If you're looking for a reason to read Threading The Rude Eye, you need look no further than this review:

 Beyond satisfying! May 17, 2019

I loved this book! I especially love America's Revolutionary Era and the story set in this period. Characters were complex and varied in their growth, the story was thrilling and captivating. Having read other books by this author, he does not disappoint in his story telling abilities. I consider this author a master storyteller and this book a masterpiece!

It's not often that I get that kind of review - the 5 stars are not uncommon; the unconditional praise as a masterpiece is rather more rare. To be honest, I don't consider any of my books to be a masterpiece. Smoke does come the closest in my opinion - of course, your mileage may vary. I will, however, receive and bask in the sweet warming rays of such praise when I can. You can judge for yourself by clicking the link at the upper left to get your own copy of Threading The Rude Eye - or any of my other books on that side of the page. 

I'm at 36K words on the sequel which means it's nearly half complete. I sort of got lost in that fog that always drifts in on me somewhere between the 30k and 40k word mark. I lost writing time rethinking some plot points and characters, doing some outlining and attempting to get the major scenes in the proper order before I started writing them. I found it helpful to write the final scene, an exciting confrontation toward which the first two books have been building. Writing the ending and ordering the other scenes helped clear some of the fog. I'm hoping the rest will clear as I race through it at increasing speed--because the pace and action will continue to mount from this point.

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I don't usually listen to music while I write. I prefer to get immersed in the story and characters without the danger of being pulled away by some music that I like. On the other hand, if I'm writing while other things are going on--someone else watching a television program or movie, for instance--I will put in the earbuds and either play classical music, or play one of two playlists. One is a compilation of favorite downloaded music; the other are tunes that I have selected and compiled especially for writing time. There is some overlap. The songs on the list that might be considered "classic rock" (like Stairway to Heaven, Ziggy Stardust, Black Magic Woman, and all of the Queen or Rush songs) are actually the Vitamin String Quartet versions which are quite nice with no lyrics: 

I suppose a generous characterization of the lists would be: eclectic.

You don't often see a mix of Electric Light Orchestra, Styx, some French artists, Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass, Nat King Cole, Little River Band, Jethro Tull, Handel, Wagner, Christopher Cross, soft instrumental versions of classic rock tunes, and Doris Day.

A cutter ship is featured in the new novel in progress. Below is picture of a model of a cutter I found on the internet--I can't remember from whence it came. The cutter has taken some serious damage in the recent chapter of book, but I suspect it will recover at some point. The sloop that appears in the first chapter will not recover.

The book has progressed to chapter 7 and is paused there while I get Justice Resurgent published. The corrections recommended by the proofreaders are nearly done--20 pages left to go. I thought that I would have it completed yesterday, but reality intervened. Additionally, the story felt flat and somewhat thin on description; I reached out for some feedback regarding my doubts and received encouragement to publish; so it will post sometime next week. I'll put it up initially for $0.99.

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The highlight of the week was this:

A local chain store runs a weekly contest. This week we won the treat pictured. I'd never had them before. I looked at the bag: coconut milk, gluten free, dairy free. I figured it was probably taste free as well. I imagined a flavor like toilet paper tubes with the texture of sandpaper. As you might imagine, I was quite excited to try them. 

Surprise: The rolls were delicious with a mild coconut flavor that was not too sweet. The delicate little rolls (made with rice flour) melt in your mouth. I think that is the best of the treat prizes that we have won. Naturally, I wasted no time in consuming them.

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 Not quite a book review. I think I'm nearly finished with this book. I'm just starting chapter 32.

I've quite liked this book. I had previously read the first book of Le Bossu by Feval -- upon which the movie En Garde (as it's called in English, but Le Bossu in French) with Daniel Auteuil is based--and had enjoyed it--I think there are about six parts. When I got the complete works of Feval, I decided to read them in order--Le Loup Blanc is the first book in the compilation. I'm only at 4% read of the compilation and I know this book concludes within that 4% range. The ebook of this single title can be found on the big river site for free. The compilation is available for a couple dollars.

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Part of the reason I didn't finish the corrections to Justice Resurgent on Saturday was because of other activities. My wife and I delivered to friends some treats that she had made. That activity was followed by a high school basketball game with a wild and successful finish for the home team. Finally, we concluded the evening at a presentation of an old time radio show fundraiser for a local talent group. The entire show delighted. The mystery show was outstanding with a terrific cast.

I have to confess that my favorite part of the show was the singing of Secret Love by a talented young lady. I thought that it was quite as good as Doris Day's version (which is the only version I've previously heard, and which is included on the digital album that I have. Doris Day sings it here:

Although I don't think that song is referenced in Smoke, one or two other songs that Doris Day made famous are prominently featured in that novel. Did I mention the Smoke paperback would make a great Christmas gift. The link is above on the left.

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Also The Duelists in on Prime. I had to watch it immediately upon discovery---more on that later. For now, suffice it to say that I recommend it.