Ordering Books in School
It is hard to imagine how exciting the school book fair was when we live in a world with Amazon and Barnes & Noble. But back in 1980, when that book fair flyer would be handed out with colorful images of books for every interest—OH BOY! I am singling out 1980 because that is when The Empire Strikes Back was released, and I recall ordering the ESB Storybook from the book fair. The memory of receiving the books I ordered is just pure joy. I can not pinpoint why, except getting books before the internet and big box chain stores felt magical. I recall two bookstores inside the mall where I grew up: Walden Books and B. Dalton. These were small stores. Outside of those stores, there was the library. But getting a brand new book with that new book smell at school was a good day. 1980, I ordered another book, Han Solo and the Lost Legacy. It was the third book in the Han Solo Adventure series. I remember loving the cover and staring at it on the flyer, memorizing every detail until the book arrived. Which brings me to…
Thrift Store Find
So you can imagine my glee when I spotted all three of the Han Solo Adventure paperbacks at the Goodwill. ALL THREE! Han Solo at Stars’ End, Han Solo’s Revenge, and that book fair favorite Han Solo and the Lost Legacy. Do you know how hard it is to find not just one of these original books but all three? It’s not easy. I do not recall the trilogy, so it will be like reading them for the first time. I understand I could find them on eBay. Where’s the fun in that? It’s all about the hunt and paying a dollar per book vs. what those jokers on eBay want. I just finished the first book. Subscribe to my YouTube channel because I will post a video when I finish the trilogy.
Writing Fiction Podcast
This week on the Writing Fiction Podcast, Regina and I discuss Heinlein’s 4th rule of writing: You Must Put Your Story on the Market. I enjoyed talking about this rule. This is the one I think people freeze up at. A writer might work hard every day, but fear of rejection may cause a writer never to put their story out there. But it is important to get out there. Without this rule, an artist lives in a void with their art. Listen on your favorite podcast app.
Puppet Eyes are Watching You
There are many ways to create eyes for a puppet. You can buy premade eyes. You can make a mold of measuring cups sans the handles and cast eyes of different sizes when needed. And you can get white plastic spoons and cut off the handles. I chose the last option. I went to Acme and bought a box of assorted plastic utensils. I only wanted spoons, but they didn’t have just spoons. It is not easy to cut off the handles of spoons without breaking the spoon part. I have been experimenting with different tools but haven’t found the best method yet. I then need to decide how I want the eyes to look. Do I want eyelids? Color or just black pupils? Lots of choices. I hope to have a picture of a puppet with eyes for you in next week’s newsletter.
Geroge the Cat Collector Card
Have a great week and stay gold,
James