[Pen/Pencil Review Blog] Halloween Rerun – Skull and Roses Novelty Stationary Set from Michaels
Yes, it’s another rerun – but we were on the road yesterday from a trip and today has been full of recovery and laundry. I will get back on track next week.
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For those who know my fiction-writing don’t need any explanation for why this novelty set caught my eye at Michaels. I write Death in The Four Redheads of the Apocalypse series from Yard Dog Press. So cheap skull and roses stationary pieces for 99¢ a piece made me giggle. I’ll be sporting my new “gear” at my next conventions – especially ArmadilloCon and FenCon.
The first piece is the plastic pencil case. I don’t really expect the pencil case to last very long. It’s a low density plastic with a decent zipper. But it’s going to be fun while it lasts, and I might even buy another one as a back up. It doesn’t hold a ton of material, but it’s decent for the price.
The wooden pencils are the good, solid #2s that I like. I don’t like the softer ones that bend rather than break and feel waxy that many novelty pencils are. This one is awesome. These hold a decent point. I won’t be traveling with – just to keep things clean. They’re very cool looking.
The retractable pen is the least useful, but pretty. It writes will for a ballpoint, but the plastic barrel is both too short and too wide for any long term use. For someone who likes that kind of pen, though, it’s way cool. But it’ll look darned cool at a signing table or on a panel, even though it takes up quite a bit of real estate in the bag.
The last two silly pieces have the most potential for convention travel usefulness . The first, a sleeve of 4 largish, skull embellished paperclips. I’ll use one or two of them to maybe mark readings for conventions, but mostly, you never know when you’re going to need a paperclip. The other are skull and roses bandages. Those will come in handy, because you NEVER KNOW when you’re going to need a bandage for a papercut or something. And if you’re going to wear a bandage, it might as well be a cool one. I should really get more of those.
The whole set was $5, which is what I want in novelties. The point of the novelties are the fact they’re impulse buys, so I’m looking for them to be cheap. Michaels has other sets, but this is the one that jumped out to me. Find the one the works for you. They’re pretty good quality for the price.
I give them 3 bronze pencils.
[Write the Story] A Letter Changes Everything
Prompt: A Letter Changes Everything
Words: alchemist, waterfall, birthday, cottage, spring, roar, syrup, sift, immeasurable, bank
Story
“Only a little further.â€
Quenya barely heard the words over the roar of the waterfall. She felt she knew what was happening, but Kira loved her surprises. So Quenya endured the blindfold and stumbling along. She was pulled to a stop, and with a flourish, the blindfold ripped away.
A breakfast picnic laid spread out on the bank of a spring. Wheat cakes with mulberry syrup, fruit with sugar sifted on it. It was the best way to celebrate a birthday Quenya could think of, and Kira knew it.
But then they’d had immeasurable numbers of birthdays to celebrate between them. They’d explored every option, tried so many things, gone on so many adventures. Quenya preferred these quaint, quiet celebrations most. They lingered over the meal, splashed in the shallows, and dozed in the lush grass until the sun warmed a bit too much.
“We should head back to the cottage.†Kira’s voice tinged with sadness. “We ought…â€
“Should is such an ugly word. Ought is worse.†Quenya sighed and helped pack up the breakfast dregs. Their steps slowed as they trudged back to the alchemist’s home. They pushed through the door, announcing their arrival. Steps stiffened, growing heavier as bodies stretched and hardened as branches entwined.
“You were free,†the alchemist said. “I never understand why you come back. But some day we may be able to break the spell.â€
Word Count: 231
Written: 10/3/18
Note: Not sure I actually hit the prompt on this one. But it’s a cute and sad little story?
[Pen/Pencil Review] Impact Skull Pen with Blue Ink REPEAT PERFORMANCE
There’s been a whole lot of ADULTING and fixing and ACK! Happening this week. It’ll also be happening next week. So… two days late, a repeat performance of a fun Halloween Novelty Pen…
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It’s Halloween week, and that means one last novelty pen. This one, I swear was given to me by my friend, Meredith Hines as part of a survival kit for FenCon. It’s a skull pen (because well, yeah) that only lights up on an impact. Which makes it not only awesome as a pen, but also a great source of amusement and stress relief.
![IMG_2215[1]](https://www.rhondaeudaly.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_22151-300x225.jpg)
This sucker is long. It’s 7.5″ inches long with the cap on and just under with the cap off. The grip is flared for a bit of ergonomic support leading to a slender barrel. This pen is top heavy with the white skull in a light bulb style base. The skull is a soft rubber that makes it impact resistant – which is what you need since the LEDs are triggered by impact. The LEDs shift through the color spectrum for a decent amount of time – but you do have to let the cycle run. Thwacking the pen again does not stop the light show.
![IMG_2219[1]](https://www.rhondaeudaly.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_22191-300x225.jpg)
The ink is a fine point blue ball point ink with a stainless steel point. The ink flows well and has a smooth action. It will be my pen of choice this week.
![IMG_2220[1]](https://www.rhondaeudaly.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_22201-e1382967502500-300x107.jpg)
The Numbers.
1. How does it work? – 0.5 – It’s better than I expected. The flow of ink is nice. The ergonomic grip makes it more comfortable to hold than it might be.
2. Look and feel – 0.5 – It’s not bad for a novelty pen. It’s long and a little top heavy, so the balance is off but not as a huge detriment to the writing experience.
3. Material – 1 It’s a fun novelty pen. It’s mostly plastic but has a decent point and workable flashing lights.
4. Overall Design – 1 – It’s an awesome skull pen that is also a stress reliever by letting you hit something upside the head. That’s all there is to say.
5. Price Point – 1 – I have no idea how much these run, but considering how/why it was given to me, it’s probably in the $2-$4 range, which for the stress relief alone is worth it. But the fact it actually works pretty well, make it awesome.
4 out of 5 bronze pencils.
[Write the Story] A Dystopian Glimpse of the Future
Prompt: A Dystopian Glimpse of the Future
Words: wheelchair, Labrador, throne, prescription, railroad, trunk, gulley, wasp, photosynthesize
Story
“Why are we headed to the Labrador Coast?†I asked as salt water sprayed my face.
“Because we have to study the effects of the current atmosphere on plants ability to photosynthesize.†Kate said with a long-suffering sigh. “And Canada still has vegetation to study. “I’m tired of repeating myself.â€
I was whining as I perched on an ancient railroad trunk like it was a throne, I knew it. But at least I was on a trip that only required industrial-strength sunscreen and a basic respiratory filter. Others in my class had research projects requiring full-on environmental suits.
Soon the boat took a turn from ocean to fresh water. We chugged up the river into new growth jungle slowly pushing pines and other vegetation out. I grabbed repellent out of my kit and applied liberally. I saw a mosquito the size of a wasp buzzing around the deck. The repellent like the sunscreen, came at prescription strength but that likely wasn’t enough.
“We’re here.â€
We scrambled out of the boat and helped schlep gear up the sides of the gulley the river had turned into. Kate went last. I exchanged looks. “Ready?â€
“As I’ll ever be. We have to find answers here.â€
“We will. Changing polarities now.†I hit a switch on her wheelchair and it hovered, soaring upward. “Or none of us will survive.â€
Word Count: 225
Written: 9/28/18
[Pen/Pencil Review] Wonder Woman Pencil Bag
This is going to be running late, but I’m still working on getting all the weird eccentricities of rebuilding one’s computer and getting everything back up and running – this pen review will NOT be of a pen, but a pen case, well, bag. I’ve done the Nock Pen cases before, this one is a bit different. I picked up this lovely Wonder Woman pen holder at the Dallas Pen Show. I bought it for more than one reason. The main being it’s freaking Wonder Woman. The other reason is that it was made by an enterprising young entrepreneur.
I love Ryan Krusac’s pens. I’ve met him a couple of times over the years at the Dallas Pen Show – usually with Brandon Lee, who sadly couldn’t be with us this year because of a loss in his family. Ryan also couldn’t make it but his beautiful, beautiful (someday I hope to be able to afford one) pens did with his wife and one of his daughters – I don’t remember which daughter. But Ryan’s daughter hand made these lovely pen bags in comic book and other fabrics. I had to have the Wonder Woman one.
The bags are double layered cotton fabric. Mine is lined with yellow. There’s a slit in the top about 1/3 down one side of the bag, allowing for the top to be folded back. The bag is about 9.5†long fully extended. It’s about 7†long with top folded back. It has a 12†heavy cord (leather like or suede, not sure which) attached about an inch below the slit to let you tie the bag tight. It’s 4†across with nothing in it. It will comfortably hold about a dozen or so “regular†ballpoint or rollerball pens, six or so of the larger fountain or ergonomic pens.
I assume it’s washable since it is cotton fabric. It is soft and flexible, but lets you protect your pens in a bag or purse while being cute. You can probably only get these from Ms. Krusac at a pen show with Ryan. They ran $20, I think, but that’s a decent price for a hand-crafted pen holder from a young woman with an enterprising spirit. I’m all for encouraging THAT. If you’re interested, you might be able to find out more through Ryan’s website.
The numbers:
1. How does it work? – 1 – It works really well. It holds a bunch (technical term) standard pens or fewer bigger ones. They will squish together though.
2. Grip and feel – 1 – It’s a double-lined cotton bag, but it does feel durable and solid while being flexible. The pens work out well in them.
3. Material – 1 – The material is cotton. It’s washable but will likely stain and fray over time. But it is what is and it’s FUN.
4. Overall Design – 1 – It’s well-designed for what it is. They don’t overhype the case. It’s a good, versatile pen case.
5. Price Point – 0.5 – It’s not cheap, but has that Young Entrepreneur vibe, along with the great pop culture design. It might be harder to find than some, but worth it. It was, I believe, $20, but I think I’m going to get my $20 worth of use out of it before I kill it.
That’s 4.5 of 5 bronze pencils.
[Write the Story] A Tour Guide in the Florida Keys
Prompt: A Tour Guide in the Florida Keys
Words: revolver, headphones, doughnut, leopard, spaghetti, tiki hut, magma, magnetize, swampy, recital
Story
I adjusted the spaghetti strap on my tank and polished off my doughnut. My shift was about to start. With a sigh I shrugged into my jacket and buckled on my revolver. After tucking my headphones into my locker, I headed out to the tiki hut to welcome my first batch of tourists.
“Welcome to Leopard Key. I’m Ellie, your tour guide. Stay close as we head to the boat.†I swung into my recital as I herded the pasty Northerners to the airboat.
We zipped around the swampy island. I pointed out the alligators and birds along the way, as well as the vine overgrown ruins of huts and other buildings from the long-lost civilization that haunted the Key.
As I told my story, I saw shivers among my passengers. Leopard Key was an unsolved mystery built on a bed of cooled magma. No one knew where the people who built the huts went or what happened to them.
“But if you listen closely, you can hear their voices in the trees.â€
“Why do you wear a gun?â€
“To show you that the. Dry rocks had been magnetized.†I let the gun stick momentarily to a nearby stone. The I whipped it back. “And to protect us from ghost pirates.â€
I fired past the kid and everyone screamed.
But that was one less spirit to worry about.
Word Count: 228
Written: 9/13/18
[Pen/Pencil Review] Pentel EnerGel RTX Sprinkles
This week’s pen review goes back to Pentel and another version of the Ener-Gel. This one is a 0.7mm retractable pastel polka dot EnerGel. It was at the register, and I am a sucke4 for those. This one is just cute and happy.
I’ve been pleasantly surprised by this pen, I’ve mentioned my tendency for retractables on the work desk. This is one. This one is also part of the Recycology line – so, about 80% recycled materials go into making this pen. 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 and has some ergonomic cushioned on the barrel.
The barrel is white plastic base with a white textured grip and pretty sprinkle-like polka dots. The ink is basic black, which was slightly disappointing since I was hoping for the blue family. 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. The barrel has a dark turquoise panel with enough transparency to see ink level. It’s also refillable. I probably will with a turquoise or blue.
The numbers:
1. How does it work? – 0.5 It’s decent. No frills. 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 – I got this at the Office Depot checkout. It lists on the Office Deport site for $3. I don’t think I paid that? I think it was $1.99 at the cash register. But it’s one of the more expensive ones
4.0 out of 5 Bronze Pencils
[Write the Story] Memory Editing Wreaks Havoc
Prompt: Memory Editing Wreaks Havoc
Words: Jupiter, chocolate, domestic, blossom, ladder, steam, extension, pine cone, sunrise, tide
Story
“Just relax. This will take about twenty minutes.â€
Deanna took a deep breath and tried to relax into the synthetic leather couch as the hood lowered over her head. Her scalp prickled as the electrodes took hold. She couldn’t stop the butterflies, but she’d come all the way to Jupiter for this procedure.
“If you’re ready. We’ll begin.â€
“Just tell me again…†Deanna began. “No. Don’t. Forget it. We’ve been through it a dozen times. I’m ready.â€
The next thing Deanna knew she was coming down the loft ladder of her cabin, sunrise casting delicate shadows on the domestic scene. A pine cone fell off the mantle as someone she should know collapsed on the floor.
The scene changed. Steam rose from the tide pools near the mountains. She reached for a single blossom that was no longer there. Then the flashes came faster. Sensory hallucinations like the smell and taste of chocolate. The feel of animal fur. Experiences. Feelings. Flashes. Extensions of her life flashed by and were gone.
Deanna came back to herself and recognized…nothing. A medical professional pressed her palm to a computer pad. She had no idea why.
“Ms. Masterson, how are you feeling.â€
Deanna realized the speaker was talking to her. “I’m sorry. What? Who are you…who am I?â€
“Not again.†The professional checked the pad. “Don’t let anyone know.â€
“Know What?â€
Word Count: 227
Written: 9/5/18
[Pen/Pencil Review] Enabler Edition
So, this started out to be a normal “Hey, I got a bunch of new stuff†blog. But as I was saving the file because puppies needed attention, everything went black with a no boot device message. But hey, I can struggle through on the iPad until we can figure it out.
This is not a typical review, it’s the “Yes, there really is such a thing as a pen show†blog with a bonus of having non-biological family in from South Korea who apparently have Office Depots with acres (exaggeration) of pens from Korea and Japan. They know they can bring a random selection.
I have so much new stuff to play with. I’m hoping now I have pretty, pretty tools maybe I can get my concentration back to use them properly to hit some deadlines I have coming up.
The Dallas Pen Show was awesome, if overwhelming. They are outgoing their space. But it always nice to be in a room with the Visconti lines and the other lines like Ryan Krusac that are SO FAR out of my price range that I rarely breathe around the table. Though if you look to the edge of the picture, there’s a Wonder Woman pouch…it’s a pen case made by Ryan Krusac’s daughter. MUST encourage such awesome entrepreneurial spirit.
We also got to meet up with George Fox from My Supply Room So Jimmy could pass along some pencils he collects and they talk about stuff through their blogs. Then we found out Brad Dowdy was there as well. Brad Dowdy runs The Pen Addict blog and Podcast and is the guy behind Nock pen cases. He’s the guy who showed me it was okay to blog about pens. It was so awesome to meet him in person. I fangirled just a little.
But now it’s time to walk the dogs, get some stuff done and enjoy the pens.
[Write the Story] The Main Character Thwarts Traditional Gender Roles
Prompt: The Main Character Thwarts Traditional Gender Roles
Words: woman, bestseller, buttress, goldfish, barnyard, walkway, crop, winter, driveway, steer
Story
Lou crept along the buttress walkway shivering in the frigid winter night air. Somewhere below a steer bawled in a barnyard. No use getting caught now. Soon the crops would be in, and she would be sent away to marry someone twice her age. All for the sake of her family’s honor. She’d soon be no more than a decorative goldfish.
“Psst, Lou! Over here!”
Lou started at the sound but relaxed when she saw the shadow form into the solid bearing of Glenda, the woman who raised her on behalf of her parents. The nurse hunched over and cast furtive glances, afraid to be discovered.
“I brought food, clothes, and a small purse.”
Lou hugged Glenda tight. “Thank you! Only you have ever understood.” She quickly traded her shift and dress for trousers and sturdy boots. She would cut her hair when she had a chance, but for now it padded the wool cap. She hefted the pack and kissed Glenda’s cheek then went over the wall to see her fortune – wherever that led. It was her life now whether as Louise or Louis, it was her choice.
Benjamin hit save after the “the end”, sure this was going to be his bestseller. He had to get to the mailbox at the end of the driveway to meet the mailman. He had to get the contracts out. The next Benita Gamez book would be hitting the shelves soon.
Word Count: 239
Written: 9/4/18