I think things are coming together. It’s still slow, but there might be a light at the end of the tunnel.
Status
Marva Collins Series
School Days and Working Class are both available on Audible now. Rumor has it that Hard Knocks will be up for pre-order soon but I haven’t had any solid word from Podium on that yet.
Shackleford House
You know how in the springtime, everything’s cold and frozen? Then one day you step outside and there’s water dribbling in the gutters, that pesky patch of ice near the back stoop has melted, and you think maybe – just maybe – spring is on the way?
Yeah. That. Small trickles but I feel like the story might be thawing out a bit. Fingers crossed on that.
What Am I Reading?
Looking back over the last 4 weeks, I’ve read a lot of different things. More next books in a series, most of which I’ve already mentioned here. I tried some of James Haddock’s fantasy and really enjoyed Wizard’s Alley. Bruce Sentar’s Magic Mantle (book 1 of Ard’s Oath) is actually better than the cover would have me believe. For lack of a better description, I’ll go with “strong polyamory” content, so fair warning.
But Kristina McMullen’s Space Girl From Earth, book 1 in the Kyroibi Saga, hit all the right buttons. A really interesting space opera involving secrets and mysteries that Ellie has to deal with, often in the most frustrating ways possible, in order to figure out what the heck has gotten her mother’s knickers in a twist.
Honestly, I’ve been passing this over for weeks. It kept popping up in my recommendations but I always has something else ahead of it in the sample queue. I got to it the other day and I’m glad I did.
But don’t take my word for it. Maybe grab a sample and see if it works for you, too.
Looking Ahead
I’ve been bitten by the fountain pen bug and really enjoying the new experience of writing with pen and ink. I’m trying to improve my penmanship which means I’m doing a lot of hand writing drills, but I’m also doing a lot of writing. Organizing the story with pen and paper has given me some more insights and started me chipping away at the Cat’s frozen story.
The progress is slow, still, but I’m working with the idea of momentum. The writing engine has been all but frozen for the last six months but the words are starting to come back with the spring. The direction feels much better – more authentic, less forced.
Fingers crossed that this new sense of fun and some warmer weather will thaw out my brain and get the Cat purring along this month.
Until next month, safe voyage.
-N
Glad to hear that the Cat is thawing. Butler is one of my favourite books and I’m looking forward to the sequel. Be careful of the fountain pen, they can be addictive especially when you find the perfect one for yourself.
And a very safe voyage to you and yours, too, Nathan!
Glad to know the cat is still lurking. Shackleford is one of my favorites. On a personal note, I hope things continue to improve for your health. I have been on a similar journey, and I know the wearing of the sand in the gears can be hard to manage over time.
Good to hear there is some progress, even if slow and halting.
Have you found a fountain pen you really like so far? One of my favorites dates from when I was doing graphic design and it was strongly recommended by instructors: the Rotring Artpen. Uses cartridges for refill in multiple colors and comes with a variety of available nibs, both of which are easy to swap.
My first pen is still my favorite – Lamy Safari.
My Wing Sung 612 is really nice. I also like my Jinhao X-159 (the only other one I’ve purchased as new).
But I’ve got a lot of other pens to try out in my collection so I might find one I like better.
I highly recommend a TWSBI. Specifically a Vac700 or the 580 Models. Only difference is the Vac is a Vacuum filler and the 580 is a piston filler. And they are more expensive than the Lamy Safari, slightly. They hit way above their weight class. They are also a demonstrator fountain pen so you see the entire internals and the ink inside. To me it always gives me a stronger connection to putting the ink on the paper and a more mindfulness of what I am writing. It also lets me feel different connections to different inks.
So glad to hear that Shackleford House II is thawing. The Wizard’s Butler has become one of my very favorite books ( and audiobooks) to read and reread when the world is too much with me. And I’ve read thousands of books, as I wade into the sunset years. I cherish my classics, my great books, romance and mystery, my cherished sci-fi and fantasy—and the “The Wizard’s Butler.” I hope you enjoy the art of your fountain pen, the warmth of the spring, the voice of your muse, and the sincere thanks and good wishes of your many readers.
Stop in regularly for updates here. I’ve read Ishmael’s tales half a dozen times. And each time when I get to the end it makes me sad there’s not more.
And then I found the Wizard’s Butler, and read it all in one sitting (OOPS!), thanks again for keeping this nerd busy, and good vibes for a full recovery!