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East Coast USA
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Wanted: Ink Drinkers
New indie author N.G. Swett from the Outer Lands Archipelago, east coast USA, puts the reader right in the action as co-pilot to the Clerk and a leading protagonist. This blog post lists this and more than a dozen other things the author did in the new illustrated novel “The Clerk and the Ink Drinker in the Outer Lands Mission” to help the reader and writer to complete the mission.
Author seeks adventurous readers for new indie novel
A new 2026 release novel from a self-published new author challenges readers to try something different, rewarding those who complete “the mission.”
“The Clerk and the Ink Drinker in the Outer Lands Mission” (ISBN: 979-8-9893342-3-0) is an illustrated paperback novel by N.G. Swett published as part of the 4seasonshelf Project.
“At the heart of my novel is a vulnerable, child-like tale, but it’s wrapped in what IndieReader calls ‘an apocalyptic adventure,’ ” said N.G. Swett, author of The Clerk and the Ink Drinker in the Outer Lands Mission.
The novel recognizes the key role the reader plays in the creative process, recruiting the reader early in the book as the “Ink Drinker” named in the book’s title. “I basically pull up on readers and tell them to get in. We go on an important adventure, and I try to not leave anyone behind,” said Swett.
Readers take a scenic off-road trip with a mission. “Readers as a group are open minded and brave, and I’m happy to report that many early readers got the assignment and completed the mission with flying colors. The worldwide league of Ink Drinkers is off to a good start!”
15 novel features for readers
In the decade it took the author to write, edit, illustrate, design and publish the novel, Swett crafted a unique reading experience for today’s readers by:
giving the reader a main character role as the Ink Drinker, and successful completion of the book equals successful completion of the mission
using present tense so that action unfolds as the reader reads, adding to the sense of adventure
using gender neutral language for the Clerk and the Ink Drinker to help all genders relate to the main characters and connect beyond gender
drawing a map
literally painting a picture with a series of graphics and acrylic paintings depicting scenes from the novel and adding them to the book
using a classic modernist style with simple language, short paragraphs, short chapters, and four seasonal parts
using large print, which is easier to read but also eases and enchants the reader as a book of fairytales would
deciding to launch the novel in full color illustrated paperback format only (no ebook, hard cover or audio) for a digital detox, analog, personal, tangible experience in real life
keeping the action moving through memorable characters
using within the plot a “gamelit RPG” point system, like a contemporary virtual game, to highlight a sci-fi reality and contemporary timeline of the novel for intergenerational adult readers of all ages
interacting with the reader within the story, expressing gratitude, and adding a plan for how and where to meet back up if separated
giving each chapter a title that hints at its contents and including a table of contents
offering a signed, stamped first edition through the 4seasonshelf.com website (USA only) to establish a direct connection between the writer and the reader, ensure authenticity, and enhance collectible value
publishing the book through Ingram Spark for worldwide distribution, including to libraries and independent booksellers, to give readers a sense of worldwide membership in a growing league of Ink Drinkers
keeping the novel’s digital files away from bots and thieves trolling the internet, thereby preserving the novel for the benefit of the author and the reader and not undercutting the vital creative spirit of civilization
Bonus: offering a free list of 20+ Book Discussion Questions (spoilers alert!!) to get readers talking and thinking about the novel
Please allow 2-4 weeks for delivery.
Written and Illustrated by N.G. Swett
Illustrated Paperback
Copyright 2026 by N.G. Swett
292 pages
First Edition
Where / What is the Outer Lands Archipelago?
The Outer Lands Archipelago along the American east coast is an inspiration for author and painter N.G. Swett. The islands, which include Long Island, Block Island, Nantucket, Martha’s Vineyard, Cape Cod, New York City and many others, share a unique ecology, history and economy. In this blog post you can find a Google map, an excellent book, and examples of creative works by N.G. Swett including a short video of the Outer Lands beach and surf, and the illustrated novel ‘The Clerk and the Ink Drinker in the Outer Lands Mission’.
The spirit of these great primordial islands, which so many have felt, also shapes the 4seasonshelf Project
4.75×3” oval sticker
Black & white
Mailed in protective cello wrapper
Original graphic design for the 4seasonshelf Project by N.G. Swett
Authentic - stamped with artist seal
Author and painter N.G. Swett lives in the Outer Lands Archipelago, the string of islands along the American east coast including Cape Cod, Nantucket, Martha’s Vineyard, Block Island, Long Island, New York City and many more. The archipelago’s spirit, beauty and challenges sets the scene for Swett’s 4seasonshelf Project.
Many say the special lighting of these islands, its four season climate, beautiful beaches, and the sheer scale and drama of the skies give the archipelago a special potency in the dream realm. More than a backdrop, author N.G. Swett says the islands are alive with the invisible forces of the universe. Have you felt it?
The Natural History of the Outer Lands Archipelago, east coast, USA
”No continent is entire of itself,” begins the preface to The Outer Lands: A Natural History Guide To Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard, Nantucket, Block Island and Long Island by Dorothy Sterling. “Between the Atlantic Ocean and the rocky rim of New England lies a chain of islands and a peninsula. Long Island points northeast across open stretches of water to Block Island, Martha’s Vineyard, Nantucket and the flexed arm of Cape Cod. Isolated by the awesome processes of the earth’s evolution, these sandy, windswept outlands are the remnants of an ancient coastline.”
Wonderful book on the subject:
The Outer Lands by Dorothy Sterling and illustrated by Winifred Lubell
This richly illustrated and well written book details the natural history of the Outer Lands Archipelago. It can be found in the collections of most libraries in the Archipelago!
Author Endows Archipelago with Special Powers
To its natural history, author N.G. Swett has added a spiritual dimension to the archipelago, giving it the power to enchant and transform, in her new illustrated novel The Clerk and the Ink Drinker in the Outer Lands Mission.
More About the Outer Lands Archipelago
Please allow 2-4 weeks for delivery.
Written and Illustrated by N.G. Swett
Illustrated Paperback
Copyright 2026 by N.G. Swett
292 pages
First Edition
How you dune?
How you dune? 10-sec getaway and deep breath brought to you by the Outer Lands Archipelago, the 30,000 Ice Age formation off the East Coast of the USA in the Atlantic Ocean. Dunes and ocean video.
Here's a photo of an ocean dune by the Incredible Mr. C, please enjoy.
Now, turn south and face the ocean.
Take a deep breath!
That gorgeous video was also captured by my husband. I invite you to take a deep breath and a little break from the news and the rest of your life from time to time. Wow, there’s a lot happening these days. Big stuff!
Fun facts
During the Ice Age of 30,000 years ago, the great Labrador Glacier came to a halt here at the ocean, leaving a ridge of moraines that form the Outer Lands Archipelago islands of Long Island, Martha's Vineyard, Nantucket, Cape Cod, Block Island, and the many other smaller islands.
These sandy beaches have a lot of quartz — that magical stuff that pulses under pressure (e.g., see quartz watches). Combined with sea mist, it’s a very nice thing. A walk on the shore the cure, body and soul.
Many Atlantic Ocean beaches are accessible in two hours or less from major East Coast cities. Some ocean beaches are within New York City and accessible by bus or subway! (Shout out to Coney Island and the Rockaways!)
Please allow 2-4 weeks for delivery.
Written and Illustrated by N.G. Swett
Illustrated Paperback
Copyright 2026 by N.G. Swett
292 pages
First Edition