The whole point of Sonitotum is to share my own experiences so we can all learn while I try to make things, find success, and stay sane.
To that end, it’s important that listeners understand where I am as far as prosperity, productivity, mental and emotional health, and creativity at this very early stage, so that everyone knows I really am right at the beginning… at most, maybe just a step or two ahead of you.. if that!
So this episode, I spell it all out: the state of Matt at the start of Sonitoum… and what I hope to achieve.
It doesn’t end with this episode, either. Every month, I share my previous month’s revenue and expenses as an independent creator and creative freelancer, and on my Now page, you can see what I’m up to… well, now.
I hope you enjoy the episode, and I hope you’re willing to share where you stand, too… let me know by leaving a comment!
Links and Topics Mentioned In This Episode
- My Scribtotum article on the necessity of solitude in your creative writing life.
- Parkinson’s Law: work expands so as to fill the time available for its completion.
- How task switching messes up our focus.
- KPCC – Southern California Public Radio.
- Want to know what’s in my blogroll? Let me know in the comments!
- The importance of down time.
- My creative endeavors include books, short stories, and music.
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Making the Episode
This episode took about six hours to record, edit, and produce the two different editions of the show, and to prepare and write these show notes. There was a false start in the recording, which added an extra hour to the process. That was a drag, let me tell you.
Equipment and Software
For those who are interested (folks sometimes ask), here’s what I used (and use) to make this episode. I have affiliate arrangements with some of these products and services. If you make a purchase when you click through using my links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It’s a great way to help support the podcast… so thank you!
- Aurycle a460 large diaphragm studio condenser microphone
- Zoom R16 Recorder:Interface:Controller (digital multitrack recorder)
- Akai Professional MPD218 (MIDI drum pad controller for performing drum parts of “Anastasia”)
- Sennheiser HD 202 headphones
- Mixcraft 8 Pro Studio (digital audio workstation / music creation software — used when recording and producing “Anastasia”)
- Adobe Audition CC (digital audio workstation for recording, editing, and producing audio — used to mix and produce the podcast)
- Zencast.fm (podcast media file hosting and distribution service)
What Do You Think?
For me, a podcast is much more than just talking into a microphone and putting the result out into the world. It’s an invitation to a relationship; to community.
I strive to be as transparent, honest, and vulnerable as possible in this, and every episode. Let me know that’s valuable to me and return the favor:
Tell me what you think about the episode, and if you’re willing, please let me know where you’re at in terms of your own creative, emotional, and financial state, and what you hope to achieve. Let’s hear from you in the comments!
Wow, sounds like you’re spread thin now–can’t imagine what it was like before you simplified your life. I’m a northern New England gal and the cost of living out in CA seems so outrageous. Of course wages may be lower, but I have a full-time job and make about $2400 a month and am living comfortably (but simply). Do you have any flexibility to maybe move (with your mom, of course) to a more affordable area of the country to take some of that financial strain away? Sorry that’s incredibly personal and you don’t have to answer.
Good for you for looking after your mom. I have elderly parents too, about 1-1/2 hours away, and try to help them as much as I can. In perspective, the time I spend with them has more value than the time I lose working on a creative project. I get a “soul refreshment” being able to help them after all they’ve done to help me in my life, and when they’re no longer with us I won’t have any regrets. My younger brother is able to help them some, which takes a weight off my shoulders, but my older brother is not very attentive to them (even though he lives within 15 miles of them, he’s probably only visited them 3 times in the past year). It’s too bad your sister can’t be more involved.
Thanks for the podcast. Just curious ; I have racing-thought syndrome (my own term) when I try to go to sleep and have been using guided meditations to help me focus on “clearing” my thoughts before bed. I know there are guided meditations on a myriad of subjects, including procrastination and creativity and motivation, etc. Have you used any of these? If so which ones? I’m also beginning a tai chi practice (followed by chai tea–haha) which I think will help my brain “chill” a bit as well as work out the musculoskeletal kinks from sitting at a computer all day. What kind of exercise do you find helps you with your creative balance?
Hi Rebecca — always nice to see your comments.
Moving somewhere else (and bringing my mother with me) isn’t an option for many reasons, not least of which is that I wouldn’t be able to convince my mother to move… too disruptive and exhausting, since that doesn’t just involve moving… there’s also finding new doctors she would trust, setting up social services in a new county and / or state, and so on. Given that she’s eighty two and unwell, the stress of the ordeal would probably shorten or end her life… and then I’d would have uplifted myself for, essentially, no benefit to anyone.
It is, indeed, too bad my sister won’t be more involved. I’ve given her many opportunities and ways she could.
As for racing-thought syndrome and guided meditations, yep! I do indeed use a lot that you can find on YouTube, and also via Audible’s free (or perhaps free-for-Amazon-Prime-members) offerings. As for which ones… that might be a good blog post! Adding it to the list of potential editorial content… stay tuned!
Tai chi fascinates me, and it’s something I’ve thought of getting into for many years. Is this the year..?
(I love chi tea as well…)