives is comparable to nothing. How do I know what way is best to plough, sow, water, weed, harvest, consume and share?

Honestly, I don't have an answer.

I am void of knowing what I can do. So much love that rages inside. Rages and burns for those fighting for the same want of love. Its so intense and purifying that it almost consumes me. Such grief for the suffering of fellow beings. I know I must hold on. And so I go on. Balancing, processing, trying, loving, caring in small ways, until I can do more. Deep down controlling emotions that feel like they could rip apart the whole universe, and if not that, then certainly my small garden.

I want to hold those in grief and suffering to show them they are loved. That their pain is noticed. That each person is significant and matters more than they could ever know. That so many tears are spilled for them. That so many small gardens are watered in this way by millions of people because of love. That despite the hate, selfishness, poverty, injustice, sickness, loneliness and fear, there are those who would take it all away if they could. People who are doing what they can to make a change. Those trying to keep hope and love alive through word and action.

I want to do more. I want to be by your side when kneeling and fighting for love. But if all I can do is sign petitions, vote with love for reform, raise my voice when needed, tell people how much I love them, be there for them, share what little I can, and love with all my heart, then hopefully it will be enough, even though I want to do so much more.

You may never know it. But I love you.

The End of Decimation

The word Decimation originally refers to the beating to death of one person in a group of ten by the other nine. It was used by the Romans as a form of punishment for soldiers. To have to kill one of your brothers, who you’ve been training with and fighting beside would have been devastating. The Romans knew how to use cruelty as a form of control.

Why do I make reference to this? Well, I’ve been writing stories for a decade. This made me think of decimation simply because it relates to ten. Then I realised the decade has often felt like the same brutality as the psychological aspect of decimation. I refer to my writing journey, but overall it has been a remarkably intense ten years.

This last year could have been the most difficult, and therefore it could have been the one to be beaten and killed by the other nine (give up on writing). Granted, most of the struggles relating to writing have been self inflicted, but these emotions are instinctive and natural. It has been excruciatingly difficult not to let crippling disappointments, rejections, waiting and inadequacies break me. This year could, and probably should have been the most difficult.

The lack of writing and ability to market could have broken me so easily. Ultimately, the situation I am in has been my own choice. I chose to focus on Dungeons and Dragons for half the year, and focus on time with my friends and family. It took nine years, but I learned it’s better to wait than to rush. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg of what I’ve learned this decade.

This writing journey has really forced me to overcome so many inner demons. Just like the body needs controlled and measured resistance to become stronger, so does the mind and heart (a generalisation- obviously specific situations differ). Over time (a life time) there can be strategies and techniques to process and accept thoughts and emotions related to disappointments, rejections, waiting and inadequacy. Because of this writing journey I have had to face so many personal insecurities. Often I was broken by them, but I kept rebuilding my mental and emotional pathways. Over time they became stronger. I could either let them beat me or I could learn to overcome them. And now the struggles barely even register. This has made this last year a joy, when it could have been otherwise. I do get a tiny bit impatient every so often, especially because I’m currently in a cocoon stage with my stories. But, whether it takes a year, or ten, or fifty, or never happens, I am at peace with it now. I cannot do anything more than I already am. Whatever the future holds, I’m doing my best with my specific circumstances.

The joyous and beautiful truth is that I’ve found serenity and peace. And it’s all thanks to the connected fun and challenging experiences that come from writing stories and wanting them to be published. My writing has improved over the years, but most importantly I am a far happier and tranquil human being. I am super thankful for those who have guided me on this journey. So many people have been a part of helping me grow and learn as a writer and as a person. I am thankful for all the encouragement support and help. Here’s to the next year and decade!

Goals:
My main goal for the year is to finish book three of the Chronicles of Elementary. There are other small goals I’ll work on, but I’m happy keeping my head down and not rushing. One day I hope to have the books out in the world again for people to read, but if not, it’s okay. I have learned not to rush or worry about things in the future. Right now is what matters most.

How To Kick Life In The Vagiballs (2011) – update = 29/08/2019

The Journey
Find the road that makes me happiest, according to the circumstances that surround me at any one time. This road is the road that matters most. My happiness will help others to feel happy when around me. However, sacrificing my own happiness for other does not work. Self care and rest must come first.
On the flip side, other people can impact my happiness, which is good, but the core must be my own.
I must stay on my own road of happiness at all costs. Always invite others to join me, but people come and go. The most important will always be on my road whether close or far.

Family
Be there for them, because they have always been there for me. Family is a spectrum of ideas, so anyone can be family, but first it is blood ties. If ever they fail me I am lucky to have so many friends that our family to me. One day I may have a family of my own and will have to have the integrity and commitment to never fail them.

Perspective
View life through the eyes of others. People are individuals and the way they look at life may be different but it does not make them wrong. Having an open mind will allow me to relate to people, and as a consequence be a better friend to all who I meet no matter from what background of life.

The Things That Actually Matter
Let go of things that don't matter so I can hold onto that which does.

Plans Within Plans Within Plans
Always have a plan b, c and z. Focus on plan A but be prepared to change. Life is a constant variable.

The Three: Mind, body and Spirit/Soul

Mind
The mind needs stimulation. Both fun and educational. Some stimulations are perceived as lower and some as higher. Almost all have benefits and I must choose to learn and observe what the benefits are. However, some can be destructive and I must stay clear of these. Don’t overthink!!

Body
Being healthy helps me to be happy but health is different from shape. I want to be strong so I can accomplish and have more energy but this will come by being healthy. Being healthy is exercising in a balanced way, sleeping effectively and eating well. I have learned this is more complex. With a invisible illness it is so very hard to keep physical health balance. Being able to be strict and resting so much as I need to is important but very hard.

Spirit/Soul
I must stick to my own beliefs and live them to the best of my abilities. This involves accounting for my strengths and weaknesses and includes a massive number of external influences at any given time.
I must learn what I believe and live it. I must also understand everyone has different beliefs and these are as important to those people as mine are to me. By practicing my own belief system I build integrity, self understanding and I know my place in the universe. I learn that I am special and so is everyone. I learn the value of life. Search for spiritual wellbeing through adopting a spectrum of religious and philosophical perspectives. Trust my soul to know what feels good for me to adopt.

Being Honest With My Emotions.
Emotions make me human. The intensity and experience is both beautiful and destructive. Learning how to only allow the beautiful ones to flower will bring peace and serenity.

Learn To Love
The time will come to love. I should not fear it, or project past negativities on potential future experiences. I deserve to be loved and someone deserves to be loved by me. This love will not be as a friend, or as family, but as something that in a way combines both, and is unique in its definition. It is the kind of love when two parts become one whole.
I must prepare for that moment to be the best I can. This way I can support them, learn from them, teach them and vise versa. We will be able to grow in beauty and happiness. This in turn will allow us to lift each other when down and lean on each other, holding hands through the good and the bad. I must understand it will not be easy, as I will not always be my best self, but I will try, and all that is pure will see me through. I must understand every part of who they are and love them for it.
I need to open up and let people in so the chances of finding love will be increased.
I must also love myself for who I am but be willing to change and grow.

Wants And Needs
Maintain the needs of life. Work hard to have more so the pleasures and wants such as travelling and helping people can be accomplished.
Money gives freedom and can be used to influence the world around me in a positive manner. It will increase my circle of influence. But maintaining the needs is the foundation. Building prematurely upon that foundation may destroy the foundation.
With the invisible illness it is harder to get things and influence. Learn to accept that even a simple smile to lift someone’s day is a gift that can be given. Keeping finances balanced is so important, but being happy with ones circumstance and not always desiring more and more is fundamental to happiness.

Create and Express

Expression
Thoughts, feelings, beliefs should be expressed where possible. They are the sum of all the parts that combine together to form who I am. I should love all of who I am and not be afraid to show it. All this should be done with respect.

Creation
There is nothing like creating something and looking at that creation and feeling the joys of accomplishment. Creation should always be encouraged.

Past, Present And Future
The past cannot be changed. Learn from it. This means I can have the best experience in the present/now and shape an amazing future full of wonders.

And Lastly...

Have fun! Be silly! Life is an adventure that is full of so many possibilities. Learn when to be serious but at all other times relax! dance! sing! smile! and laugh!

Crisis Point 29-11-13 Poem

Crisis Point 29-11-13

The four sides of the human coin was flipped.

And landed to make me a gentle man.

A sensitive child through play distracted,

In youth an odyssey to find my plan.

My foundation soft as tears of a dove.

Shunning misguided ideals of the man,

 Falling on my nature of just one glove.

A crisis point to change the way I ran,

From sprint to marathon I had to learn.

Defending my heart with walls of my mind.

Yet, Venus to Mars caused rages to burn,

Fanned by routine and forced to look inside.

Saved by oar, the fight, a gift, and my clan,

Complete with all sides, now a simple man.

2019

With it now being 2019 I thought I better at least write an update.

2018 has been a pretty busy year for writing and book related fun. I have a cover for The Heart of Nature and it is beautiful. I'm sure in the next few months I'll be ready to show the world. I am currently waiting on the redo of The Book of Prophecy's cover and then will show both.

In December I submitted a short story to a Anthology, Lost Gods by Grimboldbooks.com. The story is a Greek mythology story I wrote a few years back and I spent a lot of time improving it. I'm currently waiting to see if it was good enough to get into the anthology.

I am still doing lots of Dungeons and Dragons and gathering so many wonderful and entertaining stories from those adventures. We're about two thirds of the way through the campaign now and it will likely wrap up in the summer. 

I'm also waiting on feedback on the Heart of Nature from the publishers and hoping it doesn't need too much editing etc.

In 2018 I also went to Fantasy Writers Con ( In Chester) for the first time since Nottingham 2015 and it was good to be there. I spent most of the time on the stall helping sell books and then resting to make sure the health stuff didn't get too bad. It was a fun weekend for sure and gave me a lot of motivation to keep writing and seeing what the future holds for my books.

2019 is a complete unknown. I'm hoping it will be the year I realise the Heart of Nature but only time will tell. I'll do my best to update on anything that happens and any thoughts about this journey, but as always I'm rubbish at doing so these days.

POEM: Contradictions of Each Path 31-1-14

Here is another poem, that has been long overdue- I am so bad at keeping this blog updated these days. There isn't much new, but as always things are moving forward. One day I'll be able to show you some cool stuff that is being worked on, but who knows when. For now I'll keep posting random poems from a few years back.

Contradictions of Each Path 31-1-14

How do I make even two steps forward?

When if one taken, the second goes back.

The path of my childhood long since moored,

And joys and goals a faint vision to track.

Work’s path kills slow, I can’t win, only lose.

Even educations effort is lost.

Another path- to serve, and spread good news?

Yet, my curse of fear adds to the high cost.

Too many times I’ve failed the fight with faith.

What about the paths and worlds in my head?

Four years they have haunted me like a wraith.

Using strengths to be patient as the dead.

And all for what? A tortoise pace, still blind.

Where is the golden path I wish to find?!

Poem: Chrysalis 2/4/13

Here's another poem. 

 Chrysalis 2/4/13

This change is excruciating, blinding.

And all I want to see is a reason.

Yet, in darkness I find sight in feeling.

Sight that was eclipsed in winter’s season.

The coldness numbing at the genesis.

For so long a chance to find light wasted.

But spring came, growing in this chrysalis.

Able to feel light though blind and tainted.

The light itself a truth, an evidence.

I will never be what I was before.

And though a thousand shocks took my substance.

Its internal mutation gave me more.

What’s through summer’s hidden door? I don’t know.

The key: observe, adapt, repeat- and grow.  

Turning 30 years old and Poetry

I had my thirtieth birthday recently. It has been celebrated wonderfully and I was treated and spoiled by friends and family. I was deeply touched by how loving everyone was and my thirtieth birthday has been a very special time.

In writing news, I have been very good and actually have lots of words put together for a future story. Granted, its just lots of notes from my dungeons and dragons campaign, but its something. My friends have been incredible players and together they have made some wonderful characters, and epic moments as we play. I can't wait to write it up one day as stories relating to the main novel.

The bad news is I have been terrible at getting my books published before the year is over. The industry is so hard to crack, and with sales only breaking even, it's difficult to keep the momentum going when publishing new books. The company have wisely slowed down the pace of publishing a little, because too much investment and not enough sales is a dangerous habit for a company to get into. Grimbold Publishing must survive, as it's amazing company. In time I  will get my stories ready to be published, but until then things have ground to a halt.

Some good news is (I think), I have some poetry to share. I wrote a number of poems when I used to work nightshift and always hoped I'd be happy, confident and brave enough to share them by the time I'm thirty. Well, I have achieved those goals and happy to share them with you. I'll post one every few weeks/month. I hope you like them.

  A Break Given To Stop This Breakdown (1-2-2011)

The drive goes on, and on, despite the crash.

While mother earth gestates her element.

Weathering and weakening, then we clash.

Like lightening, my energy is spent.

All of it used to control this machine.

She is unaffected, unstoppable.

I am rust, dents and leaking gasoline.

How to survive? This is impossible!

Harmonise, so we two will win this race.

Achieve wants, and dreams, together as one.

If you condescend for us, show us grace.

Give us a break, then repairs can be don.

Or in a trillion tears we will drown.

If no break given to stop this breakdown. 

Months Vanish In A Blink

I’m a total stuck record, but as ever, things are taking longer than expected. Luckily, I seem to have shed impatience and time rolls forward without me really being aware.

The reformatting of BoP and art will be done when it can. Its worth waiting for as the quality of formatting/typesetting will be worth the wait. I'm waiting until it is finished before asking to move The Heart of Nature forward so I'll keep posts coming when it does.

In other news, I now have a colouring book of my art published! If you want to take a look go to www.stevenjguscott.com

The last update for this post is about my new addiction. I have started my own Dungeons and Dragons campaign. This has been an amazing lesson in world building and paying attention to small details/mechanics of a society. As ever I don't do things by half and have created the world and the four kingdoms in it from scratch, plus Dming it for ten friends. It has become a vast and insane project, but the creative side to it is glorious. I'm having soooooo much fun!!! Although, I have to ration my obsession as ever to make sure I rest and don't do too much.

Unseen Potential

Unseen Potential

Often creative projects like stories, music, art etc spend a lot time as potential energy. It begins as an internal idea and ends in the external world with form of some type. The start and end are usually obvious- I have an idea for a story, and I want it to be a book to share with the world. However, sometimes we don’t see the potential of our work. This has happened to me.

Writing has been my main creative focus, but over the years I have also enjoyed drawing and doing what I call my doodles. They have improved with practice, but to me they were for fun and simply another creative outlet. In the last year or two people have complemented them and suggested it would be fun to colour them in.

This has been suggested again by a number of close friends. This has helped me see there is a lot of potential for fun in my drawings, especially when adult colouring books are so popular right now. I spoke to my publisher, Kristell-Ink, and they have agreed to publish a colouring book. This was decided a month or so ago. Since then I have been working hard to tidy up all my drawings so the quality is as good as it can be. All the pieces are done and I’m looking forward to sharing this creative project with everyone.

Other Projects
The Book of Prophecy is getting some awesome art added and will be re-released over the coming month or two.

The sequel, The Heart of Nature, hasn’t moved forward yet, but I’m content waiting.

Over the years I have had to take lots of rest time because of my health stuff. When doing this I listen to a lot of Dungeons and Dragons podcasts/games. I have finally decided to create my own campaign and this is based around a trilogy of books I will write, probably 10-20 years from now. This has already been a lot of fun. Creating the world and the detail needed has been a great learning curve and I can’t wait to see the potential of this story/adventure come together over the coming years.

Politics- My Thoughts and Feelings

Not related to my books, but something I wanted to put into the universe.

Introduction

We live in a mostly physical reality, where such related things (wealth, physical strength etc) are prioritised and praised. However, there is clearly more to this life than just the physical. Yet, because it dominates our senses it is difficult to tune into the spiritual* and connected compassionate ideologies.

That said, it is clear that the physical and spiritual are linked i.e. it is difficult to focus on the spiritual and compassionate without our basic physical needs being met. Furthermore, physical emotions of happiness, joy and love are linked to the spiritual and very much the bridge between the two parts of what is actually a whole.

Main Body

The truth (I often avoid that word these days due to ambiguity but it is right to use it here) is that we in the west are often fortunate to have our basic needs met but are not content. We then get lost in ambitions of wanting more and more and prioritise gain for the self (I fall into this trap often). We lose sight of the spiritual and compassionate, and become selfish. We need to learn to be at peace with our circumstance- not easy in the slightest, but possible. We can still aim for achievements, but perhaps prioritise them better, or think about WHY we are trying to do something, and what happiness it actually gives us.

I rarely comment on politics because I very much have my own personal views and will vote how I see fit. I do not believe the continual arguments and debates that occur are very beneficial to my goals in life. I am an advocate of choice and have a huge respect for our freedoms to choose- it is very much the core of my own belief system. Often I sit back because I think, ‘who am I to try and influence anyone’s choice.’ Recently I have struggled to know the right thing to do on such subjects as governance and government. I don’t know whether to share my opinions or stay quiet. There is so much turmoil and upheaval and fear about the future that I finally feel I should at the least share some thoughts and feelings. I have always acted the best I can to mirror my beliefs, but often words have to be used as actions are often missed. This is why I have written this.

The definition of governance and government is very important when trying to explain my position on politics. My personal view is that you can measure good governance by how they/we prioritise the poor, weak, innocent, and ill. Your definition may vary, but what goal is more important than the happiness and safety of an individual who is in need of help? As a country we have lost sight of what is important. The leniency towards crimes that take away choice, such as abuse, theft, rape and murder is shocking and breaks my heart each day. Obviously rehabilitation and second chances are important, but never at the cost of the victim. Those in power and who govern have forgotten this.

It is also clear from cut backs to health, and especially mental health and addiction that those in power are not for the people. They do not care for people. Thousands have died from neglect, and many have committed suicide because they have been lost hope- I was nearly one of those people. It took years to finally be taken seriously and get the help I needed.

I don’t know how to actively change such things, but I know it starts with me and how I live my life. It continues with me speaking up and having courage not to be indifferent- the whole evil wins when good people do nothing quote. When I vote I will do so with all the above things as my motivations. I ask humbly and with tears in my eyes that you perhaps decide to do the same.

Conclusion

You may think what I have said is idealistic and naïve but it’s because of that thought pattern that such things don’t come about. If we have hope, if we do believe, if we focus on those who truly have our best intentions at heart, then a happy, healthy, loving society can be achieved in time. It starts with us and what choices we make. If we already are trying our hardest to bring about happiness and love then don’t give up. Keep fighting for this in any little way you can until your last breath. Look out for those who need to be loved. Prioritise the spiritual and compassionate over the physical. But most importantly learn to love yourself and who you are. If you do this you will be happier and able to love others even more.


*My own personal understanding- serenity of the soul, calm consciousness, at peace with ones place in the universe and love for all humanity.

March 2017 Already!

Well, there goes my waaay overly optimistic goal of April for The Heart of Nature. Can’t believe we are in March! I do love how my perception of time and how long it takes to do things can still be so distorted even after all these years. I really shouldn’t make such goals as no matter how ‘realistic’ I think I’m being I’m always so far off. The phrase ‘it will get done when it gets done’ has wisdom in it, but I’ve never been that wise, so my new time related goal is to have The Heart of Nature published by the end of the year.

The wait is good though as timing is a very important thing. This has become clear many times over the years and once again I see it in this situation. I’ve been doing some writing/editing that I see now was important to get done before the ball gets rolling on The Heart of Nature. I can’t say what it is right now, but it’s vital in making my work the best it can be for readers.

I’ll keep posting when I have any news or discussion points I want to write about. In the mean time if you are reading this and have read one of my stories please do leave a review on Amazon as each review is very helpful. All links can be found on my website www.stevenjguscott.com Thanks in advance if you do leave a review.

Snail Pace

As another year ends I wanted to write a last blog post for 2016. In a way it’s an apology. Recently, I’ve been asked by a couple of people when the sequel to the Book of Prophecy will be out and I have to confess I don’t know. For this I’m sorry. I’m hoping for the end of spring, but there is no indication that this could be the case, it might be much later.

The Heart of Nature had been scheduled for the latter half of this year, but I’ve not been able to meet that goal. This has mainly been to misjudging the time it would take to get ready. With my health struggles I have to be very careful with how much I do in my life. Anything that takes effort/energy has to be careful regulated or I get very ill. This means with writing I have to only do small bits when I can. Once upon a time I could do a couple of hours a day of slow editing or reading, but now that is often much less. The work gets done, but it just takes a long time.

            As mentioned in the previous post, I have been working on another novel, as I really wanted to get that re-written by the end of the year. I’m glad I achieved this a few weeks ago, but perhaps I should have been working on The Heart of Nature. I am working on it now, well, reading The Book of Prophecy again, in prep for a read through of my latest edit of The Heart of Nature. I’m confident that in time the story will get published, and it will be worth the wait, but once again, I’m sorry that it takes so long.

            2017 is a totally unknown entity at this point, with very little scheduled for book related things like events etc. The main goal will be the publication of The Heart of Nature and I’m excited for when I do finally have it ready for people to read.  

I Have Become Death, Destroyer of Words

As a writer, the general aim of the game tends to be to write words- ‘gasp’ what a revelation. And that’s always how it’s been over the years. However, I have become the antithesis of such a mind-blowing concept. I have spent the last few months killing words.

This all came about when I submitted the sequel to The Book of Prophecy to the publishers and it didn’t go so well. The biggest issue was the waffle and too much time spent inside the mind of characters. It was time to correct this mistake. So I put on my psychopathic clown-face (check me being relevant to the news) and went on a word killing spree.

I slaughtered 30,000 words from the 155,000 and was pretty shocked at how that can occur. I guess I put it down to how I like to be very descriptive of thoughts and emotions. Yet, this just slows down the story and is really tedious and over the top. Lesson learned (I hope). When that killing spree was over I decided to look at some older work and have dropped 14,000 from a 94,000 piece.

It’s tough having the blood of so many innocent words on my hands and it feels counterproductive on the surface, but it's actually so important. The pace and style of a story is paramount and I think I’m finally learning the skills to keep content streamlined by cutting out the ‘ghafla.’ *Dune reference alert*

As always, I guess only time will tell if my massacring is of value.

In other news, I was at Gloucester Comic-Con this weekend selling books for http://www.grimboldbooks.com/ and it was a very enjoyable experience. It was lovely to chat to so many people who were enjoying the Con. To see such happiness and joy in a place where people can be themselves was wonderful. A massive thank you to all those who came and said hello and who purchased books.

The next Con will be Bristol Writers Con on the 29th. Until then, it will be killing more words, mwhahahahaaaaaaa!

(Sobs inside at having to slay them all, but their sacrifice will not be forgotten)