Escape the Clouds

Jamming on some bass tonight and doing some songwriting before I head out for the evening to a classical guitar concert.

Just received my BYOK yesterday, a Bring Your Own Keyboard writing device that I helped fund via Kickstarter. It's designed to be a portable, distraction-free means of getting writing done, with an automatic sync to the cloud. It delivers on that aspect, but with some caveats.

What I didn't realize was that it was also *formatting* free. I've used their online cloud writing app (app.byok.io) for a bit, which allows you to do the usual formatting: bold, italic, underline, center justify, outlines, etc.

However, I was disappointed to find the unit itself only uses straight-up text (.TXT) files. When you allow a cloud file to sync to the device itself, it strips out all formatting. Of course, you can't format any text on the device either. Not cool. Even just B/I/U would be very welcome.

Other things I hope they address:
1) Allow text selection and cursor movement options (as listed on the image.)
2) Remembering the last keyboard you connected, so you don't have to fully re-pair the same keyboard every single time you turn on the BYOK. That's annoying.

It's an interesting unit whose basic functionality is there, but there are some definite shortcomings that should be addressed. Looking forward to more firmware updates and getting some undistracted writing done!

My new single "Rising Tides" is out today... coincidentally during an actual flood warning here in Seattle! Link in the description.

The song is inspired by my friend's debut novel Breakwater, set in a near-future Miami, FL that's drowning under the effects of climate change. A pregnant teacher and her mother must navigate rising floods, the quickening collapse of civilization, and answer the question: "How much change can one survive?"

Breakwater by Vivian Wilderbridge is available everywhere in both eBook and print formats.

She and I are both ex-Miami residents and she really captures the feel of the city. It's a powerful, beautifully written novel and I couldn't recommend it more.