– Jane
· · · Jane’s Thread · · ·
Tayari Jones Interviewed at Symphony Space
It was dark in the audience during Tayari Jones' appearance at Symphony Space last night or I would have been furiously taking notes and jotting down the gems that were pouring from her mouth. She was interviewed by Darnell L. Moore (No Ashes in the Fire) in a...
The Kindness of Donald Keene
I find the daily obits in the NYTimes interesting and informative. Today I noticed a name that sounded familiar: Donald Keene. Is he the translator I once sought out I wondered to myself, only to read in his death notice to find out that yes, this was someone with...
This Writer’s Day
Before I was out of bed this morning I checked my LinkedIn messages and saw one from a coaching colleague who has a popular podcast. He'd read my posts on LI and wants me as a guest on his show. I made note of the shipping address he sent and forwarded it to my...
A Certain Fearlessness
HIlton Als, in his letter to Rachel Weisz featured in the Styles section of yesterday's Sunday Times wrote: "While talent or a lack thereof is certainly a factor when it comes to all this, what separates the true artist from the artist in name only, is a certain...
I Thought I’d Save Money, But…
This morning as I sat in a meeting advising a high-end creative, she used a quote I knew I had to blog about: You think it's expensive to hire a professional? Try hiring an amateur! How often have I had to learn this lesson? I knew to spend my money on a topnotch...
The Elephant in the Room – Memoir by Tommy Tomlinson
I loved this memoir by Tommy Tomlinson who had me drooling over his many food descriptions and their impact on his growing body. It's a touching, sensitive and powerful story of a man whose shame and regret about his own body has him seek a better, more grown-up...
My First NYC Reading – Pre-Publication – at Sweet Reads in Brooklyn
During my memoir writing period of YEARS, I started asking around if I might do a reading at friend's homes. Many said yes, and I was able to get useful and supportive feedback during the draft stage of my book. Someone mentioned a place in Brooklyn to me where...
Jill Abramson and Lesley Stahl in Conversation at WMG
What a privilege to be in the assembled Women's Media Group event at Barbetta restaurant to hear a most compelling conversation. Lesley Stahl spoke with Jill Abramson whose new book Merchants of Truth was given to each attendee. "Is this your good side?" Stahl...
Another Reason I Love NYC
This week marks three years since I bought my apartment in NYC. I moved to Manhattan in October, 2012, rented for awhile first, then got a place of my own in early February, 2016. While there are many challenges about living in this extraordinary city, every time I...
How I Got Published in New York Magazine
Remember the old vaudeville routine, "Slowly I turned, step by step, inch by inch"? That describes the process I went through to have my personal essay bought by an editor at New York Magazine recently. My process to publication: Last summer I enrolled in a...
Responding to the Call: A Webinar on How to Write Your Memoir
I've talked so much about my upcoming memoir that each time I sit down with a friend I haven't seen in awhile, I'm often asked, "Can I have my niece call you? She's working on a memoir, and I thought you might be able to guide her." Or, "My friend Sue has been...
Where is Your Doorknob?
"Is everything okay?" This is something I've been asked a few times in the last month. How do you interpret that question? My take on it may be different. As I was going through a late adolescence (say, 40-ish), my mother noted, "You've changed, Jane!" The...
A Different Kind of Countdown for This Time of Year
While some children are opening windows on their advent calendars, counting down the days till Santa Claus arrives, my calendar countdown is slightly different. In late October I had an astrological reading which I do every 5-7 years whether I need it or not. 2018...
Picky, Picky, Picky–That’s Me!
As many of you know, my memoir will be arriving April, 2019. In preparation for that event, I am updating my website, social media, etc. to reflect its debut. I'll be offering a new 'lead magnet' - that downloadable special something that will have millions...
When Was the Last Time YOU Made a Big Ask?
If you posed that question to me, I'd proudly respond, "This morning!" I'm working on a deadline these days with my memoir due out at the end of April. Feels like tomorrow with all I need to do in preparation for that event. Today's task was to ask people I deeply...