Back to Writing!

Now that the ebook for A Barrel of Vintner has been uploaded to retailers, I can focus on just writing for a few days.

"Wait! What about the trade paperback? I want paper!" I hear some of you ask.

The trade paperback version will be delayed a few weeks. My lovely formatter just got a brand-new bionic knee, and she's working the kinks out. It takes a little more time to cover from that getting bionic eyes.

Also, if there's any boo-boo's with the ebook version, it is totally my fault, not my formatter's. I will have her re-do the ebook when she's able because I know my version of the glossary wasn't as clean as hers would be.

But life rolls aside, I'd much rather be writing. The exploration of new characters or rejoining old friends doesn't really matter. The simple act of creation brings me joy.

Well, that and seeing a right-wing nutcase kicked out of office! Way to go, voters in Hungary!!

Primaries start in Ohio next month, and then the mid-terms are six months later. We need some changes in the U.S. before a senile old man drops a nuke on innocent people.

Yes, I'm talking politics. I have roughly thirty years left in my life ([Deity of your choice] willing and the creek don't rise!). I don't want to spend the rest of my life under a fascist regime.

A Good Day to Stay Home

I've been going to Starbucks pretty consistently this week to get words in on A Barrel of Vintner. I love our local Starbucks because people leave each other alone to work. Oh, there's a nod and smile of acknowledgment, but otherwise we focus on our own tasks.

I find this rather pleasant. Nothing against DH or the pups, but I can concentrate for a solid two to two and half hours. Whatever wip I'm working on receives my sole attention, and I can type a solid 1K to 1.5K in that time.

Yes, I'm a slow writer by most author's standards.

However, we had a snow storm this morning. Mother Nature added another two inches to the foot of snow we've received over the past two weekends. DH is out with the snowblower clearing the driveway and sidewalks even as I type this.

There's something calming about fresh powder. A blank tapestry over sleeping nature. It's a good day to knit with a cup of hot tea and puppy on your lap.

For those who love yarnwork and hate ICE, Needle & Skein in Minneapolis, MN, is offering a hat pattern for a donation. Employee Paul Neary designed the hat based on the red resistance cap worn by Norwegians during the Nazi occupation of the country during World War II.

Here's the thing--the  state of Minnesota was settled by a lot of Scandinavians, including Norwegians, in the 1800s. Scandinavians are the descendants of Vikings. These aren't people who will roll over and show their bellies to a bunch of gun-toting bullies. If you don't believe me, read up on these countries' histories.

Which makes Tribblehead's efforts to bully Denmark into giving up Greenland and their refusal even more significant.

Want a personal tidbit about me? My middle name is Scandinavian and means "hope" or "luck" depending on the country.

Anyway, Needle & Skein donates all the proceeds from their "Melt the ICE" pattern to the immigrant programs in Minneapolis. They've received nearly $500K and donated to organizations that assist immigrants. (Note: This article is a week old. The current number I stated is from this morning's post on their Facebook page.)

With the cold and snow here in Ohio, I need something to keep my head warm! Fuck ICE!

A Hell of a Week

Jessica Morrigan

Snow. Public Executions. Taxes.

There's a massive snow storm targeting the East Coast. The winds have been so blustery we got lake effect snow from Lake Michigan. Again. Plus, we're having record cold in Northwest Ohio. The kind of frigid temps that when you step outside, any exposed skin hurts!

There's too much going on in the world and at home, and I need a break. You know it's bad when I get an hour and a half, and I write to relieve the tension building inside of me.

So, I'm going to do something I haven't done in years. I'm taking the last day of January off.

Totally off. No writing. No marketing. No prep for the planned Kickstarters for 2026. Nothing.

I'm going to brew a cup of Irish Breakfast tea, curl up on the couch, and read. What will I read? I'm not sure yet. I've got several books by Jonathan Moeller and Lilith Saintcrow, two of my favorite authors, that I haven't devoured yet. The hardback of the latest Dresden Files arrived last week. And there's literally thousands of titles on my Kindle and in the boxes I've been unpacking, all waiting for me to consume them.

Oh, and the Princess Pup will probably be under the blanket with me, snoring away as she uses me as her personal heater. 

See y'all on Monday!

 

P.S. Apparently, the fascists in the country haven't realized everyone's designing these logos to resemble the Rebel Alliance symbol. You know, the movie where Antifa are fighting the Space Nazis. Seriously, that's why George Lucas called the henchmen Stormtroopers!

Don't Get Political They Said

Ohio Resistance by Bob Seay

Don't get political they said. I would lose readers.

But when ICE agents are executing American citizens in the streets, I can no longer be silent.

The Second American Civil War has started. I stand with the people who believe kindness and empathy are virtues.

I do not stand with anyone who believes the Constitution only applies to certain, privileged people. I do not stand with assholes who think it's okay for children to be kidnapped. Assholes who think it's okay for elderly people to be dragged from their homes naked in subzero weather. Assholes who think shooting unarmed people in the face or back at point blank range is acceptable.

If you have a problem with my views, then leave my website. Do not buy my books. My stories won't please you one iota.

You see, I've heard too many stories from and about my uncles who fought for the Allies during World War II. Funny how the stories are so similar. Children taken from their families. Old men forced to endure the cold in little or no clothing during the winter. Innocent people shot in the streets for whatever reason the fascist wanted. Or for no reason at all.

If it quacks like a fascist, fosters fear like a fascist, kills like a fascist, then it's a fucking fascist.

And I stand against them.

 

P.S. Author Bob Seay created resistance logos for each state based on Minnesota's resistance logo using their state bird, the loon. He gave permission for personal use of the logos. Please give him credit if you use one.