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A note from Jane

For a few years now, I have been watching World War II movies and documentaries, one after another—because there is always another. (On occasion I take a break and watch a World War I documentary.)

The streak has continued for so long, I’m starting to worry Mark will think something is seriously wrong with me. I’ve failed to come up with an explanation for why I’m doing this. I just keep hitting play on the next recommended show.

Earlier this year, I traveled through New Orleans airport and saw signage for the city’s World War II Museum. I didn’t get a chance to visit, but I learned about their veteran research services. My dad served in World War II, but he died long before I developed any curiosity about what he did or saw during his service.

So I submitted a research request and recently received the results. My dad was an Army medic serving primarily in Panama as far as existing records show, but many Army records were destroyed in a 1973 National Archives fire, and his file is incomplete.

Astonishingly, his record included a handwritten letter he sent in 1981, requesting a replacement medal (for good conduct), and asking if he was due a medal for his service in the Pacific. Apparently, he was part of a small task force of medics sent to support the Allied campaign there. But by that point, there was no record of such service.

Of course this letter has now become a treasure. And I’m starting to wake up to at least one of the reasons I’m watching all of these war shows.

Jane

P.S. Most popular blog post this month: What It Means to Make Your Story Relatable​​

ISSUE SPONSOR

Jane’s Electric Speed List

Here are some of the latest things I’ve discovered. (I am not paid to mention any of these resources; there are no affiliate links.)

Create nicer looking website screenshots

​BrowserFrame is a great tool if you’re frequently creating slides, visuals, or illustrations from website screenshots. It will wrap any URL with a specific template and color that you choose. Not only can you get a more aesthetically pleasing result, but you’ll avoid capturing every last distracting detail of your personal browser setup.

White noise machines

A few years ago, I acquired a white-noise machine that was recommended by The Wirecutter. I love it and have been meaning to buy another for our guest room and a third to keep permanently in my suitcase! However, I recently learned of a way to generate background noise using your iPhone, via Austin Kleon. I had no idea you could generate background noise this way! The obvious downside: you’ll drain your battery if the phone isn’t plugged in.

Take a break with Online Safari TV

​Online Safari TV offers a selection of wildlife cams from around the world. While I always appreciate a good animal pic or video on social media, it’s nice to be off social media and still enjoy some animal action to reduce stress and remind yourself of the good things in life. Discovered via Recomendo.

Rediscovering the Bas Bleu catalog

In the mid-2000s, I was a huge fan of the Bas Bleu catalog, but somewhere along the way, I moved and stopped receiving it—and forgot all about it.

Somehow, the company has found me again! 🤓 And I’m glad. They have some of the best gifts for readers, writers, and cat lovers. I like buying my mom the gorgeous pop-up cards.

NEXT ONLINE CLASS

Nov. 16: Create an Author Website in 24 Hours or Less with Jane Friedman

In partnership with Writer’s Digest: In this two-hour webinar, Jane will teach you how to use WordPress to get your own website up and running in a day or less! If you already have a website or blog, you’ll learn best practices to ensure you’re getting the most out of it. The good news: you don’t have to know any code, understand technical jargon, or have previous experience with websites or blogs.

Your turn: writing retreats

In the last issue, I asked you to share places you recommend for a writing retreat. Here’s a selection of what you said.

• Where to have a writing retreat: If you live near a port, a cheap, three- or four-day cruise can be an excellent writing retreat. The wifi is usually bad enough that you’re not tied to email or getting lost in research rabbit holes, there’s excellent food available any time of day or night, and someone else makes your bed. Last-minute deals on “best available” cabins are often cheaper than an Airbnb! I was surprised at how productive I could be in the corner of a ballroom while the Zumba class provided a coffee-shop level of background noise. —Allison K Williams
• I retreat with writing colleagues. We rent a house where we want to be, split the cost, take turns prepping meals, write, walk, read to each other in the evening. The advantages: no application forms or fees, no waiting around to find out if we’re accepted, guaranteed suitable times, and, most important, getting out of our usual surroundings (no distractions). As a side note, I have a friend with a second house that she’s willing to let me use, so I don’t even have to pay to sign up for a week there. —Aline Soules
• I got started writing at Haven Writing Retreats in Montana with Laura Munson and highly recommend it. —Sally McQuillen
• Writing retreat recommendation: Writing Between the Vines, no-fee writing retreats on vineyard properties in Sonoma County, California. Applications now open for 2024. —Marcy Gordon
• I really like cruises for writing retreats, especially if you can find one with several days at sea. I’ve hosted two on a Bermuda itinerary with Norwegian Cruise Lines, and they’ve been great about booking conference rooms for us to use as a group writing space. Cruising also means that the retreat host isn’t liable if someone has to cancel at the last minute, and the range of food options onboard can handle almost any preference or restriction. —Jessica Snyder
• Lately I’ve had good luck with backyard writing retreats! Clearing my calendar for two days, unplug + turn on auto-reply, and either working from my garden on a solo project, or in the backyard or office of a coauthor for collaborative projects (or once in parallel with a colleague with a similar deadline but independent projects). We agree on a schedule with blocks of uninterrupted writing time, breaks for chatting and taking a walk. We walk to a local restaurant for lunch, then go home at 5 p.m. It’s been helpful to realise you can make huge progress in a day or two without spending money or arranging overnights. —Kim Nicholas
• I recommend the Christine Center in Willard, Wisconsin! —Jean Krieg
• I have been going to Hope Springs Institute for 25+ years. The land, the excellent, nourishing food and the caring, attentive staff draw you in. I recommend Hope Springs highly. —Bobbie O’Connor

Next question: Is there a mail-order catalog you love browsing (even if you purchase online)? Hit reply to this message, or head over to Discord to share.

Free resources featuring Jane

• Business Clinic (Nov. 17): Why Isn’t My Substack Gaining Any Traction?​
• Video: Attracting Students to Online Classes​

Upcoming online classes

• ​Build Your Dev. Editing Business with Allison K Williams, starts Nov. 1
• ​Create an Author Website with Jane Friedman, Nov. 16
• ​Get Published: Land a Book Deal in 2024 with Jane Friedman, Jan. 4
• ​10 Steps to a Nonfiction Book Proposal with Jane Friedman, Jan. 27
• ​How AI Is Changing the Writing World with Jane Friedman, Feb. 4
• ​Establish (or Improve) Your Email Newsletter with Jane Friedman, Feb. 8

Meet Jane at an event

• ​​AI Governance Global (Boston, Mass.), Nov. 2–3, 2023
• ​Author Platform Audit & Workshop (Boston, Mass), Nov. 3, 2023
• ​Erma Bombeck Writers' Workshop (Dayton, Ohio), April 4–6, 2024
• ​Craft & Publishing Voyage (cruise ship!), April 28–May 5, 2024
• ​Write to Publish (Chicago), June 11–14, 2024

“At electric speed, all forms are pushed to the limits of their potential.”
—Marshall McLuhan

Created by Jane Friedman I report on the publishing industry and help authors understand the business of writing. Connect on LinkedIn | Instagram | Discord​ P.S. I have a paid newsletter, too.

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