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Sliding on through

I hope your February has served you well so far, and is barreling to a strong finish, like an Olympic skeleton racer. Yes, I've been watching the Olympics, but unfortunately here in the Netherlands they fixate on speed skating coverage - while neglecting sports that are objectively better, like curling and hockey.

Still, sports are exciting. Agony and thrills. Big wins, crushing defeats. It's all drama we can . And any good drama needs a climax.

Fittingly, as we near the close of this speedy month, I'm approaching a literary climax. Because the book's almost done!!

Plus, I'm learning to kick some ass.

I love the discipline, the fitness and self-defence elements of training in martial arts. Then the other week I tried Krav Maga.

Without so much as a "So, how did you find out about our school?" I found myself ducking head shots and close-up grappling with some heavy-duty (and quite friendly) folks. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Oh, and I also learned some finger breaking techniques, part of a suite of skills the instructor called 'pain compliance'. I've been looking for something to train in since I moved from London and said goodbye to Chang's Hapkido Academy. Krav (can I call it “Krav” after just one class?) may be it.

TAKE IT EASY Book Launch

Sunday 4 March is the next edition of Themeprov, the regular monthly improv night I run at Mezrab.

As that coincides with the books arriving here in Amsterdam, I’ve decided to make that Themeprov THE TAKE IT EASY BOOK LAUNCH!

It’ll be a chance to cap off the book publishing process (ordeal?) and Themeprov is always a really fun night. If you’re in Amsterdam, you should definitely come.

Facebook event is here!

NOTE: copies of the book are currently on their way to me, and will hopefully be shipping out to backers before the end of February. Although, considering how short February is, it may be more like early March.

I've also started recording the audiobook. The downside of recording the audiobook is that I discovered the book has some ideas that could’ve been expressed better, and even a couple small typos that will drive me nuts for the rest of my life.

However, I’ve decided to let those imperfections go, for the following reasons.

Even though it’s a finished product, this book is also just part of a process of growth as a writer.
Self-publishing has shown me how much I need to know in terms of project management. so I'm in a much better position than before
It's a great opportunity to try to take it easy. If I were a startup bro, I'd call this activity "Eating my own dogfood"

I've been enjoying the idea of making this year a depth year. Trying to do more of the things I like, rather than just dipping into new pursuits, hobbies, books and the like.

Why does February have only 28 days? Thanks to the superstitions ancient Romans!

My friend David Shore is coming to Amsterdam and teaching a workshop on 17 March. It's called "Get out of your Head" and should be awesome.