So it shall be written, so it shall be done

What's next for the book, a YouTube experiment and a really, really big snake

I don’t know how it happened, but I wrote a book. Back in October 2020 I signed a deal with Hachette’s Center Street imprint to do a book on the political virtues of Star Wars. Virtues that if we took them as more than mere suggestions, could make us both happier people and our politics better. Last week I hit send on that manuscript, 24 hours before my contractual due date, and now it’s in production.

The book clocked in at about 45,000 words….7 chapters (instead of the original plan of 10) plus an introduction and epilogue. I have some high hopes for who will be writing the Foreward to the book. Recognizable names. Just wait! The chapters I settled on are as follows: Humility, Empathy, Hope, Facing Fear, Redemption, Balance, Choice. Fun fact: you can actually already pre-order the book. It’s listed on Amazon and the publisher is tracking the orders. The current art and subtitle on Amazon are incorrect and will be updated. But…if you just got paid this week or have a few dollars you could part with — no time like the present!! If you order, post a screencap about it on social media and I’ll share it & very publically love on you….cause boy howdy I’m just so thrilled you’d support this endeavor of mine. My Twitter, Facebook, Instagram.

How the Force Can Fix The World: Lessons on Life, Liberty and Happiness from a Galaxy Far, Far Away….is just around the corner.

By the FORCE is this really happening??

I think we’re gonna name the chapters more cleverly. But for now, those are the topics I chose to cover for the universally positive and accepted virtues of the Star Wars story. Now that the huge burden of meeting that due date has been satisfied, I hope to turn now to more regular podcasting and writing to promote the ideas of the book. I see tie-ins to the lessons within it on the news — every single day

The thing I am most excited about right now, is that someone reached out to say they’re eager to read the book. When I looked at that persons Instagram, they turned out to be an artist. A really good one. So I asked them if they’d be be interested in doing original Star Wars themed-art for the chapter headings. Stay tuned for more details on this. In the meantime, go follow Aaron Gray on Instagram. Love his work.

Aaron Gray’s work, Bright Tuesday Design

Next up in this email update — if you follow my work and Star Wars-ing, you know I’m a podcaster first and foremost. That’s how I got my start doing ALL OF THIS and it’s my preferred medium. That being said, since I got a gig hosting a TV-YouTube show, I’m trying to get more comfortable with YouTube. So I’ve been doing a little Star Wars talk on my Channel. My goal is to build a YouTube channel that blends self-help, philosophy, chill politics and a love of Star Wars into some snappy videos and commentary. Last week I piloted a series I’ll be doing with my daughter called MASTER & APPRENTICE, which will be Star Wars analysis for parents and their kids to both enjoy together.

And yesterday I did a little talk about JJ Abrams and the sequel trilogy, underpinned by my view of conspiracy-type thinking and how it interacts with Star Wars fandom.

I’m going to be getting back on the saddle with the Beltway Banthas Podcast TODAY and break ground on a new run of episodes. So bear with me as I transition back from writing this book and toward all my other projects again. It was somewhat all-consuming. In the meantime, I am recommitting myself to taking time to hangout with this community…and so I’ve opened a Google Hangout room for Thursday evenings at 9PM EST. I want to reconnect with everyone and just have some time to talk, catch up, share things going on or things on our minds. That can be Star Wars, politics, life or whatever. << if you want me to add you to a Google calendar item for this recurring Hangout, let me know! >>

BELTWAY BANTHAS HANGOUT

Thursday, May 27 · 9:00 – 10:30pm

Google Meet joining info

Video call link: https://meet.google.com/vpr-pkyk-zfh

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On the personal front….my kid and I have really gotten into doing weekend wildlife excursions. She is a huge Steve Irwin fan and wants to be a herpetologist (reptile expert) when she grows up. Here is her latest catch, a giant freaking black snake she wrangled OUT OF A TREE without batting an eye or fear. She is unbelievably inspiring to me. I am very frightened by snakes. I have Indiana Jones-syndrome about them. But because she loves them so dearly, I have tried to make peace with it and make sure I know just enough to keep her safe. And lo & behold, we’re having a great time together with this little hobby.

Thanks everyone for reading, and may the Force be with you — always