An Update On My Life....

[shyboy85]

On 6/28/2019 at 10:10 PM, Mark Arbour said:

Greetings everyone!  I hope this finds you all well, and you don't hate me for being such a sparse poster (and all but ghosting) for so long.  I've been really busy these past few years, and the results of that were that I finally earned my PhD (thanks for all the good wishes!).  Anyway, all that academic writing clogged my creative brain (SMILE), but I think I've unblocked that.  I'm planning to start posting new chapters again for both Northern Exposure and Black Widow starting on Bastille Day. 

[spyke]

Kudos on your academic achievement. I am very glad that you are returning to writing. You are immensely talented and you have been missed. 

[TheStoryReader]

Very Well Done Dr. Arbour!

All the very best, and glad to see you back in the saddle!

-Jason

[Mark M]

wohoo! congradulations! ive been poking in every few months for that sliver of hope. SO EXCITED!!! 

[cems]

Hooray and huzzah, Dr. Arbour! 

Congratulations on such an  impressive accomplishment, Mark. ❤️

And I’m sure I speak for countless readers when I say it’s such a joy to know you’re back, and that we’ll soon be reading the lastest exploits of our daring gang of Cramptoms, Schluters and company.

Meanwhile, Happy Summer, and all the best to you and yours!

-Clara

[samjones1]

Welcome to the PhD club, Dr. Arbour. Send me some of your academic writing so I can give you a proper hazing as a welcome. 😛

[Will Hawkins]

My dear Doctor Arbour, congratulations on your academic achievement, and for your recent postings implying some recovery from your poor health. You were one of the first authors I read on GA and thereby the root cause of my addiction. Reading your stories is such a boon, a real relaxation for an old man like me (87) and a relief from the angst of teen agers 'coming out' of the closet with destructive consequences by homophobic parents. Not all parents are so violently against their children's life-style and it is rewarding to read sometimes about more accepting ones.
I hope that you continue to feel better and will be able to devote some of your recovered energy to getting our favorite sea captain out of the clutches of the mad Czar. As far as the 'low libido' from which you have been suffering -- detailed descriptions of sexual liaisons are nice, but not an absolute requirement for a good story, , , Hell, at my advanced age, I find my eye skipping some of those paragraphs anyway. Just don't leave us freezing our asses off in the backwaters of the Baltic Sea!!!!
MisterWill

[centexhairysub]

Hi All,

  I have heard from Mark and has had a major setback in his life.  A member of his family suffered a truly devastating medical diagnosis and is undergoing treatment.  Unfortunately, complications have arisen.  This is really taking all of his time and focus.

  We did not really even mention a timeframe for his continuing either of his current stories.  I just don't think that is important with the current situation.  I am asking everyone for some prayers for those that believe and for those that don't just good thoughts to go out to Mark and his family.  He truly has given real joy to the lives of so many; so a few moments of prayers and good thoughts just don't seem like to much to ask.

[Will Hawkins]

I, who am a staunch supporter of Mark and his story telling abilities, wish, first of all to express my support in his present difficulties, and temper that with a bit of patience in following his current story line, I have just read chapter 22, but will go back and read it again when additional chapters are posted to be able to mentally tie it all together.
Take care, Mark, of yourself and your family as a prime requirement, but know you have a multitude of friends out here in Readerland, who wish you well.
Mister Will

[Will Hawkins]

A question is buzzing around in my head. In my current residence in Brazil, I have no worries about Coronavirus infection even though Brazil is certainly not totally immune to the problem as I am living with only one other person. How are you doing with the isolation rules where you are? I have been in this state of isolation for a couple of years and have become used to it. But I do enjoy reading the latest chapters to my favorite stories.
The temperatures here are in the low 30's and I do not feel right about leaving my favorite Captain in the wilds of frozen Russia. Let's get him out of there before the Tsar goes totally bonkers! If I remember my history correctly it was something the Tsar was prone to do.
I especially enjoy your writing as I feel I have learned a great deal about the British wind navy of the 19th Century. Right from the Gun Room on up to the lookouts.

[Will Hawkins]

I am back after a long hiatus, and am enjoying the current updates to your stories, Mark. But I will have to admit that conditions in the world have changed dramatically since last I chatted with you.
Misterwill

[Will Hawkins]

I just shifted over here from Black Widow as I find I understand this story line much better than trying to keep up with all the different characters on that one. I have been following this series since the very beginning (Gun Room?) and feel I have learned a great deal about the 1800's British navy and the politics of the period especially the relationships (many) between Britain and the other monarchies of the 19th Century. I made the comment about Paul I of Russia because my superficial readings of history lead me to believe he is the mad Czar and he is due to be assassinated in March of 1801, which, considering the slowness of ocean travel, would be just about the time Lord Granger is in Saint Petersburg. I am sure THAT will make his stay there interesting to say the least.
Misterwill