Ladies & Gents:
From 2007 to 2014, I dedicated a large chunk of my life to writing about the Jersey Shore. I loved it. I loved sharing the nooks and crannies of my favorite place on earth. I loved always having an excuse to hop in my car and head down the Atlantic City Expressway. I loved getting to know the year round residents and laughing at shoobies with them. Taking on that writing focus kept me fed and full – mentally and financially – for seven years.
In 2012, though, I started to look at what my career would be – not just in the next five years, but in the next 10, 20, 30. In that long span, the Jersey Shore looked like a limiting beat – at least given what I wanted to do as A Writer. One near-term goal was to write what I kept calling “the big book.” Even though I didn’t know what that book would be, I knew it wasn’t there. I turned down the opportunity to do a third edition of my book. After Sandy, I stayed on the beat though and covered the shore with regular columns through the summer of 2014 while still looking toward the horizon.
This summer, I was offered two regular shore writing gigs, and I turned them both down. Time to move on.
Monday was the first time I’d been to Ocean City this year. It took until the day after Labor Day for me to feel like I missed so much – and that I didn’t know so much. I hadn’t had the chance to write a derisive column about Lululemon opening in Avalon, or updates on the causeway construction in Sea Isle City. But I also didn’t spend beach time thinking about what I could cover, nor was I tempted to interrupt someone’s good time at the OD (SECRET SERVICE!) to ask why everyone there wears basketball jerseys. I was able to go for some of the holiday weekend and just…relax.
As my friend Andy said when I asked if he missed his old job: “Regret is not the same as miss.” I agree.
Anyway – to the clips!
Recent Bylines
“Running a tab when going the extra mile” for The Philadelphia Inquirer
“Should I run?” for Philly.com
“4 new cybercrime trends that threaten your business” for CIO.com
What I’m Reading
The Martian by Andy Weir Yes, I’m already engrossed.
What I’m Watching
The League. I don’t play fantasy football or even watch football, but these guys are such idiots. They’re a joy. Season six is now on Netflix.
Until next time,
Jen A. Miller
jenamiller.com
twitter.com/byjenamiller
instagram.com/jenamillerrunner
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