The Argh Poll: Not What I Was Expecting
Mar192010
So thank you all very much for participating in the Argh poll I put up a couple of weeks ago. I was interested in knowing what worked and what didn’t, not so much for deleting anything as to see what the shape of this blog should be because any good blog is shaped by its readers, I think. My theory is that there are two kinds of blogs: the kind that are for entertainment/information and whose writers think a lot about audience, and the kind that are mostly journals, here’s-what-I’m-thinking-today stuff, that’s mostly for the person writing it. Argh is both because I am both concerned about pleasing an audience and egocentric to the point of solipsism. (I was just looking through old speeches because Gaffney was harassing me and found one that began, “Thank you all for coming. But enough about you.”) I have accepted the fact that I’m arrogant–if I wasn’t, I’d never survive publishing–but that doesn’t mean I want it to be obvious on the blog. So I figured the rants and the Random Sundays and the Twelve Days of Cleaning My Office would be the ones that people would go “Eh” about, and the stuff like turning points would be voted most useful. As usual, I was completely wrong.
You put the personal stuff first. I was not expecting that. Yes, I think my life is fascinating, I’m the one who put a picture of my refrigerator on the blog, but I didn’t see it coming that you’d vote that way, too. Of course, fourteen percent of you didn’t. (What’s wrong with you, Fourteen Percent? You don’t want to see my closet, too?) The other surprise was that the writing stuff was so far down the list, at one point at the bottom. So I can stop striving to be educational. It’s all a big relief. I can put pictures of the dogs up there, do Twelve Days of Cleaning Out The Double Downstairs, and rant about the freaking health care bill (eighty-seven percent of the country is in favor of it and there are still Congress-people voting against it? Vote them out in November, they’re horrible people), all without feeling guilty. Not that I was overwhelmed with guilt, but you know what I mean.
However, the one thing the poll didn’t do was ask you what you’d like to see here. Not that I’m going to break a sweat providing something I don’t want to do, but if there’s something you’d like to see that you’re not getting here, let me know. I really do think of this blog as a collaboration between me and all of you, and your comments really do shape it, so here you get make Helpful Suggestions. Not that you wouldn’t anyway.
And since this post was fairly boring, here’s some personal stuff: a picture of Veronica’s latest accomplisment: She’s learned to use the dog door.
Two years she’s lived here and refused to go through the dog door. Veronica is not a trusting soul. Who knows what might be waiting on the other side. Plus there was the flap, it moved, it made flapping sounds, it was not a stable element in her life. The other four dogs went in and out through the flap without thinking but Veronica just wasn’t sure. It’d be freezing out there but she’d wait by the door and weep until I realized I’d shut her out. But finally this week, she figured out that if it hadn’t killed the other four dogs in two years, it probably wouldn’t kill her, and she went for it. Now she’s crazy about it. The power of it has gone to her head. She can go inside whenever she wants to. Next week she’ll figure out that she can go out that way, too, and her emancipation will be complete.
But enough about Veronica. What can I post here that would make you happy? Or interested? Or whatever? We’re taking requests, Argh People, knock yourselves out.
Oh, and unless somebody objects between now and next Tuesday, I’ll put up a spoiler post for Wild Ride and you can talk about it in the comments. I did finally get around to looking at page 305. Bob wrote that. He made you cry. Don’t look at me, I’m just here for the jokes.
And I thank you for your support.
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113 Comments to 'The Argh Poll: Not What I Was Expecting'
On March 19, 2010 at 12:18 pm Susan D said...
What’s this? No comments, when Jenny is ASKING for input. I guess I’m first (though probably not by the time I submit).
But enough about me.
I’m happy with nearly everything at Arghink, or it wouldn’t be among my Daily Fixes in my bookmarks. But I worry about a future of no writing posts. Maybe we need a separate blog for the writerly types?
Okay, maybe that was still about me.
On March 19, 2010 at 12:20 pm Shari S. said...
I know, I know the writing stuff was at the bottom; but I really love hearing about how you craft a story and of course your WIP’s. Your blog has always been the perfect mix.
On March 19, 2010 at 12:36 pm Hellie said...
I was really freaking out that the craft stuff was not being voted for as heavily. I realize not everyone who reads your blog is a writer, but I am–and I’m solipsistic too! I want more blogs about craft! It’s like getting free master’s writing classes!
I mean, I love the stuff about your refrigerator too, but please don’t get rid of the craft stuff. It’s brilliant.
On March 19, 2010 at 12:40 pm Kiersten said...
I’m with the three above – my immediate thought was “but I like the writing stuff”. I love the dogs and the refrigerator and the closet, but I’m also keen for the craft. I guess we’re totally split personalities on ARGH. I say keep on keeping on.
Whatever you do, I’ll be here, checking in.
On March 19, 2010 at 12:49 pm Jenny said...
Oh, I’ll keep the writing stuff. It is, after all, All About Me.
On March 19, 2010 at 1:11 pm followingtheroad said...
“Plus there was the flap, it moved, it made flapping sounds, it was not a stable element in her life.”
I’m going to be laughing about that all day.
I like everything you put up here. I’ve never read a post and thought, “Huh. What was the point of THAT?” Let me assure you, that happens elsewhere. Your writing voice is unique enough to make anything interesting.
Also, I saw these the other day and thought of your blog: Protagonist-Antogonist Buttons
Man- I hope your blog allows html links, otherwise that’s going to be one ugly link.
On March 19, 2010 at 1:11 pm followingtheroad said...
Oh good, it worked.
On March 19, 2010 at 1:15 pm Dee said...
Thank you for keeping the writing stuff. I’m with the others, I love it and was freaking out about it being in the bottom. I have your structure outline as my desktop background (I’m not kidding) to remind myself that I need to watch my pacing. I tend to lose it in the pacing.
Other than that, I would love pictures of the next time Lani finds a bat in the house.
On March 21, 2010 at 12:43 pm Sure thing said...
What an awesome idea!!
I’m going to see if I can copy it.
On March 19, 2010 at 1:40 pm Michelle from Texas said...
Love it all, even the writing stuff, although I’ not a writer. It helps me understand the process, and to appreciate the work that is involved. It helps me to understand my role in the process – READER. Without me, why do writers write? (see, it’s about me, too!) But while I don’t have the gift of writing, and it IS a GIFT, I am glad to understand a little of what you and your writing sisters and brothers go through to produce, and I’ve become more discriminating about my choices, picking quality work, instead of just ANYTHING.
Oh, and pictures of the bat in the attic would be hilarious!
On March 19, 2010 at 2:27 pm Jenny said...
You know, she’s really not sleeping in an attic. It used to the attic. Now it’s this lovely big room which I should take a picture of because you all think she lives in a garret.
On March 19, 2010 at 5:54 pm Michelle from Texas said...
It actually sounds pretty cool. All neat angles and nooks and crannies. Plenty of places to hide from kids, sisters, etc. And a cool downstairs neighbor, to boot.
On March 19, 2010 at 7:23 pm CG said...
Anytime you talk about the attic room, I always begin to picture the attic room in Faking It. I think it sounds fabulous. Well, except for the bats.
On March 20, 2010 at 3:48 am colognegrrl said...
And don’t forget that Zack was sleeping in the attic in Getting Rid of Bradley. I think that was one of the scenes which encouraged me to try my own hand at writing romance. So I’m with all those who need the writing stuff here, too.
On March 19, 2010 at 2:06 pm Kate G said...
Pictures. I love pictures. I’m a very visual person. (see it’s all about me too!)
I have a new picture on my desktop of a sheep. It’s an excellent sheep picture – if you run out of images I’ll share.
Other than that, you’re like my local friends. I just accept what comes as where we are going today. After all, my friends follow me to some very strange places, why shouldn’t I follow them?
On March 19, 2010 at 2:44 pm Terrio said...
I got a little verklempt at the idea the writing stuff might go away, but now that I see it will remain, I’m good. This place is perfect. Woudn’t change a thing.
Kudos to Veronica for crossing the threshold.
On March 19, 2010 at 2:45 pm Terrio said...
“Woudn’t change a thing.”
Except maybe adding an “l” to that word.
On March 19, 2010 at 2:48 pm Carol Anne said...
More writing stuff please. It is all good, but, I especially like the craft of writing, how it all fits together, and the creative process using the collages to visually outline the story, including the music sound track.
I have a visual in my head of a tall guy dancing to “Layla” while holding a long neck beer in his hand, thanks marly and r. Can the release date be moved up?
We had to write a sex scene as part of our automatic writing in the creative writing course I am taking. Oh, it was so sad, thankfully we did not have to read it out loud. Jesus would have wept! Perhaps I should have described the tower rising and crashing to the ground, as in the classic movies of days gone by. Oh, well, practise, practise, practise. One day my written sex scene may be worthy of a “classic Crusie” scene, complete with the afterglow.
I have purchased another copy of Wild Ride for a friend. How are the numbers? SMP happy?
On March 19, 2010 at 4:43 pm r. said...
Oh s**t, I mean, Aaarggh. I’m sorry again. Anyway, I’m told it might not even be that song they were dancing to in the book. There was creative license music, too. Night before last, we danced to The Contours. “Do You Wanna Dance?” Great rock & roll classic. It’s not in the book. I’m pretty sure. Going to go have a drink now (or three), play Name That Book for Kate, and listen to some good music. Good music that’s not in a book. Looking tough, Veronica!!
On March 19, 2010 at 8:48 pm Carol Anne said...
Don’t be sorry. Just dance with Marly and have a good time. I will go back to an old Crusie book until then. Great imagery, key to a good book.
Yes, Veronica feels safe and can trust now.
On March 19, 2010 at 11:54 pm Jenny said...
The music is not a spoiler. Unlax, r.
On March 19, 2010 at 2:53 pm Jennifer said...
Love this blog. It’s the only thing I read daily other than email and news.
Since you’re giving us the gift of requests, I’d love to see snippets as a work progresses. Not large chunks of text that would make me feel as though I’d read the book before it comes out, but a couple of lines here and there so I can get a sense of the characters. I like to get really attached to characters (and NO, I know what all of you are thinking, but I do mean *all* the characters- although, OK, yes, I do mean that, too). If I know a bit about the characters beforehand, then I’m already emotionally involved before I even have my hands on the book, and it really enhances the experience. It’s like hearing a story about friends rather than about strangers- if the story is good, you’re going to get hooked either way, but if it’s about your friends you start out emotionally invested, so it’s more intense.
Second request- if the preview button worked, I would not be thunking my head against the monitor every time I comment. Literally *every* time. Grammar, punctuation, whatever- it’s hard to catch when I can only see five lines at a time, at least not without more effort than I’m going to put in. Maybe my comments are supposed to be shorter?
On March 19, 2010 at 9:37 pm Micki said...
?? When I write in the “share your comment” box, I have plenty of time to go back, check grammar and spelling, etc. (But I never do, which is probably why I will never be a Great Master Blogger.) True, when I hit “preview” the show is over. But before I hit preview, I could theoretically go back and change anything.
(-: Maybe you should think of the preview button as the “you are previewing now; after hitting this, you’ll be viewing” button.
Just my two cents.
(Oh, I stopped to think for a minute before posting. Which I never do. I always hit the “submit” button, so I actually have no idea what happens when one hits the “Preview” button.)
On March 19, 2010 at 3:02 pm Bonnie C said...
Pet doors can be nefarious. At one point we had 2 cats – 1 very old and cranky, 1 demonic kitten. The old cat would push her poor arthritic bones through the pet door to take care of business and the kitten would lay in wait to attck her on her way back in. Veronica has every right to be concerned about what may lie (lay?) on the other side of those unstable elements.
Of course, the old cat has now passed on and the kitten is 25lbs and can barely squeeze his fat butt through the door (oh how we laugh at him). Kharma, it boomerangs.
On March 19, 2010 at 3:13 pm GatorPerson said...
Joke on 305? Oh, yeah! I knew it was Bob’s. It had to be. Not only is it a manly kind of joke, I’m pretty sure he could site the number of minutes into the movie wherein the original was said by whatshisname.
You could paint that door again and take pics every so often so’s we could watch the paint dry. And comment on it.
On March 19, 2010 at 3:33 pm Louis said...
Way to go, Veronica.
Ms. Jenny, the contents have kept me* comming back for more, at least once a day. Pictures are always nice.
On March 19, 2010 at 3:47 pm Carla said...
I saw you and Bob at a Maryland Romance Writers seminar a few years back and while Bob said his part, you were crocheting. I was dying to know what you were making. I write when I’m not at work or crocheting/knitting, and I figured you crochet to de-stress. Can you share a) what you’re working on, craft-wise, and b) what you do to unwind when you’re not writing? (There’s a Ravatar that goes something to the effect of, “I knit so I don’t kill people.” I must have this on a t-shirt, if only to warn the family when they should stay far, far away.)
I do love the craft (writing) blogs too; it makes me feel like I’m being smart and learning something while I’m having immense amounts of fun.
On March 19, 2010 at 9:39 pm Micki said...
Yeah, the last crafty-craft post was the albums/collages, I think . . . I’d like to see more art/handwork! Done any more suitcases lately?
On March 19, 2010 at 11:58 pm Jenny said...
Nope, no suitcases. Lots of collage. Lots of crochet. Rox found me the T-shirt that says “I crochet so I don’t kill people,” which will be my next T-shirt purchase.
Sure I can put what I’m working on up here. I tend to have stuff all over the house so I pick up different things at different times. I’m doing a 10-in-2010 Rav group and I picked this insane scarf pattern to do in ten different fibers. That’s fun. I can put that up, especially since the pattern is easy and free.
Another category. Those of you who aren’t interested in handwork can just skip those.
On March 22, 2010 at 5:43 am Micki said...
(-: Whenever you’ve got the time. Also, many thanks for posting up the Spoileriffic Wild Ride Post. I’m vexed because the damn airplane from Amazon is so slow, but I hope to be there soon.
On March 25, 2010 at 4:02 pm Lisa, cherry gelato said...
The joy here is that even when a topic may not interest some (crafts you mentioned as an example), chances are we’ll be brightened and enlightened and entertained by whatever you write about it, or how you write it. And then again by the comments.
Re the T-shirt Rox found for you: I’m thinking a companion shirt for. . . . someone: “I kill people. I don’t “crochet.
Ohh-any more Cafe Press gear coming out?
On March 25, 2010 at 7:50 pm Jenny said...
We’ve dropped the ball on that but we’ll get to it. Argh.
On March 19, 2010 at 3:41 pm Deborah Blake said...
I should have known it was Bob’s fault. Really. What was I thinking? (Hey, it was also his fault I stalked you last year at RWA and ended up with a book inscribed, “Don’t believe anything Bob says.”) Men.
And I also vote in favor of more writing stuff. I didn’t actually vote in the poll because I liked all the options so much I was paralyzed with indecision. But your “Turning Points” workshop at RWA dramatically changed my writing. (For the better, honest–I even have an agent now. So, better.)
And I love all your real life blogs too. It’s like stalking you without having to bother leaving my house
So keep up the good work.
On March 19, 2010 at 4:00 pm Shiloh said...
Really you could write about anything and we’d love it because you’re a story teller. But definitely yay for keeping the writing stuff. I feel very lucky to be apart of the process of the writing of your books (however small a part), it really does make them more personal and heighten the anticipation. Who knows when we’ll get to meet Liz officially, but already I can’t wait!
On March 19, 2010 at 4:04 pm Shiloh said...
Also pictures are fun.. Congrats Veronica on your very near independence. We could all take an example from your bravery
On March 19, 2010 at 4:16 pm Ellen said...
I think it makes perfect sense that your fans are interested in the personal stuff. I don’t think people seek out a writer’s blog unless they have enjoyed several of that writer’s books. Once you’ve loved all those books by that one person, you become curious about that person and want to see what they’re like. Dogs, refrigerators, messy offices and all.
That said, I voted for your Rants as my favorite, because I love a strong opinion articulated with blazing passion and merciless logic, and you do that so well.
As for what I’d want more of, probably the last thing you want to talk about: Publishing. The pitfalls and opportunities of the biz, your experiences and wisdom gained, that kind of thing.
On March 20, 2010 at 12:00 am Jenny said...
Ellen is in my private critique group, and we’ve banned publishing talk there. So she’s sneaking over here to make me talk the P-word (we don’t even mention the word there, it screws up the process). But absolutely. What do you want to know?
Hmmm. Maybe I should ask that more often, too.
On March 20, 2010 at 2:15 am Ellen said...
Hmm, that *was* crafty of me. Two topics I’d love to hear more on specifically:
Agents — most important things to look for, deal-breakers (other than the obvious scammy ones), questions to ask when considering an offer of representation, what makes a good writer-agent partnership work
Perspective on the biz — knowing your worth as a writer, differentiating between an offer that plain sucks and and offer that is the best you can do at the moment, etc.
I don’t actually expect you to do any of this, you know. It’s your blog, a free and fun service for us, so I’m not complaining about whatever you want to post.
On March 19, 2010 at 4:23 pm Stephanie said...
Just imagine what Veronica could do if she had opposable thumbs. LOL
Wow – the power of requests! I like it the way it is. I like the variety and I like that I see the updates come through in Facebook so I know to hop on over and comment. [I like this interface better.] I do like the Monday Ticker, too. Is thre a ticker for the sweater/ shrug of the month resolution, too?
On March 20, 2010 at 12:02 am Jenny said...
I wandered off from the sweater a month group because I hit the wall on MTT and couldn’t keep up. But I’ll put up the scarves I’ve got done so far sometime next week. I took pictures of the ones I had done which was a good thing because Krissie came to stay and I said, “Look at these scarves, aren’t they insane?” and she said, “Mine,” and took three of them. Which made me very happy. I love making stuff for people.
On March 20, 2010 at 12:02 am Jenny said...
Oh, and opposable thumbs would do nothing for Veronica. It’s not like she does anything for herself. Veronica was born to be waited on.
On March 19, 2010 at 4:36 pm Irina said...
Veronica. Who could guess I would find the story of my life here?
Why don’t you follow your own way of blogging? without considering who waits for what? It is your blog and your mood which changes every day. I am here to see close view of the interesting, clever and changing woman Please think about yourselves, not about reader. Individuality is key word, I think.
On March 19, 2010 at 4:55 pm Renee Nickel said...
I love it all. Mostly I just love hearing you (and Lani as well) in my head as I read your words. I don’t know if it’s the rhythm or the words or the combination of the two, it just gives me joy. Thank you, keep up the good work.
On March 19, 2010 at 5:05 pm KellyJ said...
I love all the posts, and love hearing about you. The 12 days of cleaning the office was great. But I also really love the writing posts and have learned so much here – please keep it all coming.
On March 19, 2010 at 5:38 pm Logical Judy Long said...
I also love it all. I have you (and Lucy March) on my favorites line so that reading every day is easier. I was distressed that the writing stuff might go away. I love it. Glad to know you’re keeping it.
Just keep doing what you want to do. I don’t want you to feel pressure about the blog. I’m sure book deadline pressures are quite enough! And I do want your books!
On March 19, 2010 at 5:57 pm Christine said...
I found it interesting that you say your life is interesting. For me, it is not that it is more or less interesting than mine and mine, it is how you express yourself, and your take on things, that has me hanging in. Your ‘personal’ voice is fabulous. There is another blog out there that affects me the same way – Poppalina. I don’t want to make any suggestions as to what you might write about. The joy is in not knowing where you might go. You seem incredibly real and prepared to reveal yourself. Unedited. Love it.
On March 19, 2010 at 6:06 pm Slave Driver said...
I enjoy it when you find cool stuff on the web and then share it. Mostly, because you do the looking around the web for me, thus saving me valuable time better spent drinking wine and mocking innocent bystanders.
Dog doors are IMHO the single greatest invention known to man. There, I said it. They liberate us from the constant tyranny of being the door opener.
Bark! Let me out! I have to pee!
Bark! Bark! Let me in! I’m done!
Arf! There’s a squirrel out there I sense it!
Growl arf sneeze! Nope, just a leaf. Now I’m bored.
It had to have been a woman who invented them. Bless her, wherever she is now.
On March 25, 2010 at 4:06 pm Lisa, cherry gelato said...
Yes! Love the sharing cool stuff from web–Jenny’s link to k d lang’s Hallelujiah (before the Olympics, and better IMHO) was terrific–I never go to youtube, and that was awesome. Thank you.
On March 19, 2010 at 6:07 pm Tawna Fenske said...
I’m a big fan of any pet-related posts, plus anything that shows your house being more disgusting than mine.
One thing I’d love to know is how many Argh participants are strictly readers, and how many are both readers and authors (pubbed or unpubbed). I spend a lot of time visiting the blogs of authors like me who are in the very early stages of publishing (book coming out soon, trying to build a brand) and nearly all blog followers are…well, other authors in the same boat. I would imagine the mix changes quite a lot once an author reaches Goddess status (i.e. Crusie) but I could be wrong about that.
Loved seeing the poll results, and also savoring every word of my special advance copy of MAYBE NEXT TIME!
Tawna
On March 20, 2010 at 12:34 pm Tawna Fenske said...
Whoops, just realized I wrote MAYBE NEXT TIME instead of MAYBE THIS TIME. Sorry, my bad. If it makes you feel any better, I seldom get the names of my own books right either. I’m loving it no matter what the hell it’s called.
Tawna
On March 20, 2010 at 12:56 pm Jenny said...
Not a problem. Mollie couldn’t remember it all all for awhile because it had had so many titles.
On March 19, 2010 at 8:45 pm Jinx said...
After thanking you effusively for improving my life tremendously by writing your books, I always want to carp at you ungratefully for not having fifty or sixty books lying out there under pseudonyms that I could be reading while I wait for your new output. So I would love it if you occasionally include some commentary on Books We Could Be Reading Other Than Crusie.
Thanking you ungratefully in advance.
On March 20, 2010 at 12:05 am Jenny said...
Lani Diane Rich. Susan Elizabeth Phillips. Georgette Heyer. (I aspire to be as good as these writers.)
There are a lot more great writers, but these are the ones who write romantic comedy that I know the most about.
On March 19, 2010 at 9:30 pm Micki said...
I’m going to comment before reading the others, but you have a personal view of the world, and you post what is interesting to you at the time. And, I have to say that I find your view of the world quite interesting! I like the variety. So, please, when you have time, be educational. But also, point out the things in life that catch your interest, because if we’ve stayed with you through all these books and all these blog posts, there’s a good chance many of us will find these things interesting, too.
Your blog is one of my big sources of American pop culture, and I’m extremely grateful for that. But I love everything. Keep changing your things (-:. You do it very well.
On March 20, 2010 at 12:08 am Jenny said...
I’m way out on the edge of pop culture because I live in the middle of nowhere and I’m sixty, so I’m missing a lot of stuff. It really is just Stuff I Like. (Or don’t like. Jesse James, for example.) But you need a with-it twenty-something to get a good grasp on American pop culture. I still haven’t seen Lost or Gossip Girl. Not going to, either. And then there was my total failure to appreciate Zombieland which everybody else loved. Argh.
On March 22, 2010 at 5:51 am Micki said...
(-: You’ve got the time to look and the taste to recognize it? I dunno, but my whole facebook cadre comes up with about one fun link to every two or three you and your bloggies come up with . . . . And many of them live in the middle of nowhere, so they have to go looking for their culture and kicks, too.
I think the 20-somethings are so far into WoW, they don’t pop up to report on the rest of the world . . . . (Present company excepted, of course.)
On March 19, 2010 at 9:38 pm SueG said...
I am not a writer, but I love the writing posts and learning about your process. I would never have imagined using collages, but how great. The writing posts,the personal stuff, crafty stuff, and the rants all make the blog you.
On another topic; finished Wild Ride last night. whoo hoo, loved it.
On March 19, 2010 at 10:11 pm Kelly S said...
Totally not what I’m suppose to be commenting on – what I’d like to see you post here, but I just wanted to mention that while I support health care reform, the current bill is evil on a stick that I feeling being rammed up my butt. I guess you might say I’m in the 13% but really I’m in the 87% just not supportive of what is being offered at this time. I have come to realize that my opinions/beliefs/point-of-view on politics and religion doesn’t match Lani’s and I’m guessing yours. I can accept that. I still really love your work and I love learning about you, your life, your dogs and cats – 2 now? – etc. So, can we see some air time for the cats too? See back on topic at the end.
On March 20, 2010 at 12:09 am Jenny said...
Oh, I know it’s not a great bill. But it’s got some good stuff in it, and once we have that, there can be more. But we’re really good here in Argh, I think, about accepting other people’s opinions. If I’m not, bust my chops for being close-minded. It’s good for me.
On March 21, 2010 at 4:35 pm Kelly S said...
Will do & thanks
On March 19, 2010 at 10:20 pm Tabs said...
I know it scored the lowest (Recommendations: Websites, blogs, books, movies, songs) but I really like hearing about other authors/works you admire and enjoy. I’ve read Heyer (special thanks for that one especially), Lani, Krissie, Gaffney, and even SEP all because you mentioned them and I was intrigued… and then later because their stuff rocked. So, if you’d like to pimp anyone else out, I’m always game.
On March 20, 2010 at 12:12 am Jenny said...
Oh, Gaffney wrote some hysterical romantic comedies, historicals. Check out Crooked Hearts and Outlaw in Paradise.
Krissie’s humor is darker (that’s Anne Stuart) but she’s got a great comedic sense, too.
And if you haven’t read Terry Pratchett, oh, boy, do you have some major pleasure in store. Feet of Clay, The Truth, Going Postal, Pyramids . . . anything after his early work is wonderful.
Should do a post on that, too. Good ideas here.
On March 20, 2010 at 1:13 am marly said...
I’m so glad you reminded me. I treasure my beaten up, old copies of Patricia Gaffney’s historicals. Reading Crooked Hearts is like watching Cat Ballou. It’s the funniest western romance and now I have to get it out and re-read it. Anne Stuart writes the best “bad boys”. Catspaw & Catspaw II with Patrick Blackheart and Museum Piece, oooh, that James. Going Postal was great – have to read the rest now. Yes, please, keep the recommendations coming.
On March 20, 2010 at 2:26 pm Denisetwin said...
someone hasn’t read Pratchett?? RUN to the bookstore or library!! I love love Pratchett (although that being said don’t read Nations or his earlier work first, Jenny listed good ones to start with. I LOVE his book The Truth – while so funny, it also makes you take a hard look at “news” and how it relates to reality and government. Awesome love. Thanks for the reminder Jenny, off to pull out a copy again….
PS LOVE pictures and stories of the dogs
On March 19, 2010 at 10:29 pm Skye said...
It’s all good. This is the second site I open every morning, the first being the weather. (Still trying to change my weather perceptions to Texas, so I always have to look and feel.) Lucy March is #3. Sorry, Lucy!
On March 19, 2010 at 10:54 pm Beki said...
I love your blog in all its general rambling glory. Love the dogs, too. I only wish we could have a doggie door again, but our beagle can scale the fence so he can only go outside with supervision. My darling longhaired dachshund, Marlo, though, loves to sit right outside the back door, taunting him with her sunbathing presence.
And for the writerly stuff, I use the Cherry Forums for info, tips, etc. It’s all right there in a great, seachable format. Why double up if you don’t need to?
On March 19, 2010 at 11:24 pm Steff M said...
I will read anything you write… I need my Crusie fix.
I love the behind the scenes look at the writing process. It’s fascinating for me because I’m a reader not a writer and it helps me understand and appreciate the process on a whole new level. My favorite, however, is the Random Sundays and such because I get that Crusie dialog and humor that I crave. But really, just so I’m clear, I’ll read anything you write and I’ll be grateful beyond measure. Blogs with photos make me do mental back flips of joy.
Now I’m off to read Wild Ride (Yay!!!) with a large glass of Chardonnay because, at this moment, it is all about me, and today I racked up lots of good deed points by going on a field trip with 5th graders that included 5 hours (total) on a bus.. enough said.
On March 20, 2010 at 12:13 am Jenny said...
My god. Five hours on the bus? You should have chocolate, too.
On March 20, 2010 at 10:59 am Steff M said...
I had chocolate while I was on the bus. They don’t like us drinking in front of the children.
On March 20, 2010 at 11:28 am Bonnie C said...
Prudes.
On March 19, 2010 at 11:36 pm Thea said...
You know your blog is perfect? with the Writing Stuff. Keep it.
I get nervous at flaps too.
The pot at the door, where can I get one? Not that we don’t have pots down here at the U.S./Mexico border.
On March 20, 2010 at 12:13 am Jenny said...
It’s a plastic one from Lowe’s. Very low rent. Looks nice from a distance, though. We keep the hose curled up in it. When we can find the hose.
On March 20, 2010 at 12:00 am Lilah Pierce said...
This constant mention of pg. 305 is REALLY getting to my curiosity! I will have to mark it and see if it has the same affect on me. Although, I could already be crying by then, Jenny’s books have a tendancy to do that to me. I just laugh so hard, I bawl!
Anyway, my request for the blog is just to say I like your writing advice. I eat every word up like chocolate. Experiences are always good, too. I’m constantly wondering what kinds of experiences you’ve had with writing. (I accidentally deleted two scenes that I’d worked HARD on and loved, and I wasn’t able to get them back. One of my thoughts, after ‘GOOD GOD SHOOT ME!!!!’, was ‘I wonder if Jennifer Crusie’s ever had anything like this happen?) Also, I was curious about these collages you do. They’re to help you with your stories, right?
On March 20, 2010 at 12:15 am Jenny said...
The collages are hugely helpful to put me back into the book when I start for the day. That and the soundtracks are a great way to keep the mood and style of the book consistent.
And yes, I have lost scenes like that. I believe I’ve screamed on here about losing stuff. And then everybody always says, “Don’t you have a back-up drive?” And I’d say, “Well, it’s here someplace but it’s not hooked up . . .” Then Lani moved in. Now it’s hooked up.
On March 20, 2010 at 1:21 am Lottie James said...
This is definitely off topic, but before last week, I was a Crusie Virgin. Now I can’t get enough Crusie, reading every book I could get my hands on. My problem is that I let my family convince me that “rural suburbs” were a great idea. No shopping, restaurants or movie stores. Most importantly, no bookstores. I am now operating under the assumption of a conspiracy against me because of my incredibly stupid notion that the “city” is no place to raise children. Wal-Mart, Target, Walgreens, CVS and Piggly Wiggly, who have all been enablers of my “Crusie Addiction,” have decided to make me go cold turkey. I can’t find Wild Ride anywhere. I am now a Crusie whore, standing in parking lots asking complete strangers if they know of any good bookstores in town. I have never ordered anything online before, but tonight the shakes got so bad that I ordered two, just in case something happens to the first one. What am I going to do until my books arrive?
On March 21, 2010 at 4:41 pm Kelly S said...
Might I suggest reading past blog entries. I loved the office cleaning in 12 days…
On March 21, 2010 at 4:41 pm Kelly S said...
or the library?
On March 20, 2010 at 2:52 am Deanna Nelle said...
Of course we love reading anything you put up here. You’re like family (but in a good way). I love all of the art projects, the stories about when people visit, everything. I like knowing you’re out in Ohio making magic and kicking ass.
On March 20, 2010 at 4:15 am Pattty said...
Jenny: I LOVE your earlier books, my favorites being Bet Me and Fast Women. PLEASE write another on your own; they’re SO much better that the stuff with Mayer. I’m 40 pages into the new book and I’m so disappointed in myself, but I could put it down, never to pick it up again and be fine. I waited so long for your next book and now I have to wait again, it seems. (whine)
On March 20, 2010 at 11:55 am Jenny said...
I like different things. Writing the same kind of story over and over again would make me insane. So I think your best bet is to read the first chapter before you buy (we always put them up here and on the website, months before the books come out). Also, Bob’s name on the cover is always a clue that the book is going to be more adventure than romance, which I like a lot. I think Agnes and Wild Ride are in the top five best books I’ve done. OTOH, there are people who don’t like the collabs with Bob or the collabs with the other people I’ve done, and there are people who don’t like my solos. Basically, I’m trying to piss off everybody.
But honestly, read the first chapter. Sometimes we put up two chapters. Which maybe we should do for Maybe This Time because even though that’s a solo, it’s not Bet Me or Fast Women or anything like them. And you’re gonna hate the Liz books . . .
On March 20, 2010 at 12:11 pm Skye said...
I adore your collabs with Bob. I love your other work, too, which is why I’m here. I think Agnes is one of the funniest books I’ve ever read. I haven’t picked up Wild Ride, yet, due to time, but I am looking forward to it very much. I admit to being hesitant when I first read what you wrote about it. Demons? I have a prejudice against paranormals; I dislike mixing my genres. But I enjoyed Dogs & Goddesses and reread The Unfortunate Miss Fortunes and enjoyed it this time (the other time I was very disappointed because you were writing a paranormal, you see). So I decided to be more open-minded about the whole thing. See! You have instituted change!
On March 20, 2010 at 12:52 pm Jenny said...
We’re all about personal growth here. Congratulations.
On March 20, 2010 at 2:32 pm Denisetwin said...
Agnes is my favorite book of all time, all genres, even my beloved Pratchett. I got the shakes when it was loaned out too long and bought myself another, the cover is worn. I love your books with much love, but your books with Mayer hold a special place in my heart – where’s the dang blog with you too for Wild Ride??!!
sorry, got carried away there… Buying my copy today, finally got work caught up enough to go somewhere besides home and work, I’m in the rural suburbs someone mentioned upstream…
On March 20, 2010 at 6:18 pm Jenny said...
Bob has a blog and I have Argh and we’re both working on books plus I have a side project in the collab with Krissie and Lani and he’s traveling all over speaking about Who Dares Wins, so a third blog was never in the picture. But thank you for the kind words about Agnes. I love her, too.
On March 20, 2010 at 10:19 am Jana said...
Thanks for keeping the writing posts. They’re my favorite. Well, maybe the dogs are my favorite. No, the writing. The dogs. Writing. Dogs. Argh!
On March 20, 2010 at 11:55 am Jenny said...
Since writing and dogs are my life, this should not be a problem.
On March 20, 2010 at 10:25 am McB said...
Wow, this post wasn’t even here when I went to bed last night and now you have over 60 comments about a post you think is boring. Clearly it’s not.
For the record, while the poll had stuff higher than other stuff, there wasn’t much of a margin between any of them, so you can’t really go by that.
Welcome, Lottie James, to the Crusie addiction. There is no 12 step program. We use the Argh blog to get through the terrible time between books.
Page 305 was Bob’s doing? I should have known. It was very much a guy kind of scene. But he broke my heart at the bottom of the page! Looking forward to a spoiler post so we can stop talking in code.
The Bill – there’s a lot of stuff I don’t like about it, but if we wait until everything is perfect, we’ll never see anything.
On March 20, 2010 at 11:56 am Jenny said...
Okay, I’ll put up a spoiler post.
On March 20, 2010 at 11:03 am robena grant said...
I’ve learned so much here, and not only about the craft of writing, so I say keep on doing what you’re doing ’cause it’s all good.
I finished Wild Ride last night.
Loved it!
Thank you!
On March 20, 2010 at 11:35 am Bonnie C said...
There’s a lot of chatter on this “Page 305″. Sounds like something from Lost. I’m reading WR on my iPhone’s Kindle app so Page 305 has no meaning to me.
I, too, vote for a WR spoiler post because I’m dying to hear what everyone thought about it. For the record, I’m enjoying it very very much if very very slowly. Stupid day job/husband/kids/dishwasher/laundry…
My favorite exchange so far is between Mab and Cindy re: whether or not Joe lied to Mab about what he does for a living. LOL!
On March 20, 2010 at 11:57 am Jenny said...
That was actually a rewrite of a conversation Lani and I had after she read the truck draft about whether he’d lied. Lani voted for yes and I said, “Well, you know . . .” which is weird because usually I’m the one who says, “He lied? Kill him.” She said, “You have to deal with the lie,” so I wrote that part. Thank Lani.
On March 20, 2010 at 6:51 pm Bonnie C said...
Squee!
Ok, so now that sequence is in competition with “So we’re the Luke and Leia of hell” as being the bestest. OMG I really and truly laughed out loud. Scared the cat right off the couch, which was ok cuz he was getting hair all over my pile of clean laundry.
On March 20, 2010 at 11:36 am Naked Under My Clothes said...
I can explain the 14%. It’s not that they don’t think your personal life is fascinating. It’s because of having to pick when all the choices are good things.
Picking topics on your blog is like picking ice cream flavors. I’m sure 14% of people would pick a flavor that doesn’t have something chocolate in it. But we all agree that ice cream rules, or else we wouldn’t be reading your blog. Ask us how we feel about chocolate ice cream vs. brussels sprouts vs. steak vs. lima beans, and you might get different answers.
For the record, I’m among the 86% and I don’t eat a lot of ice cream (but when I do, it has chocolate in it). Also, I like brussels sprouts and steak but dislike lima beans. It’s a metaphor, people.
And I wasn’t going to get Wild Ride because I’m on a book budget and I was supportive of it in theory (writers all get to decide their topics and I love it when they stretch their wings, go writers and growth!!) but not practice (don’t really get the allure of demons/vampires/ghosts) but OH MY GOD. Wild Ride is about teamwork and family and hope. There’s a lot of frustration and doing the best you can with what you’ve got and mixed feelings. In other words, like real life, but with waffles and ice cream.
On March 20, 2010 at 11:59 am Jenny said...
Well, I love that description. Thank you!
Spoiler post going up now. Screams from people who get the comments on feed shortly to follow, although I’m going on record as having asked here first.
On March 20, 2010 at 12:32 pm AgTigress said...
Well done, Veronica. She’s obviously a girl who doesn’t rush into things, probably because she has observed Milton and Lyle rushing in and getting clobbered.
Now that Mona has been given a close clip, we can actually see her hind-leg problem — except that it obviously isn’t a problem for her at all, so well done, Mona, as well.
On March 20, 2010 at 12:55 pm Jenny said...
Her problem is basically no kneecaps back there. I think there may be a problem with one hip, but so far, she’s doing fine. She limps pretty badly when she’s tired, so I carry her then. I never thought I’d be the kind of woman who carried a fluffly little dog, but Mona and I are that couple.
On March 20, 2010 at 1:52 pm Diane L. said...
More dachshund (& Mona) stories and pictures, of course!
On March 20, 2010 at 5:56 pm jennifer said...
I would love to see some photos of the house projects you’ve alluded to over the past few years. For instance, you put a couple in-progress pics of the kitchen redo — I’d love to see the finished product. There was a bathroom before picture, I’d love to see the after. And, yeah, if Lani and the girls don’t mind, I’d love to see before-and-after pics of the attic.
On March 20, 2010 at 6:20 pm Jenny said...
We can do that. Of course, we’d have to CLEAN.
We’re starting on the double downstairs one of these days. That’ll be a twelve days to die for.
On March 20, 2010 at 6:34 pm Mariah said...
You know how once in a while, someone leaves a comment about how they would even love to read your shopping list? Because, yk, I think so, too, and I just want to be *sure* that it’s true. So, um… could you? Please?
On March 20, 2010 at 6:47 pm Jenny said...
My shopping list?
The last one was
Buttermilk
Tapioca
Honey
Yeast
Goldfish crackers (for a Lyle-in-the-elevator-shaft picture)
Eggs
Cherry Dr. Pepper
Diet Coke
Handcuffs (IGA has play handcuffs for a buck and I needed them for the Liz collages)
On March 22, 2010 at 5:58 am Micki said...
OMG, they sell handcuffs at IGA? Talk about your independent grocers . . . .
On March 22, 2010 at 10:19 am Jenny said...
Kids’ handcuffs. For a DOLLAR.
Although what kids need with handcuffs is beyond me.
On April 3, 2010 at 9:57 am Marta said...
That’s okay. But if you get any for Sweetness and Light, be careful not to fall asleep close to anything bar-like.
On March 20, 2010 at 10:18 pm June said...
Wow! Your shopping list actually IS interesting. Go figure. I would also like to encourage you to write whatever you feel like. I enjoy the variety. I don’t read very many blogs, so this makes me feel as if I follow three or four – writing, personal life, comedy, rants.
I’m also want to say a thank you for the collaborations. It’s fascinating to watch the voices diverge and meld and I try to imagine the process that produced them. I wish that more of my favorite writers would try a collaboration from time to time. Actualy, feel free to publish whatever you want. I’ll happily read them all.
On March 21, 2010 at 12:11 am Jenny said...
Lani, Krissie, and I have been talking about people liked and disliked about our last collaborations, not so much the plot but the way the book worked. Some people don’t like three protagonists; they want one with two subplots. Some were put off by how many characters there were. Some thought the stories were repetitious. We’re still trying to figure it out before we really get into Fairy Tale Lies, although that book is going to be so different that it may not apply, especially since everybody already knows the back stories for those three protags.
On March 22, 2010 at 3:03 am CrankyOtter said...
I loved the D&G blog. I loved the choice of mythology. Loved the art. I never really warmed up to Daisy somehow and Lani seems like a wonderful lady and she can blog like nobody’s business, but there’s something off about her heroines for me- they just never make me like them (I tried two other books of hers) but they’re a little too abject somehow. Then for all the work you put into D&G, it felt a little thin, like not enough happened.
Then contrast to Wild Ride, where stuff happened and happened and happened and every time I turned around (mentally), there was more depth to the story, more growth in the characters, twists and turns that aren’t the usual.
Maybe I should re-read it and see if I get the same vibe (my organizer was over today and we did the book stacks and now I know where it is…). There are some books that are better the second time around, and maybe I was expecting more from the ideas you tried out on the blog, so maybe trying it again it will be better. It wasn’t bad, it just wasn’t the bestest thing ever, even with Death’s chiuhuaha. I don’t know that it needed a lot more, but it needed something. I’ll see if I can figure out what. Because I want you to write more books. And more blog entries while writing books. About whatever you want to write because I love your voice and live for randomness being interjected into my day.
On March 22, 2010 at 10:16 am Jenny said...
The action stuff is Bob’s influence, definitely. It was one of the many great things about collaborating with him, he brought such balance to my stuff and pushed me out of my comfort zone. Writing with Lani and Krissie is a different experience, more like a slumber party than a battle of wits, and I think our similar world views are reflected there, although we write three different kinds of romance and romance heroines. But that point about events is well-taken. Thank you.
On March 21, 2010 at 12:50 am Annie said...
I loved the Twelve Days of Cleaning My Office. I secretly wish you’ll let it go to hell again just so there can be a part 2
Plus, I got see something become neat and orderly without doing any of the work
On March 21, 2010 at 1:21 am Jenny said...
Oh, please, it went to hell again in about six weeks. I am going to have to do it again, but there’s a limit to how much humiliation I can take. Also, it’ll probably only take me about a day and a half to clean it this time because I really did organize it the last time. But the workroom downstairs is going to be hell. I might do that.
On March 21, 2010 at 1:41 am Lottie James said...
Gotta say Agnes and the Hitman surpasses anything I have ever read. Absolutely my #1 favorite book of all time, my “go to” book. Especially on days I find myself explaining to my 2, 5 & 6yr old why mommy needs some alone time in the bathroom, on the pot, with the door locked and a book in my hand. Seriously, the best place to read. If you can get past the incessant knocking and rattling of the doorknob. Seriously. Even my husband leaves me alone. Time flies, until you realize your legs are asleep and your butt cheeks numb. That’s the highest form of praise I have ever given anyone. Please don’t let it go to your head.
On March 22, 2010 at 9:22 pm Ami said...
I love the blog–writer stuff, random Sunday stuff, hey-check-out-this-site stuff, dog stuff–so I am happy all of it stays. It’s like visiting with friends AND taking an online course. For free. And NO tests. If only I could earn a PLU for it…
Agnes? Best. Cranky. Heroine. Ever. I like the collab’s with Bob, but I am the only woman in my house. Testosterone rolls down the walls here, so I get the whole I-like/care about/maybe kinda-love-you-but-I-can’t/won’t-say-it-so-I-washed-your-car-and-put-air-in-your-tires guy thing.
For those looking for something to read between Crusie’s…Sarah Strohmeyer’s Bubbles books–romance/action/mystery with some giggles.
On April 3, 2010 at 9:54 am Marta said...
I’m soooo late to this party. I hate getting behind on the blog. But, what seemed clear to me about the poll is that it showed we like it all. You’ve got less than a 20% spread going on. Even the 14% between personal life and writing isn’t very significant, since it includes those who (like me) voted for everything and those who voted for more than one thing, but not everything. Normally, the check every box votes would be nulled, but that wouldn’t be helpful to what you really want to know here. If you had us rank the choices in order of personal preference, you’d get a better picture.
I think the real mandate is we don’t want to lose anything. And, the day you stop teaching, we’ll know the end of the world is near. That’s good. It’ll give us time to get things organized before you start your first class in the next life.