Wool

Howey's post is absolutely massive. He calls it "just 40 insights" but each insight ranges from a page to a chapter in length. I read it all, and even though I've been writing for some years now, I still found new nuggets of information.

If you don't know who Hugh Howey is, he self-pubbed his stories, made it big on the Kindle, got picked up by Simon & Schuster without even submitting to them (i.e. trad pub came to him, asking for permission to publish him), and did some crazy things in promotion, like handing out his entire book on a business-card-looking USB stick to fans at conventions. He knows what he's talking about.

If you're starting out, and especially if you're a plotter and want advice on how to be effective, then Howey's posts are for you (be advised, they're big, this could easily have been a writing advice book):

Part 1 - Writing: https://hughhowey.com/writing-insights-part-one-becoming-a-writer/

Part 2 - Drafting: https://hughhowey.com/writing-insights-part-two-the-rough-draft/

Part 3 - Revising: https://hughhowey.com/writing-insights-part-three-the-revision-process/

Part 4 - Publishing: https://hughhowey.com/writing-insights-part-four-publishing-your-book/

They said "Tune in tomorrow for a Five Nights At Freddy's Security Breach Reveal". Not once did they talk of an actual full length trailer. You were not promised anything. The fact that we good an actual video and not just images is already more than what was promised.

Stop crying. You've set yourself up for disappointment plenty of times now.

I’m a long-term traveler/digital nomad with no set itinerary or return date (currently on hold due to the pandemic). I’ve used a lot of merino wool products, but now as I look at my packing list and prepare to update and replace a few things, I’m starting to wonder if merino wool is really all that great.

Yes, merino is very comfortable. It doesn’t hold odors. It is easy to hand wash and dries quickly. It’s good at regulating body temperature.

But it’s also lacking any sort of shape and looks kind of ugly. More of an issue for me is the care that’s required. Hand washing in a sink can only get you so far. You’ll eventually need to drop it off for laundry. You’ll need to make sure you communicate all the specifics to the laundry person — cold water, no fabric softener, gentle cycle and no dryer. There could be a communication issue in foreign countries. And then there’s the durability. If you’re doing one bag travel, you’re likely cycling through the same 2-3 shirts over and over. In my experience, merino shirts start to develop small holes and just get bigger no matter how careful you are.

Is there any material that has some of the merino-like qualities without the drawbacks?

I grew up not having wool around, my mom is allergic to it. After I left home, I was super! poor for many years so I didn't have any wool items then either. I really didn't know much about it not ever having it around growing up. In the past few years, I have been gradually adding more items in my life. Finally I am warm and don't hate winter so much! Currently rocking my darn tough socks I use for hiking-merino blend and a Aran sweater I picked up on my honeymoon to Ireland. I ordered some vintage sweaters from Etsy over the past week and am looking forward to all the warmth. I have a pea coat and a few scarves that I have used for years now that are warm and hold up well. What were you a late discoverer of???