Jean's Blog

Those of you who are gardeners know what an intense time of year this is. Yesterday I put in my first vegetables–a little early for Pennsylvania, but I planted crops that like the cold: lettuce and radishes and am hoping that the string beans and cukes aren’t freaked out by a little cool weather. It’s a lot like the writing process–messing around in the dirt, adding manure, and waiting to see what will happen. Would love to collect gardening tips if anyone has them to share. Here’s one from me, pulled off NPR: add eggshells to your tomato plants as they grow better with the additional calcium. Jean

Here in PA it’s almost mid-April and just in the last few days the trees have burst into bloom, the grass is green and the air smells wonderful. My flowering quince is showing off and I’ve got fantastic tulips (which I tricked the rabbits out of eating by covering them with cheesecloth and clothes pins–quite odd looking but it worked!)

Henry and I have been hard at work at our agent proposal and it should be ready to go out to my top two this week. Henry had a great time outside this afternoon and now he’s sound asleep in his cat bed. I’m reading “Peony in Love” by Lisa See who does a great job of writing about China in the 17th century. Makes me very glad I don’t have bound feet!

It doesn’t feel like spring yet here, but Jean let me outside today, and when she wasn’t looking (she was planting pansies), I jumped up on the roof and went all the way to the top and looked around. Great view and the squirrels were freaked out. I wandered around, sniffed things, and didn’t really want to come back down, but Jean was calling me and shaking the treat bag and after a while I figured I’d better get off the roof and back down on the deck. After several treats Jean put me inside (as she said she had things to do), but I didn’t mind as by then I was ready for a nap. Can you beat that for a great day? Henry

One of the speakers I heard at the AWP conference was Ron Carlson and I have almost finished reading his profoundly helpful book on the writing process: “Ron Carlson Writes a Story.” It’s published by Graywolf Press and offers a step-by-step approach to writing. He clearly is someone who knows what he’s talking (or writing) about and this small book is packed with wisdom. One of my favorite lines so far:  “the writer is the one who stays in the room.” He also mentions that he does his best writing just after resisting the impulse to leave the room. Read it!

What an intense expereince to be with 5,000+ writers, publishers, editors, etc. at the 2008 Association of Writers and Writing Programs last week. My mind is still whirling from all the readings, advice on practical things like how to run to book tour or blog more effectively, and the huge bookfair that took up three floors in the Hilton Hotel.

Right off met another writer–Liz from Connecticut–and that was fun. Ran into old friends, took notes, and for three days was emersed in fiction, nonfiction, editors’ thoughts on the publishing process, buying books, etc. A few thoughts that I brought home with me: be generous, the process of writing and publishing is not a straight line, help others, pay attention to what your audience needs, and use technology (such as blogging) to connect in new ways.

Just back from the AWP (Associated Writing Programs) conference in New York and it was an embarrassment of riches. There were readings, panel discussions, a huge book fair, and tons of activity. I met some wonderful writers, learned more about blogging and how to organize a good book tour and soaked in being in a place with 4.000+ people who are passionate about books. Quite a trip!

Well, the good thing is that Jean was home today, so right after she and Bob walked the dog (more on that monster later), I settled right down on her lap and made it quite difficult for her to reach the keyboard. Fun! She talked to me and seemed quite happy to play instead of doing whatever it was she was supposed to do. Now that’s a great way to get through a rainy, winter day.

Website made it through its first day without too much trauma. Got some nice feedback, but no bloggers yet. I’m looking forward to the writers’ conference this week in New York and to handing out my snazzy new business card. That will be fun.

I’m new to this, so I hope you’ve found something of interest on my site and I look forward to hearing your comments. Whether you’re running a job search, are a writer, or are interested in these issues, I’m sure we’ll have ideas to share.

I’m going to a writer’s conference next week and am looking forward to meeting other writers and telling them about my website and blog. I’ll post some news on that after I’m back.

All for now. Jean

As you’ve hopefully seen on my website, I’m Henry, an optimistic cat and I’m writing a book with Jean about the emotional side of job loss. Well, really I’m writing about the way I, a very smart cat, see the world and I hope my observations are helpful to others–especially humans who have to work.

This book isn’t published yet, but we’re working on it. Hope you had a chance to read the first lesson. Henry