It’s 100 degrees outside, close to 80 in my office, and I have a hot cup of coffee staring me down. I need to drink it. I don’t care that sweat is carving trails down my face, taking strands of hair and plastering them to my neck. I don’t care that for the past five minutes little swirly glimmers have been dancing across my room. It’s my morning cuppa Joe. My morning caffeine boost, my headache suppressant. And I need it.
This addiction, it’s what prompted me to write a short piece entitled, “Morning Espresso in the Church of Me,” a strange little flash piece I never expected to publish, and yet…
It has been accepted! I’d do a happy dance, but I’m sure the exertion would induce seizures brought on by overheating. The story is slated for an August appearance, and as always, I will keep you updated.
While we’re on good news, I’d like you to raise your respective glasses and toast to our friend Barry Napier, who has just released the first issue of his new graphic novel, Birdwatching from Mars. It’s currently available for $1.29 an issue on Kindle, or you can wait a bit for the print and PDF versions. This release represents a three year journey, so lets show Barry some support!
With absolutely no transition, *shazaam!* New topic.
Over a month ago I posted about a daft plan to brew my own beer. In fact, I *did* brew my own beer, and at the time of posting it was fermenting like a good wort should. I’m happy to say the experimental first batch has come off without a hitch, and I’ve been enjoying frosty cups of Belgian White for the past week.
To celebrate my success, I started a new brew: Nut Brown Ale. The Nut Brown has been in primary fermentation for three days now. After a total of three weeks, I’ll bottle, give another three weeks for bottle conditioning, then drink. Yum.
If you’ve read this far, I have a question for you, my obsessed readers. A good friend, Indigo Ravenwood, has suggested a new section to the old website entitled, “Ask the Professor,” in which you’d send in questions and I’d answer. Now, I can’t promise I won’t rub my hands together and facetiously answer your questions with the dull wit of a failed comic, but I *can* promise to inadvertently insult you. (I only make promises I can keep).
The question, in case you missed it, is should I launch the new section called “Ask the Professor?”
Now go off and enjoy your air conditioned houses while I wallow in my own sweat puddle. No, no. Don’t pity me. I have my cold homebrew to chill my brow.
The second paragraph of my last post would go well with your first here. Like minds think alike.
*Stomps* I’ve been talking to you every day and I have to come here to find out about “Morning Espresso in the Church of Me” *Pouts* <–yeah, right I would have found out sooner or later. 😀 Congrats and wicked cools heading your way. See, I'm sorta like a good luck charm, nothing but good news lately.
Insult – the professorial advice has been insulting? Gah! I'm doomed. NOT! It's a great idea. <–not just because it's mine either.
I'm getting lethargic here with the heat. Crimey it's supposed to get up to 95 today. Cheers though rain is on it's way all next week with a cool 70 index. (Hugs)Indy
Ha! Nah, the advice I’ve been giving isn’t actually insulting. I just get goofy and I’m preparing for likely ridiculous answers to serious questions if I go forward with “Ask the Professor.” 🙂 Can’t wait for the rain. Of course.
Thanks for the shout out. It’s much appreciated.
Also, I didn’t know you did the home-brew thing. That’s awesome…something I have always wanted to give a try. I even already know what I’d call it and what the label would look like. Sort of bass-ackwards, I know…
No problem, Barry. Can’t wait to read it.
I’d love to do labels and everything, but I’m pretty lazy. Still, we *are* trying to name each batch. The Belgian White was temporarily called “Screaming Albino Ape Ale.”
That ale looks heavenly.
Congrats on the acceptance. What magazine/anthology will it be in?
Thanks, Cate! (I was just reading through your latest post, reply inbound). The story is going to be in Space Squid.
I think “ask the professor” would be great fun. Only because you’ve promised inadvertent insults though. Because that would be one of the best parts.
Had a bit of a taste of that yesterday. High 90s outside, 80s indoors and the a/c broke down. Not very pleasant.
Glad someone got some good news. Congrats on the acceptance!
It’s a much more reasonable 75 degrees here in the wilds of Maine, but I’m with you on the morning cup. It’s necessary no matter how hot it is. And I definitely think ask the professor would be a great addition, especially the inadvertent insults 🙂
ps no ac here. hate ac!!!
I would go for it, I’m sure we readers will have lots of questions that need great answers and you are just the person for the job.
Well done for your acceptance
Angela: Based on comments, I’m seriously considering doing this. 🙂
Andrea: Thanks! Yeah, I just suffer through the heat. Makes the cool weather that much more pleasant.
Marcy: Sounds like everyone is on board for the insults! 🙂 I was goofing around, but it looks like I may have to actually deliver.
Jarmara: Thanks so much. Well, not sure if I’m the right person, but I am good at pretending to be the right person. I’ll do my best.
Do it, do it, do it!!!!!
Congrats on your coffee story and a big woot to Barry for his book.
The beer looks kinda tasty, too, especially when it’s so blessed hot.
Thanks, Cathy. Yuppers, it looks like I have no choice but do the “Ask the Professor” bit. I may have to have a few of those beers first. 🙂
Sure. Do it! I’d send you questions for the pleasure of being insulted.
Congrats on your story and your beer! 🙂
Wicked grin! Told you everyone would be on board! It is a little scarey how many people want to be insulted by you ;D. Then again we delve into horror here. (Hugs)Indy
Congratulations on the latest acceptance, Tony! Also, I have had the same problem with espresso and coffee ALL week. I even had this horrendous hangover on Tuesday and I went down to my neighbor’s for an espresso in the morning… we stepped outside and almost fell over.
And yet, we drank the coffee. Oh my.