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Giddy up!

Here's a photograph, taken during the recent Action at Pelznikkel, of the Stollenian cavalry general, Count Pavel Petrovich von Butinski and his ADC Herr Major Georg von Gorgonzola, who hails from a prominent Prussian family of Lombardian origin.

Well, it’s been a few days, but things are back in action here in the Grand Duchy of Stollen, following a family reunion and memorial service for my maternal grandparents, which kept the Grand Duchess and I busy for several days last week and during the weekend. It was especially nice to see some more distant family members and the country where my grandfather grew up. Oddly, there was nothing sad about the occasion that brought us together. It was, rather, a joyous, happy, and humorous celebration on a number of different fronts. A very fitting way to end the summer I think.

I began teaching again this morning, and that went pretty well as far as first meetings go. I have a nice bunch of students, and helping them to improve their writing skills over the next 16 weeks will be fun. Remind me of that in October when I grouse about grading papers and such! My film history course begins next week, and that is always terrific fun. It involves writing too, but with rather more analysis and discussion plus the library use and research component, all of which helps to keep things interesting for both the students and yours truly.

Anyway, it’s time to get things cranked up again here in Zum Stollenkeller after what has been an especially productive and fun summer as far as painting, collecting, modeling, and gaming are concerned. I’ve spent the afternoon reading through my notes and looking at my table of contents for the planned book, and I think my focus has tightened rather nicely with just a few hours of thought and note-taking after several weeks of NOT looking at any of this. Always nice when that kind of thing happens.

Most everything is written, although there are a couple of new things to develop given today’s “concepting session”, and a few chapters that need additional development. Then, I think we’re ready to go with writing book proposals and bugging a few publishers in the U.S. and U.K. I’ve also looked into publishing myself, but it would be even nicer to have the book picked up by a publisher. However, this is awfully hard to accomplish when one lacks a published book already from what I understand. So, we’ll see what happens over the next several months. Rest assured, I'll keep you loyal members of the far flung "Stollenian Legion" apprised of any related events.

In the meantime, I thought it would be fun to post yet another picture from the recent game for those of you who need your regular “old school” fix. Enjoy!


Comments

Der Alte Fritz said…
Thank you for the Stollen fix. I was in bad need of the same. Good luck on your book project too.
DestoFante said…
Good luck on the book deal!
I really enjoyed that pic... when I will be over on my current colonial run, I will gladly return to the developing affairs of Saxe-Pape-Cyssor!
Major Wittering said…
I, too, get withdrawal symptoms if there's nothing new from Stollen for a few days. Of all the blogs in all the world, I like to walk into yours.

I see, Stokes, that you teach writing, public speaking and research methods. Me, too. Is your book project in any of these areas? I'm currently finishing a book myself on what we refer to in my University as "study skills", covering these areas. I don't know if there's any potential points of contact or mutual support here, but if there is, email me...... (via Adderphue/Mendelstadt).

Noel
Thanks for your comments, men. Noel, the planned book currently under development is for, I'm afraid, the decidedly un-serious subject of wargaming! ;-)

Best Regards,

Stokes
....and all the more looked forward to for that reason Stokes, so no need to apologise! :o))
Major Wittering said…
Stokes - glad to hear it - my book is unexciting and I really don't want to finish work on it. But a wargaming book - now that would be worth doing.

Good luck with the project.

If you need reviewers of any drafts.....

Noel
A J said…
Nice to see you posting again, Stokes. Good luck with the book, I'm looking forward to buying a copy.
Martin said…
A wargaming book by Stokes?! As Mr. M. Burns would say, "Exxxxcellent!" What's the title and when does it hit the shelves?
guy said…
I have just started a series of e-mails with someone called Uwe in Germany via TMP. The heading there is something like 'new napoleonic manufacturer'. On the web-site he recommends in Germany I have found a great figure of Frederick the Great and another mounted officer which I'm sure would fit in with your armies. I've started the hunt for the figures and if I am successful I'll let you know.

Regards,
Guy
Thanks you, men, for your good wishes and curiosity about the developing book. Mum's the word on the planned title and precise contents until I either have an interested publisher or have made the decision to go with self-publishing. So, no date of publication or advanced orders just yet I'm afraid. Stay tuned though! ;-)

Best Regards,

Stokes
For self-publishing, you might want to check out Lulu (www.lulu.com). If I ever get my own book finished (children's book, not a wargaming book), that's what I'm probably going with.

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