[Write the Story] The Best Night the Main Character Won’t Remember
Prompt: The Best Night the Main Character Won’t Remember
Words: Mardi Gras, puzzle, scorpion, snout, ward, cooler, shake, tiger, exhausted, stumble
Story
“Where are we going?” Brook asked as she tried not to stumble on the uneven cobblestones. “It sounds a little like Mardi Gras.”
“That’s a whole other ward.” Avery told her as they continued toward the unknown destination.
“We better get there soon.” Rook sounded exhausted and started to shake as the temperatures turned cooler.
“We’re here.”
Brook scanned the dark alley, desperately trying to figure out where here was. Avery had dropped hints and taunts like a puzzle with no picture. No matter how many questions she asked or how she wheedled.
“Now will you tell me?”
“Why? When you can simply open the door and find out for yourself.”
“Why? When you can simply open the door and find out for yourself.”
“Wait? What door?”
Avery pointed over her shoulder. “That door.”
Brook turned to see light shining around a slap that she swore wasn’t there. “Wait. What?”
“This is the most secret, prestigious arcane club…anywhere. Are you ready?”
Now Brook wasn’t sure what caused her trembling, but she took a deep breath. “I’m ready.”
Avery knocked twice and said, “”The scorpion stings the tiger’s snout.”
The door swung open on Brook’s next adventure.
Word Count: 196
Written: 5/15/2019
[Pen/Pencil Review] The Houston Adventure
This won’t be a “for real” review – mostly because we’ve been traveling since Thursday. Houston was awesome. If I met you at Comicpalooza – thanks you for coming by the table or the panel! I appreciate the opportunity to meet so many people there, and to run into some familiar faces.
Because we had some time, not only did we do Comicpalooza, we did some other things – like touring NASA’s Johnson Space Center, and heading over to Dromgooles, a premiere pen store in Houston. As well as doing a quick jaunt down to the edge of Galveston to put toes in the Gulf of Mexico. Fortunately Jimmy is with me on this idea of if you have the opportunity to go to a beach and put toes in ocean, you should do it. So we did. It was an exhausting trip. It was an amazing trip. I don’t really want to go back to “normal life” again, but something has to support the pens.
The “astronaut” pen and Houston pen came from the Hilton-Americas Hotel gift shop. The environmental pack is the plunger for the retraction of the point. The “Houston We Have A Problem” pens are from the Johnson Space Center gift shop, as is the Fisher Space Pen with the Space Shuttle detail on the clip. Because, come on, really? Did you expect me to go to a Space Center and NOT buy a Space Pen?
The silver, tapered stick at the top with the tube that says “Napkin”? That’s the Napkin Forever Prima Pen. It’s something I saw once and thought was cool. It’s an inkless pen or leadless pencil. It apparently uses oxidation to create marks on paper – look super cool. I’ll talk more about it later. It was 30% off at Dromgoole. Also picked up a single Blackwing Volume 4 Mars pencil. Wasn’t sure I wanted a whole dozen, but I did want the single one – because Mars.
Many things to look into over the next few weeks. Looking forward to getting back to it.
[Write the Story] A Hike Through the Woods
Prompt: A Hike Through the Woods
Words: leprechaun, covert, fireball, snoop, wart, pity, backpack, practice, nausea, collar
Story
“You are being about as covert as a fireball, Travis. Can’t you try to be a little quieter? We are trying to snoop around after all.”
“Oh, come on. You really think. We’re going to find a leprechaun?” Travis snorted. “Leprechauns are myths, Julie.”
“Is that so?”
Travis jumped as a new voice seemed to come from his collar. “Who said that?”
“Travis stopped jumping around like an idiot.” Julie shrugged out of her backpack straps. “What’s wrong with you?”
“You didn’t hear a voice?”
“Just yours.” Julie rummaged through the pack and puled out a protein bar. “Do you want something…?”
The bar disappeared from her hand in an instant.
“What? Where…? Did you see that?” Julie couldn’t quite get words out. “And you thought they were myths.”
Travis gave her a look somewhere between nausea and pity. “I think we’re hallucinating because of those warty mushrooms.”
“You need to practice your manners!” Travis yelped as the voice was accompanied by a flick to his ear. “You’re in my world now.”
Word Count: 172
Written: 5/2/2019
[Pen/Pencil Review] Uni Signo 207 RT Apple Green and Purple
I was out running some errands this weekend and popped into Dollar Tree. Found this double pack of UNI pens – they had a few options, but I found the green and purple and decided to check them out again. And not sure I’ve done the straight 207s.
I’ve discussed the BLXs in the past, this package has the 207s – which means 0.7mm, which is fine. If they were 0.5mm they’d be perfect. This two pack came with apple green and purple in cute polka-dot on the traditional translucent, color-matched plastic barrels.
The ink is what UNI is touting with this. It’s a pigment-based, gel ink. It suppled to be acid free, archival quality, and waterproof to help prevent fraud. The purple ink is dark and rich and the apple green is a good shade, though it needs drying time. Especially with the larger point size. I liked the color in these pens, and I need to use them more. I really, really do. The drying time is something to take into account. The point is classic metal conical.
These pens run just over 5.5″ with the point retracted and at 5.75″ with the point out. The mechanism is smooth. The clip has some weaknesses – it’s a white plastic frame around a white plastic shield with an open area. The grip is translucent rubber with some texture to it. It’s relatively comfortable.
Let’s see the numbers…
1. How does it work? – 0.5 – it works well. The ink dries relatively quickly – but with the 0.7mm (larger than the Vision Elite), it takes longer to dry, especially on slick paper.
2. Grip and feel – 1 – The pen has some ergonomics to the grip, but with the texturing you’ll either love it or hate it. But it won’t slip out of your fingers.
3. Material – 1 – It’s a plastic retractable pen. It’s all plastic. The innovation is the ink, not the barrel.
4. Overall Design – 1 It’s a decent design for a plastic retractable pen. The ink is gorgeous – even with a 0.7mm, it’s a smooth decent line (give it drying time). The mechanism works well. It does what it’s supposed to do.
5. Price Point – 1 – I got these at Dollar Tree. They were a $1 – for both. Not each. I assume that means they’re a discontinued design. But $1.
That’s 4.5 bronze pencils out of 5.
[Books] New Collection Available!
This collection should’ve been out a while ago – but it’s out now. At least through Amazon. I put together a collection of my short stories that are no longer in print or available online.
The ebook version is available on Amazon!
This is the print version – which is available on Amazon right now. It’ll be available from me at conventions and appearances in late May. I tried to get copies before Comicpalooza next week, but it just didn’t happen. If you’re going to be at Comicpalooza – you can apparently order one via Prime and get it in time. I would love to see someone bring it by!
They have slightly different covers because of reasons. 😎
[Write the Story] An Interrupted Journey
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.â€
Jeri rolled her eyes. “Now you get the inkling of a scruple? Give me a break. You knew what you were signing up for.â€
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?â€
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?â€
“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.â€
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.â€
“Unless you go without me.â€
Jeri hesitated then shook her head. “Together or not at all. We abort.â€
“And history remains unchanged.â€
Word Count: 215
Written: 5/2/2019
[Pen/Pencil Review] Pentel Hybrid Technica 0.4mm Black Stick Pen
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.
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.
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 feel – 1 – The pen is light but well-balanced. It has a good rubber grip that’s comfortable for long use.
3. Material – 0.5 This is an inexpensive gel pen that has the ability to be refilled. It’s a good workhorse pen.
4. Overall Design – 1 -Again, a good work horse pen. It’s solidly built, but not “utilitarian”.
5. Price Point – 1 – 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.
[Write the Story] Tumultuous Soulmates are on Opposing Sides of a Conflict
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?â€
“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…â€
“You’ve been in a frenzy over these mushrooms. I feel like we’re prisoners to the fungus.â€
Cassie rolled her eyes. “Overdramatic much?â€
“Hello, kettle. Have you met pot?â€
“This has always been my dream. My calling is to help people through natural means and oust charlatans of ‘pseudomagic’.â€
“Right. Yes, of course. You realize as the Imperial Wizard, I am one of those ‘charlatans’ you just railed against.â€
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.â€
“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.â€
Cassie rolled her eyes. “Let’s just agree to disagree on what to call it, shall we. I’ll see you for dinner later.â€
“Can’t wait.â€
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).
[Pen/Pencil Review] Bone Ballpoint Pen Set
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 feel – 0.5 – 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. Material – 1 This is high-quality plastic. It’s sturdy but light with metal tips
4. Overall Design – 0.5 – 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 Point – 1 – 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
[Write the Story] A Lucky Break
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.â€
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.â€
“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?â€
“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?â€
“You’re a maverick. You’re a flaming, loud-mouthed feminist. At the first sign of trouble, you scream. That’s not hero material.â€
“By that logic, neither are you, Miss Miranda.†Lauren’s smirk carried a radiant quality. “We are very much alike.â€
“Of course, because we’re twins.â€
“Then a success for one should be a success for both.â€
Miranda couldn’t come up with words. “Okay, I might actually need an interpreter for that one.â€
“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.â€
“Totally the villain.â€
Word Count: 228
Written: 4/11/19