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[Write the Story] An Interrupted Journey

Posted by reudaly on May 3, 2019 in Write the Story, Writing with Comments closed |

Prompt: An Interrupted Journey

Words: butterfly effect, vulture, cramp, industry, purge, scruple, snorkel, snitch, warning, unless

Story
“What happens when a butterfly effect is more along the size of a vulture?” Patrick asked as he dumped water out of his snorkel. “I mean, I don’t want to cramp anyone’s style, but if we’ve changed history, this could be very bad.”

Jeri rolled her eyes. “Now you get the inkling of a scruple? Give me a break. You knew what you were signing up for.”

Patrick suddenly turned and purged the contents of his stomach in the weeds on the water line.

“A little warning next time!” Jeri jumped out of range of the vomit. Then she paused. “Wait, that shouldn’t happen. It’s never happened before. What’s wrong?”

Patrick wiped his mouth. Jeri didn’t like the slightly gray-green tinge to his skin. “I don’t know. Nausea wasn’t in the industry literature?”

“Are you going to be all right to finish the mission?” Jeri dub into her pack and handed Patrick a medicine kit. “We need to go.”

They only made it a few yards before Patrick retched again. This time he broke out in sweat. Jeri bit back a curse.

“The snitch’s information was clear…” she said. “We’ll have to abort.”

“Unless you go without me.”

Jeri hesitated then shook her head. “Together or not at all. We abort.”

“And history remains unchanged.”

Word Count: 215

Written: 5/2/2019

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[Pen/Pencil Review] Pentel Hybrid Technica 0.4mm Black Stick Pen

Posted by reudaly on April 30, 2019 in Review, writing instruments with Comments closed |

This week, I’m reviewing the Pentel Hybrid Technica 0.4mm gel ink pen in black. I either picked up this pen at Asel Art Supply because they ran a little bit cheaper because they were “loose” and not in Pentel packaging or at Kinokuniya. They’re also available (along with refills) at JetPens.com and the pen averages about $2.00.
clear barrel pen with cap posted
Technically it’s designed as an “art” pen, but I actually like the way it handles as a writing pen. There is a bit of smearing in the ink if you smudge it right away. It does take a moment – a couple of seconds – to fully dry. The line is smooth and mostly consistent – it’s smoother than the 0.3mm just for the extra tiny bit of line. The line is just that fine, but the ink is dark and easy to read.

And for a needle point gel pen, the mechanics are solid. Pentel says it’s tungsten carbide, and I’ll go with that. I wouldn’t know stainless steel from tungsten just by looking, but I know the point feels solid. I have no indication that I’m going to bend or break the tip of this pen but pushing hard.
writing sample
The Pentel ink in the Hybrid Technica is acid free and archival safe – though I’d probably use a bolder tip if I were to use this for something like scrapbooking, unless you’re needing to insert comments into a tiny space.

It’s a comfortable pen. It has a soft rubber grip and is ~6 inches long with the cap posted, and just over 5 inches long capped. It fits well into my hand, and I’ve been using it pretty much exclusively for the last two days without excessive writer’s cramp or fatigue. It’s a good solid pen for long-term use.

Now to the numbers:

1. How does it work?0.5 This pen works well. The ink flows well and it’s comfortable. HOWEVER, there is a drying time issue.
2. Grip and feel1 – The pen is light but well-balanced. It has a good rubber grip that’s comfortable for long use.
3. Material0.5 This is an inexpensive gel pen that has the ability to be refilled. It’s a good workhorse pen.
4. Overall Design1 -Again, a good work horse pen. It’s solidly built, but not “utilitarian”.
5. Price Point1 – At about $2.00 a pop with the ability to be refilled? I call this an excellent value. For this price, I’m actually about to go buy the other point sizes to see which I like best.

I give it 4 out of 5 bronze pencils.

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[Write the Story] Tumultuous Soulmates are on Opposing Sides of a Conflict

Posted by reudaly on April 26, 2019 in Write the Story, Writing with Comments closed |

Prompt: Tumultuous Soulmates are on Opposing Sides of a Conflict

Words: apothecary, bow tie, ladylike, sprocket, mushroom, scrounge, frenzy, match, oust, prisoner

Story

“If you’re going to wear a bow tie, you need to learn how to tie it properly.” Cassie pulled Ben to her and pulled the strip of silk free and retied it. “Where did you scrounge this up anyway?”

“Is that a ladylike thing to say?” Ben tucked a matching square into his jacket breast pocket and hooked the sprocket watch fob on to his vest button.

“I’m an apothecary, not a lady, and now I need to get to the shop. The mushrooms…”

“You’ve been in a frenzy over these mushrooms. I feel like we’re prisoners to the fungus.”

Cassie rolled her eyes. “Overdramatic much?”

“Hello, kettle. Have you met pot?”

“This has always been my dream. My calling is to help people through natural means and oust charlatans of ‘pseudomagic’.”

“Right. Yes, of course. You realize as the Imperial Wizard, I am one of those ‘charlatans’ you just railed against.”

Cassie kissed the tip of Ben’s nose. “Of course, I know. It’s one of the reasons I love you. I can practice all my tactics on you.”

“You do have unfair tactics.” Ben shrugged on his jacket. “And it’s not ‘magic’. It’s science. It just seems like magic because it’s new.”

Cassie rolled her eyes. “Let’s just agree to disagree on what to call it, shall we. I’ll see you for dinner later.”

“Can’t wait.”

Word Count: 227

Written: 4/20 & 22/19

Notes: One… binge watched a season of Hallmark’s GOOD WITCH when I wrote this. Also, note that I failed miserably at continuity in only 200 words. How many jackets is Ben wearing? How many times can I used “pulled” in one or two lines? These are all things that would be fixed in normal editing that I don’t do here (but will if we ever publish this).

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[Pen/Pencil Review] Bone Ballpoint Pen Set

Posted by reudaly on April 23, 2019 in Review, writing instruments with Comments closed |

Last week I introduced you to an artisan version of a BIC pen, something cool and unique. This is also something unique and cool – but really, really not artisan. This was a birthday gift from my friend, Meredith. It was a package of bone-shaped pens – 5 styles, 20 pieces. And also because I have skull pens and the like, she was still honoring my role as Zoe/Death in Redheads of the Apocalypse.

These are super fun, somewhat practical, and really weird. My knowledge of anatomy is severely lacking, so please don’t judge when I make generalized designations of what the bones could be. I really don’t know. I think I can get close – but there’s one that could be either arm OR leg. There is no scale (obviously) to anything – the finger one might actually be “life-size” if someone had a particularly large hand, the others are MUCH smaller than human sized.

These bone pens are smooth plastic in an ivory color. They run about 5.75″ long with metal tipped ink inserts. They have plastic cone “caps” that will easily get lost. There is no posting. They’re definitely novelties. There are no ergonomics and weird shapes and lumps – so they’re not exceptional uncomfortable, but they’re also not the most comfortable.

These novelty pens come in a fine point tip – Amazon says 0.7mm, I gave it a 0.8mm in my writing sample. The ink puts down a good line but there can be a little glopping. That means some smearing on glossy paper. It does dry quickly, though.

These are awesomely inexpensive on Amazon and probably wholesalers like Daiso’s main page or Alibaba or Oriental Trading company. I’m not going to out my friend on what she spent on my gift – or inadvertently point out that she overspent (because Amazon). They’re ridiculously amazing, and if bone pens are your thing…search Bone Pen on Amazon. You can get 5 pieces and up, and if you get the right deal, usually less than $1.
The numbers:
1. How does it work?1 – It’s a cheap, plastic set of novelty ballpoint pens. They work like they work, which is slightly better than expected.
2. Grip and feel0.5 – There’s nothing soft and squishy about bone pens – except not real bone…plastic. Since it’s molded plastic in bone designs, there are lumps, bumps, and weird angles. They’re not UNCOMFORTABLE, but not altogether comfortable either.
3. Material1 This is high-quality plastic. It’s sturdy but light with metal tips
4. Overall Design0.5 – It’s very “engineered” looking. They look like bones. They’re super cool and in a fine point ball point. It’s so very fun. But, like above, not super comfortable.
5. Price Point1 – They Are. SUPER. Cheap. I got these as a gift, so bear with me here. These seem to run about $0.50 to about $1 apiece depending on how many you get – bulk is cheaper. You can get them easily online in bulk.

I give it 4.0 out of 5 Bronze Pencils

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[Write the Story] A Lucky Break

Posted by reudaly on April 19, 2019 in Write the Story, Writing with Comments closed |

Prompt: A Lucky Break

Words: City Hall, feminist, myth, interpreter, maverick, raccoon, radiant, scram, off-switch, logic

Story

“How did you get the interview?” Miranda tried to be happy, but she had a hitch in her voice. “I’ve been trying to get my foot in the door of City Hall for years.”

Lauren shrugged as she rummaged through a tattered bag. “Maybe it was my stellar resume…” Miranda barely suppressed a snort. “Or maybe it was because I beat a rabid raccoon off the mayor.”

“What?” Miranda’s mind went blank as if shut down by an off-switch. “You’re not going to become some kind of mutant super villain, are you?”

“It wasn’t a radioactive raccoon, Miranda. That’s a comic book myth, but it would be cool. Hey!” Lauren whirled and jabbed a finger. “You went straight to villain! Why not hero?”

“You’re a maverick. You’re a flaming, loud-mouthed feminist. At the first sign of trouble, you scream. That’s not hero material.”

“By that logic, neither are you, Miss Miranda.” Lauren’s smirk carried a radiant quality. “We are very much alike.”

“Of course, because we’re twins.”

“Then a success for one should be a success for both.”

Miranda couldn’t come up with words. “Okay, I might actually need an interpreter for that one.”

“If I get the job, I can open doors for both of us.” Lauren put her hands on Miranda’s shoulders. “First City Hall, then the world. This is our lucky break.”

“Totally the villain.”

Word Count: 228

Written: 4/11/19

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[Pen/Pencil Review] Baux Pen Company

Posted by reudaly on April 17, 2019 in Review, writing instruments with Comments closed |

This week’s pen review is going to be a little bit different. It’s a pen, but with no writing sample – for reasons that shall become clear. This particular pen was a birthday gift from Jimmy through a Kickstarter project so there’s going to be a few unusual bits. The pen comes from the same family as my Spoke Pencil from ages ago – which has now become part of Jimmy’s Pentel P205 collection — Baux Pen Company.

So, these pens are machined aluminum with anodized satin colors – mine is black. But the barrel is only half the length of the pen. The other half is the machined grip that comes in aluminum, titanium, and brass. We got the titanium grip, because titanium is cool. We had options for the end plug – that’s where the green comes in. The pen has a slightly tapered end toward the plug which allows the cap to post. The pen is 6” long with the cap it came with, and a smidge over 6.5″ capped. It’s pretty well balanced – good weight without being “hefty”.
Metal pen with titanium grip and personalized engraving.
Now, you may have noticed that I said, “cap it came with” and that there wouldn’t be a writing sample. This is not usual but Baux pens are a newish type thing. It’s kind of like one of my several Sherpa Sharpie covers, and yet it’s not. These pen bodies are designed to take the classic BIC ink insert – so the pen can be almost any point size and color. It came with a standard BIC Round Stic in black, so 1.0mm. The cap is the one that came with the original pen.

For a metal grip, it is comfortable. It’s a good length and weight. And, honestly? DARNED COOL LOOKING. Because what’s not cool about a BIC-style pen that you can nearly concuss someone with. They’re also customizable and engravable. I ended up with my married name because I thought I’d use it more at work (like this week).
Metal pen uncapped with the grip unscrewed from the barrel.
But, they’re “artisan” pens. They are not cheap. I don’t remember how much Jimmy backed the Kickstarter for, but they’re on the Baux Pen Co. website for between $9.50 and $15.50 depending on which metals you choose for the grip – aluminum is less expensive than brass or titanium, and custom engraving is more expensive than the straight Baux logo.
Metal pen uncapped with the grip unscrewed and the ink popped out to show refill.
The Conti brothers know how to make a relatively common writing instrument (BIC and Pentel P -205) new and exciting. Go them.
The numbers:
1. How does it work?1It’s a BIC pen in a metal case. The cap fits well on the post. It’s easy to refill – though the grip has the longest threading of any pen I’ve ever had.
2. Grip and feel1 – There’s nothing soft and squishy about the pen – it’s all metal. They have made an attempt at ergonomics with the ribbing, but it does flow well into the point, so it’s pretty awesome.
3. Material1 This is high-quality anodized aluminum. It’s sturdy but light. It does seem to be top notch materials.
4. Overall Design1 – It’s very “engineered” looking. It’s sharp, it’s well-designed. It’s pretty while being utilitarian. Someone put a lot of thought and work into this design to make it “new” when there’s not a lot you can do with a BIC pen. They get credit for that.
5. Price Point0.5 – They Are. Not. Cheap. I got this one for a gift, so bear with me here. Jimmy was an early supporter – so I have no idea what HE paid – which probably isn’t what’s on the site. The website sells these for $9.50 – $15.50 depending on what options. I’m only knocking a half point off because they’re artisan. This is not something you can get in a store. They’re functional art work. I want some more eventually. For writer stuff, you know, and different engravings and colors.

I give it 4.5 out of 5 Bronze Pencils

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[Write the Story] The Loss of a Loved One

Posted by reudaly on April 12, 2019 in Write the Story, Writing with Comments closed |

Prompt: The Loss of a Loved One

Words: bachelor, chandelier, ladybug, Muslim, strive, inverse, mannerism, balance, overreact, prime

Story

Lisa blinked in the glittering lights of the antique chandelier in Uncle Tapping’s foyer. She never quite understood her bachelor uncle’s decorating style except it was as over the top as his mannerism. A lump formed in her throat at the thought of him no longer alive.

“Excuse me, miss?”

Lisa stifled a cry as she tried to regain her balance after being startled. But as she took a deep breath, the other person registered. “You must be Nadia.”

The Muslim woman in a ladybug hijab nodded. “Apologies for startling you, miss.”

“And I apologize for my overreact. Please call me Lisa. Uncle Tapping spoke highly of you. You were his student?”

“Yes. We worked on inverse gravitational law and the prime dimensional shifts. I will strive to finish the work we started.”

“I’m sure he would appreciate that…”

“Oh, it’s not just in his memory. I think I found a way to bring him back. If I can figure out the last of the equations we can roll back the veil and open the dimensional gateways.”

“You’re saying Uncle Tapping may not be dead?” Lisa couldn’t believe what she was hearing.

“I never said he was dead. I said he was gone. Lost. We can bring him back.”

“We?”

“I’m going to bring him back, and I need your help.”

Word Count: 221

Written: 4/9/19

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[Pen/Pencil Review] Daiso 2 in 1 Pen and Stamp Set

Posted by reudaly on April 9, 2019 in Review, writing instruments with Comments closed |

I love Daiso. So much so that I just had to introduce my friend, Nora, to this amazing place when she came down. You see, Nora and I love a good bargain – resale shops, dollar stores (the good ones), and she had never heard of Daiso. This had to change. She LOVED it, and I love the stationary section and tend to overboard it there.
image of four pens and stamps in package
This is one of those times. This time I picked up the multi-pack of the 2 in 1 pen and stamp pens. This stemmed from the fact I forgot to take my weird $1 bin stamps that I bought last year for a writer thing to this year’s writer thing – WORD in the Field this time. They do a bingo card. I could’ve used these there.
image of the ink and stamps of pens
These pens are half 0.7mm fiber tipped pens/markers (THAT much I can read on the package and got wrong in the writing samples) in primary colors – red, green, blue, and orange – and half 5mm self-inking stamps – heart, musical note, star, and flower – in contrasting shades/colors. (Wow that’s a huge sentence.) These pens are pretty long, 6.5″ both capped and posted. The pen tapers to a textured grip and guard to the fiber tip. The tip seems pretty sturdy.
image of four pens and stamps of various shades of green, red, yellow, and blue
The ink takes a second or two to dry. The writing tip dries more quickly (which seems obvious) than the stamp ink. The symbol of the stamps are designs on the cap. The stamp cap doesn’t post, but the pen end does. The colors are bright and a somewhat vibrant – though it’s water-based ink, so don’t get it wet.

They’re just…adorable. And they’re Daiso, so $1.50 for the package? Nothing beats that.

Now to the numbers:

1. How does it work?1 This pen works well. The ink flows well and is pretty dark and rich. The stamps work the way one would expect.
2. Grip and feel0.5 – It’s plastic. Well done plastic but completely plastic. There are some ridges for the cap lock that can dig in.
3. Material1 It’s all plastic but for the most part the detailing and design are pretty nifty. I half expect something on it to dry out pretty quickly – likely the stamp ends first.
4. Overall Design1 – Okay, I like it since it managed to surprise me. The ink and design are well done. I see this as a solid, fun pen and stamp.
5. Price Point1 – You can’t beat this. 4 pens plus stamps for $1.50 at Daiso. Even if they all dry out in less than a week? TOTALLY worth it. I hope I can keep them around or find them again the next time I need something for like Writer Bingo.

I give it a 4.5 out of 5 bronze pencils.

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[Write the Story] The Main Character Witnesses a Crime

Posted by reudaly on April 5, 2019 in Write the Story, Writing with Comments closed |

Prompt: The Main Character Witnesses a Crime

Words: Christmas, almond, paisley, lion, pipe, scream, fade, French horn, inflate, maple

Story
“Hello, 911? I think a crime’s been committed. Please send the police. I think it’s a robbery?”

“So, what do you think was stolen?” the police officer asked an hour or so later.

“It’s not that anything was…stolen…it was left behind?”

“Excuse me?”

The officer was understandably confused but trying to explain it made me want to scream. “Come with me. Let me show you.”

I took Officer Skeptical into the parlor. There, scattered everywhere were…things. A stuffed lion with a jaunty paisley bow. A gleaming French horn. And more.”

“Oh, one thing is gone,” I said. “An entire plate of almond cookies.”

“Did you see who did this?”

Finally! He was taking me seriously. “I only caught a glimpse, and it was weird. It was an older guy, and he didn’t so much break in as like inflate from nothing. He had white hair and a beard with a pipe that smelled like maple syrup. Then when he was done he seemed to fade out.”

The cop closed his notebook and gave me a sad, pitying look. “This wasn’t a crime, ma’am.”

“Then what was it?”

“Christmas, ma’am,” he said. “It was Christmas. You saw Santa. These are gifts. Have a nice night, ma’am.”

As the cop left, I swore I heard bells and a ho, ho, ho.

Word Count: 219

Written: 4/4/19

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[Pen/Pencil Review] Conference Edition

Posted by reudaly on April 3, 2019 in Review, writing instruments with Comments closed |

So, yeah, I missed yesterday because I have been at a work conference.

Eight different ink pens from various vendors from a conference.

The conference pen haul and some souvenirs.

It’s been a great conference. Lots to think about and be better at in terms of online Whole Community communication. One speaker proposed a concept that I think for her was either an analogy or a metaphor but really needs to be a thing – Universal Design for Communication. Mind blown.

Everything will be back to normal (I think) tomorrow afternoon when I get back to Texas. Tennessee has been great but I am ready to come home.

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