tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post8548499947976600176..comments2024-03-18T09:09:59.625-04:00Comments on Janet Reid, Literary Agent: You are here.Janet Reidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00615380335938685231noreply@blogger.comBlogger52125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-79722167379187884662017-01-10T16:23:14.155-05:002017-01-10T16:23:14.155-05:00My screen saver is pictures from when I met reader...My screen saver is pictures from when I met readers (over twenty times so far) - seeing the people who love my books standing with me makes their support and encouragement so real I can't possibly not love writing.<br /><br />And I also have a stuffed minion. Because I could use minions. :)Heather Wardellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07268952943088167344noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-52139782481771482017-01-10T15:08:03.760-05:002017-01-10T15:08:03.760-05:00I wish I had seen this post last weekend—could hav...I wish I had seen this post last weekend—could have used some encouragement. Loved the post, JR! (got kind of emotional).<br /><br />I'm visualizing each writer in their respective writing spaces where their ideas germinate and flow out into the world. Made me feel as if I'm not alone. <br /><br />I've been making visual art for many years, and when I moved 3 1/2 years ago, I had to downsize drastically. I let go of a lot, and had planned to sell or donate an L-shaped blue vintage metal office desk. <br /><br />I visualized sitting in my new space—at a NEW desk—making art. But as it turned out, the big blue desk went with me, then a story idea came out of the "blue" after I moved in, and my first MS was seemingly channeled from that corner of my bungalow. I also always carry a notebook with me for notes in transit. <br /><br />I recently purchased The Chicago Manual of Style and the Flip Dictionary, which now sits on my desk. Reading all the comments has inspired me to make my writing corner even more special. I wish I had inherited a tombstone!<br /><br />Thank you all for sharing. My mood has lifted! <br /><br /> Cynhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08699411552622293737noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-10737276365163651302017-01-08T17:43:14.493-05:002017-01-08T17:43:14.493-05:00Words of encouragement emailrd to me, referring to...Words of encouragement emailrd to me, referring to me as a great writer and a 2009 Christmas card from same source.b-Nyehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04190440924186746537noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-3399951411340074332017-01-08T02:07:27.076-05:002017-01-08T02:07:27.076-05:00Such a fantastic post. I imagined myself riding th...Such a fantastic post. I imagined myself riding the L from Brooklyn and looking up to read these ads. Such affirmation.<br /><br />I don't have that in my office. To my left, a bulletin board holds index cards of my current WIP. To my right a mirror bulleting board displays my previous piece that I'm (still!) editing. And on my standup desk is an hourglass. Waiting to be flipped.<br /><br />I've never been good at keeping things as reminders. Except people. I try to keep them. And while people don't haunt my office, I think they might be the reason I write.<br />John Davis Frainhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18020019400599228492noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-6310807574289512562017-01-08T00:52:17.327-05:002017-01-08T00:52:17.327-05:00E. M., that was amazing. And so beautifully put. Y...<b>E. M.</b>, that was amazing. And so beautifully put. You're lucky I'm married or one day you would answer your door to find an old guy standing there with some flowers, asking if you wanted a date.<br /><br />I want next door neighbors like <b>Kregger</b>. Heck, any of you. You are my tribe.<br /><br />I write many places. My desk has some photos (people I love are one reason I write), rubbers, a bizarre mix of rubber duckies (I write because the weird wants out), speakers (music makes me want to create), a poster of Spiderman (I always wanted to be a superhero, and writing is a place I become one), and two framed pictures of dragons that friends did (I love dragons and think the world needs more about them- hence my YA fantasy series).<br /><br />Sometimes I write on my laptop: in a recliner we bought from dear friends who moved away. in which sat numerous spiritual giants in my life; at the table, looking through the window across our large back yard and into the huge lot behind us, as books are one of the ways I explore the world; in coffee shops, surrounded by interesting people, art, and coffee, all of which fuel my writing.roadkills-r-ushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14029861300358380117noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-19690727567243286332017-01-07T22:10:51.494-05:002017-01-07T22:10:51.494-05:00Beth: I printed out your comment and put it on my ...<b>Beth</b>: I printed out your comment and put it on my bulletin board, right next to John McPhee's. <br />Exactly how I feel. Thank you :-)Claire Bobrowhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15666082441972111293noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-80812720027951907332017-01-07T21:54:01.024-05:002017-01-07T21:54:01.024-05:00When I was in Montana, I got quite a bit of writin...When I was in Montana, I got quite a bit of writing done even with it being hectic at times. At the mines, which were in western Montana in the Missoula and Helena area, I could write in a notebook in the morning at the table in the trailer. The men were out working, so it was generally quiet and so remarkably soul renewing. I'd divide my time between writing, poking around old cabin sites, and panning for gold.<br /><br />I had planned on keeping the property just for a place to retreat to.<br /><br />These days, my view is a bookcase and mini blinds, but that's all right. I have a very large, heavy old desk I bought from a furniture liquidator who had gotten it from a bank. It's made many a move over the years, but my son said he will not be moving it again. It isn't pretty, but it's solid and wood and it's mine.<br /><br />Sitting on the back of the desk is a four shelf wooden bookcase. The bottom shelf is for reference and writing books. Dictionaries, thesauri, style books, Make Your Words Work by Provost, etc. The upper three are for research books I'm currently using. There are eight books about old time cowgirls and the rest are for the war between the states.<br /><br />On the second shelf is also a sparkly, black raven, but I pretend it's a crow and he's telling me to get to work on the Crow. The shelf above has a bronze buffalo separating my western history books from the war books, subtly reminding me a western is calling my name. My bucking horse bronze was too large to fit in the case.<br /><br />The large bookcase next to the desk is all historical books I'm using except one shelf that has cookbooks and one that is fiction. The other books have been banished to a back bedroom.<br /><br />On the wall is a large No Parking sign to remind me not to park my butt and do nothing.<br /><br />Also on the desk aside from the Dune computer and monitor, keyboard, etc are cups with pens and pencils, three cups with brushes, two cups with artists colored pencils and drawing pencils.<br /><br />I had a picture that admonished me to trust the Lord, and I need to get it back up where it belongs. Now I have a three foot long painting of running horses above the window. I also have a picture of a knight with the words: Fate whispers to the warrior, "You cannot withstand this storm." The warrior whispers back, "I am the storm." <br /><br />I love that Janet found the place where her soul belongs. I felt like that when I moved to Texas. I'm kind of like a leaf in the wind now missing where I belong and yet loving being around Will and the boys. I need to learn to trust that God has me where he wants me. Julie Weathershttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13725236516593676381noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-32326192102398115682017-01-07T20:53:14.058-05:002017-01-07T20:53:14.058-05:00The stories in these comments are beautiful. Thank...The stories in these comments are beautiful. Thank you all for sharing, and Janet for asking.<br /><br />I don't have physical things as reminders of why I love to write. But sometimes, when I forget or when I wonder why I bother, I go back and read the words others have written in response to some piece of writing I've put out in the world. Remembering that I made someone laugh or think or sit on the edge of their seat wanting more, even a simple email from my daughter saying, "You're good at this. Write more." That feedback, the rush of knowing I evoked a response, is like a potent hit from the most addictive drug you could ever imagine. <br /><br />It's not the reason I write, it's not something I think about while I'm writing. But it is why, once I'm finished, I love having done it.<br /><br /><br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-24644932641998886552017-01-07T18:02:10.660-05:002017-01-07T18:02:10.660-05:00I write my dirty drafts in notebooks which are kep...I write my dirty drafts in notebooks which are kept on the shelf beside my bed, alongside a small painting by a friend who lives the dream of being an artist, musician, and gardener on the lush north coast. (She makes banana bread from home grown banana's and has resident koala's on her property!) She's one of the only people I know who hasn't upgraded to a 'smart' phone, saying everyone she knows who has one wastes a crazy amount of time on it. <br />I use the family computer when editing my WIP and I've covered its camera with a ribbon printed with the words; 'I wish to remain curious.'MA Hudsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11055543285024785889noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-84008101165824525752017-01-07T18:01:14.268-05:002017-01-07T18:01:14.268-05:00I'm not sure if the things around my desk remi...I'm not sure if the things around my desk remind me how much I love writing, but I think they keep my butt in the chair. Maybe that's the same thing, and I haven't given these life tokens enough credit. There are the old family photos (husband and kids, nieces, more nieces, siblings, cousins, parents), my kids' ancient preschool projects (the tissue paper kite, the hand-print flower wishing me Happy Mother's Day, the ceramic tree frog), campaign pins from President Obama's 2008 election, a snow globe with a St Bernard inside of it, and the feather reminding me of an old work colleague who lost her son to cancer. The once-used Pepcid bottle sits under my computer for a reason. So does the half-empty bottle of Aleve. And the pile of manuscripts keeps me my chair, too -- it's spill-over from the stack in the drawer. I'll be adding to it soon, hopefully.<br /><br />Thanks so much for this post, Janet. And to all of you Reiders for the added inspiration. I've only openly joined this community recently, and I'm so grateful to be a part of it.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00057611467208638753noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-87763580614351922492017-01-07T17:07:22.516-05:002017-01-07T17:07:22.516-05:00In my craft or sullen art
Exercised in the still n...In my craft or sullen art<br />Exercised in the still night<br />When only the moon rages<br />And the lovers lie abed<br />With all their griefs in their arms<br />I labour by singing light<br />Not for ambition or bread<br />Or the strut and trade of charms<br />On the ivory stages<br />But for the common wages<br />Of their most secret heart<br /><br />Not for the proud man apart<br />From the raging moon I write<br />On these spindrift pages<br />Nor for the towering dead<br />With their nightingales and psalms<br />But for the lovers, their arms<br />Round the griefs of the ages<br />Who pay no praise or wages<br />Nor heed my craft or art<br /><br />- Dylan ThomasBonnie Shaljeanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13067442140631504611noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-90568138674838821412017-01-07T16:59:18.529-05:002017-01-07T16:59:18.529-05:00The office is a Hodge-podge of many things. Blown ...The office is a Hodge-podge of many things. Blown up photos of various types of flora and fauna, works of watercolors and acrylics, lofting plans old and new. Favorite stare is the old Barque plan.<br /><br />The writing is something from deep inside though. It is the howling of the wolves Loss and Anguish as they search ways to cross the rivers of Memory.<br /><br />They are dreams of foreign moons and technologies beyond phones. They are inhumanities I have seen and could not fix.<br /><br />They are want and wanton.Craig Fhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07157301156577795781noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-37428635017841310012017-01-07T16:58:43.182-05:002017-01-07T16:58:43.182-05:00As a long-time resident of DC, believe me when I s...As a long-time resident of DC, believe me when I say we'll be MORE than happy to send him back to NYC... ;)Jenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02288010060936146108noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-73463808796941968892017-01-07T15:13:48.683-05:002017-01-07T15:13:48.683-05:00Since I work and sleep in the woods during USFS co...Since I work and sleep in the woods during USFS contracts, my laptop is my desk- I have three double batteries for my HP envy because "wilderness = no electricity". <br /><br />Anyhow, I tape all sorts of things to it- coordinates of where I am (emergency stuff), phone numbers, a sweet note from my spouse, and then that one little thing which reminds me why I write-<br /><br />A well-noted Literary Agent once said "not quite a story, but just lovely writing" about a 100 word or less story I entered into a contest. I printed out that small, signicant-to-me sentence and its now taped to where my fingers rest.<br /><br />Yeah, JR, that.<br /><br />:)Janice Grinyerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14363741660626407979noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-45098019763698741192017-01-07T15:04:44.839-05:002017-01-07T15:04:44.839-05:00What a wonderful post, and the comments are as usu...<br /> What a wonderful post, and the comments are as usual the stones that give the soup such flavor.<br /><br /> I don't really have a writing table, I usually write lounging on my club chair, or reclined in bed. But for me my most creative area is working the rows of my vines. Each task requires at the minimum, walking 6 rows 900 feet long. Whether it is pruning, attaching this years newly trimmed shoots to the trellis system, and even cutting the grass between the vines a top my old Renault tractor. <br /><br /> It's where I dream up dialog and twists and turns of the story. Outloud, and in different tones trying to get the voice just right. And yes neighboring vignerons have caught me quite often talking to myself with my earbuds playing whatever accompanying music feeds my imagination.<br /><br />I really enjoyed reading each of your posts today fellow Reiders. Cheers Hank.french sojournhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14262858704848580714noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-17891407526476605202017-01-07T14:32:09.233-05:002017-01-07T14:32:09.233-05:00In my little "office" at home with a des...In my little "office" at home with a desk against the window that overlooks the street I have a zillion "artifacts" on the walls such that it is referred to as "the museum". It did not begin that way, there was no intention to make it so, but, as they say, things happen.<br /><br />I only write nonfiction. Memoir stuff. I love to write it, to record, to gently explore, to recall thoughts and things forgotten that are returned to memory by the act of the writing. I've sold some to print publications but most remain unpublished. That does not matter much, I record the stories of childhood, of family and of friends for myself and for my kids.mythical one-eyed peace officerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14394431562567253451noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-26781332080933528502017-01-07T14:02:05.594-05:002017-01-07T14:02:05.594-05:00Cynthia, do frame the piece. They are like the fir...Cynthia, do frame the piece. They are like the first dollar bill stores frame from their first sale. Does'nt matter if it's the first for us or not, they remind us of how we opened the door and made a sale.Carolynnwith2Nshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18394998702410764388noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-31958493564390620352017-01-07T13:35:17.393-05:002017-01-07T13:35:17.393-05:00My desk is more theologian than writer, save perha...My desk is more theologian than writer, save perhaps for the copies of THE ELEMENTS OF STYLE and ON WRITING that have permanent occupancy in my line of sight. One day, I will have an agent contract, a publisher's acceptance letter, or some other big milestone on display to remind me that I might actually be good enough at this writing thing to produce work people might want to read. For now I have a sticker. It's a small sticker. A cheap sticker. Probably a freebie with a bunch of other stickers with silly or pithy quotes. I kept this one because the message is simple, and yet life-changingly profound. It says:<br /><br /><i>The only way to do great work<br />is to love what you do</i><br /><br />I believe that with all my heart.<br /><br />You are there, <b>Janet</b>, and, Lord willing, FirstBorn and I will be there too at the end of the month. Looking forward to it! ;)<br />Colin Smithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03292997431935215499noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-6374950930988630152017-01-07T13:33:14.463-05:002017-01-07T13:33:14.463-05:00I have a photocopy (very tattered) of a line drawi...I have a photocopy (very tattered) of a line drawing with the caption "Gone Writing." I liked it so much that I stole the line to use it as the name of my website.Phyllis Ehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18426014057471290677noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-61069139681892455302017-01-07T13:22:07.940-05:002017-01-07T13:22:07.940-05:00To Susan, Janet, and everyone, you are here, and I...To Susan, Janet, and everyone, you are here, and I'm glad. You make me smile and make me think. When everything around me shouts that I'm a launderer, a cook, a dog door operator, a bookkeeper, an audience, and a poor excuse for a housekeeper, you remind me I'm a writer. Beth Carpenterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02447148196867821907noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-86215637443506844582017-01-07T13:19:24.377-05:002017-01-07T13:19:24.377-05:00I love hearing about all these Reider places.
I ...I love hearing about all these Reider places. <br /><br />I like to think of mine as a dynamic space, aka the dining table between meals. It is the warmest place in the house and, bonus, right next to the food and coffee maker. Once kids get a little older (is there any 'my' in parenthood? I haven't discovered yet) I might get my office back :) Lennon Farishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03570629350169504234noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-82973233768233264592017-01-07T13:17:48.418-05:002017-01-07T13:17:48.418-05:00As soon as I post this the other three tries will ...As soon as I post this the other three tries will show up, I know it.<br /><br />I have a version of <a href="https://www.litographs.com/collections/jane-austen/products/emma" rel="nofollow">this</a>, beautifully framed, hanging in my office facing the door where I can see it when I leave my bedroom every morning.<br /><br />It reminds to not just pass by, that I have important things to do in there. I never forget that I love to do it, but sometimes I forget that I don't have a brain-to-Scrivener interface.Cherylhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09128656624170294636noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-38890887960898842552017-01-07T12:52:22.629-05:002017-01-07T12:52:22.629-05:00I love this post, and those posters. It would be h...I love this post, and those posters. It would be hard to top them, so I won't try.<br />The "you are here" made me think that, wherever I'm writing, the writing renders it a fine place to be.<br /><br />But I love the question, too, of what we keep close to keep up inspired, and I've enjoyed reading about the Reiders' writing spaces (Lisa Bodenheim, I could see and feel your space as I read about it, feel those throws around the shoulders. It feels and sounds lovely).<br /><br />By my writing desk, and on my bathroom mirror, is a quote from Richard Bach:<br />"A professional writer is an amateur who didn't quit."<br /><br />In addition to the quote, I have an object that embodies two of the things I love most about writing: <br />1) research (no, really. I do. The privilege of writing, for me, is about the freedom to explore the wonders of this world, past and present and to keep learning every day).<br />2) the forging of connections between people; the ways that stories bind us to one another.<br /><br />The object is about three or four inches long, and made of fabric ribbon. At top, the ribbon forms a rosette, then short colored ribbons hang down from the rosette. It's meant to be pinned to a lapel or shirt. The object was given to me in Italy by a delightful older couple who helped me with the on-site research for my first novel--indeed, without them the novel would have languished. The ribbon is in the colors of their district in Siena. When they gave it to me to pin onto my shirt, I felt like they were saying "you're one of us now."<br />I'm moved by the privilege writing has granted me, to enter other people's worlds and lives, and learn and share with them. <br /><br />Even on the worst day of writing, there's nothing else I'd rather be doing.<br /><br />Janet, thanks for the reminder that daily reminders are important.B. DuBoishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17934793308908873727noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-61389147825818780432017-01-07T12:45:57.541-05:002017-01-07T12:45:57.541-05:00I don't have a desk. I write at the kitchen ta...I don't have a desk. I write at the kitchen table, with a view of the hawthorne tree, the cherry, and the palm.<br />Tacked on the bulletin board behind me is a quote from John McPhee:<br /><br />"How do I become a better writer?"<br />"Just write."<br />"And then what?"<br />"Keep writing."<br />"And then eventually...?"<br />"You write."<br />"Until?"<br />"Until you have written something."<br />"Then what?"<br />"You get up out of bed the next morning and write some more."<br /><br />I am here.<br />Claire Bobrowhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15666082441972111293noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-48407768105293218412017-01-07T12:43:39.661-05:002017-01-07T12:43:39.661-05:00What a beautiful post and beautiful comments. E.M....What a beautiful post and beautiful comments. <b>E.M.</b>, pleeeeeease co-write something with me.<br /><br />I write at a table against the wall. In the family room. But when I'm writing at three- and four-something in the morning (my best time for writing--oh, baby, I am such a morning person), the room is mine. I admire y'all who have sentimental and encouraging things in your writing space. This post reminded me that for several months last year I had a Bible verse by my keyboard. I'd written it in my best penmanship on a strip of paper. I hope I internalized its message, because I don't know where it got to and can't remember the verse--something about doing what we're supposed to do and not letting anything or anyone get in the way of doing it.<br /><br />Amongst other things on my table are the current issue of Writer's Digest, an older issue of Writer's Digest. A blue plastic Solo cup with pens and pencils in it. (I recycled the cup.) And a clear container of dog treats my darling daughter left here. It's being clear is important here--the treats appear to be fish skins, and they've been creeping me out for several days. I really should move it. But that would mean touching it. Did I mention it's creeping me out?Amy Johnsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05324408700941398495noreply@blogger.com