tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post6864958059550177036..comments2024-03-18T09:09:59.625-04:00Comments on Janet Reid, Literary Agent: December 1Janet Reidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00615380335938685231noreply@blogger.comBlogger43125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-91184399026890650022021-12-10T22:06:33.543-05:002021-12-10T22:06:33.543-05:00Thanks nightsmusic!Thanks <b>nightsmusic</b>!NLiuhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00184714542401822508noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-57240916135025700652021-12-09T04:41:51.442-05:002021-12-09T04:41:51.442-05:00NLiu, if I haven't said it, Congratulations!!!...<b>NLiu,</b> if I haven't said it, Congratulations!!!nightsmusichttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05984119792540771870noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-27130197501870416082021-12-07T21:35:49.454-05:002021-12-07T21:35:49.454-05:00Having a blast reading all the posts!
I no longer...Having a blast reading all the posts!<br /><br />I no longer have a desk; I have a new baby and had to abandon the desk to install a cot in its place. I guess my new purpose is keeping a very small person fed and reasonably clean? My "new desk" is a lap tray that sits on the end of the bed. My laptop just about fits on it, so that's it for desk objects, if you don't count dust.<br /><br />When I did have a desk it was covered in junk and to-do lists. I really hope that doesn't have anything to say about my life's purpose!NLiuhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00184714542401822508noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-8982619267918332982021-12-07T07:16:24.719-05:002021-12-07T07:16:24.719-05:00Ha! My more memorable rejections, from a now absco...Ha! My more memorable rejections, from a now absconded agent to the Paris Review. Yvonne Osbornehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18212188414972694795noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-60354609931976108822021-12-06T08:41:57.494-05:002021-12-06T08:41:57.494-05:00I'm late to the party - been crazy busy at the...I'm late to the party - been crazy busy at the new facility in NC - but I have to say what a joy is was reading through everyone's comments. And a little heartbreaking, too. (Julie, Nightsmusic, horses!)<br /><br />Above my desk is an oil painting of my first horse. Cody. She reminds me why I write. Trying to make the world a better place for these remarkable beings. <br /><br />And I concur with Mr. Frain. Hitting LIKE. Hugs to all... Melanie Sue Bowleshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11820711791019410116noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-84021742772538810992021-12-02T23:54:03.566-05:002021-12-02T23:54:03.566-05:00If there were a LIKE button, I'd have been hit...If there were a LIKE button, I'd have been hitting it often reading these posts. Just sayin'.John Davis Frainhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18020019400599228492noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-58049526734953647152021-12-02T23:39:59.010-05:002021-12-02T23:39:59.010-05:00My replica of the Northern terminus monument of th...My replica of the Northern terminus monument of the Pacific Crest Trail. Which I got after hiking the whole darn thing. To remind me that I can do hard things.Maryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11166776565191771729noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-84295524526726081992021-12-02T19:08:13.662-05:002021-12-02T19:08:13.662-05:00I sort of envy those of you who know "why you...I sort of envy those of you who know "why you are here" and have visual prompts to remind you. I have no idea why I'm here -- in this physical place or in this so-called profession -- and a big part of me can't help but feel relieved by that. If I knew my purpose, it seems there'd have to be some kind of accounting: am I doing it well, or even at all, have I failed, will I eventually succeed? But maybe I misunderstood the question or am just thinking too much.<br /><br />Sometimes I suspect my "why" is to be comic relief. Or, more likely, to serve as a horrible warning. I'm killing it on that point, no reminder needed. :)KDJameshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10534864045227102030noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-7550186485125956832021-12-02T14:24:55.670-05:002021-12-02T14:24:55.670-05:00My landline handset, an analog clock, two mugs ful...My landline handset, an analog clock, two mugs full of pens & markers, lamp, document stand and, most significant, nestled among prompts, reminders, biz cards, etc., tacked to a cork board back of the credenza on which all of this sits, a small scroll with the poem "Don't Quit".jerriannehhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07807198738975096689noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-11521893454343084332021-12-02T14:16:20.874-05:002021-12-02T14:16:20.874-05:00Sand timer. One hour. Reminding me to flip it and ...Sand timer. One hour. Reminding me to flip it and work.<br /><br />(With a nod to Julie W!)John Davis Frainhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18020019400599228492noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-59181062966237230742021-12-02T14:13:33.008-05:002021-12-02T14:13:33.008-05:00Julie, I get it. I do. I'm so sorry about Budd...<b>Julie,</b> I get it. I do. I'm so sorry about Buddy. Twist, colic, torsion, it's horrible and rarely when it's bad can one do anything about it. It's horrible. I bet he ran the pasture though by the sounds of it. Tossing the barrels made me smile. Had enough, I'm done. lol! I'd encourage you to get another but really, they do better with two and I don't know what stage of life you're at but I know I'm at the point where I don't want to go out early every morning anymore in the cold and snow. If I could build a barn with a door from the house out, that would be the ideal set up! I have a husband who does not see eye to eye with me on that though. *sigh*<br /><br /><b>Donnaeve</b> Thank you. Truly. No one would really want to read my dad's stories though, I'm sure. My girls didn't know my mom, but they knew my dad for awhile and I tell them stories. That's enough. Maybe they'll keep him alive when I'm gone. That would be enough for me.nightsmusichttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05984119792540771870noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-44539688202829020492021-12-02T13:59:12.148-05:002021-12-02T13:59:12.148-05:00Strewn between a number of computer monitors, a mu...Strewn between a number of computer monitors, a music keyboard, a pair of audio speakers, and various items of ill repute, you’ll find... A foldable pocket knife from when I was a wee lad back yonder. A small Ziploc bag containing a multitude of twist ties of various lengths and colors, because it is better to have them when you need them than not. An hourglass containing enough sand to last exactly 57 seconds. Shoddy workmanship. It is meant to be used as a minute-timer, but is obviously faulty. A 26-piece set of Allen keys, metric and imperial, because you never know. A Yo-Yo with the words “Made in West Germany” embossed on the inside, from a time when the world was a different place. A conductor’s baton which belonged to a former roommate of mine. We shared an apartment while both of us were studying music in Vienna. Boy, could he cook up some delicious chicken! A small piece of fabric in a round, black frame, with the words “Rock On” hand-stitched on it. My son made this for me when he was 10 years old. He’s 20 now, and won’t speak to me. A Bob Ross bobble-head, because, as my mother always said, I wasn’t a mistake but a happy accident. A paper cutout of Albert Einstein, because, when you think about it, it’s all relative.Casual-Thttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04091757363609964963noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-45445912796247864152021-12-02T13:20:22.583-05:002021-12-02T13:20:22.583-05:00nightsmusic I shouldn't presume to know anythi...<b>nightsmusic</b> I shouldn't presume to know anything about what you might be writing with your father's spurs and boots nearby, but I would hope it might be about him, and your life around him. I'd read it in a heartbeat. My publisher keeps saying "Westerns are huge!" (Thanks to the series, Yellowstone)<br /><br /><b>Julie</b> So sad about your horse!!! I've seen videos of horses playing with a big ball out in a pasture. It's funny, yet amazing - who knew horses like to play???Donnaevehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09026536210749494257noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-8857710203562756242021-12-02T13:12:41.984-05:002021-12-02T13:12:41.984-05:00I can see exactly why you wanted the ad, and why i...I can see exactly why you wanted the ad, and why it sits on your desk, framed, and where you can see it every single day. Swoon worthy.<br /><br /><b>What sits on your desk to remind you of "why you are here."</b><br /><br />Well, obviously - my desktop where I am staring at a Word doc. :)<br /><br />But in all seriousness, research books, two or three books by writers who floored me with their prose, and <i>The Elements of Style.</i> (of course)<br /><br />Donnaevehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09026536210749494257noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-13297042533903497232021-12-02T13:10:02.321-05:002021-12-02T13:10:02.321-05:00Nightsmusic, I hate that he got rid of all your ho...Nightsmusic, I hate that he got rid of all your horses, but I kind of understand in a way. <br /><br />I went out to feed one morning and found Buddy, one of our studs, on the ground thrashing. Twisted gut. At first, I prayed we could save him. Then I just prayed for the vet to hurry up and get there to put him down.<br /><br />Buddy was one of my favorites. We couldn't figure out why the half barrels we put feed in kept winding up over the fence and thought some kids were getting into the arena during the day. We turned the horses out during the day rather than keep them in stalls. Then one day we saw Buddy flip the barrel on its side and start rolling it. The other horses would chase it, kicking it or nosing it around the arena like they were playing soccer. When he got tired of playing, he'd pick it up and toss it over the fence.<br /><br />He was an absolute doll and no one could believe he was a stud because he was so sweet.<br /><br />After that, I said I'd never own another horse again. That was years ago and I'm getting to the point now I'd like to have another one.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Julie Weathershttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13725236516593676381noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-58873076164705031202021-12-02T12:51:46.565-05:002021-12-02T12:51:46.565-05:00Thanks, Julie. It was truly a horrible time. The a...Thanks, <b>Julie.</b> It was truly a horrible time. The anguish in our house was palpable. They tell you that you don't really remember much until you're a certain age, but I still remember it clearly. He cried for weeks. He dragged the trailer back with Betsy in the back, had a friend bring their tractor and buried her on the property. He had every intention of burning the trailer, I don't know really why he didn't. Bunyea Farms who he was close friends with, took three of the horses and the mule, Hubert took the Arabian and he left everything to rot. It really killed a big part of him because he felt like it was his fault. Side note? I should put that alcohol quote across the top of my laptop lid! ;) *hugs back<br /><br />I haven't thought about all of this in ages! Funny what brings things up.nightsmusichttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05984119792540771870noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-41341141746658547382021-12-02T12:26:35.732-05:002021-12-02T12:26:35.732-05:00Great poster about NYC.
Three tiny Delft owls fro...Great poster about NYC.<br /><br />Three tiny Delft owls from Amsterdam (symbols of my first novel), an owl flash drive containing my WIP, a sodalite stone (for creativity), and a Portuguese coin (symbol of my WIP).Barbara Etlinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07190731838738606727noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-71274650825310997582021-12-02T12:14:53.955-05:002021-12-02T12:14:53.955-05:00I don't have a desk, so there is nothing on it...I don't have a desk, so there is nothing on it to remind me why I'm here. I write at the kitchen counter and I certainly don't want to believe that the dirty dishes and crumbs are there to remind me why I'm here.Kate Larkindalehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06202347563426692610noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-79244767653899800392021-12-02T12:10:01.432-05:002021-12-02T12:10:01.432-05:00A picture of Marlon Brando from the movie "A ...A picture of Marlon Brando from the movie "A Streetcar Named Desire."Kittyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09868642232827730189noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-30152505912965657242021-12-02T12:02:01.825-05:002021-12-02T12:02:01.825-05:00Thank you, Janet. That was beautiful.
On my desk...Thank you, Janet. That was beautiful. <br /><br />On my desk. I have a large old wooden desk, 30"x60". Behind my monitor, I have a wooden bookcase filled with mostly Civil War books, one shelf of fiction (mostly C.J. Box, Kari Lynn Dell, Breeana Shields, and Anne Perry at the moment) two big old dictionaries, a big thesaurus, two books by Don Maass (highly recommended), two books of poetry in Danish with gift inscriptions from 1900 and 1902, In His Steps with an inscription and the receipt from 1909, Edwin Wakefield's book of prayer and a notation "born Oct. 22, 1838", The Greatest Salesman in the World, and Elements of Style.<br /><br />There is also a sign on one shelf that says "Alcohol because no great story ever started with someone eating a salad", A picture of me holding a horse to remind myself not to eat that junk food and get off my butt and go exercise, a lifesize raven statue to remind me of Poe. On top of the bookcase is a bronze Quarter Horse statue.<br /><br />On the desk is my microphone because I was going to start doing podcasts. Kari Lynn had agreed to do an interview with me then she got busy with branding and the book and I got busy and then...yeah. My son, bless him, is setting up some software so I can get back into that project.<br /><br />My huge Asus computer sits on one side. A cup with pens and pencils. An antique hourglass I turn when I am starting a writing session. "Just write for thirty minutes," I tell myself. Usually, by the time the sand runs out, I'm on a roll and keep writing.<br /><br />A "No Parking" sign is on the wall above the desk to remind me not to just park my butt in a chair and do nothing.<br /><br />Mini statues of Malcolm Reynolds and Cara Dune stand atop my monitor guarding me. <br /><br />Nightsmusic, that is fascinating about your dad. What a horror story about that Paint, though. My gosh, that must have been hard. He was truly a man you could look up to. Hugs. Julie Weathershttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13725236516593676381noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-84366350203878400532021-12-02T09:07:05.200-05:002021-12-02T09:07:05.200-05:00The two things I keep on my desk probably say more...The two things I keep on my desk probably say more about me than anything else. I have the obit of the first guy to sue me and an obit (plus the mass card) of a woman whose wake I attended simply to make sure. The animus I feel for these individuals drives every characterization of villains I write.<br />Worth it?Kreggerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07229620504046221727noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-44058201404592303282021-12-02T08:46:10.280-05:002021-12-02T08:46:10.280-05:00That is beautiful.
On my desk is a 5 x 7" p...That is beautiful. <br />On my desk is a 5 x 7" painting of Poe I got at a Steam Punk fest in Jersey. Aimlesswriterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03012050763172251381noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-35830920342370533112021-12-02T04:34:50.307-05:002021-12-02T04:34:50.307-05:00My family, my pets (literally), my huge print of t...My family, my pets (literally), my huge print of the Madonna of the Americas hangs on the wall above, a little reminder to be grateful. My computer, stacks of books and general junk just so I'll have chaos to nudge me toward being a better writer. But, I can never find a pen.<br />Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11704941571296693088noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-84250102538202474382021-12-01T19:42:41.305-05:002021-12-01T19:42:41.305-05:00I have a photo on my desk. I don't want to get...I have a photo on my desk. I don't want to get into much about that photo; because it is a story to end conversations, not start them.<br /><br />The smile on that photo seems to be a thing from before the shroud of the world;s pain falls upon one's shoulders.<br /><br />It points to what all I want in my writing; the edges of innocence, something make people laugh, and cry, and emotional roller coaster that drags a reader down and then makes them soar.<br /><br />It is what i hope to cover in the info-dump stuff I write.Craig Fhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07157301156577795781noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-81434267927044622752021-12-01T19:17:17.781-05:002021-12-01T19:17:17.781-05:00What a LOVE thing to have on your desk! And happy ...What a LOVE thing to have on your desk! And happy anniversary to you and New York City ❤💕. <br />I'm so happy for you to have found your home.<br /><br />I don't have anything on my desk to remind me why I am here. Because I don't even want to be here but currently have no other choice.<br /><br />I want to be in Zurich, Switzerland, because after having lived in quite a few places around the world, I now know that Zurich feels like a (physical) home to me. Husband is my mobile (emotional) home!<br /><br />I'm currently very sad because Omicron has just cancelled our Christmas trip to Zurich. I had been very excited and wanted to go since April, finally readied myself for a huge OCD-fight that would come along with going to Zurich. <br /><br />But Switzerland now imposed a 10-day quarantine on everyone coming in from the UK. That's too many days for us in this case. 😪<br />Katjahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06709262852565003059noreply@blogger.com