TRANSMISSION #22 // WRITING ABOUT ROGUES, RENEGADES & REBELS

 

One of the many things I love about writing for a living is the research. 

The chance to interact with interesting and unexpected people; (detectives, morticians, airline pilots, scientists and snipers are just a few I’ve interviewed). 

Experience unexpected scenarios (going high speed in a Lamborghini, all night ride-alongs with the police, dinner with Satan worshipers).

And occasionally, the opportunity for total immersion in order to understand your subject matter.

 

Along with a few video game contracts I’m currently in the midst of writing a book.

It’s a fictional tale of a man who walks away from his career and life in the city in order to write a book, have some adventures and live in the mountains.  He finds a renewed satisfaction in writing and unexpectedly finds himself embedded within a culture of ski bums and the mountain town life.

It’s purely fictional.

Suuuure it is.

 

I feel I’m uniquely qualified to write this book as my mountain life resume is pretty respectful.

I grew up riding at Red Mountain, located in Rossland, BC (do yourself a favor and visit, or at the least Google it).

 

I have mountain biked, skied, snowboarded, surfed and paddled all over the world.  Usually on someone else’s dime (I should probably do a post on the art of ‘piggy-backing-off-the-business trip’).

 

I was a ‘professional’ ski/snowboard bum.  This means I had a job that actually allowed me to spend my days riding the mountains ( ran a rather large ski and snowboard program in whistler).  It may not have paid a lot, but my staff, a typical work day and ‘benefits’ were pretty wicked.

 

When I grew up and became a full-time, ‘professional’ writer I ended up making a bunch of snowboard video games and then took some time to work for a kick ass gear company called ARC’TERYX. 

Through both I managed to enjoy considerable time in the mountains and a ridiculous amount of free and discounted equipment.

Achievement unlocked.

 

And now I’m looking to add the position of  WRITER LIVING IN THE MOUNTAINS  to my resume.

I have always looked at the traditional ski bum with a certain amount of admiration.

Yes, they are typically one step away from starvation, work is seasonal and irregular and their vehicles generally a danger to everyone around them.

But,  they are not on this planet to work.

They are here to live, love and enjoy the outdoors.

I find those who pursue this lifestyle to be rogues who destroy expectations usually associated with career, relationships and responsibilities.

Renegades who construct unique, often ridiculous methods of ‘earning’ an income and rebels who put good times ahead of just about everything else.

I have rarely met people so incredibly focused, disciplined and motivated.

It takes a uniquely capable individual to figure out how to achieve an existence filled with powder Mondays, bonfire evenings and heart pumping downhill sessions.

My book draws heavily from my own experiences and focuses heavily on interactions with the misfits, wanderers and pirates I have met.   

More than just giving me great characters and scenarios to work with, those who choose to live in the mountains inspire me to live a life worth living.  To appreciate and enjoy everything around me.

 

I admit the transition from an overworked urban-living writer/producer/project manager/game designer to freelance writer has not been the easiest. 

Re-prioritizing my stresses, priorities and financial responsibilities is taking some time.

But I’m working through it and my current environment really helps.

So would a few more writing contracts.

just sayin’.

 

I encourage those who write, whenever possible, to immerse yourself in a concept and to interact with those who will become your characters. 

You may gain more than just ideas.

 

END TRANSMISSION.

 – SEAN