Comments on: On the Road: LaGuardia http://www.arghink.com/2007/07/31/on-the-road-laguardia/ More than you ever wanted to hear from Bestselling Author Jenny Crusie. Sun, 01 Aug 2010 02:24:37 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0 By: carter http://www.arghink.com/2007/07/31/on-the-road-laguardia/#comment-8691 carter Sat, 25 Aug 2007 03:44:44 +0000 http://www.arghink.com/2007/07/31/on-the-road-laguardia/#comment-8691 I have a different perspective on finishing the Ph.D. DON'T go back if it's primarily to finish. That's not a good enough reason to put yourself through a lot of jumping through hoops and stress and (all too often) poverty, just to have a credential. Often the smart thing to do is walk away and get on with your life. If you had the perfect committee & supportive faculty with nothing else to do & you didn't have to find a new research topic... maybe. But it's not like an MFA where a completed novel can be your thesis. A Ph.D. is often full of stuff you don't want to waste your time on. Also, DON'T go back with the rosy idea that it'll be a stimulating meeting of minds. The reality is, it's lonely. Your faculty may be interested but frankly it's all you, working by yourself for years on end. Lest you think I'm a bitter ex-student, I did finish a Ph.D. and I've advised a lot of people. Going back to school is often a refuge for people in a mid-career restless slump, but it's rarely a good antidote to burnout. I have a different perspective on finishing the Ph.D. DON’T go back if it’s primarily to finish. That’s not a good enough reason to put yourself through a lot of jumping through hoops and stress and (all too often) poverty, just to have a credential.

Often the smart thing to do is walk away and get on with your life.

If you had the perfect committee & supportive faculty with nothing else to do & you didn’t have to find a new research topic… maybe. But it’s not like an MFA where a completed novel can be your thesis. A Ph.D. is often full of stuff you don’t want to waste your time on.

Also, DON’T go back with the rosy idea that it’ll be a stimulating meeting of minds. The reality is, it’s lonely. Your faculty may be interested but frankly it’s all you, working by yourself for years on end.

Lest you think I’m a bitter ex-student, I did finish a Ph.D. and I’ve advised a lot of people. Going back to school is often a refuge for people in a mid-career restless slump, but it’s rarely a good antidote to burnout.

]]> By: Gennita Low http://www.arghink.com/2007/07/31/on-the-road-laguardia/#comment-8174 Gennita Low Sun, 12 Aug 2007 04:48:59 +0000 http://www.arghink.com/2007/07/31/on-the-road-laguardia/#comment-8174 Hi Jenny, Joining in late to remind you (because we both look at some of the same sites ;-) ) that Saturn is transiting into Virgo in September. Also, Venus had just STARTED to retrograde when you and Meg had that lunch. Hang onto your Muse! Hugs and sending best wishes. Hi Jenny,

Joining in late to remind you (because we both look at some of the same sites ;-) ) that Saturn is transiting into Virgo in September. Also, Venus had just STARTED to retrograde when you and Meg had that lunch.

Hang onto your Muse! Hugs and sending best wishes.

]]> By: Carolyn Bahm http://www.arghink.com/2007/07/31/on-the-road-laguardia/#comment-7999 Carolyn Bahm Wed, 08 Aug 2007 00:20:18 +0000 http://www.arghink.com/2007/07/31/on-the-road-laguardia/#comment-7999 What an insightful post -- I enjoyed reading it very much. Good luck with the agent hunt and the dissertation work (cool topic, too)! What an insightful post — I enjoyed reading it very much. Good luck with the agent hunt and the dissertation work (cool topic, too)!

]]> By: Jane Lovering http://www.arghink.com/2007/07/31/on-the-road-laguardia/#comment-7982 Jane Lovering Tue, 07 Aug 2007 14:39:48 +0000 http://www.arghink.com/2007/07/31/on-the-road-laguardia/#comment-7982 I got fired by an agent once. Now I'm agentless (a free agent?) and I admire your embracing the freedom. I got fired by an agent once. Now I’m agentless (a free agent?) and I admire your embracing the freedom.

]]> By: DebraG http://www.arghink.com/2007/07/31/on-the-road-laguardia/#comment-7947 DebraG Mon, 06 Aug 2007 19:26:20 +0000 http://www.arghink.com/2007/07/31/on-the-road-laguardia/#comment-7947 Usually I lurk, but I just have to say I'm surprised at your agent's decision. Certainly you've been branching out, but not so far that your readers won't follow. All the elements we love are still there - the smart, snarky heroines, the humor, all delivered in that voice we know and love. Does the genre-hopping really matter? That's like saying people won't eat chocolate bars anymore because they're packaged in blue wrappers rather than purple. Kooky! Rock on, and keep writing. We'll be there. Usually I lurk, but I just have to say I’m surprised at your agent’s decision.

Certainly you’ve been branching out, but not so far that your readers won’t follow. All the elements we love are still there – the smart, snarky heroines, the humor, all delivered in that voice we know and love. Does the genre-hopping really matter? That’s like saying people won’t eat chocolate bars anymore because they’re packaged in blue wrappers rather than purple. Kooky!

Rock on, and keep writing. We’ll be there.

]]> By: Jenny http://www.arghink.com/2007/07/31/on-the-road-laguardia/#comment-7910 Jenny Mon, 06 Aug 2007 02:29:39 +0000 http://www.arghink.com/2007/07/31/on-the-road-laguardia/#comment-7910 Well, this one is going to have selections from the old HWSW blog, so I'm guessing you're right. Well, this one is going to have selections from the old HWSW blog, so I’m guessing you’re right.

]]> By: GatorPerson http://www.arghink.com/2007/07/31/on-the-road-laguardia/#comment-7902 GatorPerson Sun, 05 Aug 2007 20:23:08 +0000 http://www.arghink.com/2007/07/31/on-the-road-laguardia/#comment-7902 I've had to read/critique my share of Ph. D. theses in the sciences. But I'm guessing one in English/writing/whatever is way different from any scientific research and reporting. I’ve had to read/critique my share of Ph. D. theses in the sciences. But I’m guessing one in English/writing/whatever is way different from any scientific research and reporting.

]]> By: Fredericka http://www.arghink.com/2007/07/31/on-the-road-laguardia/#comment-7892 Fredericka Sun, 05 Aug 2007 13:49:08 +0000 http://www.arghink.com/2007/07/31/on-the-road-laguardia/#comment-7892 Yea, Jenny! I can't wait to read your dissertation. Finishing the degree is important, I believe, for the feeling of sheer accomplishment. Somebody compared it to climbing a mountain. I have a print on my wall of a figure looking at a mountain in the distance. That is always my "goal" picture, to remind me to keep going. And I found it when I was working on my degree. It's been with me ever since. I look forward to your comments when you're back in academia. Cheers, Fredericka BA, MA, PhD, History, Rice University Yea, Jenny!

I can’t wait to read your dissertation. Finishing the degree is important, I believe, for the feeling of sheer accomplishment. Somebody compared it to climbing a mountain. I have a print on my wall of a figure looking at a mountain in the distance. That is always my “goal” picture, to remind me to keep going. And I found it when I was working on my degree. It’s been with me ever since.

I look forward to your comments when you’re back in academia.

Cheers,
Fredericka
BA, MA, PhD, History, Rice University

]]> By: Erica - Aussie CB http://www.arghink.com/2007/07/31/on-the-road-laguardia/#comment-7881 Erica - Aussie CB Sun, 05 Aug 2007 01:23:55 +0000 http://www.arghink.com/2007/07/31/on-the-road-laguardia/#comment-7881 DUG, you lucky-duck! *grins* I'll be there Thursday arvo with my friend Liz, so I may see you around then. Four more sleeps for me *sigh* DUG, you lucky-duck! *grins*
I’ll be there Thursday arvo with my friend Liz, so I may see you around then. Four more sleeps for me *sigh*

]]> By: patmc http://www.arghink.com/2007/07/31/on-the-road-laguardia/#comment-7880 patmc Sun, 05 Aug 2007 00:49:04 +0000 http://www.arghink.com/2007/07/31/on-the-road-laguardia/#comment-7880 oh, violet crumble.....eat some for me, violet crumble i can never find it here in the sf bay area....... oh, violet crumble…..eat some for me, violet crumble i can never find it here in the sf bay area…….

]]> By: DownUnderGal http://www.arghink.com/2007/07/31/on-the-road-laguardia/#comment-7879 DownUnderGal Sun, 05 Aug 2007 00:39:03 +0000 http://www.arghink.com/2007/07/31/on-the-road-laguardia/#comment-7879 Its okay Erica - quite a few of the RWAust committee are regular lurkers here at Argh so consider the message spread. Yes, I'll be there on Friday, Erica. I'm meeting Jenny and Krissie off their plane so I'll actually be there on Wednesday. Only 3 more sleeps! Its okay Erica – quite a few of the RWAust committee are regular lurkers here at Argh so consider the message spread.

Yes, I’ll be there on Friday, Erica. I’m meeting Jenny and Krissie off their plane so I’ll actually be there on Wednesday.

Only 3 more sleeps!

]]> By: Erica - Aussie CB http://www.arghink.com/2007/07/31/on-the-road-laguardia/#comment-7872 Erica - Aussie CB Sat, 04 Aug 2007 16:30:47 +0000 http://www.arghink.com/2007/07/31/on-the-road-laguardia/#comment-7872 Handouts for the conference? Spread the word to who? LOL The only RWA person I know is DUG. It's a shame we couldn't lure Bob to sydney with promises of TimTams... Handouts for the conference?
Spread the word to who? LOL
The only RWA person I know is DUG.
It’s a shame we couldn’t lure Bob to sydney with promises of TimTams…

]]> By: Jenny http://www.arghink.com/2007/07/31/on-the-road-laguardia/#comment-7871 Jenny Sat, 04 Aug 2007 16:16:36 +0000 http://www.arghink.com/2007/07/31/on-the-road-laguardia/#comment-7871 Hey, spread the word that the handouts will be up on the website by tomorrow, will you? I didn't get them to Anne on time, but if they're up on the website you can print off as many copies as you want. Guess what I'm doing for the rest of the day. Besides packing. Hey, spread the word that the handouts will be up on the website by tomorrow, will you? I didn’t get them to Anne on time, but if they’re up on the website you can print off as many copies as you want.

Guess what I’m doing for the rest of the day. Besides packing.

]]> By: Erica - Aussie CB http://www.arghink.com/2007/07/31/on-the-road-laguardia/#comment-7865 Erica - Aussie CB Sat, 04 Aug 2007 13:03:13 +0000 http://www.arghink.com/2007/07/31/on-the-road-laguardia/#comment-7865 Phew! I read that first sentence, Jenny, and thought 'Now I have to eat four packets of TimTams' (not five, 'cause I don't like coffee - that packet would go else where). And for about a second I thought 'Yum' - and then felt queasy, because that many TimTams in the hands of one lone person who has zero will power is not the greatest idea. Thank god for that cookie! Might bring the goodies to the Friday workshop - you may need chocky fortification. *g* DUG - will you be there Friday? Phew! I read that first sentence, Jenny, and thought ‘Now I have to eat four packets of TimTams’ (not five, ’cause I don’t like coffee – that packet would go else where). And for about a second I thought ‘Yum’ – and then felt queasy, because that many TimTams in the hands of one lone person who has zero will power is not the greatest idea.
Thank god for that cookie!
Might bring the goodies to the Friday workshop – you may need chocky fortification. *g*

DUG – will you be there Friday?

]]> By: micki http://www.arghink.com/2007/07/31/on-the-road-laguardia/#comment-7857 micki Sat, 04 Aug 2007 06:21:40 +0000 http://www.arghink.com/2007/07/31/on-the-road-laguardia/#comment-7857 (-: You should eat sugar while you are in Australia -- just don't eat any refined sugar that you can get in the States, and be sure to enjoy some of that Australian Outdoor Lifestyle. That way, both your diet and your exercise program can have an exotic flair! I posted because I want to say, I can't wait to read more of your paranormals. The UMFortunes was fabulous, and I love how D&G is shaping up. You know, the science fiction and fantasy WorldCon is going on in Yokohama Japan at the end of this month. Maybe you could extend your Aus/NZ stay, and get a layover in Narita and come see the WorldCon before you go home. In the interest of research, of course. (-: You should eat sugar while you are in Australia — just don’t eat any refined sugar that you can get in the States, and be sure to enjoy some of that Australian Outdoor Lifestyle. That way, both your diet and your exercise program can have an exotic flair!

I posted because I want to say, I can’t wait to read more of your paranormals. The UMFortunes was fabulous, and I love how D&G is shaping up. You know, the science fiction and fantasy WorldCon is going on in Yokohama Japan at the end of this month. Maybe you could extend your Aus/NZ stay, and get a layover in Narita and come see the WorldCon before you go home. In the interest of research, of course.

]]> By: Jenny http://www.arghink.com/2007/07/31/on-the-road-laguardia/#comment-7851 Jenny Sat, 04 Aug 2007 04:17:08 +0000 http://www.arghink.com/2007/07/31/on-the-road-laguardia/#comment-7851 I decided today that I wouldn't eat sugar while I was in Australia and maybe I'd lose some weight. Then I had a cookie. Any time is a good time to give me TimTams. I decided today that I wouldn’t eat sugar while I was in Australia and maybe I’d lose some weight.
Then I had a cookie.
Any time is a good time to give me TimTams.

]]> By: Erica - Aussie CB http://www.arghink.com/2007/07/31/on-the-road-laguardia/#comment-7848 Erica - Aussie CB Sat, 04 Aug 2007 02:42:34 +0000 http://www.arghink.com/2007/07/31/on-the-road-laguardia/#comment-7848 Jenny, you are one amazing woman! But we knew that already. *g* Five days to go until Sydney! Oh, speaking of which, is there any word on when is a good time to give you your TimTams? Jenny, you are one amazing woman! But we knew that already. *g*

Five days to go until Sydney!

Oh, speaking of which, is there any word on when is a good time to give you your TimTams?

]]> By: patmc http://www.arghink.com/2007/07/31/on-the-road-laguardia/#comment-7847 patmc Sat, 04 Aug 2007 02:34:31 +0000 http://www.arghink.com/2007/07/31/on-the-road-laguardia/#comment-7847 well, the butterfly was approperate for book, and free flight, i already started on the Dogs and Goddesses jewelry, but what do you design for a dr? open to ideas.... well, the butterfly was approperate for book, and free flight, i already started on the Dogs and Goddesses jewelry, but what do you design for a dr? open to ideas….

]]> By: Betsy HP http://www.arghink.com/2007/07/31/on-the-road-laguardia/#comment-7844 Betsy HP Sat, 04 Aug 2007 00:21:58 +0000 http://www.arghink.com/2007/07/31/on-the-road-laguardia/#comment-7844 That moment of sheer panic when everything changed . . . liberating. How lovely. I wish you change. That moment of sheer panic when everything changed . . . liberating.

How lovely. I wish you change.

]]> By: Strop http://www.arghink.com/2007/07/31/on-the-road-laguardia/#comment-7842 Strop Fri, 03 Aug 2007 22:09:36 +0000 http://www.arghink.com/2007/07/31/on-the-road-laguardia/#comment-7842 I'll read Crusies no matter what genre you're in. Now if you want to make me a really really really happy reader all you need to do is build the story around horses. Hey, a girl can dream! I’ll read Crusies no matter what genre you’re in. Now if you want to make me a really really really happy reader all you need to do is build the story around horses.

Hey, a girl can dream!

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