[Write the Story] The Villain is Really the Hero
Prompt: The Villain is Really the Hero
Words: witchcraft, recommend, sand dollar, fisticuff, paprika, eyeball, nightlight, gibberish, infuriating, dreadful
Story
“Please, foul sorceress, do not smite me with thy black magic.â€
“Oh, for heaven’s sake, it’s not witchcraft. It’s PAPRIKA! Get up and stop that thee/thou gibberish and speak plainly.â€
The velvet and gold clad nobleman sputtered, turning white then red as he struggled to his feet. “Are you always so dreadful infuriating, Petunia?â€
“If I had a sand dollar for every time…I’d have a beach. What brings you here?†She waved her hand around her kitchen. “What am I supposed to have done now? Or is this some inheritance quest?â€
“Neither?†Noble boy sounded less certain. “You, see this was this fisticuff…um, fight…â€
“Spit it out. And have the good grace to introduce yourself.â€
The noble – Lord Kip – apologized and laid out his tale of woe and revenge. “If you can recommend a spell or anything, I would really be in your debt, but, you know, not dying would be great.â€
“Hmmm…it might be fun to kill you, but hard on the floors. Having a lordling in my debt, that’s interesting.â€
“You would also be averting a long, drawn out war by stopping it in its tracks.†He stopped talking again, uncertain and frightened by the gleam in her eyes.
“Take the Eyeball of Darkin and recite these words?†She handed him a talisman and a sheet of paper.
“What does it do?â€
“I use it as a nightlight, but others think it’ll turn children into toads. Have fun with that.â€
“You’re my hero.â€
“Don’t let anyone hear you say that. I have a reputation.â€
Word Count: 256
Written: 11/25/18
[Pen/Pencil Review] Monami Olika Fountain Pen – Green
This is actually a pen I could’ve sworn I’d already reviewed, but apparently not. There’s no record of it. It was part of my initial Kinokuniya/Daiso trip to Carrollton. This is the Monami Olika fountain pen. I bought two – a blue and a green. This one is of the green because holiday colors.
The Monami Olika is what I would consider an “everyday carry” type fountain pen. It’s translucent green plastic not quite a demonstrator, but close. It’s about 5.5″ long capped and just over 6″ with the cap posted. The body is slightly curved that’s narrower in the middle and wider at the grip and post. The narrower portion is designed to sit in the web of the thumb.
The grip of pen is dimpled black rubber that allows comfort, stability and long use. The cap posts securely on the barrel with the barrel being smooth. The cap has a molded plastic in a solid arch. There’s little chance of the clip breaking off. The nib is a fine point steel with some flexibility to keep it easy and comfortable. The pen is easily refillable but with a proprietary cartridge.
The ink started out light and then turned darker on me. Maybe their proprietary cartridge isn’t quite as proprietary as I thought. It might be the first cartridge was a lighter green than the other two that came with it or I might’ve ended up getting a Nakimi or some other non-international short cartridge. The flexibility of the nib helps with a smooth flow to the ink. The color is good and strong. I like it.
The numbers:
1. How does it work? – 1 – It works like it’s supposed to. The nib is smooth and solid. The barrel is light but well-balanced with a good feel. The nib feels strong, like it won’t bend if you’re heavy-handed writer.
2. Grip and feel – 1 – There are solid nods to ergonomics. The grip is comfortable along with the curve to the barrel. It’s comfortable.
3. Material – 0.5 – It is what it is, a plastic basic fountain pen. It’s light but comfortable. The ink
4. Overall Design – 1 – This is a solid beginner or every day pen.
5. Price Point – 1 – It’s $5.50 on JetPens, don’t remember what it was at Kinokuniya, which isn’t bad for a refillable fountain pen. There are refills available also for $5.50 for 5 cartridges. So not the cheapest things ever but also not bad for something than can last quite a while.
That’s 4.5 of 5 bronze pencils.
[Write the Story] A Story Pulled From Today’s Headline and Rewritten
Prompt: A Story Pulled From Today’s Headlines and Rewritten
Words: boxer, cherry blossom, magic, implement, artwork, safety, chime, chain link, towel, ingredient
Story
Search for Alien Life Leads to Finding Water…
“But what kind of aliens are we talking about?†Perry demanded, wiping sweat from a balding head with a towel. “You better have more than artwork, too. Water’s great and all but come on. With dips in sales we need better.â€
Lane sighed. “For the safety of everyone involved, we stuck with the scientific ingredients for life. Water in the atmosphere and the like. The pictures of aliens dressed like boxers are cliché now.â€
“But I’m not feeling the magic, Lane.†Perry dismounted the exercise bike as carefully as if he climbed a chain link fence. “This feel smore like a cherry blossom puff piece.â€
Before Lane could defend the piece any further, Perry’s phone chimed. “What? Oh, yes sir. You have? It is? We do? We can! It’ll be taken care of, sir.†He hung up the phone and narrowed his eyes at Lane. “Word from on high. Rework the story. Play down the water angle. Play up the aliens.â€
“Didn’t we just talk about this?â€
“But not for the reasons we discussed. Apparently, the Water Wars have begun. Finding off-planet water means so much more.â€
“And now we’re implements of an intergalactic conspiracy? How do you want me to play it? In search of water, scientists discover alien life?â€
“Works for me.â€
Word Count: 222
Written: 11/24/18
[Pen/Pencil Review] The Write Crap Pen – Black Ink
This weekend we did a Daiso run on the way to an annual holiday party. This is always an interesting thing to do. I found something I had to have…a pen that gives you explicit permission to write crap. It’s literally a poo emoji bobblehead pen. I had to have it. Because the one piece of advice – one of the few Writing Rules that isn’t complete crap – is to give yourself permission to write crap. Some famous writer like Bradbury or Hemmingway said all writers have a MILLION bad words in them. So let’s get to it with this amazingly awful novelty pen.
This is about the pen and not its use (necessarily). The pen is about 6.75″ long and a good 2.5″ of it is the top, emoji bobble head. If you listen REALLY HARD you can ALMOST (not really) hear Sir Patrick Stewart’s voice (I hope). The pen is a heavy resin painted (obviously) brown. The barrel is a solid piece ending at the metal where the ink is inserted. The resin barrel has a solid end so there’s a ridge that could dig in if you use it long-term.
The ink is inexpensive ballpoint – this insert is a little skippy. But it’s a 0.7mm point – because the Japanese are awesome about fine points. The ink is black and works well enough. It might smooth out more as I use it. It comes with a plastic slip of a cover for a cap – but I’ll lose that within a day of use. I always do.
These run $3 at Daiso. If you’re feeling adventurous – you can get a dozen assorted bobble emoji pens for about $27.50 at their online store. I’m tempted, but there are three pens in the bundle – and I don’t know what I would do with the others.
So get yourself to a Daiso or look the up online and get yourself a pen that encourages you to write crap, because sometimes you really need that permission and encouragement.
To the numbers:
1. How does it work? – 0.5 The ink has some skipping to it. The pen is heavy. But it’s functional and fun
2. Grip and feel – 0.5 – It’s not only a heavy material, it’s top heavy with the bobble. That way it’s tiring in the long-term use and the “cap” is easy lost.
3. Material – 1 – It’s solid resin. It’s heavy and well-made.
4. Overall Design – 1 – This is so much fun. It’s a good fun piece.
5. Price Point – 1 – These run $3 at Daiso – unless you buy them in bulk. Then it’s $27.50 for a dozen. It’s too much fun.
4.0 out of 5 Bronze Pencils
[Write the Story] Reliving Childhood Memories as an Adult
Prompt: Reliving Childhood Memories as an Adult
Words: target practice, bookmark, wizard, determination, unbridled, schedule, forward, pork loin, innermost, supposition
Story
Regression is a tricky thing, but so is regret. I guess that’s why I went forward with the procedure with determination if not unbridled enthusiasm.
“We’re ready for you, now.”
I followed the nurse into the innermost parts of the clinic, slipping the bookmark into my novel as we progressed. I let them prep and poke and put me to sleep all according to their schedule.
I awoke to the smell of Mom’s barbecue pork loin. My mouth watered. I got up and followed the scent into my kitchen – but my kitchen now. Not Mom’s, but there she was shredding pork. She couldn’t be there, though.
“You’ll want to go outside, dear. Dinner will be ready soon but not yet. ”
I did what I was told. I always did what Mom told me. My heart wrenched. She hadn’t told me what to do in a decade now. I pushed through the door to my backyard. My brothers were there for target practice on the archery range I had set up. The peaceful thunk of bolts in targets calmed me. I shot a few before I realized none of this was happening now. It had happened before. And just before I had everything ripped away. One last happy memory.
The wizard who designed regression was good. He knew the buttons to push to keep people coming back. But that was the plan to part fools from their money, right? Then what was I? someone who needed help, a fool, or both? Therein lie the supposition.
Word Count: 255
Written: 11/17/18
[Pen/Pencil Review] Pilot G2 – 0.38mm – Green Ink
This week’s pen blog launches the holiday season. December often means red and green pens. This begins the tradition again. I dug out a nice selection of the festive colors this evening and went through some to see which I’d done before. I was surprised to find out I’d never reviewed the Pilot G2 0.38mm in any color – including green.
This is a classic G2 with a clear casing with the retractable mechanism, clip, and the grip matching the color of the ink. It runs just short of 5.75″. The rubber grip is pretty comfortable for an inexpensive, every day pen. One of the things I like about it is the clear barrel that allows you to see how much ink you have left. This is a classic pen in a classic color. The green is dark – even in a 0.38mm point.
The ink is as awesome as always, the roller is smooth for a 0.38mm. These pens have good ink reservoirs with rich tints to the ink. The conical tips are smooth and lay down a solid line. The feel is good. The ink dries quickly.
These are available at some box stores – I usually find them in black, but they also come in the “primary” colors of pens – red, blue, black, green. I do love the green in this point size. I’ve had this one quite a while and it still writes well with little priming – even after lying in a box for who knows how long. They’re relatively inexpensive, about $7 for a 4 pack, which is less than $2 a piece.
To the numbers:
1. How does it work? – 1 The ink is strong and comes in decent point sizes – including the “ultra fine” 0.38mm. The retraction mechanism is solid.
2. Grip and feel – 1 – It’s fairly basic retractable pen with a decent drip that hasn’t changed much over time, but it still gives a comfortable feel for long-term use.
3. Material – 1 – It’s rubberized and translucent plastic pen. It’s solid for what it is.
4. Overall Design – 1 – These are a standard. They’ve not changed much over time, which is good. It’s never been broken, so there’s nothing really to fix. The pen is colorful, comfortable, and solid.
5. Price Point – 0.5 – These run just under $2 a pop which is about on par. They are refillable, but you probably have to go to someplace like JetPens or some other retailer to find them in the 0.38mm
4.5 out of 5 Bronze Pencils
[Write the Story] Based on a True Story
I am almost caught up. I really do have to write more. Much more. I have been very slow with my writing lately and that kind of sucks. I had great intentions for this weekend – holidays and such did divert. But I promise though I seem to live in this world…
I’m doing my best to tranquilize those squirrels…or find some ducks as they migrate.
Prompt: Based on a True Story
Words: Mongols, exception, gosling, elementary, coordinate, solution, tighten, shuffle, horseshoe, universe
Story
“The Mongols used homing goslings to coordinate tactics and communications as they tightened their control of the Horseshoe Universe.”
“That line is not going to work on elementary students.” Cassidy rolled her eyes. “Goslings? Baby geese? How does that work in space?”
“I’ll have you know Goslings are easily adaptable, agile beacons named after a 21st Century actor – for some reason.”
“Oh, come on. Really?” Cassidy rolled her eyes again. “They’re kids but don’t think they won’t see right through you. That story isn’t your solution, Julie.”
“It’s not a story if it’s true. Besides, this is an exception, I can’t shuffle the lesson plans now.”
“But, Julie, really? Mongols in the Horseshoe Universe?”
“It’s true! I swear, Cassidy. There was a movie based on real events.”
Cassidy snorted. “Did you find the source material? Corroborate it with other sources?”
“Um…”
“You can’t use that as a lesson. Unless you’re teaching a unit on fiction writing.” Cassidy paced. “You’ll get caught and fired.”
“You assume I am teaching history. Maybe I am teaching a fiction class.”
“Are you?”
“Based on a true story, baby. True story.”
Word Count: 186
Written: 11/1/18
[Pen/Pencil Review] Pentel Kirari Brown Ink – Thanksgiving Rerun
Pulling a review from last year to run today because it’s Thanksgiving Week here – and the Nephew’s birthday (he turns 16 tomorrow – NOOOOOOO). So there’s been some moving pieces today, but I’m determined to get back to ducks in a row (instead of squirrels at a rave). Even though it’s a re-run, it is a blog today in a color scheme for holiday.
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This week’s pen review takes a look at the Pentel Kirari Get. This one is a 0.7mm retractable with Ener-Gel ink refills. This line came from Tokyo Pen Shop and come in pink, purple, and gold. The gold is a bit beige-y for me, but for what I’m doing it’s the right color for me.
I’ve been pleasantly surprised by this pen, I’ve mentioned my tendency for retractables on the work desk. This is one of them. This one is both pretty and practical. It’s a good size – 5.75″ retracted, and 6″ with the point out. The diameter is wide enough to be comfortable, but not overly wide. The grip is shimmery rubberized with some wave patterning that makes it easy to hold onto for longer periods of time.
The barrel is beige/gold plastic base with metal accents and clip. The clip identifies the pen NOT as Kirari, but as KL307. The ink is basic black. The Ener-Gel ink is a does dry quickly, but it is a gel based ink, so there’s a drying factor on slicker paper. The 0.7mm metal tip gives a decent line – it’s not as fine as I typically love, but it’s not broad and gloppy. It’s easily legible and quick drying. It’s also refillable. BUT… what I’ve done is replace the standard black with a Ener-Gel 307 BROWN refill. Which is basically the same ink but keeps the whole pen in a earth tone feel – and I have a Hobbit journal that SCREAMS for brown ink, so I’ve been doing a lot of that lately.
This pen runs #5 on Tokyo Pen Shop. I haven’t found it anywhere else. It’s more expensive than some others, but with the refill and comfort level, it’s not a bad price. It’s one I grab often, especially if the journal is close by. If you want something different than your basic Energ-Gel or want something a bit more professional looking but not overly expensive – this one’s good. Tell the Tokyo Pen Shop Folk I sent you. Someday, we’re going to Iowa to visit them. If you’re IN or near Iowa, go on my behalf!
The numbers:
1. How does it work? – 0.5 It’s decent. No real frills but different colors and grip pattern. The ink is bold and the roller smooth. There can be some smearing, but it’s liquid ink. It happens, especially on slick paper. It does dry quickly, but needs drying time.
2. Grip and feel – 1 – It’s an inexpensive, plastic, no frills pen. It has a grip that’s pretty comfortable. The length and balance are good.
3. Material – 1 It’s recycled plastic, but it has a good mechanism and good ink. If you’re ecology conscious or just want to help keep plastic out of landfills, this is a good thing.
4. Overall Design – 1 -It’s a basic retractable liquid gel ink pen. It’s refillable or disposable. It is what it is.
5. Price Point – 0.5 – It’s a bit more expensive at $5, but it’s not overpriced considering you can’t get it easily in this country without hitting up Tokyo Pen Company – but as evidenced here, I refilled it already. The brown refill was $1.25. You can’t go wrong.
4.0 out of 5 Bronze Pencils
[Write the Story] Something Believed to be Myth is Very Real
Prompt: Something Believed to be Myth is Very Real
Words: necromancer, elm, roadmap, GPS, outside, twine, water lily, plastic, chopper, powerless
Story
“Why are we doing this, again?” Amanda stared at the GPS.
“Because we’re going to prove the necromancer is real.” Spencer studied the paper roadmap in the car’s headlights outside the Elm Fork National Forest. “You agreed to this, you know.”
“That’s when I thought this was just a Halloween camping trip with ghost stories.” Amanda tied twine to the side mirror of the car. “But if you’re sure?”
“Why string?” Spencer hefted his backpack and headed toward the trees.
“Because bread crumbs turn out so well.” Amanda drank from her plastic water bottle with the water lily on it. “I’m not going to get lost in the middle of the stinkin’ woods.”
They tramped through the forest, following all the urban legend clues and stories., deeper into the shadows. After what seemed like hours, they stumbled into a clearing with a rundown cabin.
“Really?” Amanda snorted quietly. “Cliché much?”
“It’s always worked for me.”
Amanda’s shocked cry cut off abruptly as Spencer slashed out with a knife. She leapt back, holding a hand to her neck, trying to staunch blood.
“Yes. Chopper should find you suitable.”
Amanda gurgled, powerless in the face of Spencer’s magic and blood loss. “You…?”
“How else does the myth stay alive?”
Word Count: 207
Written: 10/31/18
[Pen/Pencil Review] Daiso Stationery 0.28mm Brown Gel Pen
It’s Thanksgiving. Well, in a week – but it’s Thanksgiving SEASON (not Christmas YET). Thanksgiving is the season of brown and orange. I made my first-ever homemade pumpkin pie tonight. And it seemed appropriate to review the Daiso Stationery BROWN ink stick pen.
This is an inexpensive stick gel pen line that comes in a variety of colors with very fine points – this one is a 0.28mm point with a brown gel ink. The pen is about 5.5 inches long capped and 6.25 inches with the cap posted. The barrel is black with vents in the side to judge ink levels. There are brown plugs in the base of the barrel and the top of the cap and clip. The cap posts securely.
The ink is a chocolate brown with a long, needle point in a 0.28mm point. The line doesn’t stutter much but it feels a bit scratchy like many of these really fine points are. The reservoir is fairly long so it should last quite a while.
It can be refilled, but I’m not sure with what. This was a Daiso find, so not at all expensive. Something like $1.50 or $1.75 – Daiso’s website has them available in 12-packs for $20.16. For something fun, super fine point, and comes in a variety of colors? You can’t go wrong with the Stationery line from Daiso.
The numbers:
1. How does it work? – 1 – It works surprisingly well for a super fine point. The ink flow smoothly even if it sounds scratchy. The clip is secure.
2. Grip and feel – 0.5 – It’s an inexpensive plastic pen with a metal tip. The grip has some ridging that could dig in and some ribbing along the grip.
3. Material – 1 – It is plastic…it has inserts to check ink levels, and sturdy feel, it’s decent for what it is
4. Overall Design – 1 – It’s a good, solid pen with a fairly solid needle tip.
5. Price Point – 1 – It’s between $1.50 and $1.75 at a Daiso store – which is easier to get to this store than others.
That’s 4.5 of 5 bronze pencils.