[Spotlight Post] Sending Names to Mars
Because I am a SF geek… Now, to send my name to PLUTO (it’s a PLANET darn it!)
[Writer Post] Hugos, Circuses, & Moving Forward
Wednesday almost got past me. But hey, it’s still getting done – because habit and commitment.
The Hugos/Sad Puppy kerfuffle is the This That Will Not DIE (Darn it!). I’m tired of it. There are people on both sides that I’ve had to back away from online (at the very least) no matter what I may have thought of them as people. I’ve tried to keep a “Switzerland†approach to the whole thing, because it really does need to DIE. But if you want some idea of how I feel about all of this? Go read this blog post by Mark Finn. I agree with him. And if you follow his advice, I can recommend a bunch of authors you’ve probably never heard of who produce good work you’ve probably never read. And if you want Small Presses to get better reputations in this world of “alternative publications†– read them, review them, and if you’re part of this…world…nominate them. As for me? I have no Monkeys. And certainly no circus. I may be “Circus Adjacent†but not my circus.
Now I’m moving on with my life (regardless of what other people are doing). I’ve sent edits back to the Redheads. I’m holding off doing my own fixes (of what I found in my own work) until I see their feedback – and make sure we’re all on the same page on what I think needs to be fixed. Until then, I’m taking another look at the partially finished Young Adult piece that will either be a novel or novella. Depending on how long the story goes. Then maybe diving into a paranormal romance. And whatever else gets inspired.
During all that, there’s Day Job stuff moving apace. I’ve been “nominated†for a committee which = “voluntoldâ€, but it could put me in a better position for new opportunities. Motivated Self Interest is a powerful thing. FenCon is at full Impulse about to jump to Warp Speed. For the most part, it’s all coming together. We have a few elements that have me chewing my nails, but they’re fairly minor as stressors go. That could change though…welcome to September! Yoikes and Away!
[Pen/Pencil Review] The rOtring Skynn Ballpoint Pen in Red
My first blog post on the new computer. Yay! I’m liking the feel of the computer, which segues into this week’s pen review. The rOtring Skynn ball point pen. I’ve used some of the rOtring pencils before – they’re a favorite of Jimmy’s, but this one was different – and I was looking for an inexpensive and different pen to add to an Amazon order. This one popped up.
Since I can only find it online through Amazon and a handful of other retailers like Overstock – I think it’s been discontinued item. This one has an ergonomic design with a wider, squishy rubber grip. I picked up the red barrel pen with silver accents. The barrel has the Skynn name etched into the plastic. The heavy plastic grip wraps the whole barrel and seems very sturdy. The emblem is pressed into the edges of the clip. The signature rOtring ring blends into the red of the barrel. The clip wrap also hides the break in the barrel that lets you replace the ink, to give the design a clean, fluid design.
The Skynn is 5.25†long with the tip retracted and just over 5.5†long with the tip extended. The pen comes with a rOtring Jumbo Mine Giant blue ball point refill. This is Parker-style refill that can be replaced. This is a medium point – which is somewhere around a 1.0mm. Not my favorite – I do see myself writing larger with it, but it doesn’t feel as bulky as some 1.0mm (so it might be closer to a 0.8mm – but doubt it’s thicker than a 0.7mm). The ink is solid and smooth with a good line.
The grip is… different. It’s more bulbous than most ergonomic grips. The squishy rubber takes a bit of getting used to. It’s wider than I’m used to but not necessarily uncomfortably so. I have noticed the rubber collects dirt and grunge. That could be an issue.
The price points are good. The retraction mechanism is solid. The metal cone from the grip to the point is solid and clean. It’s an overall good pen, especially for the economical price – while you can get them if they’re really a discontinued line. Which is what it looks like.
The numbers:
1. How does it work? – 1 It’s decent. Has a good length and solid mechanism with good ink.
2. Grip and feel – 0.5 – The extra squishy ergonomic grip is a bit wider than I like, and the feel of the grip takes a little bit to get used to – and it collects dirt. But it’s a solid pen with a decent feel beyond that.
3. Material – 1 It’s solid. A well-made metal and plastic mix with a huge nod to ergonomics. Nothing feels cheap or easily breakable.
4. Overall Design – 0.5 – Plastic and metal retractable pen is what it is. It’s a solid pen, but the ability for the grip to attract dirt and grit – as well as the squishy feel isn’t for everyone. A friend called it ‘sticky’. That’s going to be a personal determination.
5. Price Point – 1 – It does appear to be a close out. According to Amazon the original retail was $25, but they’re selling them between $4 and $7 depending on what website and color you order – for some reason the blue ones are more expensive.
4.0 out of 5 Bronze Pencils
[Writer Post] New Tools, Writing, Etc.
It’s Wednesday. That’s writer post day. The first post on the new computer. I’ve upgraded my primary writing tool. No longer do I have an 8 year old Toshiba Satellite Black Friday Special (thank you, Mom and Dad – that gift back then was a complete God-send). The Toshiba served me well all those years – it’s not dead yet, we’ll keep it around a while to make sure I have everything off it I need.
I’m now on a 16GB Dell Insipirion with a 1TB (TERRABYTE!!!!!) hard drive, touch screen, and an immediate upgrade to Win10 out of the box. We’ve also upgraded to Microsoft 365 – meaning I’m working on getting everything moved to the Cloud (as well as locally saved/backed up – haven’t totally drunk that Kool-Aid yet). And learning the joys of subscription based software, but both Jimmy and I can have the same Office Suite on both PCs and tablets. Documents are pretty easy. We’ll see about email.
What does this have to do with writing? It’s one of the things you do as a writer – keep your tools sharp. I probably waited too long to replace my laptop – but I’m a “use it till the wheels fall off†type person. And this one came up at the right time – and on sale – so the frugal side of me was able to meet Jimmy’s “we need to get you the best we can because it’s your primary writing toolâ€. So go me – bells and whistles!
And what have I been doing? Paper edits/feedback for the ROTA novel. I’m almost done with the second pass. Then I’ll start inputting the notes I made on my sections. Then I can move on to other things – pretty sure I’m going with the YA novel (or novelette) next. Not sure how long it’s going end up being by the time it’s done.
Oh, and I’ve been scanning the Hugo results. I had to see the fall out, even if I’m not participating. Here’s hoping all that is over, but alas… I fear it is not. I shudder to think the damage the whole thing has caused on both sides of the argument, and hope not too many careers were harmed in the cross fire. To all who won – congratulations. For those categories with “No Awardâ€â€¦ I’m sorry.
Now…back to doing what I do best – write stories and hope people like them. Oh, and spending some time doing maintenance on my website. Parts of that are woefully out of date – and being a short story judge for a comic book convention in October (wish me luck).
[Pen/Pencil Review] Oops
Yeah, hey look, it’s Tuesday. I’m sorry, I’m tracking down a missing JetPens shipment. I have a new computer, so I’m still getting used to everything.
I’ll get it back up and running again very, very soon.
[Writer Post] The Tarbox Station Book Launch Party!
Hello, Wednesday, and thanks for the Summer Cold Front. This blog’s easy to write. Yesterday was the Book Launch party for Tarbox Station at Roll2Play. I want to thank my friends and family who came out and hung out. Raven and Tiffany for letting us come and hang out. And to the random people who came into the store on a Tuesday.
![IMG_4220[1]](https://www.rhondaeudaly.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_42201-300x225.jpg)
It’s kind of fun to have a book launch at a game store – one, it’s a different set of people than who you might get otherwise; and two, in store’s like Roll2Play with a rental/borrow section, there’s stuff for people to do if they want to hang out until the end of the party. I introduced my parents to a game from Playroom Entertainment called, “Cosmic Cows” – which is getting difficult to find…
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We ordered a cake with the book cover on it. Actually got it from my local Kroger for less than I thought (yay! Frugality), and managed to get it over to the store undamaged. We set out some desserts and drinks – with help from Tiffany – and books. We got there early, dropped off stuff, hit this lovely little Vietnamese restaurant right next door and had dinner.
![IMG_4219[1]](https://www.rhondaeudaly.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_42191-300x225.jpg)
rge, but they were people I care about who were there to support a friend. That means everything. I even got to see a friend I haven’ t seen since we both escaped a soul-sucking place of employment. I want to thank everyone who bought books. I greatly appreciate it. I’ve had parties where no one’s showed up. Thank you for showing up.
![IMG_4226[1]](https://www.rhondaeudaly.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_42261-e1440019373513-225x300.jpg)
If you couldn’t make it, but still want to be part of the magic? Order the ebook from Amazon or the print version at Yard Dog Press – or come see me, Mitch Bentley, and all the other Yard Dog offerings at FenCon.
![IMG_4227[1]](https://www.rhondaeudaly.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_42271-300x225.jpg)
[Pen/Pencil Review] The Jinhao/Edelstein Revisit
Oh, hi… Monday, you’re slipping away from me. I should try to get something done… But first, a couple of interesting notes:
The Pelikan Edelstein long cartridge DOES fit in the Jinhao fountain pen barrel. HUZZAH. The Jinhao’s – which I’ve reviewed before – have a sturdier clip and a better grip than the Pelikan I was using. My Jinhao came from the Dallas Pen Show – but is now available on JetPens for less than I spent at the show – the same pen I spent $10 last year is now $5.25 on Jet Pens. The model on JetPens is called the Jinhao 599 (or maybe the 599A) – I once found it called the Ebony Jewel. They have more “fashion”/higher end models that run not more than $8. But the ones I have on my “wish list” are the transparent ones. I like seeing the ink levels, and they have more visibility than the windows in the 599 series.
So, let’s do a little revisit on both the ink and the pen. I still like the depth of color of the Edelstein Garnet ink. But being in a finer point nib than the Pelikan beginner, it’s easier to work with for editing hardcopy manuscript. The barrel is narrower but longer, giving the writing experience a whole different feel.
This is a decent fountain pen from China created on the Lamy Safari style. It’s just under 5.5″ long capped and 6.5″ with the cap posted. The barrel is plastic with viewing windows to show ink levels. The grip is smooth plastic but with triangular cuts that make it ergonomic. The grip design does help to hold the pen “correctly” and comfortably. The cap does post firmly, and though it’s light plastic, it’s got a good feel.
The nib is considered a “light medium” or a “heavy fine” – which makes it a nice line. The flow (once I got it going) is strong. The nib is marked as 18k GP (I’m going to assume white gold – and it’ll be a vermeil type plating – meaning just microns of gold… thank you Day Job for that).
The numbers:
1. How does it work? – 0.5 – 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. A little “scratchier” than the Pelikan, but it’s a finer nib.
2. Grip and feel – 1 – They make an effort for ergonomics. Though there’s not a “grippy” part, it’s all smooth plastic, the grip is designed to fit comfortably in the hand. And the cap posts a LOT more securely than the Pelikan.
3. Material – 1 – It is what it is, a replica Lamy in plastic. It’s light but comfortable. The nib is marked 18k GP. The clip is metal with the company name stamped in Chinese. Doesn’t feel like it’s going to break.
4. Overall Design – 0.5 – I like it. It might be a little long for some people. It’s also more designed for the converter than cartridges – and works better for the long cartridge than the short. But the ink works.
5. Price Point – 1 – As long as you buy it through JetPens, the price point is MUCH better for a beginner or everyday fountain pen. This pen – depending on which model it is – 599A or 599 – runs between $3.45 and $5.25 – MUCH better than the $10 I paid last year. Welcome to the price drop.
That’s 4 of 5 bronze pencils.
[Appearance] Tarbox Station Book Launch Party
Tuesday – tomorrow – night, 7:00-9:00 pm at Roll2Play in Carrollton
Come join us for desserts, beverages, and check out the wide assortment of games — and of course, books. 😎
[Writer Post] Party, Writing, Etc.
Well, lookee there, it’s Wednesday. Happy blog day.
In less than a week, we have a launch party for the novel at Roll2Play in Carrollton. I don’t want to overly push it, but I also don’t want to have a party where no one comes. The Roll2Play folks are too good for that. So, if you’re in the area and don’t already have plans, 7-9pm… there will be cake.
Thanks to Roll2Play, again, I might be reconnecting with an awesome non-profit – with an event right here in town in November. And I was able to introduce a rep to a FenCon rep for potential “Have You Met” moment for a future charity for FenCon (we always need new ones). Fingers crossed on that one. Good people doing good work. Will let you all know when stuff happens.
I’m getting close to finishing the next project needing finishing – then it gets handed off to those who handle it next. Then I get to write something fun for me that doesn’t have a deadline (just yet). But it’s all part of writing regularly (even if some crazy days are only a handful of words). New words are new words – even during editing and such. Which reminds me… I need to do a second read of the Four Redheads book for the last bits of notes (right now there aren’t many).
I owe a band an apology – with all the deadlines and stresses and craziness of the last few months, I’ve failed to review a CD. I need to do that, and get back to that part of my writing, too. Because it’s something I enjoy doing. And it’s good music.
Oh, and there’s the troublemaker part of me… I pretty much got ripped off in a Kickstarter for a certain product. I still have the person on Facebook until the whole situation is resolved, but it’s no one I truly remember ever meeting in person. I’m active on the Kickstarter comment page. I’ve approached this person TWICE (at least through private messaging) – the second time has been roundly ignored. IF this situation goes to legal action (fraud) I will support the suit. I don’t make these decision lightly because I tend to think well of my fellow person – but the patterns are too clear. And the lack of admission of making a mistake? That’s an indication of Actions Needing Consequences.
[Pen/Pencil Review] State of the Blog
Today is pen blog day. And this is going to be a wee bit different. Last week I helped man a table at an event for my day job – and pillaged the other tables before I left I have a giant pile of promotional pens.
So over the next few weeks, I’m going to go through some of these, do the research on where they can be found – if you need promotional pens for any reason. And I might even compare a couple side by side. Let you know about features, printing space, mechanisms, and the like. Most of them are black ink. Some have better grips or options than others. We’ll see how they stack up against each other and as “normal” pens.
I’ve also got to do inventory on what I have in my gigantic pen stash that I haven’t ever gotten around to review. It’s a good thing I still have plenty of things to write to test pens and make fictional writing progress – such as with the Christmas play I MUST finish in the next two weeks. So lots of opportunities for pen testing and reviews.
So that’s where I am for the blog. And I’m about due for a JetPens order – therein lies the future of the blog. I’m also open to recommendations – from anyone: readers, retailers, manufacturers… Let me know what you want to see, and (within price range reason) I’ll see what I can do. There is a future for the blog, because this is one of the ones I can keep going and enjoy doing.
Finger’s crossed – someday I’ll be able to review some of the nicer, luxury pens that right now, frankly, I can’t afford no matter how much I drool over them at pen stores like Paradise Pen Company – one of my happy places. Oh, and soon there will be the Dallas Pen Show (which I’ll have to make a bigger effort to get to) since our convention hotel isn’t near there anymore. Lots of opportunity coming up. Looking forward to it.