With the publication of Shadow Selves, The Loch Ewe Mystery and now The Sparrow Conundrum all around the same time (thanks to some poor management on my part), Stanley has been getting a raw deal (which, of course, suits him perfectly because it confirms that the universe and everything in it is only there to perpetuate his misery). His next story, Stanley In Love, is ready for publication, beautifully illustrated and formatted by Melanie Chadwick again. Only problems with getting it printed in Europe as well as the USA are holding it back.
So, when I saw an advert for free mugs, t-shirts etc., I thought if I got one made on which he was the star, he'd be pleased. (He wasn't.) I told him that, when he's famous, he'll have to put up with such artefacts being in homes throughout the civilised and uncivilised worlds, as well as (probably) being the motifs on dresses worn by Lady Gaga and others at the Oscars. It would need a better writer than I am to describe the conflicting emotions which crossed his features as he realised he might some day achieve the pre-eminence which he thinks is his due, the consequent happiness it would make him feel and the misery that feeling happiness would provoke.
Life is hard for a 3 inch high superstar.
Bill, I absolutely ADORE the Stanley mugs! I'm a mug person - I drink tea from them all the time (much to my mother's disappointment) and have used them for advertising/marketing for years. Only downside is the cost of shipping is a son-of-gun. You must figure out a way to make them available over here: I want one!
ReplyDeleteI agree with Linda! Stanley, Stanley, Stanley!
ReplyDeleteI must say I'm pleased with how they look. But I'm afraid it's true that they only exist because I got a freebie and 4 cheap ones, and they're all taken. But I'm glad you like them.
ReplyDeleteOh, that's just adorable! But why wasn't Stanley pleased? Enquiring minds want to know!
ReplyDeleteAh Fiona, you obviously haven't read any of his stories yet. Mind you, only one has been published so far and we're waiting for the UK printing issue to be resolved before we go ahead with the next. All I can tell you is that he lives in the washbasin in my bedroom under the dripping cold tap, because that coincides with his world view.
ReplyDeleteLove the mugs, Bill - very enterprising of you. I've never come across writers doing this before, but Stanley lends hinmself to it beautifully (though I suspect he'll detest that sentiment).
ReplyDeleteHope you get the UK printing sorted out.
Thanks Rosemary. The mugs aren't really and entrepreneurial gimmick though - they're to keep grandchildren thinking what a wonderful human being I am. (Bribery, in other words.)
ReplyDeleteYou obviously know Stanley well. One way or another we'll sort out that printing.
Fabulous mug, Bill!!
ReplyDeleteThanks Janice - you should do some for Bagpipes and Bullshot.
ReplyDeletethis is very wonderful blog
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