When Tools Fail

It's been a while since I had a hobby that required anything but myself. I've been focusing on my novels for so long that I haven't created anything but words in years. Words don't require tools, not real ones. If I run out of paper, I get some more. It's plentiful and cheap. If I run out of ink, there's always another pen nearby. Pens are like bunnies or subway rats, especially the kind with a company name on them.

The older I get, the more I find myself wanting to master the arts tying me t...