Jayne Ponders Writers Who Lunch

Big day yesterday. Three of the Quills actually had a psychic intercept event! We found ourselves at the same point in time and space at precisely the same instant. I mean, what are the odds? This was clearly a sign. So naturally we did some shopping and had lunch together.

This metaphysical occurrence (which came about because-- are you ready to follow this? it turned out that Stella had a signing at Seattle Mystery Bookshop for her new book, BODY OF EVIDENCE. The book store just happens to be in downtown Seattle which just happens to be where I live. I had just learned that Elizabeth, just happened to be wintering up North here for a few weeks. So, in a flash of inspiration, I got on the phone and suggested we all rendezvous for lunch. Elizabeth and Stella suggested that we add on some shopping. How could I decline such an offer? And thus do great cosmic forces collide.

Anyhow, this startling confluence of synergistic energy got me to thinking about how much I value my friends. After a number of years in the writing business it is safe to say that I would be even weirder than I am if I could not pick up the phone any time of the day or night and call Stella or Elizabeth or Suzanne. Friends keep me sane and reasonably perky in what is essentially a solitary profession. You see, writing is one of those businesses in which, if you call in sick or take a vacation, no one will cover for you. No one else can do your job. The nature of writing requires that writers spend vast amounts of time alone drawing on their own peculiar form of creative energy. Sometimes you just need to be able to talk to someone else who understands.

And whine. Sometimes (okay, make that lots of times) you gotta be able to whine to someone who understands. Cops need to eat donuts and talk to other cops. Truck drivers need to eat pie and talk to other drivers. Writers need to eat pizza and talk to other writers.

The thing is, when you're a writer the circle of folks to whom you can actively whine is limited. You can't whine to other writers who are not yet published because as far as they are concerned, you've got it made. I mean, you got published, for crying out loud. What more can you ask for? You can't whine to people outside the business because they all think you've got the ideal job. You get to work at home! In your slippers! No pantyhose required!

It's true, this writing stuff is a very cool gig. I love it and wouldn't trade it for anything else in the world. But I was born to whine on occasion and I love to gossip about what's going on in the world of publishing. So I need my writing friends and yesterday I got to spend some quality time with a couple of them. Suzanne, we missed you but rest assured pizza was eaten in your honor.

Life is good with friends, even if yesterday's writing didn't get done.

When you've just got to whine, who do you call?

Love, Jayne