For some surprising reason, pictures of my cluttered desk and shelf generated a lot of questions and excitement.
The desk is now clean.
In order of appearance, left to right
- Elaina from Wandering Witch: The Journey of Elaina (Majo no Tabitabi). She comes from a series of light novels and anime currently up on Crunchyroll. While the anime is cute, I bought her because of what she represented. In my head, she is a different character and I made a little story about her. Now she lives on my desk.
- Frosted glass kitty with glitter on her ears. She made an appearance in Emerald Blaze on Tatyana Pierce’s desk.
- A generic owl, bought because I like owls and I thought it was pretty.
- A labubu. Labubus come from a line of collectible toys designed by Kasign Lung, an illustrator from Hong Kong who currently lives in Netherlands and was heavily influenced by Nordic folklore. They are sold in blind item boxes, meaning you don’t know which labubu you will get until you open the package. Kid 2 really liked them for a little bit and I bought a couple. This one was a gift from Kid 2.
- Umaru-chan from Himouto! Umaru-chan, which comes from the manga series and an anime, currently available on Crunchyroll. A gift from Kid 1.
- Maomao from Apothecary Diaries, anime available on Crunchyroll and Netflix. I love Maomao so much. I relate to her on an inner teenage level. Sadly the second season didn’t quite stick the landing for me, but I’m still excited for continuation of the story.
People asked about the keyboard. It’s a custom keyboard that I built for myself. Keyboards are our main tool of trade, so we invest in them heavily. This one is made exactly the way I like it.
If you would like to build your own, it’s not that hard. There are three parts: the keyboard itself, the switches that go into it, and the keycaps that fit on top of the switches.
- Keyboard: Wobkey Crush 80. I like it because it is heavy and stays on my desk. This thing doesn’t move. I’ve had zero problems with chatter, etc. And it is a cute purple color. It’s not a full keyboard. It’s missing a number pad, but I still get the extra keys.
- Switches: HMX Butter Linear. Love this switch, 100% reliable, feels like a dream. I like how un-wobbly it is, and I like the sound it makes.
- Keycaps: KiiBoom x Cosydiaries Rainy Froggy Day. Cosy Diaries is an Instagram creator, so if you like cute things, you might like her feed.
This is what the keyboard sounds like when I write Maggie:
Gordon’s keyboard.
- Keyboard: Epomaker Galaxy 100 Lite. Gordon will only accept full size keyboards, which limits the selection a little.
- Switches: HMX Frog Tactile. He prefers tactile switch and HMX Frog is the best one I found. Like the HMX Butter, it is a smooth switch with very little wobble and a bonus of a comfortable tactile bump.
- Keycaps: this is half and a half, some came with the keyboard and some came from GMK Keycaps. He likes the color and the feel, but he also wants all of his keys clearly labeled.
Funny thing about custom mechanical keyboards – once you find your perfect set up, you take it for granted. Recently Gordon had a coffee cup accident. The handle snapped off from one of his old mugs. He caught the cup as it fell, but some coffee sloshed out and drowned the keyboard I made for him. The keyboard went into trash, and we had to find a substitute, so we found a high-end gaming keyboard in our AV closet. That thing retailed for like $400 and came with one of the desktops as a bonus.
The face my husband made when he tried to type on it. He ended up swapping to a generic Keychron I use to test the switches, until the parts arrived and I rebuilt the keyboard.
The weird black thing by the keyboard: this is a Vayder Volume Control Knob. I prefer to have a volume knob, but my keyboard doesn’t have one. This gives me volume control dial, and media keys of rewind, play/pause, and fast-forward. We listen to a lot of podcasts while we game and it is convenient to use those keys instead of hunting for them on the keyboard.
Before you ask, I will do a summary of podcasts later.
And finally the deskmat. The one under my keyboard came from Amazon. Here it is, and I had to cut it down to size, because it was too large.
And that brings us to the store update:
First, the bad news: our accountant had a come-to-the-light conversation with us. We have to up the prices on the mugs. We aren’t turning enough of a profit to keep operating. We – that is I, not we – didn’t account for the fees the store charges us on our transactions. It can’t be a wash, so we will be going up by about $2-3 per mug. The mugs are temporarily down while we get the price increases rolling.
Second, good news: the US deskmats are live. A typical custom deskmat retails between $35-40. We are going to try to stay in that range. Please be aware that additional shipping charges will be applied at the checkout and they can be as much as $10.
And that concludes today’s post.
First?
Clean First 🤗
Love the stories behind the little writing guardians on your desk!! 📚📚📚
Happy new week to all!! 💖
Thanks for the Monday desk update. I should go out to the store and look. I don’t think the Horde will mind paying a little extra for the mugs.
Enjoy the clean desk and shelves while you can. The clutter bug can creep up when you least expect it.
Almost first!!! This is the closest I got to First!!!!
I was waiting for the mat to go live before I order my mug… but totally understanding that you need to make a profit!
I am trying to set up a store for my hubby’s art and let me tell you, these profit margins are making my head hurt. Especially since his is in his art!!!!
A quick question, will the be coming from the same place i.e. will ordering mug and mat together or separately make a difference?
Happy Monday everyone
All shipping is per item, unfortunately, it’s how the vendor charges House Andrews (a flat fee per item).
Well, by the time I finished writing I was 5th, but close enough 🥰
I wondered about the pricing because I swear I paid $30 – $35 for my BDH mug a few years back and was surprised that my new Barsa Barsa Barsa mug only cost $20 and they are the same size. I would have been content to pay more and I feel bad you lost $$ creating something special for your fans to go along with all the wonderful books you’ve written. Hmm, I guess I will have to buy more after you adjust the pricing to make up for it. Hopefully there will be some Maggie merch next month because I am excitedly waiting on the full book after I read the long preview on Kindle.
I love how our questions are anticipated. Pat*ently wa*ting for podcasts list. Challantness fueled by my new Breach mug o’ espresso coffee.
Oh dear! I’m sorry you ending up taking a loss on the mugs; as someone else here noted, it’s an extra shame since you put them out just to be nice to all of us. That said, I will definitely be on the Maggie merch train come March and so willing to pay more to ensure the headache is at least marginally worth it! Loving the little side quest on keyboard customization; I am far too lazy to do so, but it’s fascinating to see (and hear!) the differences. I do love a clacky old-school keyboard – I’m sure my coworkers do NOT. 🙂 May your clutter free desk bring you a clutter free mind this week, and the desk guardians a little break.
Maybe I missed it, but will the store be open for EU at some point?
Negotiations are happening today for the VAT lines. Thank you for your patience 🙂
hooray for accountants. Will continue to wa*t p*tiently to buy my mugs. happy to pay enough to get you in the green and love the transparency.
I don’t know if there’s a price point at which stickers become possible, but I would happily “overpay” (as i am sure Ilona sees it) for a few stickers. they’re great for telling my corporate stuff apart from everyone else’s identical corporate stuff😀
They put some free downloads on the store (or there were, at least) that you can use to print off on a sticker. That’s my plan, as soon as I remember to order sticker paper. And decide what kind. 🤗
Depending on how “sticky” you want your sticker to be, most office supply stores have Avery mailing labels and name tag stickers. The mailing labels come in several sizes and should be fairly permanent. The name tag stickers are made to go on clothes and then pull off after awhile and not all of them say “Hi, my name is …” 😄
I’m waiting until Maggie mugs come out, so I can decide better. But let’s be honest, that’s only going to make my indecisiveness even worse.
I REALLY like the barsa barsa all over mug that got added!
Trying to decide on a desk mat. I use a full size keyboard (can’t stand the laptop keys), so I’ll need to measure and see how it would fit, but they look fun!
Sorry that you took a hit on the mugs. I have been drinking out of my Ripper Cushions mug since Saturday. I won’t mind paying a few bucks more if you do some of the Ability to Even ones in 11oz. *puppy dog eyes*
The desk mats are beautiful!
I love “clicky” mechanical keyboards and their “old typewriter” feel too, to the despair of my husband who hates the sound of mine ^^
As I’m French, I keep a eye on the shop to order a pair of big mugs when the VAT problems’ll be solved <3
I’m keeping a list of requests and I lob it at Ilona every week (poor Ilona).
Some may have to wait a bit because it is very tiring work and there’s a lot of writing to be done! Thank you everyone for your patience 🙂
We try to be a fluffy Horde. It may not always work, but we try. 🤗
I swear I’m not being ungrateful for what’s been released! Just wondering if there will be additional designs of the desk mat. Specifically here kitty, kitty. I want to purchase one but figured I’d wait just in case. Plus I don’t want you guys to be overwhelmed with orders like you were with the mugs!
Deskmats look gorgeous…. but I’m not in USA. Sigh, I will just have to live with my Star Wars mat at home and Excel shortcuts mat at work.
Hi! I was wondering if you would consider selling pens (like gel pens) with your best saying? There’s nothing like ilona andrews trademark snark to keep you going daily haha!
Sayings*
At the moment, the focus is mugs and a small run of deskmats 🙂 I will log your proposal for other items on the merch request list.
Thanks ModR!!
You are so talented!
I know you are trying to give back to fans but the store thing sounds way too much hassle for you.
Ahhh I love the Apothecary Diaries! I felt the same way too initially for the second season. But when watching it a second time you see so many Easter eggs for the rest of the season. It was nice to see her make friends. The visuals are so good! The dance scenes!
Now I’m educated on keyboards and grateful I am a reader and not a writer.
I’m glad I had to w**t (yes, this may be the only time I’ll say those words) to buy my mugs so that HA makes a profit!
I already asked for a couple mug additions that were graciously granted and I would love a latte mug with “I like home…” if I’m not asking too much. ::puppy eyes::
Me looking at my hand in shock, wondering how it randomly decided to buy a deskmat when I wasn’t looking…. well, it is a really nice desk mat, so I’ll let it slide.
Ah we literally just finished watching apothecary diaries!! Agree about 2nd season, but also love Maomao and her reactions 😂.
We’ve been catching up on some animes, waiting for more English dub for Frieren (I really enjoy the English voice actors) and currently we’re watching season 3 of Spy x family
Also love the colors of your keyboards!
Thanks for the update! Ik it won’t b for awhile, but when possible, I’d like to request 100% cotton t-shirts, pls. I love the ones I have and especially like to wear when traveling in hopes of finding more BDH members in the wild. Surely it will happen someday! Although I have been eyeing a couple mugs once things calm down. Actually, I wonder if a giant mug-like cup for soup is possible?
Thanks!
I’m happy that your workspace feels better for you now, it’s not nice when a special place feels less comfortable.
If and when the store opens to the UK I’d be happy paying whatever prices are necessary as would most readers I’m sure, even if it means saving up and buying – the BDH are a devoted lot 😉
Thank you, Ilona, for the background’bios’ on how your desktop companions joined your journey. I find those tiny glimpses fascinating. Rock your day! (Owls are pretty cool!)
Sending peace, health and safety to all!
+1
I am glad to see that you are using a vertical mouse. I have been using one for a number of years, and it has made an incredible difference in reducing wrist pain.
I also love owls! My little town of Bastrop (northeast of you) has a huge owl sculpture! I love it! https://communityimpact.com/austin/bastrop-cedar-creek/government/2025/09/10/city-of-bastrop-unveils-barred-owl-sculpture/
Alas, the reality of commerce. I love the look of your merchandise. My income is in a transitional state, so what I can afford to do right now is look at the pictures and drool. Someday I’m gonna own one of those mugs! I downloaded the free stickers. I understand the value of a good keyboard. It’s fun to see a clean desk — I’m sure not looking at one (mine) right now. I have a bad habit of putting all the “important” stuff on my desk to “file later.” But, better than the merchandise, I love your books. Looking forward to Maggie at the end of the month, and I’ll be saving my Audible credit to purchase it. Meanwhile, I’ll re-read those eight teaser chapters, and listen to The Inheritance again. The opening chapter, how does it go? Ah, yes…”Health insurance with a thousand dollar maximum family deductible”…so relatable, making Ada a single mom, just like millions of other single moms, trying to make ends meet, balancing job and taking care of her children. I could go on…the way details of plot are dribbled in with insurance details, the introduction of other characters. By the time the team enters the breach, we know them, feel their anticipation and fear…Your books just get better and better.
Thank you for sharing this with us! I really love the inside story of the small preciouses on your desk. It was also very exciting to hear your keyboard sounds while writing Maggie! Nerdly? maybe, but I still loved it!
I love that deskmat! But what do I do with my WOW one? I started playing WOW when it first came out, and have played continuously since. Maybe I’ll alternate! Thanks for making it available, The Inheritance is epic.
Woohoo! So glad that you and Gordon both dialed in your keyboard builds – they look amazing!
Would it be possible to get a sound test from Gordon’s set up?
Regarding the Apothecary Diaries, may I suggest reading the light novels—they’re such a fun read! I’m a huge fan of Maomao and am currently working through them & the manga!
Will matts etc ever be available for Canada?
Thank you for your books, your time and know you are cherished for it
The Canadian tax situation is too complicated atm, but never say never 🙂
Thankyou and that makes sense. Hugs and thanks for your time
I will be a hopeful future customer
Thanks for this info! Just bought the same brand as Gordon and flower keycaps. Super excited!!
I have worked with a variety of keyboards in my teaching career. I have had one’s I loved and one’s that are meh, but get the job done. I am intrigued with making my own keyboard. But more important for me is multiple monitors. I wish I could have 3 all of the time. Now time to go look at desk mats. Husband says I need to be Chalant.
Well done for getting the cleaning done!
Your desk is like the tardis – a small space to contain so many fascinating worlds!
Any chance the Dragon Mug (the edge), currently 12oz latte only, could also be offered as a 20oz? I would buy one, regardless of price.
I got the Dragon sweatshirt, & a “here kitty kitty” 20oz mug from the previous store.
And, I received my 2 new “I trust you w/ my life” & “why do I tell you my secrets” 20 oz mugs yesterday!
Sorry, I guess the cup in question is actually Sky Dream.
Thanks for your attention.
I love MaoMao! Have you read the Manga or light novels for ApothecaryDiaries? The anime has only covered 4 out of 16 of the light novels so far. So hopefully we can look forward to at least 6 more seasons of the anime.
I noticed the prices of the mugs being very affordable & was trying to think if there was a way of adding extra gratuity.
Ilona, don’t know if you’ll read this. Maybe Mod R can ask for me? Since you obviously watch anime (Apothacary Diaries is one of my favourites), have you watched Frieren and what do you think of it? It is very popular in the anime community.
Frieren is a beautiful anime but it is clearly aimed at teenagers. The care that went into very precisely calibrating it for the young demographic is a masterclass in positioning.
It takes itself deadly seriously, everything is about gravitas and secret meanings leading to revelations, and it is terribly sad while also being very self-centered. I think it’s brilliant. Did I stop watching it after like episode 6 or 8? Yes. I’m not in the right frame of mind for it right now.
My current titles right now are: Sentenced to be a Hero, Roll Over and Die, Gachiacuta, Jack of All Trades, The Daily Life of Immortal King, and I somehow missed the last two episodes of the Campfire Cooking season 2, so I need to finish that. Gachiacuta is a clear standout in terms of innovation and art.
Thinking of checking out Kakuriyo no Yadomeshi Season 2 – enjoyed season 1, but it was so long ago. It kind of scratches the Kamisama Kiss itch, but not really. Still, I am a sucker for anything in that general ballpark. How to get me to show up: hotel/shrine/shop with otherworldly creatures. I blame xxxHolic.
Hey you guys who types while you guys create? You must trade off or something right? Those deskmats are FIRE! Hey what was the outcome of possibly getting the art from that BEAUTIFUL story about choosing a wife? All those unforgettable characters! That stunning artwork! Did she say no to letting us use it on mugs or shirts?
I desperately want to make a custom keyboard, but have failed completely at finding replacement caps for my ergonomic keyboard 🥲
They look so lovely!