A note from Jane
“There is no such thing as work-life balance. Everything worth fighting for unbalances your life.” —Alain de Botton
Some of my new business cards carry this quote on the reverse side. It addresses a frequent question I’m asked: how to balance writing, business, and the rest of life. Maybe I look like I have it all figured out, but my life is exceptionally unbalanced in favor of work. Anyone who gets too close into my orbit will potentially be asked to be part of my work.
Recently I saw the documentary Secret Mall Apartment, about an artist, Michael Townsend, who decides to claim and furnish a living space for himself and other artists inside the dark recesses of a mall in Providence, Rhode Island. He’s married, and his wife is an artist, too. Years into the effort (they kept the secret for four years), you can see the obvious strain on his marriage. For Michael, there isn’t a dividing line between art and life, and anyone who’s in a relationship with him has to decide if they can live with that.
The documentary raises all kinds of fascinating questions about art, but what I will remember most is the question of what it means to “balance” your life and when or why it’s desirable. Check the documentary website to see if it’s playing near you (only showing in theatres for now).
Jane
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Reader recommendation: Typora
From John Laing in Shizuoka City: “Do you use Typora? It is $15 for life. I think it is beautiful. And no, I don’t get a percentage. I thought I would tell you about a couple of cool things to make up for not sending you a suitcase full of unmarked bills.” Typora is a minimal markdown reader and editor. And it is beautiful indeed.
DeskMinder: quick reminders on your desktop
This little Apple app is simple and does only one thing: it reminds you of something, up to 99 minutes away. It also syncs with Apple Reminders. The only drawback: it costs $4.99. But as soon as my husband steps away from his desk, I’m commandeering his machine, buying this app and installing it for him. (Windows users: check the app’s FAQ section for their option for you.)
What AI can’t steal from you
Recently, I was invited to contribute a piece to a UK-funded project that’s examining how artificial intelligence is changing, enhancing and challenging creative writing and publishing practices. Most of my writing on AI is pragmatic and explains what’s happening out there in plain English, but for this piece, I discuss the psychological effects of this technology on the writing community. Read.
How to Research Agents and Publishers Like a Pro with Jane Friedman / June 19, 1–2:30 p.m. EDT
Hosted by Writer’s Digest: You have a polished manuscript or book proposal, and you’re ready to start pitching agents and publishers. But how do you figure out who to submit to? And how do you evaluate the quality of the agents and publishers you do find? In this class, you’ll learn not only how to research agents and publishers using a variety of online resources, but also how to evaluate fit and reputation, so that you don’t unwittingly end up with a schmagent or a publisher that’s really a self-publishing service.
Your turn: objects on your desk
In the last issue, I asked you to tell me about a single physical object on your desk (gadgets count!) which measurably improves your focus or inspiration, and why. Here’s a selection of what you said.
- Directly under my desktop screen sits a small wrought-iron salamander, which is the ‘spirit amphibian’ of my novel in progress. A few months ago I tied a tiny bow of pink ribbon around its neck, but can’t remember why. Perhaps it was a day we both needed some encouragement. —Cynthia P.
- I have ADHD and I truly struggle with getting stuff done. I recently bought a timer clock off Amazon and it’s been amazing! It doesn’t tick. Is visual and then screams at me when the time is up. I honestly love it. —Bronzewing Books
- I used to play piano when I was younger, and the second-hand piano my parents bought came with a bench full of sheet music and a metronome. The piano is long gone (I moved on to other activities), but I still have that metronome on my desk, and I start it up whenever I sit down to write or paint. It’s become a ritual, because it seems to help me focus. I’m pretty sure you can find them for around $20 on Amazon these days, but I find the steady “clicks” soothing. I wouldn’t be surprised if there’s a metronome app, as well. (I just checked and saw several!) —Angela L. Eckhart
- Weirdly, my rivetingly motivational object is a tiny Union Jack. I’m in the throes of revising my 1970’s London-based rom-com, and just a glance at that little flag reminds me to make sure my novel is immersive, joyful, heart-lifting, and British to the core. —Karen Marline
- For focus, I got a Bluetooth controlled light that I have stuck to the door of my home office to indicate busy or available, sort of like the “on air” signs used at radio stations. Luxafor makes several kinds, though I’m sure there are others. Now, if I can just train my dog not to bark when she sees the red light is on. 🤣 —Duncan McElroy
- When I first started writing 30 years ago I spent all my Christmas money—$100, which was a lot back then!—on an antique oak library file box. I had a local calligrapher ink labels for the drawer pulls and for years, it held a physical dictionary and thesaurus. It still sits on my desk all these years later, but now I’m a digital gal and the drawers hold office supplies. But just looking at that piece inspires me because it’s been with me from the very beginning. —Deborah Raney
⭐️ This was a popular question! Read all of the responses.
Next question: Is there a song, playlist, or station that you use for background music while working or writing? Hit reply to this message, or head over to Discord to share.
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Free resources featuring Jane
Upcoming online classes
Meet Jane at an event
- NonfictioNOW Conference (Notre Dame, IN), June 11–13, 2025
- Women’s Fiction Virtual Summit (online), June 21–22, 2025
- Midwest Writers Workshop (Muncie, IN), July 10–12, 2025
- Today’s Key Book Publishing Paths (Cincinnati public library, free to the public), July 26, 2025
- Craft & Publishing Voyage (cruise ship!), Aug. 27–Sept. 3, 2025
- PNWA Conference (Seattle, WA), Sept. 11–14, 2025
- New Frontiers in Writing (Amarillo, TX), Sept. 26, 2025
- Red Pencil Conference (Seattle metro area), Nov. 8, 2025
“At electric speed, all forms are pushed to the limits of their potential.”
—Marshall McLuhan
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