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
Love in the air in New York
A lucky convergence of trends as New York poet publishes book of love poetry. According to new studies, New York ranks tops in romance and smart growth walkability. Poetry is also having a moment. Nan gives example of how trends can help with searchability, discoverability.
Love, walking & poetry trending as New York poet publishes book of love poetry
Did you know? Brand new studies say New York is now a top LOVE capitol of America? And most walkable too!
And poetry is red hot.
Serendipity! What better time for a New York poet to release a collection of love poetry than during a national love fest for New York?
Walkability, Romance Trending in New York
According to a recent study, New York City is one of the best, most walkable cities in America, and according to another one New York is one of the most romantic states in America.
Walkability
At first, I was surprised to see the Big Apple ranked #1 most walkable city in America*. But think about it. You don't need a car to get around town. There are sidewalks, parks and bike paths everywhere. The walking grid of streets is easy and always interesting. Lovers can easily stroll up and down the town. And what a big, big town it is.
Walkability is a growing smart trend connecting some key groups of people including families, young adults, Gen Z, price-conscious people, millennials, seniors, visitors, tourists, workers, and New York locals — basically for everyone. Walking can help keep us healthy and fit. Owning cars has become too expensive and too much of a hassle. Even public transportation can be too expensive. Walking and biking are better for the environment. A nice stroll is a good activity for getting out of the house for our mental health.
No need to spend the most. The sights are free. Go for a romantic stroll.
Enter new book of love poems by New York poet
Love is in the air in New York!
Last summer, when the sky was alarmingly yellow from Canadian wildfires, I wrote a book of love poems. Now I’m self-publishing the collection.
Poetry is trending, too.
All kinds of poetry — the good, the bad, and everything in between. I’ve done some research, and poetry is hot right now. I don’t know how long it will last, but hopefully forever. It is also all over social media.
Poetry is a powerful, elegant, fun and expressive way to describe the world. This first book of poetry was fun to write, edit, format and self publish.
In Hold Me Tight, I tried many kinds of poetry formats from traditional rhyming poems to limerick and haiku, rap to free verse. The nature of the poem’s message and tone was a key piece of which kind of poem I used.
In the poems, I talk about the blind elation of falling in love, the wedding, the lovers spat, the love for children, the courtship dates, the building of a life together, the love of neighbors, artificial intelligence and good friends — and more. And toward the end, I indulge in some strident poetic justice type of topics which may or may not have anything to do with love.
Each of the 36 poems is formatted in a two-page spread with a black and white photo collage illustration. The style is minimalist and modern.
The type is large, and the poems are short.
New York minute love poem video
To pull the above trends together and tie them to my new book of love poems, I made the vertical one-minute mobile video below.
Book of love poetry as a gift?
A book of love poetry is a romantic and inspiring gift for any occasion — a lovers stroll, Valentine’s Day, springtime romance, birthdays, anniversaries, weddings and engagements.
Treat yourself to some poetic inspiration! It’s perfect reading for coffee cafe lounging and people watching.
The poems are about love, relationships, falling in love, everyday love, long term love, love of children, self love, reflections on the world at large, declarations, city life and country life.
Press Release: Writer Invited to Earth Day Farmers Market To Sign New Climate Book
PRESS RELEASE
Monday, April 10, 2023
From: Great Peconic Communications, Inc.
Writer Invited to Earth Day Farmers Market To Sign New Climate Book
Grow Your Personal Climate Score with "100 Heroic Challenges for Saving the Planet (And Money Too)"
Long Island, New York -- "I'm starting to think we might actually have to save the planet in real life," says year round Long Island resident Nan Swett. Her new book, 100 HEROIC CHALLENGES FOR SAVING THE PLANET (And Money Too), is for anyone who wants to challenge themselves and others to take climate action, form better environmental habits, and join the race for net zero.
What's My “Personal Climate Score?”
"I asked myself, 'Self, what can I do as one person do to fight climate change?' Boy, there's a lot more I can do," said Swett. "I'm not going to lie. If I were to give myself a climate score from 1 to 100 based on the challenges in my book, there would be room for improvement for sure."
Visiting the Farmers Market on Earth Day Checks Off Multiple Climate Challenge Boxes
The public is invited to celebrate Earth Day (Challenge #31) by stopping by the Riverhead Farmers Market at the East End Food Hub in Riverhead, NY on April 22nd from 9am to 2pm. Swett will sign copies of her new book and demonstrate how to turn garments into planet billboards using fabric pens (Challenge #1). Check off more climate challenges by buying local, supporting green businesses, sharing your love of the planet with friends and family, and more.
"I'm grateful to the East End Food Hub for the good work it's doing and for inviting me to participate in this special Earth Day farmers market," said Swett.
Every Day Is Earth Day
The compact workbook-style paperback makes a great Earth Day gift or favor, and it's full of activities for every day, family homes, the office, a group or team of friends, schools, environmental organizations, school break, summer activities, and communities. It's portable, interactive, easy to understand, and culled from leading global environmental organizations and contemporary cultural sources.
About Nan Swett
Nan Swett is a prize winning story writer, the author of a forthcoming novel, and a multi-media marketing and public relations specialist. She lives year round on eastern Long Island with her husband, "The Incredible Mr. C." They have two grown children.