Sean's blog

Public Pronouncements

2009-09-04T11:09:00.000-07:00

Yes, this blog is now doubling as my Public Pronouncements page. For new material, go here and you'll find my weekly updated comic strip (new pages are added every Monday) entitled FANTASY CHARACTERS IN STORYTOWN. Here you'll find a growing collection of my memories from thirty odd years of gaming. Updating is less consistent, admittedly.

I'm also on Twitter here.

More announcements (I mean, pronouncements) soon.

A final announcement

2009-08-04T11:16:00.000-07:00

This will be my last blog entry for a long while. I intend to focus on my webcomic and possibly retro video game reviews. Also, there will be a few changes around my website. My book (UNCLE JOSIAH) will go (per my wife's request). CODEBREAKERS will go (what's the point of a webcomic with nine pages?). Other changes are possible. No doubt I have made many mistakes in the past few years I've been online (going online possibly numbering among them). All that proves, really, is my humanity. Yep, I'm flawed. Perhaps someone out there might learn from my errors. That would be something. No matter what, I will always wish you...

all the very best,

Sean

PS Just realized I've been blathering on to what was likely myself for three years. What an idiot!

Whew!

2009-07-28T11:17:00.000-07:00

Boy, it's a good thing you don't exist. Otherwise you might be really upset with me right now. I say this because my foray into game creation is turning out to be pretty nonexistent. Oh, I'll try to get some reviews out there, or something similar, but there's simply no chance anything more is possible. Shame, because I'd worked up a few fairly interesting boards and cards. Had some fun ideas to explore.

But, whatever. (This is a blog, I can be conversational here)

You'll still get weekly updates of my strip (just imagine how much more you might love that fact if you actually existed!). Also, I'm returning to my first true love: writing fiction. In fact, I've got three novels going at once. That's a first for me. It's actually kind of fun to bounce back and forth between them. Without a doubt, fiction is the most expeditious art form available to the storyteller. Just look at those authors who put out multiple books a year! (or maybe some should slow down a bit)

So that's where I am at this point. Aren't you glad you don't care because you don't exist? Existing is sometimes less than it's cracked up to be. And it's damned expensive too, naturally.

Incidentally, probably won't be posting these, or any other, novels online (and why should you care either way, seeing as how you don't exist and all). For the foreseeable future, they stay in my drawer. I may try to get them published, or attempt a POD thing, eventually. But for now I'm content with writing them and keeping them to myself (my wife gets to read them because she's my favorite). Besides, creation is its own reward. Else I'd be playing many more video games and leaving it at that.

BTW, just kidding about the not existing thing. If you exist I won't hold it against you. I know someone sees my stuff because I've made contact with, and have received comments from, several nice folks over at DrunkDuck. Yay! (Shout out to Subcultured, my partner in crime)

I couldn't be happier as a creator than I am right now. Well, I suppose I could be happier. What I'm trying to say is I'm happy enough. And that's precisely where I wanna be. The "happy enough" place. It's the only ecosystem stable enough for truly sustainable living.

Flow

2009-07-20T11:03:00.000-07:00

I'm very interested in the idea of flow. At the end of the day, I think its presence or absence defines our lives on some fundamental level. But what causes it? As an artist, it feels like performing a dance between gaining control and losing it, both of which are equally desirable. The control part is obvious enough (the pen is in your hand, the words come from your fingertips), what's less obvious is the lack of control. This part may be best expressed by the concept of a muse; an outside source of inspiration. No one controls the muse. Hence the dilemma, but also the fun. Creation becomes a hairy business. Unpredictable. Reactive as well as active. Yes, it's reactive because you're reacting to yourself, but the "you" may be the muse talking through you, which is not really "you." If you know what I mean. In any case, I suspect flow works best when we enter a delicate state of dynamic negotiation between control and surrender, between action and reaction. Sweet surrender really is sweet. When it creates flow. And it won't rot your teeth! (may even put money in the bank!)

Anyway, those are my random thoughts on this particular Monday, the twentieth day of July in the year of our Lord two thousand and nine. I'll update my comic later this evening.

Digital world > real world?

2009-07-14T11:08:00.000-07:00

Will there come a time when we've become so "plugged in" that the "real world" is not only irrelevant, it is utterly forgotten? And how broken will it be by that point? Will we live our lives in MATRIX-like pods, having abandoned reality for fantasy? I mean, who wouldn't want to sleep all day if given the chance? Yep, seems the WALL-E prediction is realistic enough. And even if we do function in the world, will we tweak it to our heart's content? Use stimulus filters or something? Hear what we want to hear instead of what's really being said? See what we want to see? What's to stop us?

Oh yeah, I've got questions and concerns. And I'll be perfectly honest and admit that despite my website, blogging, etc. I have what could be described as old-fashioned sensibilities. I consider myself a bibliophile, cherishing the smell and texture of real books. I doubt I will ever own a Kindle. I also love packaging, liner notes, road maps (I freaking adore those damn road maps that I can never properly refold!) and I dread the day we lose this physical connection with our surroundings. Love lives in the hands and body, as much as if not more than in the head. And I'm doing my part. I spend my hard-earned cash on CDs, DVDs, books. My wife and I patronize used and independent bookstores anywhere we find them. Much more than we should and sometimes just to support the cause.

But please feel free to ignore what I just said and peruse my website. That said, who knows, perhaps my stuff will enter the physical realm someday. Until then, I will continue to work and dream digitally, while secretly plotting my invasion of the "real world." Man, oh man. If only.

I've got a t-shirt slogan for you:

Got reality?

New comic, etc.

2009-07-02T11:26:00.001-07:00

Did I mention I plan to update my webcomic on Mondays? Should happen on both the website and DD. No idea why I picked Mondays, except it gives me the weekend to work on it and maybe someone has their Monday improved slightly. I'm not doing this for myself, people. Well, not completely.

Also, been thinking a lot about my board game. I definitely want pieces, so I'm thinking of somehow using Scrabble blocks. Perhaps you could print something up as a makeshift decal. Double-sided tape might allow you to keep the pieces for later use without ruining them. Just a few of my ideas.

A stated goal of this project is to have physical objects to "play with." Keeping it real. Okay, it's not exactly the freakin' Holodeck, but what do you expect for a buck fifty?

Work in progress

2009-06-28T17:54:00.000-07:00

If you go over here you'll see the new games area on my website. It's only a place holder for now, but it should make a decent title later on. Unless I decide to redo it completely, which is a distinct possibility. As opposed to an indistinct possibility. Those suck.

Anyway, I wouldn't get too excited. For a long while this section will feature game reviews only. But, fear not, I have plans.

My God do I have plans...

(Still not exited? Oh well)

The circle is now complete...

2009-06-16T11:11:00.000-07:00

Now I am the...learner. Always the learner. Anyway, what I'm talking about is my return to the webcomic portal drunkduck.com. My new strip is up and running here. I know it's been a long time since I wandered off, leaving the webcomics scene for comicless pastures, but it doesn't feel like almost two years! How the hell? Anyway, this go round I'm hoping to maintain a modicum of sanity, which I more or less lost toward the end. Although, I have often wondered how advisable it is to be a sane person in an insane world. Not that I'm saying the world is insane but...

Yes I am.

Idea machine

2009-06-12T11:07:00.001-07:00

You know, my brain never stops. It might feel as though it stops (especially after a beer or two), but it's just like my heart--working hard without my knowledge. Example? Just today I was thinking there aren't a whole lot of family-oriented sf films. They usually involve pretty mature themes and are often...well, horror stories. I'd love to have more high quality (note level of quality...PLEASE!) ET or WALL-E type stuff. So, here's my pitch: futuristic family travels throughout galaxy on family vacations. During these trips, kid participates in geocache-type game (objects hidden on various planets, obviously). On one of these trips, kid finds strange object (aka, the BIG MACGUFFIN!). Someone planted it, it's not supposed to there. But who? Parents kidnapped. Naturally. Because parents are LAME!!!! Baddies want kid and his MacGuffin. No, not his McMuffin. Well, okay. Maybe we can work the McMuffin in with the MacGuffin. Work with me, people!

Well, methinks that one needs years and years of development hell in a low, low drawer (the development hell drawer?). But I like the space geocache thing. Just wish my brain would shut up for a while. Hear that, brain? Shut up!

Stupid brain.

Back in action!

2009-06-07T08:53:00.000-07:00

Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, dyin' time's here! Wait, no...I mean go over here to see my brand spankified new strip. It's everything you want in a strip. Imaginative. Hilarious (well, okay, mildly amusing). Colorful (hey, I spared no expense). And, best of all, it's free. Because I love you and you make me cry. Although, sometimes not in a good way.

Look for FCIS to show up on Drunk Duck as well. If all goes according to plan, which it will, because...well, there's a first time for everything, no?

No?

Okay then.

Rejection

2009-06-05T07:30:00.001-07:00

No one says rejection is easy (or no one ever said it to me without getting a disagreement). However, it doesn't have to be all that either. I've had my creative stuff rejected again and again, and I never take it personally. Why would I? They don't know me as a person, nor do I know any of them. Also, I have nothing at stake. I'm a professional librarian. I like what I do. Any success beyond that would be gravy, but I loves me some plain ol' mashed potatoes. I view my creative work as a hobby and nothing more. I'm having fun with it. Period. Sure, I dream of taking it to a professional level, but let's face it, that ship may have sailed long ago. And, you know what, I'm totally okay with that. There are worse jobs to have. And I've worked a few of 'em.

I guess what I'm saying is I don't hold any of my rejections against anyone. Personally (I don't mean in a personal way, I mean "in my opinion"), I only take issue with publishers, studios, and others in the industry in one area (okay, maybe more, but I'm muddle-headed on most of them): there's too much talk of "trends." Look, if you want a big hit then you're thinking backward. Statistically, the big hits CREATED trends, they didn't FOLLOW them (Star Wars, Harry Potter, the list goes on) Yeah, there's never anything COMPLETELY new under the tired old sun, but great stories have lots of new and, well...great ideas in them (as well as great characters, but that goes without saying). That's what makes them exciting. If they're simply following "trends," not so much. And, yes there are those few exceptions proving the rule. Still, could we give the endless sequels (whether they "reboot" or not) and remakes a bit of a rest? Pretty please with ambrosia on it?

This is just MHO, of course. And I can hardly have it in for the publishers, and studios, that gave us Harry Potter and Star Wars in the first place. You folks are my Rock of Gibraltar. Sad, but true.

Your obedient servant.

Sean

More on board games

2009-06-02T11:14:00.000-07:00

As a gamer, I've always loved the mini-games that occasionally show up during standard game play. As long as they are fun and don't take too long, they can really shake things up in a good way. I'd like to see that happen in a board game (if it hasn't already), and I plan to design them into mine. Along with the main board, you will print a series of "mini-game" boards which you switch to during the game; whether by choice, necessity, or random occurrence. Most of these "mini-games" will be accessed through "mission cards" you draw at various times. A mission might, for example, be to rescue a character or directing shipments of products to a general store (while dodging thieves, naturally). It is one way to gain money or points (definitely money, maybe points). In any case, as I develop these ideas into actual assets I'll offer you a peek or two. Free of charge. Out of the goodness of my heart. I do have a good heart. It beats and everything!

New comics

2009-06-01T12:44:00.000-07:00

Remember what I said about no new comics? Well, that just changed. A strip I wanted to work on, but couldn't, is now available to me again. And I plan to pursue it. The title is FANTASY CHARACTERS IN STORYTOWN and it will be coming soon to dragonscachestudios.com. It might or might not appear on other sites as well. I'll look into that.

Oh, and I will work on the games as well. Like I said: retro game reviews first, board games second, then video games. We game on!

good thing

2009-05-30T12:53:00.001-07:00

It's a good thing no one is seeing this blog, because if anyone got a load of this...

Embarrassing.

My latest dream

2009-05-29T12:41:00.000-07:00

I'm dreaming again. Some folks dream of riches. Some of power over millions. Some of eternal fame. I dream of electronic cards. No, not sheep (and not security cards), but playing cards that display loadable, interactive content. Admittedly, this is only the most recent of my mad scientist dreams (though I am more mad than scientist), but it seems to be among my most bedevilling. In any case, do they exist? God, I hope so. That would be awesome. But for my board game, which I have blogged about earlier, such technology is out of the question. If there was a question. What was the question?

Oh, yeah. My game. I want interactive cards. And I will make 'em, dagnabbit. I've been working out a few ideas over the past few years (a spinning wheel, hidden between cards, and attached by bent thumbtack was the most interesting and doomed to failure). Right now I'm leaning toward two cards glued together with holes cut into the top. Between the two you move a strip up and down to create a sort of dynamic readout (colors maybe--green is keen, red is dead). I don't know. I'm just a dreamer with limited funds. Very limited funds. If you take the 'd' out of funds you have funs. Which means something. I think.

I just want cards that I can shuffle and talk to me. And dance. And are my little, svelte friends.

God, I hope no one is reading this.

Dear Santa

2009-05-27T13:18:00.000-07:00

I know it's a bit early and there's no snow on the ground and your reindeer are vacationing in some tropical paradise, but could I submit my list a little early? I'd like a Buffy movie with Whedon attached.

Your biggest fan,
Sean

PS Did I mention how good I've been? I mean, I've been pretty good. Compared to...never mind.

On second thought, I don't think I want a Buffy movie. I think I'd rather have Dr. Horrible the sequel. And for that I'll be REALLLLY GOOOOOOOD! :D

Dreams come true

2009-05-26T11:04:00.001-07:00

I know because it's happened to me a couple of times, and it's always been great. It looks like it's about to happen again. Last weekend I compiled and ran my first program in Java. Okay, I didn't write it and it was really, really simple. Still, I couldn't be happier if I made GRAND THEFT AUTO: THE WHOLE FRICKIN' WORLD. See, I've dreamed about making videogames since 1984 when I tried (and failed) on my Commodore-64. I tried again (and succeeded) in 2004 on my Linuxed PC but the dream crashed and burned and I lost everything. I did something stupid. Really stupid. Operating system-level stupid. The game was a simple 2-d shooter called SKY THIEF and I wrote it in C. I still have the source code (but all the assets are gone) so maybe it will fly again.

Anyway, here's hoping, more than two decades later, my gleaming dream comes true. So far, so good. Like they say, a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single stumble.

Incidentally, you should see the collision detection algorithm I wrote when the book I was using failed to help. It's the worst sort of spaghetti code you're ever likely to see. For kicks and giggles I'll post it sometime (even if you don't know anything about C, it should be obvious how bad it is). And hope I don't have to use it again. It's beyond ugly.

Haven't I been here before?

2009-05-22T13:07:00.000-07:00

All right, change of plan. I know I've done this before (the old bait and switch thing), and if I thought I had any readers I might be more concerned. As things stand now I'm building this site for my "someday" readers. If by some miracle I actually have "today" readers, I apologize. Anyway, the new plan.

Videogames. As in a new section called "Fantasy Games." In this section you will find: videogames, board games, and my reviews of retro games. Most of the games I will make will belong to a series titled: NO ANIMALS ALLOWED. Why no animals? Because on these various worlds (each representing a different genre), all animal life is robotic. First up in this series will probably be a board game with a western theme tentatively called: SHOWDOWN AT THE ZERO-K CORRAL. You print the game board and cards (I'd suggest photo paper) and supply your own dice. Characters will include Annie Oakley Bot, The Robot with No Name, and the big baddie, Major Destructor. Locations will include: Pascal Prairie, Desert of Virtuosity, Metadata Mine, Floating Point Ridge, etc. Enemies will include members of the Buzzsaw Gang, the Drill Bit Gang, and the Manglers. This means no more comics. But does that mean foreverandever? Well, foreverandever is a long time, but still...maybe.

I'll keep you updated on the progress of my game making, which is guaranteed to be slow. More timely will be my reviews, which should start showing up soon, along with the aforementioned updates.

And to answer my own question, I have indeed been here before. I seem to like starting over, and over, and over. Does that make this the weirdest blog ever? How about the dumbest? The dumbest blog that no one's ever read? Now that's dumb.