Ponderous Things

The Deviant Mr. Ne'erdowell

2012-03-11T14:14:00.000-07:00

Good morning, Max, and welcome back to our ponderous place where it has become our habit to share what we've discovered about the magical world and the Sorceress Mary Morgan. Before we dive in today, however, I'd like to express my appreciation and offer greetings to our new friends and followers who've found Ponderous Things and have offered so many kind words of encouragement.

For those who've only recently discovered us, please understand that the information and drawings we share here are all rooted in the magical world that is the setting for my young adult adventure series In Search of the Nexus, featuring 12-year-old Buggy Crenshaw. A great deal of information about those books as well as my latest Magpie & Dilly (A Nexus Series Tangent, Book 1) is available on this blog, and more is on the way via my new website www.rmwilburn.com. (Official launch coming soon!)

Now! Back to business, Max. Once more, we have plenty to discuss, beginning with this small reminder from a few short weeks ago: an urgent (unaddressed) letter with a lock of wolf fur attached by way of a wax seal with a paw print indentation...

Beings that this note was found in one of Mary Morgan's journals and that its greeting is simply the letter M, let's allow ourselves to presume that it was written to Mary Morgan to warn her that someone's life (likely the Wolfman's) was at stake and her help was desperately needed. This does not seem unreasonable, although what might bode a little far-fetched is that popular speculation proposes the writer of this note (T) may very well have been the Wolfman himself...

Since first posting the photo of this letter, as well as the Baxter Brothers' Circus poster you see there to your left, I've received a surprising number of comments and clues as to the mystery writer's identity. Unfortunately, most have only led to further questions such as, if the Wolfman was the author, then why did he attach a lock of his own hair? Authenticity, perhaps? To confirm to Mary Morgan who he was? Or was he in fact trying to mislead her and send her directly into some awful (and likely fatal!) trap? (For the record, it is widely unknown whether the Sorceress Mary Morgan still lives...)

Well, Max, after a great deal of sleuthing this past week, I have at last managed to form an opinion on this sinister case; one that I will certainly stand behind until someone proves otherwise. I sincerely believe that, ultimately, an innocent man's life may very well be at stake! (Who? Who?!) By this, I refer to the Wolfman pictured to your right (as found in one of Mary Morgan's journals). Listen carefully to my conjecture:

Around the same time that the Wolfman was being presented as a major attraction by the Baxter Brothers in their Tremendous Time-Traveling Circus Extraordinaire, the number of people reported missing in each of the towns visited rose mysteriously. As I reported last week, even Jinga, a fellow showman in the circus went missing for a short spell (see last week's post for the tidy resolution of that case). As many of you also know, the Wolfman was originally blamed for that incident, but was later exonerated. However, I believe I can understand now why he was accused at all. (Brace yourselves, friends, for what I have discovered this past week is truly alarming!)

Unbeknownst by most aside from the Wolfman and Mary Morgan (who was the first he'd alerted), another werewolf who goes by the name Tidivacious Ne'erdowell (Mary Morgan's rendering there to your left) was bounding across time and space, careful to remain in the shadowy wake of that traveling circus where he knew he would find a patsy to blame for his crime spree. Most believed Mr. Ne'erdowell was still incarcerated after his last vengeful rampage, so no one even considered he might be the cuplrit. In fact, when accusations arose that a wild and vicious wolf-like man was on the prowl, all eyes turned instantly to the Wolfman, accusing and judging in a single unforgiving glance! The Wolfman certainly must've found himself cornered, and with no one else to turn to, he naturally called upon the Sorceress whom he'd known since childhood...(More on that heart-warming relationship in the very near future!)

And, so this, my friends, is my theory: the Wolfman not only wrote the note you see pictured above, but he did indeed include a lock of his own hair as proof of his identity, since somewhere out there was the wholly wicked Tidivacious Ne'erdowell. And the T that the Wolfman signed at the end of the note? I believe it to be a clue to the Sorceress who they were up against, despite the fact "T" was supposedly imprisoned. But, how do I know this? See for yourself:

As I hope you have already figured out, this deviant is still on the loose today, and beings that we have been warned time and again that our world is on a collision course with that of our magical counterparts, don't assume Mr. Ne'erdowell cannot already cross over and find you. This, along with previous warnings, should surely be enough to convince you to do what you must to dream BIG!

Madame Zoetricious Bovari

2012-03-04T08:03:00.002-08:00

Hello, Max, and welcome back to our ponderous place for another enlightening post pertaining to the magical world of the Sorceress Mary Morgan. Aside from a quick "hello and welcome" to our new friends and followers, I'd like to get straight on to business today because (again, I know) I have a great deal to show you...

First, however, is this: an open admission that I have indeed come across a vast number of photographs along with Mary Morgan's drawings and, whenever possible, I will include these original renderings along with any details I learn. However, I have unfortunately discovered that some photos are in grave disrepair and are actually not suitable for reproduction. For this reason, I have begun the practice of digitally enhancing every needy image and, when I can, I will offer you both for better viewing.

Next, a brief refresher: last week, we left off with this rather cryptic note I found inside one of Mary Morgan's journals. I feel confident this message was meant for the Sorceress and, after a week's worth of relentless questions directed at our magical counterparts, I have grown equally certain that the note was penned by none other than the revered Mystic Madame Zoetricious Bovari (one of the few Seers still to enjoy the public's favor, albeit secretly for the most part). Despite the fact that her words here could be construed as a threat to an unknowing eye, I've come to believe they were actually a warning to Mary Morgan.

The Mystic (pictured here in an old photo that was likewise tucked away in MM's journal) was well aware of the dangers that often followed Mary Morgan on her adventures and was advising her to keep others out of their clandestine business or risk their well-being, or possibly even their life!
What exactly that business was is anyone's guess, I suppose, because from what I've been able to learn these past several days is that Mary Morgan and Madame Zoey were indeed a tight twosome. One clue to their meeting, however, might be the fact that I discovered this urgent invitation on the same page as Mary Morgan's drawing of Jinga, Master of Pain.

(Please bear with me just a short while longer as I expound on my suspicion and at the same time, bring our followers--old friends and new--up to speed on our current mystery.)

Again, if you'll please recall this poster I shared a short while back which advertises the Baxter Brothers' Circus Extraordinaire...Pictured thereon is the Mystic Madame Zoey along with a rather savage looking "Wolfman" and, of course, the Master of Pain, Jinga. According to my sources, these three were far from the only "acts" the circus employed, but beings that they often received top billing, (rumor says) jealously abounded amidst the remainder of the cast. So envious were they that shortly after Jinga joined the show, the Master of Pain vanished without a trace! Many suspected the Wolfman was behind it so as to garner a secure post in the center ring, but it was Madame Zoey and her secret league of followers (Mary Morgan included, and hence the reason for the mysterious note) who quickly uncovered the truth and exposed the culprit behind the kidnapping:

A dastardly fellow named Mortimer Kilsmore who is now better known as Bartleby's Hollow Internment Deviant #66-6938451.2! As you may have suspected, Mr. Kilsmore will indeed be the subject of an upcoming post...Until then, if you dare to dream at all, then by all means, do your very best to dream BIG!

Jinga, Master of Pain!

2012-02-26T11:43:00.000-08:00

Hello again, Max, and welcome back to our ponderous place for another splendid offering. As usual, I've been steadily sorting through the journals of the Sorceress Mary Morgan in order to make some sense of her adventurous life, and possibly shed some light on the heroes of the magical world. Also, I've spent a fair amount of time carefully studying all of the things others have sent to assist with our research. For instance, the amulet you see there to our left was sent by a woman who claims to be Esmerelda Bixby (a Watcher who played a very important role in my book Magpie & Dilly). Ms. Bixby sent word that this particular charm belonged to Mary Morgan at one time and served as a reminder of...(you guessed it!) Jinga, Master of Pain! (I know the face on the amulet is rather difficult to see, but the stone is so worn that I feel we're fortunate to see any image at all!)

As you can imagine, I was quite happy (and exceedingly grateful to Ms. Bixby) to receive this amulet for a number of reasons. First, obviously, is that it ties in with what I had planned for this week's showing: a closer look at the Master of Pain and his suspected relationship with our subject of interest Mary Morgan. (Here is another quick look at the ragged collection of journal pages we discussed last week.) Secondly, it allows me a simple segue into the reasoning behind certain keepsakes. I have little doubt that Mary Morgan held this amulet quite dear since it magically reinforced whatever bond she shared with Jinga. It is quite common for magical members to exchange small reminders of themselves, particularly when favors are owed. If the bearers are strong-minded enough, they can actually communicate (somewhat crudely, however) by way of these tokens. In a place as wildly unpredictable as I understand the magical world to be, one can only consider these charms more helpful than harmful.

Another item that was recently delivered to me (by way of secret messenger, as cryptic as that is!) was this photograph of Jinga in a pose similar to the one in Mary Morgan's journal (above). Many possibilities exist for this uncanny resemblance, but the one most popular amongst the Sorceress's followers is that Mary Morgan was right there with Jinga possibly sketching his likeness at the very moment this photo was taken...It's hard to say as fact, as is the exact nature of the bond that existed between Mary Morgan and Jinga. We do know that Jinga was far older than the Sorceress, and very well established as a Warrior and teacher by the time the two met. We also know that for some time, Mary Morgan actually studied under the tutelage of the Master of Pain, learning such things as what she wrote in her journal: eastern philosophies, mind over matter, healing from within, overcoming pain, mental tactics...All to what end only leads us to more speculation. And the same goes for those numbers the Sorceress scribbled next to Jinga's image and the instructions to be at Xianghe Harbor by Friday noon. I've yet to receive confimation, but I suspect the numbers are longitude and lattitude (of Beijing?!), but according to our maps, Xianghe is no harbor, but rather is smack in the middle of China...As I said, speculation abounds. Perhaps our worlds are less similar than I suspected.

Happily, one thing that is no longer speculation is the fact that Jinga does indeed have a rather large (spike-like) nail protruding from both sides of his neck!

(Admittedly, I can't even begin to imagine how it happened, but I will certainly continue to query the magical world for answers.)

I realized last week when I first posted Jinga's image that, based solely on Mary Morgan's journal, it is indeed very difficult to distinguish the nail, beings that the journal is so horribly battered and faded. Although it is clearly there, one must look very closely and carefully to understand what they're seeing. However, this week's secretly surrendered photograph along with this startling x-ray image leave me without doubt: Jinga truly is the Master of Pain!

On that note, Max, I must be off to further my research. A word of warning for next week, though: Madame Zoetricious Bovari will be our person of interest, so if you feel as strongly against Mystics as many in the magical community do, you'll want to brace yourself before joining me here.

Along the same vein, and at the risk of adding fuel to the fire, I must admit that I highly suspect it was Madame Zoey herself who wrote this note that was found taped inside Mary Morgan's joural next to Jinga's image. How any of this fits together is anyone's guess for now. Surely we'll know more by next week. Until then, by all means, dream as BIG as you can possibly dream!

Incredible-ish...

2012-02-20T13:08:00.000-08:00

Hello, Max, and welcome to what may very well be our most incredible post to date! I know that may sound preposterous to you beings that we've had so many somewhat incredible-ish things to say so far, but bear with me and you'll soon come to understand not only what all the excitement is for, but also why it's taken me over a week to return here! (I'm by no means a good blogger, but I do find it rather fun to hang out here once a week.)

Anyhooo, to say I've been a bit busy lately would be laughable, Max! Not only have I spent a great deal of time on our Mary Morgan project, but also, I've been carefully constructing a new website using...(you guessed it!)...Adobe Dreamweaver, Photoshop, and Illustrator CS5. As I've said several hundred times before, I'm a huge fan of Adobe software for what I create and usually skip merrily from one program to the next while whistling a happy tune. (More on that later. The website, I mean, not the skipping or whistling parts, although you're free to imagine that if you like.) Above, you'll see a screenshot of my new fancy-schmancy homepage in the works. I hope to have it up by the Ides of March. No specific reason for the date except that it's sort of fun to say.

So, now...on to more important matters, Max: as always, it's good to be back in our ponderous place and now that we're here, you, me, and all of our wonderful new friends (Hello, new followers! Glad you could make it!), let's get started.

As you know, I've been working fiendishly at sorting through all the items I've recently come across that pertain to the Sorceress Mary Morgan. (What a fascinating Adventurer she was...or is?) Much of what I've learned comes from good old-fashioned research in the archives of my story notes. Most pertain to the books I've already written [no pressure], but the stack of new notes has grown exponentially in recent months! The reason for this, of course, is that word has gotten out about our Mary Morgan project. Not only have I received more encouragement than a writer could dare to hope for when starting a new project, but also, I've received actual material support from the magical world where Mary Morgan is best known. For example...

...here to our left, please study the circus flyer that was tucked away inside a dilapidated box sent to me by a new (and already quite dear) friend who wishes to remain anonymous for the time being. Although I found the entire piece quite interesting, one thing in particular leaped off the page at me: the circus belonged to the Baxter brothers! Of course, if you've not read my book Magpie & Dilly (which is very conservatively priced, by the way, at a modest and humble $0.99...in case you were wondering), you may not be familiar with a character named Bartimaeus Baxter. As a note of simple interest, this particular Baxter is indeed one of the circus owners.

Moving on quickly (since I have a great deal to show you today): after I spent a satisfactory amount of time with the fore-posted poster, I continued sorting through the box my friend sent me. At first, I had no idea why the circus poster was included in his offerings since it obviously had nothing to do with Mary Morgan. Interestingly, however, it was mere moments before I discovered the reason. Mary Morgan knew the people on that flyer!

Here to our right is a very shabby collection of pages from one of Mary Morgan's very own journals! (As you well know, I have a number of her journals myself, but after receiving this, I can't help but wonder: how many more are out there?) And, of course, this particular page is of interest because it documents her connection with this Jinga ("Master of Pain!") character. Although I did discover a great deal more about Jinga, I have chosen not to share the details just yet. Certainly, they will be forthcoming in another post very soon. For the time being, however, I've decided to show you all a few other items that I feel support my theory that Mary Morgan did indeed know those pictured on the circus poster.

Another page of that journal pictured above depicts the subject of this rare find: the Mystic Madame Zoetricious Bovari! Rather than share that page just now, I thought you might rather see this: a very old coin (actually dated 1682) I found tucked away inside the journal. Here you can see both sides of the coin, but note that its actual worth is not apparent. As you can see, it bears the same image of the Mystic Madame Zoey which you see in the poster above. From what I've been able to determine, it is not uncommon in the magical world for certain prestigious people to have their image minted on a coin (usually of magical metals...see Buggy Crenshaw for more information). We do the same here, after all, in the form of postage stamps, don't we? However, what I find rather odd is to see a Mystic minted, as opposed to almost any other calling, beings that they mostly lost the favor of the people during the Dark Ages...But again, for more information on that and the rest of the magical world where Mary Morgan is best known, the Buggy Crenshaw books are excellent references.

As with Jinga, the Master of Pain, there is now so much more information available to me about Madame Zoey that I will refrain from saying more about her for now. She is also booked for a later posting which I believe you will find quite exciting! For the time being, though, please allow me just one more piece of evidence pertaining to that circus poster and Mary Morgan's association with its subjects.

The remaining image on that flyer is of a creature known only as the Wolfman. With this recent surge of information about our magical counterparts, perhaps it will serve as a relief to know I have not yet discovered more about this individual. However, from what little I have managed to come across, the prospect of learning more does not seem favorable. (Why?)

Well, as you can see in the image to our right, this is a note to "M" whom we must presume is Mary Morgan herself since this was also found inside her journal. The writer--"T"--is so far unknown, but of greater concern is what (s)he wrote: A life is in danger! Best to hurry... Even as urgent as this message is, it is rendered even more so by the fact that what you see there attached to the envelope by that imprinted wax seal is none other than wolf fur! (Yikes!)

And with that dire knowledge, I will leave you to draw your own conclusions pertaining to the Wolfman, just as I have been left to wonder myself. Until our next encounter, by all means, do dream BIG!

A Focus on Hocus Pocus

2012-02-10T09:02:00.000-08:00

Hello, Max & welcome back to this ponderous place where, surely, everyone knows by now that ever since we started delving into the journals of the Sorceress Mary Morgan, some of the oddest things have been happening! Before we focus on hocus pocus, however, allow me to present to you the most "normal" drawing I could find that hopefully will not misbehave while we're chatting...

According to what's written on this drawing, this fellow's name is Parsimonious Creed. Obviously, he's another strange character from Mary Morgan's world, but so far, he's not made an appearance in any of the Buggy Crenshaw books, nor in Magpie & Dilly. He appears to be a birdman, or something of the like, but his true identity (his human one) is anyone's guess. I have so far found plenty of these drawings--the ones where humans are merged with their talismans--but very few reveal the subjects' true natures. I find that quite interesting, particularly since we've been warned time and again recently that our worlds are about to collide...Do they not want us to know them?

At any rate, beings that this drawing is not doing anything (too far) out of the ordinary just yet--although I do notice something going on...it doesn't seem the least bit harmful so let's return our focus to the hocus pocus of other images that were less docile. Last week's post (Ways Most Clever and Discreet!) was the latest evidence of peculiar goings-on, but don't forget the ones before that which were...(hmmm)...only slightly less odd, we'll say.

Maybe it started with our post Outright Steampunkery! in which that drawing of the watership carried on in such a bizarre manner...Possibly the strangest was A Most Curious Affair, the post where I revealed the changes that overcame that drawing of Detritious Clax. (That one still frightens me a bit, so if anyone goes to visit, I highly suggest taking a friend. Hand-holding is not frowned upon here! In fact, sometimes I wish I had more hands!)

Perhaps the best example of an unruly post subject would be Miss Epitimous Dorsey--Escapist Extraordinaire!--who was the pyromander we featured just a couple weeks ago. If you'll remember, she couldn't even be bothered to sit still for the duration of a short post!

And, another that I wasn't going to mention, but I suppose I must: those blasted D'Evil Dogs! (What awful menaces they were!) In fact....Oh, hold on a minute...Look at the drawing now, Max. It appears that fragments are lifting off the paper, sort of like individual snapshots of Mr. Creed that are becoming...un-merged...somehow. Hmmm. Interesting, but still completely harmless, so let's move on. Parsimonious Creed is obviously no threat to us, Max, and surely we have far more interesting subjects to attend to...

(Knock, knock!)

Oh! What's that? Someone at the door? Darn, just when we were getting somewhere...Please, while I'm gone, don't be shy. Everyone make yourselves at home and have a look around our blog. And, by all means, be sure not to miss the S'N'Art Gallery! I'll be right...

Y-Y-Yiiikes!

Ways Most Clever and Discreet

2012-02-06T07:01:00.000-08:00

Hello, Max, and welcome back for another rousing round of "What the heck's going on here?!" First, though, let's be polite and welcome all newcomers to our ponderous place. I'm absolutely thrilled by all the wonderful things people have had to say about the small effort we're making here to save the world from grim reality. I'll make no bones about it: I do not like reality and prefer to make things up. So! With that in mind, I hope everyone will feel free to nose around here a bit, make yourselves at home, and by no means take anything too seriously.

For those who can't quite figure out what the heck is going on here, allow me to offer you the nutshell version: this is one of the places I go when I feel like making things up. Max is my writing partner (yep, made him up, too) who smiles and nods patiently while I ramble on. My most recent obsession is a project I call Mary Morgan's Journal and rather than allow the ideas and images to clutter my wee little noggin, I like to post them here. That way, everyone suffers, not just me. However, if anyone happens to be entertained along the way, wonderful! Be sure to come back often and bring your friends. With more to share the burden, it won't seem so heavy.

Anyhoooo, after last week's grand opening of the S'N'Art Gallery (our new page dedicated to showcasing the Sorceress Mary Morgan's drawings---a big hit, by the way), I naturally continued sorting through her journals and came across plenty more of interest, but what I have to show you today is by far the most intriguing (and also, quite revealing).

Presuming that everyone has read my book Magpie & Dilly....(What? Oh. Well, then...) Put another way: in my book Magpie & Dilly, the narrator Persnickitus Crum took it upon himself to write an open letter warning the reader that our two worlds--magical and non--are set on a collision course. To me, the very idea of such a thing raises more questions than I could ever imagine ~~making up~~ finding answers to! Nevertheless, proof may already be presenting itself in ways most clever and discreet.

For example, here we have Mary Morgan's drawing of a man who appears fairly ordinary, and prior to this day and age, he may very well have remained so without ever showing his true self. However, I'm beginning to understand (and believe wholeheartedly!) that Persnickitus Crum's warning was indeed justified, for, within seconds of finding this drawing, I saw mysterious things begin to happen...

First, the man's image slowly began to fade, and then---and, yes, I know this sounds absolutely incredible, but bear with me and you'll see for yourself: scales appeared on his face!

Having spent altogether too much time making things up, I presumed I knew instantly what was taking shape here: the man in the drawing was becoming his talisman! (For the laymen visiting, this simply means the man was shapeshifting, joining forces with his animal familiar.)*

Obviously, I was utterly stunned to witness such a thing without the aid of any unveiling devices whatsoever. Some of you may recall an earlier post in which I shared a drawing of a knife with a Seeing Stone tethered to its handle. If one were to look through the hole in the center of that stone, the magical world around them would be revealed. But, as I said, I had no such stone and no contact lenses, or any other aid when I saw the man in this drawing metamorphose!

Even as startled as I was, though, I was able to make some sense of this. I suspected immediately that what Persnickitus Crum forewarned us about truly is coming to pass: the magical and non-magical worlds are converging and soon, more of the veil that shrouds their doings will be destroyed. We will no longer require such things as Seeing Stones and, very likely, no Specter Detectors, either. We'll begin to see things we've never seen, and possibly witness events that have so far been beyond our wildest imaginings. Admittedly, I am not altogether certain we're ready for such things!

Should this actually be happening, I feel both humbled and afraid because I know from my research that the magical world is far more advanced than ours in every way possible. The fact that the magical have been portrayed here (for the most part) as old-fashioned sorts--robe-wearing and wand bearing--is a misconception they have happily allowed us to believe (with no ill intentions, trust). But it is not this misconception I fear most. I sincerely believe the magical have not set out to deceive us, but at the same time they have allowed us our deception. What this means simply? We are the culprits, not they!

In this vein, I present to you one last image which should raise a question in your own mind: What will you see when the veil has vanished?

*Note: The possibility exists that in the near future, Max and I will add another new page that will host a glossary of common magical terms. We have so far compiled a relatively short, but comprehensive list of words and phrases that everyone had best get used to if what our dear friend Mr. Crum forecasts does indeed come to pass.

Official Grand Opening: S'N'Art! Gallery

2012-01-31T13:25:00.000-08:00

Hello, Max! Very glad you could join me at this: the (as promised) Official Grand Opening for our new page which hosts Mary Morgan's S'N'Art Gallery! As excited as I am to present these drawings as a collection, I will not make this a long post. Instead, I wish only to say welcome and enjoy!

Note: If you don't yet know your way around this ponderous place, but are as excited as Max and me, then you may either click the S'N'Art Gallery page link above on the oh-so-handynavigation bar, or--even handier (heh, heh, heh!)--take my hand (click on it, I dare you!)and I will lead you directly to our New and Official S'N'Art Gallery where MaryMorgan's bizarre bounty awaits...(Pardon my nails, please. I've not had muchtime lately to grind them down.)

Escapist Extraordinaire!

2012-01-29T13:08:00.000-08:00

Well! Hello and good morning to you, Max, as well as to all our new friends. I hope you're up for a very interesting post today (even if I do say so myself--and I do!)...

As you know, I've been pouring over everything I can find having to do with the Sorceress Mary Morgan that might aid us in our current project (working title: Mary Morgan's Journal). I also put out a number of questions to various ears in hopes of collecting more specific information about certain things and some interesting results are already trickling in. I'm pleased to say that a number of our new friends have taken on the daunting responsibility of aiding our endeavors to bring the Sorceress' adventurers to light and today, I will share some of their offerings with you.

The contributor I would like to acknowledge today is one who goes only by the moniker X. Mysterious, yes, but also quite understandable under the circumstances of which you are about to learn...

Here on the right, we have Mary Morgan's drawing of a reptilian creature which X claims (in the torn letter you see there with the drawing) is a pyromander named Epitimous Dorsey. As interesting as this newcomer is, let me first direct your attention to the letter, for it is shown here exactly as I found it inside the envelope it shared with this drawing. Note that part of it has been torn away...

...and I did not find the remainder until something altogether amazing had taken place. As you read on, I advise you to study the images along the right margin as their progress will hopefully demonstrate well enough what amazing magic took place immediately after I opened (Mr.? Ms.?) X's correspondence. (Likely, the pictures will explain it far better than I could!)

As for that letter, you can see for yourself (for the most part), our friend X was not able to give us much more information than the creature's name and species. The fact that Miss (yes, Miss!) Dorsey did indeed help the Sorceress Mary Morgan--more than once, actually--during her adventures tells us that this particular pyromander is a trusted ally to Man. Unfortunately, she is also a very shy one!

With this being so, I was left to search for information from our new and varied sources and I'm happy to say I was able to garner a bit more from them. Unfortunately, all of these contributors so far still wish to remain anonymous. (Perhaps in the future, one may tolerate an online interview...?)

Back to our subject for today: I have learned that although Epitimous Dorsey has recently been known to liveinside the Bermuda Triangle, it is speculated that her kind originally lived incolonies clustered around deep sea vents where the water temperature can exceed 450 ºC! It is becoming common knowledge that thin spots (thinly-veiled portals between universes) exist in these places, and this may very well account for the hundreds of new species of deep sea creatures that have been discovered even as recently as this past decade.

An interesting fact is that these vents are actually undersea hot springs, some of which lie approximately three miles below the ocean's surface and are capable of shooting a jet of mineral-laden water nearly a mile into the ocean above.

It has been suggested that some of the larger creatures introduced to our world via these deepsea portals cannot readily sustain themselves by staying in that environment since the food supply there generally consists of only smaller specimens such as plankton and shrimp. For greater appetites--such as one would suppose a pyromander would have--migration becomes a necessity.

As far as anyone knows, this is precisely what brought Epitimous Dorsey and her kind to their present location. This, however, has never been verified, for whenever the subject isbroached, any pyromander within earshot almost instantly vanishes precisely as Epitimous Dorsey did upon my opening that envelope from X!

As you can see, the only good that came from the pyromander's escape was that I at least managed to find the last bit of X's letter:

Thanks for the warning, X!

*Just so you know: A great deal of what I reported pertaining to the undersea vents is actually true and very interesting. If you don't believe me, please visit www.sciencedaily.com where you will find many wonderful articles about such marvels as the vents.

*Note: For those who are sitting on the very edge of their seat, waiting for the promised S'N'Art Gallery of Mary Morgan's drawings, do not lose faith. The S'N'Art Gallery's grand opening will be this coming Tuesday, January 31, 2012. No need to dress fancy, though. We're very casual folk around here.

Yikes! and Double Yikes!

2012-01-26T09:48:00.000-08:00

Hello, Max...I hope these past days have been as kind to you as they've been to me. I'm very excited to be here as I've had incredible success at uncovering a multitude of clues to the mysteries surrounding the Sorceress Mary Morgan. First, however, let's mind our manners: I hope you've already become familiar with our newest followers and have graciously welcomed them to our humble slice of cyberspace. If you haven't already, I'd like to invite all visitors (as well as their friends, family members, and any complete strangers they can manage to drag with them) to journey with us as we continue our quest to discover the magic and mystery of the Sorceress Mary Morgan.

Let's begin, Max, with this public domain image (illustration, supposedly!) by J. M. Buell (1889). It portrays the mighty creature known in legend as the Kraken going about its usual business of tormenting unsuspecting sea travelers.
"Why?" you ask. "Why start here?"
"Cuz...," says I, "This particular photo (I claim) once belonged to our person of interest!"

That's right, Max: that image along with this hand-painted map fragment were both once the subjects of Mary Morgan's tireless scrutiny. According to her journals, she carefully studied anything she could get her hands on that even hinted that monsters existed, and then off she went in search of them.
"Why?" you ask (again).
"Cuz," says I (once more), "Mary Morgan was a Demon Slayer."

Demon Slayer!

Quite. What we'd suspected has been confirmed, Max, and not just by the Sorceress' journals. I now have witnesses! The magical world has come to our aid in numbers that exceed my ability to count! As thankful as I am to each and every new "source," I have agreed not to divulge names, accurate likenesses, or specific whereabouts except with permission. (Most claim that Mary Morgan disguised each of her comrades by her own horrid artistry*, so they have no qualms with my publishing the Sorceress' drawings here for the world to see.)

Clearly, however, I have more now than just her drawings and doodles... If you would be kind enough to study this painting entitled The Ghost Fleet, you will find one of the Sorceress' favorite means of (early) travel: that amazing vessel known as The Phantom. Of course, the irony of its name should be obvious, so I'll say only this: what's important to note here is that The Phantom still sails to this very day. According to my sources, she has been spotted numerous times along with her companion vessels near such sinister and speculative locations as the Bermuda Triangle, the Cape of Good Hope, the Bering Strait, and, of course, the Nespian Sea. (The list of places where thin spots are known to exist is indeed endless, but for more information on such matters, one would be wise to familiarize oneself with Buggy Crenshaw's world.)

Now, Max, certainly, you find all this as interesting as I did, but I'm nearly bursting at the seams to tell you there's more! Bear with me just a moment longer, my friend, and allow me to explain what I've learned...

It is important to note that not all monsters are Demons, and it can be very hard to tell them apart, but that is precisely the reason why people like Mary Morgan are so highly regarded and greatly sought after in the magical world. As you can probably imagine, not everyone is qualified to be a Demon Slayer, and some who are...adamantly refuse the calling. Such was not the case with Mary Morgan, according to my research. Although she did not grow up knowing that one day she would become one of the magical world's ultimate heroes, she willingly took on the role when she was merely sixteen years of age after a creature known as the Grym murdered her parents...

"Yikes!" you say.
"Double yikes!" says I.

Even so, as her journals do attest, in the beginning, Mary Morgan could no more carry out the feat of ridding the world of Demons than you or I could, Max. (Just those Hell Hounds were nearly too much for me!) So, it's a good thing she had friends, some of whose likenesses I'm happy to share (with the fore-mentioned "blanket" permissions, of course).

I don't know much about this fellow just yet, but as you can see, Mary Morgan knew him as Finneus Plight. Although he appears rather doubtful in this unflattering rendition, he was truly one of the Sorceress' closest allies...(verified).

Next, I discovered this partially colored drawing of someone familiar: Scalliwag Jack! Obviously, he's merged with his talisman here, but anyone who read my book Magpie & Dilly might recall Jack as being a member of the network of invisible, unsung heroes bound by their honor to defeat the D'Evil and his kind (Demons). Clearly, this is a bond he shared with Mary Morgan.

Trust, Max, there is far more I could share with you, but I've recently placed strict time constraints on myself and must adhere to them if I ever hope to uncover the true motivations of the Warrior Mary Morgan. (Particularly this matter concerning the Grym!) Presently, I'm due back in my study where exists more information about the Sorceress than I ever could've imagined. Even so, despite having received literally tons of letters and packages from the magical community to aid my research, it seems I've yet to uncover more than the very tip of this colossal iceberg.

So, wish me luck, my friend, as if there truly is such a thing! And I will tell you that if you dare to dream at all, then by all means, do dream BIG!

*Pardon me for nearly forgetting...I've considered hosting Mary Morgan's artwork in gallery format here in this...ponderous place. (I no longer blog. Instead, I ponder!) However, as laughable as her world finds this notion, I have been forbidden to do so under any name as honorable as Art Gallery. My new friends (and possibly Mary Morgan's former friends) insist I call the exhibition of the Sorceress' work a S'N'Art Gallery...short for it's not art! And so it shall be. In the near future--a few days, likely--I will send out word that the S'N'Art Gallery is open and awaiting your smiles...

Mischief and Misfortune!

2012-01-21T10:49:00.000-08:00

Oh, Max! I really don't know what I was thinking when I wrote that last post! Was I really so naive as to tempt fate in such a foolish manner? Clearly (and sadly) I was, and now I cannot escape those blasted D'Evil Dogs! They haunt me night and day! Likely, I'd have posted far sooner than today had it not been for those Hell Hounds, but I believe I may have discovered something they did not wish to reveal...Pay close attention, my friend, in the off chance that you be haunted, too.

Despite being "hounded" (literally!) by these canine apparitions at night, I discovered, interestingly enough, that I cannot see the creatures during the daylight hours! After the sun goes down, they appear exactly as they look in their photos, but in the day, they are as invisible as a Hollow. I know what you may be thinking, Max, but I promise you they are certainly still there--I can tell by their foul odor (Mary Morgan was not exaggerating that in the least!), as well as their wanton whimpers and low, rumbling growls. At first, I even felt their steamy breaths on the back of my neck, and I cringed away before the drool could drip from their overlarge fangs. (I don't know how I know this--my research has not yet confirmed it, and I know it sounds far-fetched--but I am certain their saliva would burn holes in me! However, I am not one for reckless experimentation, and so will not be pursuing that particular hypothesis.)

Fortunately, I am in far less fear today of the D'Evil Dogs than when I first encountered them. The reason for this turnaround is specifically that device you see there on the left...the one that resembles a telescope with some sort of sea serpent snaking down its side. (It is also adorned with a number of charms dangling from it which I suspect belonged to Mary Morgan, the same as the satchel in the second drawing. More on those another time.)

As luck (or fate) would have it, I came across an item quite similar to this while sorting through the deluge of mail I've received from members of the magical world since announcing our decision to investigate the Sorceress Mary Morgan's journals. It is what's known as a Specter Detector, and it does exactly what its name implies: it reveals specters--ghosts, ghouls...apparitions on any of the seven levels (as far as I presently know, at least). I'm not yet certain how it does this, other than by pure magic, of course, but I will say it's quite similar to a Seeing Stone (pictured in an earlier post). And, above all, it has enabled me to keep track of my unwelcome ghostly guests so that they could no longer effectively haunt me. Needless to say, the Hell Hounds are not at all pleased--obviously preferring to be heard and not seen--and have since made fewer and fewer appearances.

Even so, it's been a rather trying time of late, and not only because of the Hell Hounds. As I reported last week, our decision to investigate Mary Morgan's journals has indeed stirred an incredibly large pot (or cauldron, if you'd rather). Both good and bad has so far come of it, but for today, I will only share the good and...forewarn...of the bad...(I've a great deal more research to do before sharing some rather disturbing information, so I will not speak out of turn, but I will at least ask that our reader friends remain on high alert for future...mischief and misfortune!)

The good news is this: overall, our magical counterparts have responded quite favorably to our proposed project and have been exceedingly supportive by way of their letters and in sending me wonderful things like the Specter Detector. I will, of course, be sharing these incredible donations (providing it is not unwise to do so) in future posts, but first and foremost, I will try to remain focused on our task: sorting out the life and adventures of the Sorceress Mary Morgan. For that reason, I'm sharing a few scraps I've uncovered from the volumes the Sorceress left behind. (I will not be getting into the where, when, or how of the Sorceress' present whereabouts--or lack of--so please, do not anticipate it. That is a matter to be left solely within the Buggy Crenshaw chronicles.)

The drawing on the right depicts some sort of appendage, a tail, perhaps, or a tentacle, of what I can so far only presume is a creature not of this world. Beings that our audience has grown a bit since last week with the addition of new (and very welcome) followers, as well as the magical members who've so kindly joined us, perhaps a reader can clue us in to what creature might sport a tail (or horn, maybe?) like this. If you think you may know, or would like to hazard a guess, please, by all means, comment or email.

While we're on the subject of the unknown, have a look at this hand Mary Morgan drew. Again, I've no idea who (or what) it belongs to, but I have a sneaking suspicion we will all find out soon enough! (Input here is also welcome.) Upon closer inspection, it becomes clear that this [creature] has not just one opposable thumb, but two! How incredibly...handy! (Sorry, Max, but those blasted Hell Hounds gave me so little peace these past several days that I've slept very little. This, of course, results in the notion that I'm funnier than I really am. Please bear with me...I'm nearly finished with my report.)

This last drawing I consider even more frightening than the others combined. It's obviously a talon with horrendously sharp claws, but also what look like teeth on its underside! I've actually already received a fair bit of input on this particular drawing, but it seems none can agree. General consensus tells me it's either a gryphon's claw, or possibly a gargoyle's foot. Either way, I will not mock the creature to which it belongs. After living with the D'Evil Dogs this past week, I certainly would not wish to meet up with any of their (likely) acquaintances!

With that having been said, I will leave you with this: all characters, creatures, and items (such as the Specter Detector and the Seeing Stone) that are mentioned here are part of the world created in the Buggy Crenshaw adventures. If you'd like to know more, you may ask questions by either commenting on posts or emailing. Or you may simply join the fun by meeting Buggy yourself. Here is her Amazon ebook link, and paperbacks are available as well. (No Kindle? Try this: Smashwords!) Best of all, Buggy's ebooks are only 99 cents wherever you go!

Must...go now...nodding off...dream big...Zzzzz!

D'Evil Dogs and Mysterious Blogs

2012-01-15T11:34:00.000-08:00

Hello, Max...I hope these past days have treated you well and that you feel rested and ready. As you have no doubt surmised, the day we (you, mostly) suspected was coming has arrived and, clearly, we have our work cut out for us!

Judging by the number of letters (and so on) we've received since announcing our intention to pursue a project we call Mary Morgan's Journal, we have obviously created quite a stir in the magical world. Admittedly, we have been warned time and again not to delve into what many consider treacherous territory: the revealing of one world to another. But few know better than we do that living between the worlds with a foot in each is a hazard: one which we can no longer bear. We are very nearly (and somewhat shamefully) defenseless against the Demons who may discover our efforts.

And so why do we do it? Because we are not alone.

The letters you see here are not words of discouragement, nor threats of any kind. Incredibly, they are stories, photos, drawings, totems...even recipes (for protective potions, mostly) from people living in Hollows all over the world, hoping to help bring our worlds together. And so it is that we continue down this road we've recently set upon, to discover and disclose the firsthand, true accounts of the Sorceress Mary Morgan.

First, I would like to acknowledge the unparalleled assistance of Mr. Persnickitus Crum, a fellow Chronicler (Supreme! in his case) who most graciously lent his services to the research, narration, and eventual publication of my book Magpie & Dilly. It is a revealing story--a prequel, actually, to the Buggy Crenshaw books--that offers a great deal of historical information about the magical world (particularly the print edition which is annotated). It was this same friend, Mr. Crum, who sent me these photos:

According to the Scholar, this is an actual photograph of a Hell Hound who relentlessly pursued the Sorceress Mary Morgan on her desperate chase of a creature known as The Grym...(More on that despicable creature soon enough!)

This next photo is another of the D'Evil's Dogs, all of which, purportedly, are actually not living creatures, but rather ghosts! I would like to segue here to one Mary Morgan's logbook entries in which she documented her actual sightings of these creatures: "The Hell Hounds are near. I can smell them. They are but ghosts, but even so, these Demons are horrid and smelly, and more fearsome than any I've ever seen! Their teeth arelike daggers, their claws, razor sharp, and their lean, lithe bodies arecorded with muscle. Their sickly whitish-gray hides appear very slick and leathery, and the thought of touching them is absolutely revolting! I will not let those D'Evil Dogs near me...Ghosts or no, I'm certain they will try to destroy me!"

So, Max...as you can see, it's been interesting of late. With so much more information to study and verify, we will no doubt be able to give a true and thorough account of Mary Morgan's doings in her long and dangerously eventful life. We must do our best, however, to weed out any...(how best to say it?)...possibly...erroneous data. (I, for one, am not actually a believer in ghosts, despite the assurances of both Mary Morgan and the forthright and dependable Mr. Crum. I mean...D'Evil Dogs?! Really?)

All the best, Max. Good night and don't let the D'Evil Dogs bite! (HaHa!)

A Most Curious Affair

2012-01-12T09:01:00.000-08:00

Well, hello and good morning to you, Max...(For anyone who doesn't know, Max is my writing companion, or accomplice, if you prefer.)

I'm sure you've noticed the wonderful changes that have taken place here since we last worked together...The lovely new header up there that includes some of the drawings that may be included with our current project, Mary Morgan's Journal, along with that kindly reminder for people to please not wander off with any of our images without letting us know. (It is only polite, you know.) And, besides, why get them from here when anyone can simply visit our DeviantArt gallery and download a free desktop wallpaper of most of our work? (Or, of course, order prints, mousepads, coffee cups...the usual propaganda.) Hmmm.

Anyway, if images or posts or excerpts of any sort are desired, I can easily be reached by simply clicking that (devilishly clever) purple envelope over there to the right (it's even addressed to me!)...That's right: it's our new email link! (How exciting!) Anyone can use it at any time, and for any reason. Really. You won't wake me.

And, now, for what I've been most desperate to share with you: something mysterious is going on with several of Mary Morgan's drawings! It's the strangest thing, Max...a most curious affair! Please pay close attention when I tell you that after discovering that some of these journal entries seem to have a mind of their own in the way they come and go at will, I believe I have discovered how:

They are not simply drawings, Max!

So here's what happened: the other night, I woke to some very odd sounds that may or may not have been my stomach growling...Never mind that! Rather than bury my head under the covers, which I sincerely considered, I very discreetly took the flashlight from my nightstand, tiptoed into my study where I was certain the noises had come from, and low and behold! This is what I found...

Take a close look at this drawing of Detritious Clax. If you'll remember, I shared it with you a short while back after having first discovered the wonders of Mary Morgan's journal. (Visit previous blogs for a look if you need to do so...and you might!) At that time the drawing appeared normal, but now take a closer look at Mr. Clax's right ear! Likely, you're as stunned as I was, so you must understand that I switched on the light immediately to discover just exactly what was taking place here. What I found was disturbing to say the very least...

Please note that both of Mr. Clax's ears had begun to...er...(I'm not even sure I should share this, lest I find myself being dragged off to the loony bin! But, I'll trust you, Max, to do the right thing for a friend.) What I saw was this: his ears were taking on life! I know of no other way to say it...That pink, sort of cracked, scaly [stuff] inside his ears is actually membranous. It's...it's SKIN! But, worse, Max, far worse things began to happen after that!

After I managed to collect myself--and my trusty magnifying glass--I began to study Mr. Clax more closely. Although I was able to confirm what I've already told you, I can by no means explain it. You can see for yourself, though, that what I say is factual, but while you're looking, look more closely at Mr. Clax's right horn now (the broken one) as well as the lower part of his cheek...That's right: scales! As I was carefully studying the subject's ear, scales (most like those of a snake) began to appear!

So, there you have it! Look as long and as closely as you like, my friend, but you must see exactly the same as I do or else I will be the one doubting you! After all, I was obviously not so scattered of mind to neglect gathering some sort of proof of what I knew would be considered outrageous proclamations. Unfortunately, all I have is this handful of photographs. I hardly think you can blame, me, though, for what happened next would've startled you into petrifaction the same as it did me! See for yourself and then be the judge:

Here's looking at you, Max!

A Peculiar Find

2012-01-04T09:23:00.000-08:00

Now what?

I know, Max, I know: I'm becoming a bit of a bother when it comes to this Mary Morgan project, but you have to know it's sort of taking on a life of its own! For instance...

This fellow here is (according to what's written there in the corner) an as-yet-unnamed sea creature that Mary Morgan may or may not have encountered on her journeys. I've yet to find out since she kept such voluminous accounts of her adventures. There is still a great deal to sort through, but no sooner had I found this drawing than I was stunned to find another:

Obviously, it's a bloody knife, but who it belongs to--as well as whose blood that is--is still a mystery. It's difficult to be certain, but the knife's blade appears to have been crafted from an overly large animal claw. (Off the record, I will not rule out a prehistoric creature, but of course, further research is in order before such a grand pronouncement can be made without doubt.)

Also, as heinous and vile as it may seem in our world (the Unnatural World as it's known to the likes of Mary Morgan), the knife's handle appears to be a mandible, or lower jaw bone: specifically, that of a human being if Mary Morgan did not in fact employ any artistic liberties, that is. (Hard to say...I'm finding her sense of humor a bit odd!)

At a glance, it should be known that this is a magical knife. One tell-tale sign is the slit the blade has made in the paper on which it's drawn...Peculiar, I agree, but upon close scrutiny, it is in fact the truest form of a paper cut.

Another indication of this knife's magicality is the Seeing Stone (or Visibility Disc) which is tied to its handle. Normally, a magical member does not require a stone or any other aid of this nature in order to see "beyond the veil" (or curtain, depending on where you're from). However, when one leaps back and forth time and again between two or more worlds, it can apparently be rather confusing at times. Mary Morgan often complained of being a bit whammied by her exploits, which I can only presume to be similar to jet lag.

Of further interest (to me especially, but hopefully to you as well), you can see there's not only blood on the weapon's blade, but also, bloody fingerprints on its handle! Of course, this is merely a sketch (as opposed to a photograph), but wouldn't it be something if we could make use of those prints to identify who last held this knife? Although I am constantly witnessing the accuracy of Mary Morgan's drawings when compared to other material from the same era, I consider it doubtful these prints could ever be of use, particularly since it's very likely this weapon is more than a century old. Even if these renderings are exact, we've nothing to compare them to, and it's highly probable the bleeder is dead anyway, whether from knife wounds or old age. Unless....Well, never mind that!*

The final point I would like to make pertaining to this drawing is the fact that it is obviously on only a scrap of paper, which more than likely is a fragment of a larger document. While I speculate that the knife was drawn without scale (if true, it appears to be approximately 13" long), I cannot be certain. What I do feel somewhat justified in saying, however, is that this drawing apparently meant something to Mary Morgan, for it was tucked carefully away along with some other items I won't (for now) divulge, inside a battered steamer trunk that appears to have seen more than its fair share of skirmishes...My question: why keep this particular scrap of paper? My guess: for the blood, of course.

More soon...Until then:

Deviance Pays...

2012-01-02T07:36:00.000-08:00

WOW! That was fast, eh, Max? (Back already...two posts in one week is unheard of for me--I think.) So, what's the hurry, you say? Well, I'll just say straight out that I had an epiphany! It occurred to me that some readers might like to have one or two of these fine pieces of artwork from Mary Morgan's journal for their very own (as strange as that may seem to a normal-minded individual), so I've ruminated over it and kanoodled (heh, heh, heh!) a great deal and this is what I've come up with:

Get it? It's a hyperlink to my favorite online gallery for artists as well as for the likes of you and me, Max! By simply clicking the link, you will be whisked away to a fascinating place called Deviant Art! (In a new tab, of course, so that you'll easily be able to find your way back here...)

Once ensconced in the artistic atmosphere that is DA, feel free to peruse the fine offerings, but do pay particular attention to where this link first lands you....the gallery of one maxshilo! (Intriguing, yes!) This gallery so far consists of the drawings you've seen here that are associated with our little project (which we will now officially refer to as The Greatest Tangent of ALL TIME! Or, unofficially--and far more simply---as Mary Morgan's Journal).

From this fine collection of incredible drawings, a visitor may not only download a copy of the drawing of their choice (for...say...a lovely new wallpaper, for example), but they may also purchase any of the offerings in various formats (even framed if it is to their liking!). These formats include Fine Art, Canvas, and Photo Prints, as well as (this is very COOL!) postcards, coffee cups, and mouse pads! Can you believe it? I ask you: Have you ever seen anything cooler than a Detritous Clax coffee mug, or Watership mouspad? (I think not, my friend, so...so there! 'Nuff said!)

And, so, Max, that's the extent of the great news for now, I'm afraid, but fear not, my friend. As you well know, I am still dutifully pouring over Mary Morgan's logbooks and associated documents, so it's very likely you'll hear from me sooner (again) rather than later. If for any reason you need to contact me in the meantime, please do so by way of commenting on this post. Otherwise, please spend your time wisely by clicking here:

And remember: sometimes deviance pays!
Bwah-hahahahaha!

Outright Steampunkery!

2011-12-28T10:40:00.000-08:00

Well, hello, Max...Hope your holidays are turning out to be as festive as can (safely) be. Mine? Hmm...rewarding, really. As you can see from the drawing on the left, I've been scavenging through Mary Morgan's journal again (or should I say..still?) Although I've discovered a great number of interesting (and sometimes frightening) entries, few have caught my eye as profoundly as this little mister here: I believe the Sorceress described this [creature] as a watership! Study it and see that despite its overall "fishy" appearance, it nevertheless has windows (!) along its starboard side!

Obviously, I was rather stunned when I first came across this journal entry, but upon closer inspection, I became even more surprised by the particulars of this so-called watership. I began to focus on details such as the legs--with finned feet no less!--protruding from its side, its peculiarly gloved hands, and (how shall I phrase it?) its outright steampunkery! It appears to be a fairly equal mix of living parts appended by mechanics, the likes of which (as far as I know at least) have been so far unseen by mankind!

Upon my initial sighting of this bizarre curiosity, I wondered frightfully, Who in the world could imagine this?! But, the answer, of course, is NO ONE! According to Mary Morgan's testimonials, this creature/contraption was (is?) true-to-the-world REAL!

I know all this sounds ultimately insane, Max, but you must understand that based on all that I have so far learned of the Sorceress Mary Morgan, her accounts of everything that happened to her in her long and honorable fight against Evil do ring true! They are all crammed full of actual documented historical facts. An incredible number of real people (Abe Lincoln, Amelia Earhart, and so on) populate the Sorceress' experiences and I sincerely believe you will find her adventures as incredible and intriguing as I do. And one other thing I'll tell you now that you will inevitably learn first hand soon enough: this is merely the tip of the iceberg!

Along with this watership drawing, I found other entries detailing airships and overland vehicles, not to mention what seems like a never-ending collection of monsters (Demons, according to Mary Morgan) and the like. Her stories about them are truly harrowing adventures and the more I read, the more determined I become to deliver these stories to the world. They are a clear example of an alternate history of which no one--aside from those directly involved, of course--is even aware! As it currently stands, the only obstacle I foresee is this:

Mary Morgan's drawings have a tendency to do this...

And then this!

Ah, well....No worries, Max. It will come back; they always do. Until then, have a safe and happy New Year celebration, and may all your dreams be BIG!

P. S. Chinchilla courtesy of www.turbomilk.com. Very funny! Ha!

The Grym

2011-12-20T08:31:00.001-08:00

Hello, Max...Good to be here despite the fact I have to admit once more that you were right: I have found yet another tangent that will invariably lead me astray! (Never met a tangent I didn't like, remember!)

As focused as I was these past few days on reviewing all the notes, histories, drawings, etc., I have collected over the years that pertain to the Buggy Crenshaw adventures, I have nevertheless stumbled onto another obsession: Mary Morgan's Demon Slayer Logbook!

As you well know, it takes very little for me to lose focus and deviate from the master plan, but I ask you to take one look at this page from one of Mary Morgan's journals and tell me how in the world I could force myself to ignore the possibilities presented by such a splendid discovery?! According to this gem of a page, Mary Morgan was only 16 years old when she was tracking this creature called the Grym (and for very good reason if you refer to the drawing and read her words for yourself).

I feel I have no choice but to continue my investigation into this matter pertaining to the Sorceress' long and mostly unknown history. Beings that I have already uncovered virtual reams of her drawings, descriptions, stories, and so on, I suspect you'll be hearing from me somewhat regularly if for no other reason than to share with you such remarkable finds.

Needless to say, I am quite anxious to get back to the treasures I've discovered, and so I'll go for now. Look soon for my next post. Until then...

P. S. Oops...Hmm...don't take it personally! I'm sure it was just the Grym that made me do it...

Mary Morgan's Logbook

2011-12-17T05:41:00.000-08:00

Hello, Max, and good morning to you. I hope the world is treating you well and properly.

Today, I'd like to share with you a notion that's slithering around in my head about what to do with Mary Morgan's journal entries...If you'll kindly remember, last week I revealed the first of many drawings I've come across while refreshing my memory on the Buggy Crenshaw adventures. I've gone through a great number of journals, logbooks, and reams of haphazardly scrawled notes (my own as well as those of a long list of characters) and have discovered a tangent that I cannot help but explore. (Never met a tangent I didn't like, you know!)

Obviously, I found the sketch of Detritous Clax quite intriguing (as I hope you did as well), but since posting it, I've come across several more drawings that are equally (disturbing) interesting...

So, now, I ask you: how can I NOT follow this tangent, eh?

As you can see, this is another of Mary Morgan's entries in her Demon Slayer's Logbook. If you'll recall, Buggy Crenshaw ran into these very creatures (and was in fact captured by a roving band of them!) in Buggy Crenshaw and the Deadwood Principle: Evolution. I won't say a lot here about that encounter, but believe that Buggy's not finished dealing with the Sticklers just yet...(That's another tangent altogether!)

Back to the matter at hand: what to do with Mary Morgan's Logbook entries...She cataloged quite a number of interesting characters like the Sticklers, but most of the information she documented was not simply cut-and-dried, as is the page posted above. Not many can be as easily separated from the rest. Thankfully, her "logbook" consists of many (many) volumes, and much of her work was written in an ongoing format, as actual journal entries, or stories, if you will.

Perhaps that in itself answers my question, eh?

In the coming days, I'll look into the possibility of collecting some of the Sorceress's most interesting (and best preserved) encounters with the end goal being to offer them to the public for their perusal. I will, of course, have to run this by Buggy to make sure nothing is revealed out of turn, but I suspect she will be as supportive of this venture as she was of Persnickitus Crum jotting out Magpie & Dilly. It is, after all, for the Greater Good of Mankind, eh?

So, on that note, Max, I thank you again for lending me your ear-like appendages while I prattled on. My wish for you is a safe and happy week!

P.S. This guy looks interested, eh? (That's why I like him, of course.) If you like him, too, you'll be interested to know he comes to us by way of freeiconsweb.com, courtesty of banzaitokyo. Many thanks!

Detritous Clax

2011-12-08T04:16:00.001-08:00

Well, hello, Max and good morning. I hope you're well this fine December day. Yes, it's been a long while since I last posted here, but as I previously mentioned, I've been busy catching up with Buggy Crenshaw so that together, we can document her next adventure. It's not easy going, I'll admit, beings that she's had such an extraordinary life so far, but trust there's much more in store for her. The trick is in sorting it all out. (This, of course, was the primary reason for starting the second series of books, A Nexus Series Tangent. A great deal of background information can be discovered there.)

Now then, as for Buggy's next epic adventure, I can't tell you everything, of course, but I will tell you some: after having gone through pages upon pages of the available notes and journals, etc., I can safely say that Buggy's next adventure promises to showcase her grandest schemes of all. Sorry I can't say what, but the goal is to have this installment available by the end of 2012, so at least you won't have as long to wait. I know! Best get to crackin', eh? In good time, my friend. Have no worries.

My purpose in posting today is to bring you news of something I discovered while digging through all these notes. It appears to be a treasure, indeed! If you'll recall from the Deadwood Principle, one of the things that helped Buggy, Sid, and Veronica determine who their enemy actually was was a Witch's journal, specifically, Mary Morgan's Demon Slayer's Logbook. What you see below is an actual page from that very journal!

Woo-hoooo! What a find, eh? That fella who's pictured goes by the name Detritous Clax, but I won't say much more for now. I will, however, admit that there was a great deal more information on this page than what you see before you...When I first came across this precious nugget, it was actually in horrendous condition! Obviously, I've cleaned it up and digitized it, but also, I've kept hidden most of what was on the original page. (Trust it wasn't only this lovely mug!) In time, all will be revealed, but for now, knowing too much can be as....well, not really dangerous, but I don't want to spoil anything for you. Suffice to say you will soon be meeting the real Detritous Clax. Don't be alarmed when I hint that he had to have been someone... (hmm)...extraordinary to have made it into Mary Morgan's logbook. That Black Cat Sorceress had a nearly-two-hundred-year-long career, you know, and a very busy one as well, so surely she couldn't document ~~every~~ ~~creature~~ everyone she met, eh?

So, anyhooooo! I just wanted to take a quick break from all my hard work (!) to show you what I'd found. Believe me, though, that's not the end of it. I promise I'll come back sooner next time to show you a little more of the booty I've discovered. (So much that I'm beginning to believe Buggy's been holding back on me!) In the meantime, I suggest you snuggle in somewhere warm and comfy and begin to discover "the rest of the story" by reading Magpie & Dilly. After all, they, too, play a very important role in Buggy's upcoming adventure Buggy Crenshaw and the Infinite Sisterhood: The Seventh Sister.

Until next time....uh...hmm...still sort of missing that clever send off, aren't I? Well, here's this at least:

P.S. Hmm...Not exactly what I had in mind, but...never mind.

P.P.S. That lovely fish there is courtesy of iconka.com. Thanks again, iconka!

A Real Page Turner!

2011-11-28T10:50:00.001-08:00

Finally! Max, do you have any idea how long it took me to get this very cool, page turner thing-a-ma-jig posted?! Decades, I think! (Or at the very least, hours that felt like decades!) As much as I love Blogspot, I think Blogspot absolutely detests .swf files! It was quite a battle getting my fancy new thing-a-ma-jig posted, I tell you, BUT... now that it's finally here, I'm both pleased and proud to present my newest fascination: Adobe InDesign!

(Go ahead and click on a corner of the book...you know you want to!)

Yes, another fine Adobe program that I've been tinkering with...but can you imagine the possibilities?!

I won't go into the actual mechanics of all this fine techno-poo (this is a family blog), but let me say that Adobe has opened an entirely new world to me, most of which you will be seeing in the very near future. By simply placing my page photos into a document template in InDesign, I was able to make this sleek and oh-so-very-cool "flip book."

I can't stay long today (since it really did take me hours to get this posted), but please make yourself at home here and feel free to flip the pages on this very cool thing-a-ma-jig. (All you have to do is click your cursor over a corner of the page to move back and forth through the "book.") I know you've seen the pages before, but this is only meant to show you a sneak peak of coming attractions...(Think of all the ways we could use this most excellent example of techno-poo! Why, just imagine the possibilities!)

Enjoy and I'll be back before you know it!

P.S. Bwah-hahahahahaha! (That's my diabolical laugh. Get used to it if you're going to hang around here!)

Copious Blessings

2011-11-23T04:38:00.001-08:00

Hello, Max. Back again and happy to be here...

So, this week has proven only slightly less busy than last...Actually, more than slightly...which of course gave me far more time to screw around. I have actually been screwing around (a little, at least) with the next Buggy Crenshaw book...(deep breath)...Buggy Crenshaw and the Infinite Sisterhood: The Seventh Sister...

Whew! (Pant, pant!)

Really long title, eh? It's not my first, you know. My other [Buggy Crenshaw] titles were almost as long, but this one does set the bar a couple of words higher (or longer)...So, why do I like such really long titles, you ask?

Here's my theory: because aside from the prerequisite deep breath before uttering these titles to be sure to get all the words out, long titles require a sort of commitment: once you begin reading it, you're sort of obligated to finish. It's only a title, after all. But it is a long one...And once you've come this far, you may as well look past the title and take a gander inside the book, eh? Then, really, once you've crossed that threshold, why go back? You've made such a colossal commitment and already such great progress...

(So, what was I talking about? Oh, yeah...screwing around all week.)

Anyhoooo....I didn't screw around ALL week...I've actually been reviewing the previous Buggy Crenshaw books and all the notes that go with them to refresh my memories of that...world. Buggy has a great adventure ahead of her (as usual) and I want to make sure I do her justice. So, I've been studying up on my Buggy-isms, taking copious notes (copious...is a good word...copious...copiocity...). In fact, the copiocity of my notes is indeed impressive, particularly since I have such a short attention span.

Moving on...I also made an interesting discovery this past week. It's a website called kickstarter.com, which, in a nutshell, is a fundraising site where artists with a wide range of talents can go to raise money for their endeavors. Interesting, eh?

For instance....say a writer has a series of books started (two series, we'll say) but beings that her publishing company is such a teeny little fish in a vast and occasionally vicious ocean...there is no money to market these tomes. What's that little fish to do?

I'm happy to say that the proposal I wrote to raise funds for the marketing of my books was accepted by the fine people at kickstarter.com, and so now, the real work begins. In the coming days, I will be working on my project's public proposal (including a video--yay!) which, aside from shamelessly begging for moolah to market my books, will offer some very rewarding...er...rewards. (Hmm...) The image below is of a carefully crafted bookmark which is a mere sampling of the wonderful (and copious) prizes I have in store for anyone who donates to my cause:

There is no word more suitable to describe this than last week's perk-tastic! (That really is me in the photographs, you know. I was destined even then to be a writer...or maybe a fashion model. Obviously, my choice has been made for me by the copiocity of my words on paper. It has nothing to do with my un-model-iness...)

So, now you know why I've not spent all of these past several days studying Buggy's world and gearing up for that next big book. It would help immensely if more people knew about Buggy Crenshaw, so an effort will be made in that direction. More than one, in fact...

I hope you'll be pleased to know that the ebook edition of the first Buggy book, Buggy Crenshaw and the Bungler's Paradox, is currently free from Smashwords.com through December 25, 2011! It would make a fantastic Christmas gift for that YA-fantasy-loving-ebook-reader...person on your gift list. Please tell everyone you know (all your Facebook friends, your Twitter followers, and the rest of the world...if anyone's left after that) to go to Smashwords.com and use the following coupon code to download their free Buggy book:

VN27W

So! There you have it...the very pinnacle of exciting news! Oh, but nooooo! One more last thing to really get your blood pumping: anyone who cashes in on this splendid deal can email me their receipt (cut and paste, please, no attachments) and I will send them one of those lovely bookmarks I mentioned. Autographed, of course. It simply does not get any better, does it?

All right, then, Max...I'm off again. Thanks to you and everyone else who's dared to visit for listening to (reading) my copious thoughts on such important matters. I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving and are able to celebrate copious blessings!

(Sort of a...turkey-looking bird...You get the idea.)

Graphic is courtesy of archigraphics.com. Many thanks!

Sideshow Slideshow

2011-11-11T06:49:00.001-08:00

Hello, Max, good to be back...First of all, our top priority: please be aware that today is Veterans Day, so be sure to shake the hand of one who has or is still serving.

And now for my usual drivel...

Just thought I'd drop in for a quick post of another ultra cool thing: a slideshow excerpt from my new book Magpie & Dilly. As you can see, I've been messing around with Photoshop CS5 again and this is what I've come up with. The slideshow itself is, of course, from Picasa.com, a wonderful place to keep your photos stored online.

As you can see, the slideshow images are rather smallish for eyes other than those of say...a hawk. So, first, make it full screen by simply clicking on it. Then, since a fair amount of reading is due every slide, by all means, hit the pause button for each, and then read at your leisure before moving on. It's only four short pages that I hope you'll find intriguing enough to immediately leap back here and hit one of these fine links to buy the book:

Smashwords.com Amazon.com Amazon.com/kindle.

As usual, feel free to leave a comment, good or bad. And, at the very least, please tell your friends about Magpie & Dilly. (Conveniently, Twitter and Facebook buttons are right over there to your right.)

One last thing: In a nutshell, the context of this excerpt is as follows: the antagonist in Magpie & Dilly is a Witch named Katrina Katflem. This excerpt is a flashback to her past.

Enjoy!

Purrr-fectly Perkish

2011-11-05T07:49:00.000-07:00

So, here we are again, Max...Good to be back. Hope you like the new look...I took the obviously sage advice of some new friends over at absolutewrite.com and ditched my old template for this lovely dark red one. Thank goodness someone took it upon themselves to correct my tastelessness...I'm really not a good judge of colors and such.

Sort of a hectic week. (Not really.) I'll be the first to admit one can get pretty carried away with that Adobe CS5...Photoshop in particular. Case in point: take a long and wondrous look at that new header up there, high atop this blarg (*). Leaves one rather awestruck, doesn't it? (Excellent wording, eh? Very neutral and noncommittal. You can simply answer yes and not feel as if you're fibbing...Glad I could help.)

So, obviously, I've been busy shopping. Photoshopping, that is. Dig that program! What fantastic programs Adobe puts out! (No, Adobe does not pay me for advertising but they could and I would. Happily.) As I said in my last post, I used PS to create the pages for the video about Buggy Crenshaw, and I've also used it plenty to update this blog, as well as....(no way! Never in a million years!)...That's right: my website! Check it out...http://www.buggycrenshaw.com/.

If you'll remember, my website was rather depressing before, but now it's quite...perky. Hmmm. Yes. Perky. (If you can believe it, I don't really use that word much, but maybe I will now beings that I find it so suitable in this instance. Perhaps there are other instances that are equally...perky. Hmmm?)

Anyhoooo...(I forgot what I was going to say, but I'm certain it was something perky)...I wonder if perkish is a word? No, don't even think of suggesting you know what: (Spellcheck.) I'm not a fan, and I won't bother with the dictionary...Not today. It's the weekend. Perkish may not be a word during the week, but it should be on the weekend. So there you have it: perkish is a word. Today.

So, now I remember what I was going to say and I have to admit I'm utterly stunned that I forgot to begin with. It's very exciting! Beginning today, shortly after I finish this ponderous rambling, I will put up links to read the first chapters of each of my books. That sort of thing is available on my ~~website~~ perky website, so beings that this blarg(*) is so much easier to manipulate, I should have no problems whatsoever posting links here. Here, I'll practice first. Let me know if this works:

Buggy Crenshaw and the Bungler's Paradox
Buggy Crenshaw and the Deadwood Principle: Evolution
Buggy Crenshaw and the Deadwood Principle: Revolution!
Magpie & Dilly

~~Splendid!~~ Perkish! (Or maybe...perk-o-licious!) Perkolicious! I like it, I do, but maybe not in this particular situation....I'm sure another will present itself soon enough.

So, now that I'm certain these perkish little links will work, I will of course have to resort once more to PS to create some clever and crafty....buttons, or bars, or perky little pictures that will serve as...I'm going to call them linkmeisters! (That's German, of course, for link masters. I think. Maybe not. Doesn't matter. It sounds perkish, so I'm keeping it.) As soon as I finish my linkmeisters, I'll toss them onto this blog and there you'll have it: sneak peeks of the first chapters of each of my books. Perk-aful! (Hmm...perksome?)

After that clever feat, I think I'll be mostly finished tweeking things here, although I've found it's really, really fun, so no promises.

One last thing I want to show you before I scamper off for the day:

Whooaaa!? How cool is that? Told you I've been working on a clever send off for my posts...Maybe, just maybe, this is it. Truly perk-tastic, eh?

* Obviously, I solved many of the world's problems by coming up with that clever send off, but I've still not come up with an appropriate name for this...venue. I simply refuse to blog in public.

Discover Buggy Crenshaw

2011-10-30T11:57:00.001-07:00

If you've not yet met Buggy Crenshaw, here's a peek at what's in store for you...

If you'd like to see the still shots of these pages, please visit the Buggy Crenshaw page and be sure to let me know what you think....Post it here or email me. Good or bad, I only crave attention!

A Purposeful Plan

2011-10-22T07:11:00.000-07:00

So, Max...Here we are back again. Blogging. Blogging...Blarging!

I don't know about you, but I've had a very busy week getting my latest book Magpie & Dilly ready for distribution in both paperback and ebook format...The good news is that it's now available for download in all ebook formats from Smashwords.com. (Very exciting, it is!) The paperback version had a slight glitch, however, and is presently being revamped at the printer. Nothing huge, mind you. Just enough to set it back a day or two from its projected mid-Novemberish debut. I'll keep you posted on when to expect it on virtual shelves everywhere...

Also, I've updated my website www.buggycrenshaw.com and have added all sorts of simple navigational tools to help you find your way around, and also links that will lead you to wonderful places like Facebook, Twitter, Amazon, Smashwords, and even a link to this blog! How handy! So, do visit and come back as often as you like. Also, make use of the Contact Us page and drop me a line. I love mail!

Another update: my Amazon Author's Page is now complete and includes a short bio and several photographs of my immediate family...You should check it out: R. M. Wilburn.

Also, as I'm sure you've already noticed, I've updated my bio here on this very blog. I'm also in the process of adding a couple more pages which are, of course, linked to this one (by way of the navigation buttons up top). Although I'm well on my way to having a presentable blog, it is by no means complete. (You've no doubt also noticed I ditched my Amazingly Accurate Avatar by inserting her into that last blog post rather than allowing her to loiter along the sidelines. Sorry, but she was sort of creeping me out after a while.)

So, obviously, I've been somewhat busy, but all this was accomplished while I pondered the question of the week: just exactly what I would like to blog about...and I think I've stumbled upon an interesting possibility...First, let me insert a little reasoning here before plunging in. The fact of the matter is this: my mind wanders constantly. Constantly! I have the shortest attention span imaginable and am completely unable to lengthen it. But rather than let it rule me, I've become quite adept at using it to my greatest advantage...mostly. (Okay, sometimes, but not always...maybe...rarely!)

Anyhoo (getting further off the subject, you'll notice), this is how my latest book, Magpie & Dilly came about. As much as I love writing the Buggy Crenshaw Adventures, I felt my mind slipping off occasionally and visiting with other characters who resided mostly in the backgrounds of Buggy's stories, and some who do not even exist yet (outside my rather squarish noggin, that is). And so, with absolutely the best intentions imaginable, I gave Buggy the day off and wandered away with two youngsters she's not yet had the pleasure of meeting. (Magpie & Dilly, of course.) I think you'll find it an enjoyable read with many, many surprises in store. (Reviews are always welcome whether good or bad. I only crave the attention.)

So...where was I? Oh! Yes, I think I've decided what to blog about! (Pay attention now, this is where the first part of my post ties in with the second part, and you find yourself wondering if maybe...possibly...I planned this all along! I'll leave you to wonder.) I think the primary purpose of my blog should be to introduce new characters to any potential readers who might be interested...Buggy Crenshaw's world is very, very big and is bustling with all sorts of characters who are not always human, but who are, at the very least, interesting. You don't have to trust me on this, of course. Just follow me.

Until next time...(insert clever send off here)

P.S. I suppose if my attention span wasn't so short, I'd have remembered to come up with both a new word for blog and a clever send off...Maybe next time, but I doubt it. Unless it's in the next three seconds....

Can You Dig It?

An Amazingly Accurate Avatar!

2011-10-14T06:58:00.000-07:00

Good morning, Max...I hope you're well today. Me? Splendid, thanks for asking.

Notice anything...different? Hmmm? Right you are!

I have to admit I spent way too much time on Meez.com searching for a way to express myself...to give myself a digital presence so that if anyone does stumble across this ( )*, they'll have a fairly accurate picture of who's running this show.

So, this is it, Max! I'm right over there to your right, looking incredibly bad ass, if you don't mind my saying so. (Avatar has since been moved to the bottom of this post...) I know! The likeness is uncanny! (Just so you know: calling me my amazingly accurate avatar a Digital Diva would not be overstepping here.) You should trot on over to Meez.com and find your perfect avatar as well. I highly recommend it to all. While I chose a very basic route in order to find my mini-me, other options are available for small fees. Experiment and enjoy. I did. (And will again. And again...)

So, what's the purpose of this...avatar?

Glad you asked, Max. As I said, I wanted to give our readership a visible (virtual) idea of who I am so they don't feel the need to make things up (as I do...Max!) I'm currently working on a new About Me page for our lovely ( )* but it's still in the construction phase. I'll be posting photos there and maybe a little about myself, as boring as that might be.

All the more reason for an Amazingly Accurate Avatar!

Precisely. So, aside from introducing my cyberclone over there, I suppose the real purpose of this particular post is to say that more pages are coming. Be patient, Max. All good things take time. Why don't you run off and visit Meez.com while I go about creating those new pages, eh? We'll meet back here say...tomorrow. Until then...(We should also come up with a clever send-off, Max. Something that conveys...cleverness. Do that, would you? Thanks.)

Almost forgot: The * means I still haven't come up with a new word for the four-letter b-word that I likened yesterday to a regurgative noise...But I will.

This is not a blog...

2011-10-13T06:19:00.000-07:00

So, this is it. This is how one...blogs...eh?

Curious.

I've visited many blogs in the past few years ever since my books have been published. Reviewer blogs mostly, of course, and I've always found them pretty amazing. What an excellent means of expression. I've never considered myself blogger material, though, because I don't think I have a single useful thing to pass on. (To some, that may make me the perfect sort to have a blog.) That and I don't like the word blog. Very unattractive...sort of sounds like a regurgative noise. (Heh...good word: regurgative. Don't know if it's actually a word, though...Don't care, either.)

One of the first things that will go on my New Blog Writer's Checklist will be to come up with a word to describe this thing I'm creating that doesn't sound so dispeptic. (Maybe blarg! It kind of has a piratey ring to it...)

Anyhooo...in the interest of (nothing and no one), I thought I should at least try blogging before abandoning all hope. I'll leave that up to the reader (if any).
My first impression is this: I have to say it feels sort of strange, writing to whoever happens to read this. I believe it will be much easier if I were to pretend I have an actual...friend...who's reading this. It sounds easier. And I think I'll call him ~~Pencil~~...No, ~~Stapler~~...No...~~Pile of empty candy wrappers~~...Or maybe just Max. (Note: that's actually my screen name on this blog, so it might get a bit confusing for you...or me. Or Max.) So, Max it will be.

I love the name Max. When I was a kid in Fountain City, IN, I knew a guy named Max Fulks. (Can I use real names, Max? Of course you can, don't be ridiculous!) Max Fulks and his wife Mary Lou (and daughter Mindy) were some of the coolest people in town. I also had a Beagle named Max...I'd better leave it at that for now. You may hear more about Max the Beagle one day if my blogging persists.

Speaking of blogs (blargs? mmmaybe not)...Let's get back to this one, Max. It's a new place to hang out, so allow me to show you around. For starters, over there to the right, you'll see a very snazzy ad for Amazon's latest Kindle, I believe. Looks cool and quite fun, but honestly, I have more gadgets than any normal person has a right to have. (Go ahead, I don't care.) But if I were to look into a new gadget, say a fancy one with all the bells and whistles...that one there would certainly be worth a look. (Click on it, I dare you!) I am truly one of Amazon's greatest fans, and of course, the Kindle. I dig it.

Come on, Max, back to the tour. Also over there on the right, I think there's a place for links to past blogs...Wonder if I'll have any besides this one? And some other gizmos, buttons, whatever. I think there's a Facebook button over there...(Surely you've figured out that I can't actually see the page I'm writing about while I'm writing about it, or I'm just an idiot.)

If you dare click the Facebook Share button, don't panic! I think you can actually go into your Facebook account and remove any guilty associations with me before anyone is the wiser. If anyone does catch you liking my blog, by all means, play the sympathy card: What? I felt sorry for her...It's her very first blog ever and it's HIDEOUS! What was I supposed to do, run away screaming? (Or something to that affect. I don't offend easily.)

Moving on...(Honestly, Max, can you believe I actually thought I had nothing to say? Crazy!) I think there are a few more ads down below...of course, more for Amazon and the Kindle. Like I said, I dig it. Get used to it. (I will try to devote equal time in the future to my assessment of the Sony Reader as well. Can't promise any ads, though.)

Oh, and look, Max! Here we are at two of the very most important pieces of this entire blogspot (Is that what it's called? No idea.) One, of course is another Amazon ad, but it's a fancy revolving carousel of...my books! Well, for crying out loud! Will you look at that, Max?! Even if you don't like my books, you have to at least dig that carousel! Wow! What will those geniuses at Amazon come up with next? (I told you they're impressive, didn't I?)

And, Max, speaking of geniuses...I recently had the pleasure of putting Mark Coker's brainchild to work: Smashwords! (This is the last ad we'll actually pay a personal visit to, I promise.) I have to say, I'm a fan. Smashwords is an amazing tool for writers in this digital age. I know this post is getting a bit longish, so I won't go on and on and on (gush? right) about how incredibly easy it is to simply upload a ginormous digital book and watch Smashword's meatgrinder, as Mr. Coker calls it, spit it out minutes later in not just one ebook format, but several! Up and ready for download. Amazing. I can't say enough good things about it.

Okay, Max. We'd better wrap this up fast in case somebody else really is reading it. I know it's doubtful, but let's at least try to show a little hospitality and not keep them up past their bedtime...I'll gush more later on about Amazon and Smashwords and every other fascination I have, but for now, let's hit the road.

P.S. Of course you know that my blarg is still under construction, so very soon, expect to see more links and hopefully some really cool gadgety type stuff.
P.P.S. How about blogierre? French regurgative words always sound way better than ours!