Nan’s Notebook
East Coast USA
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Wanted: Ink Drinkers
New indie author N.G. Swett from the Outer Lands Archipelago, east coast USA, challenges readers to give a self published novel like ‘The Clerk and the Ink Drinker in the Outer Lands Mission’ a chance. The author lists more than 15 novel features used in the new 2026 release to give readers something to talk about, such as writing techniques, tense, format, illustrations, design, message and more.
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
Not to mention the fact that the author’s early drafts were real downers, and through many edits, the final version is a lighter, enchanting and engaging adventure while still probing some big questions.
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 and many others, share a unique ecology, history and economy. In this blog post you can find a Google map, an excellent library resource, and examples of creative works by N.G. Swett including a poem, short story, videos, and the illustrated novel ‘The Clerk and the Ink Drinker in the Outer Lands Mission’.
The primordial islands that shape the 4seasonshelf Project, including the illustrated novel ‘The Clerk and the Ink Drinker in the Outer Lands Mission’ by N.G. Swett
Credit: Google maps and graphic design by N.G. Swett and 4seasonshelf
The Ice Age islands along the American northeast coast share ecology, history and economies. It’s a rich area creatively as well, a place that seems to speak to those who live there and visit. It inspires the author and painter N.G. Swett, especially the 4seasonshelf Project.
The islands include Long Island, Block Island, Cape Cod, Nantucket, Martha’s Vineyard and many more.
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!
More about the Outer Lands Archipelago
How can a place inspire us? Here’s an example, a short rhyming poem by N.G. Swett for the 4seasonshelf Project
Continues >
Even more about the Outer Lands Archipelago
Enjoy a few videotaped moments on an Outer Lands ocean beach HERE.
Take a little bus excursion with Nan to an Outer Lands fishing village HERE.
Read a prize winning short story by N.G. Swett that was an early version of the first chapter of the illustrated novel ‘The Clerk and the Ink Drinker in the Outer Lands Mission’ : HERE.
Last but not least, order the contemporary illustrated novel with an Outer Lands setting:
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!)
