I apologize for the extended silence. One of the (many) reasons I keep this newsletter free is so that I don't feel pressure to create additional content on top of my regular work — and life. And a lot has been happening in both.
First, work life: I have a literary agent! I recently signed with Jane Dystel of Dystel, Goderich & Bourrett! Due to the timely nature of my idea, I've spent the last month furiously working on a book proposal that is going to be shopped very soon. I hope I'll have more to say on that later this spring, but given my mixed history with traditional book publishing, I'm keeping a lid on what this is all about for now. Yes, this is all happening VERY fast, but I'm running with it.
Second, personal life: I ran another ultramarathon! Unfortunately, it was this past weekend, when it poured. That meant 13 hours of running, with about 12,000 ft. of elevation gain, in slop. My calves and ankles have never hurt this much after a race. I'm down to seven toenails. And yes I am very tired.
As bad as the conditions were (and got worse with every lap), it was extremely beautiful. We hit the forest at the edge of bursting spring, where the leaves were so fresh and new that, in rainy day light, leaves looked neon.
Wild, right? That's Vosberg Neck State Park, which became a Pennsylvania state park this year.
I've also been doing some media, including an interview with AHCJ about my process and Studio 2, a show out WHYY, NPR's Philadelphia affiliate, about my recent New York Times piece on public toilets. I *may* be doing something with another NPR affiliate station soon. Fingers crossed.
I don't have much more to say than that, but I wanted to check in and let you all know that I haven't completely disappeared. Also I know I got a wave of sign ups after more rounds of media layoffs — and I want to make sure I welcome you too (and check out the archives for free information, and if you're able, the ebooks, which are $10 each). That's the life us hired pens lead. Sometimes, we gotta shift our focus elsewhere, and that was April for me this time around.
Also, if you know someone who was laid off who might benefit from one of my ebooks, and you to gift them one, just put their email address in the email line, and it'll be sent their way.
Recent Bylines
"Bringing it home: a supply chain resistance tactic" for AAMI
"With recent crash, road safety again thrust into the spotlight" for Construction Dive
"How recruiters can use TikTok" for HR Dive
"How to manage asynchronous work" for HR Dive
What I'm Reading (with reviews from my book blog)
They Called Us Enemy by George Takei
The Reluctant Countess by Eloisa James
A House in the Mountains: The Women Who Liberated Italy from Fascism by Caroline Moorehead
Her Night with the Duke by Diana Quincy
What I'm Watching
The Mandalorian. Eh I guess? I liked it better when the show was space cowboys.
Baby J. I saw John Mulaney do standup in person in 2019 so it was interesting to see what he had to say now. I do think the parasocial relationship people had with him is weird. I also believe his life is messy — but whose isn't. I laughed at the special. Not a bad way to be entertained on the treadmill.
Until next time!
Jen A. Miller
Notes from a Hired Pen
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