First, Happy Columbus Day (observed), everyone. The Genoese explorer who opened North America to Europe was a better man by far than his contemporary detractors. There’s a charming story about Ferdinand and Isabella’s debate over whether to invest him with the title of admiral, in Edward Lasker’s book The Adventure of Chess. If you can find a copy, I recommend it highly.
But enough of that. I’m one chapter from finishing the first draft of the first novel I’ve written since 2021, so I’m taking the day off from the Web to get it done. Have a nice day, and come back soon.