It's Been Great Fun

Dear All,

A sad announcement from me today. It’s got me all philosophical and remembering.

I joined the Word Wenches a decade ago. They’ve been most excellent years. I’ve been productive in my writing, found a sympathetic niche for my blog posts, got to know the readers who gather here, and been supported all this time by the fellowship of Wenches.

It’s been great fun.

Writing is a solitary business. It’s many hours of sitting at a desk, staring at the wall and, from time to time, typing madly, muttering to yourself. When you’re a writer you know precisely where the guillotine stood in La Place de la Revolution. You can ask the mailman, “If she murders somebody and he deserves it, does she have to regret it?” and he backs away quietly.

Our writing buddies understand this and sympathize. We keep each other sane. Thank you, Word Wenches. Sanity is good.

Now I get to the meat of the matter.

These last couple years I haven’t got much written. The old brain doesn’t work as well as it once did.   The creaky body no longer stands up to the physical and emotional demands of the writing job.

It’s time for me to retire and put my feet up and let the dog and cat climb into my lap and keep me warm. I have a decade of TV shows to catch up on. I started knitting a scarf for my sister a couple of years ago. I may finally get it finished.

So I’m bowing out of the Word Wenches, with regret and gratitude, filled with good wishes for everybody.

 

Jo

Comments

[Jenny]

Oh Jo, you will be missed. Enjoy your well earned retirement, as we will continue to enjoy your books. Thank you.

[Sue McCormick]

Have a great retirement! We will miss you! (Perhaps you could come back from time to time as one of us readers?)

[Jeannette Ruth Halpin]

I am sorry you are retiring, but I certainly understand since I am retired myself. I hope you find enjoyable and fulfilling things to do. I have loved your books, so intricate and thoughtful and witty. I enjoy them very much-reread them all from time to time. You came to my book club at a local restaurant a couple of years ago and stayed for two hours, and were gracious and interesting and fun. We all loved it and talked about it for several sessions! I live in the same town you do, about a mile away, so if you ever need or want anything at all-help with the roses, cat sitting, whatever, all of us would be delighted and honored to step in, totally non-intrusively! Much love and gratitude, Jeannette Halpin

[Lil]

I am so sorry to see you leave. Aside from your wonderful books, your blogs with their odd bits of information through the centuries have been fascinating. And when you get bored with knitting, you can always drop by and comment!

[theo]

Oh, Jo! You're going to be so missed. I've enjoyed your all though. The books, the posts...it's time to relax and wallow in free time. *hug*

[Andrea Penrose]

The Wenches will all be posting their thoughts on this on Friday's blog. We will miss Jo as much as our Wenchly readers . . . we are making her promise to stop by often and say hello!

[Donna H.]

As a fellow retiree, I wish you much happiness in whatever you want to pursue. Who knows? Maybe retirement will inspire an idea for a new book, to be done at your pace? Best wishes, you will be missed.

[Kate]

Your books have meant so much to me about the importance of being brave and seeking happiness. Thank you for writing them.

[Alison Y]

Your books are out for us to read, enjoy and reread. That's the wonderful thing about them, we never say goodbye completely.

Your comments here, however, are another matter and I will greatly miss them. Your way with words and phrasing, your wonderful humor, which frequently made me chuckle out loud ..... losing those makes me sad. Thank you for often brightening my day.

Happy retirement.

[Patricia Rice]

As Andrea says above, the wenches will post our farewells and wenchly photos on Friday, but Job, you know how much you're beloved. I'm still hoping there are more books lurking and that you'll be back to say hello. It's hard to imagine a world where I can't hear your voice!

[Janice Millford]

You will be missed but never forgotten. Thanks for the blogs which were witty and informative. Your books are superb adn continue to be read over and over. Retirement can be a blessed time. Go and find new adventures and know you are loved by many.

[Molly R. Moody]

Not a Word Wench but I've always enjoyed your books and have been looking forward to many more. I'm sad to see you leave but I think I understand.

[Benedicte Reiter]

I wish you a wonderful retirement and Hope you stay in contact with your friends and co-wenches. Enjoy having time to yourself. 💖

[Joanne Bourne]

Thank you kindly.

[Joanne Bourne]

That's a very real possibility.
I'll miss everybody here.

[Joanne Bourne]

Yes. I remember. You and your friends were great fun.
Go ahead and drop me a line at [email protected]

[Joanne Bourne]

I do not become so much bored with knitting as bewildered by it.

I keep finding these mysterious lacunae in what should be a peaceful, even sea of knitting.

Or I end up with rather more loops in a line than I started out with.

[Joanne Bourne]

I'm trying to simplify my life in the hopes it will bring my mind to a good place.

In some societies folks put on a long robe and go walk the great pilgrim ways, beggar bowl at their side.
This sounds so uncomfortable I think I will take the easier path of cultivating roses.

[Joanne Bourne]

Thank you.

Lots of folks take a time to renew themselves. Become better people.
I hope this will be mine.

[Joanne Bourne]

Oh. Thank you so much. That makes me feel wonderful

[Joanne Bourne]

What I wrote here at Wenches ... it's all to make folks smile a little.

If I did that, I succeeded.

[Kareni]

Jo, I wish you all the best as you retire. I will miss your posts here but hope to see you amongst the commenters. I have all your books sitting on my shelf and thank you for the happy hours they have brought and will bring me.

[Joanne Bourne]

In life
you frequently find yourself watching a marathon
because you got a son or daughter or a scout troop or a friend running
or you're handing out water.

Long after the front runners
and long after the great milling crowd in the middle ...
there'll be those few who come huffing by
just in front of the pickups who are gathering in the traffic cones.

You save water for them because they really need it and many of them do finally cross the finish line.

This experience is widely applicable.

[Joanne Bourne]

Oh, thank you so much.
*sniffle*

More adventures ahead, most certainly. But approached more carefully and with long rests between.

[Joanne Bourne]

It's a good time to pause and take stock.

I'm not alone in this. The last year has been one to strip a person of tranquility. We'll see if I can get it back ...

[Tai Smith]

Enjoy your days with your feet up! Thank you for sharing your wonderful stories and for your contributions here!!

[Vicki L]

Oh Jo, I'm sad and happy at the same time. Happy for you in your quest to simplify your life and regain your tranquility. Sad for me and all the rest of us that there won't be any more fascinatingly arcane bits of information presented in your unique style.

Also sad that there won't be any more books from you. Back in Nov 2014 I won a copy of Rogue Spy from you which was a really exciting moment. Definitely on my keeper shelf as are all your other books.

As for the knitting....yes...it can be Zen like or absolutely frustrating! Those slippery loops and extra additions. Good luck in finding the perfect balance and finishing your sister's scarf.

Also have fun and good luck in growing roses and all the other pretties that you will be adding to your yard. Gardening while challenging is so rewarding when you have flowers you can bring in and put on the ledge of the kitchen sink to look at when you wash dishes.

Please do drop by from time to time and leave comments. You will be missed.

[Mary T]

I will miss you Jo - but, I wish you nothing but the very, very best. God bless!

[Joanne Bourne]

I'm looking forward to it.

[Joanne Bourne]

Hi Kareni --

Thank you very much. I will especially come by to check on the What We're Readings posts.

Always so many good books

[Joanne Bourne]

Thank you so much.

I have all kindsa things planned, though I'll have to wait for the end of Covid.

Covexit, as it were.

[Joanne Bourne]

I will certainly drop by
and keep flowers on my window sill.

I'm looking forward to that.

[Joanne Bourne]

Thank you so much.
I'll miss this place.

[Kay]

Jo - From someone who has been kicking retirement around for 10 years to someone who decided it's time, I will miss you. Keep the sun on your face. Now you can sit on your porch with a cup of coffee and listen to the birds - without guilt. You can have quiet time. Enjoy.

[SUSAN WARD]

I have loved all your books and I shall miss your writing. Put your feet up and enjoy your retirement and enjoy your life.

[Janice Layton dunlap]

Enjoy your retirement, when I retired it was not the work I missed, it was the people. Stay in touch
with your fans and fellow wenches
Janice Layton Dunlap. [email protected]

[SonomaLass]

I am selfishly sad that I won't get to read any more books by you. But I am happy for you that you are not going to force yourself to keep writing! You definitely deserve to kick back and enjoy some of these "golden years" I keep hearing about.

Thank you for the wonderful books. Just thank you.

Here's hoping that, when travel makes sense again, we will see you out our way in NorCal!

[Lola Gaunt]

So sorry to see you go but being retired myself, I can understand all the reasons why! Have a great retirement and know that if you ever want to go back to the writing business, you would be most welcomed!!

[Maryellen Webber]

I will miss reading your posts here. I have enjoyed many of your books and wish you all best in your retirement.

[Darlene Marshall]

You will be greatly missed! Your books brought hours of entertainment and each was a master class in character and dialogue, especially writing dialogue of non-English speakers. Enjoy your retirement as your work continues to delight new readers and those of us who have them on our keeper shelves

[Patricia Rice]

Ill save water for you!

[Suzi Love]

I hope you'll continue with some writing, even if it's very slowly, as your books are amazing and you're such a lovely person. I use the gorgeous padded book cover you gave me every day.

[Ann Wilson]

Another reader here who owns your books and rereads them. I think they all need to be reread. I will be sad if there are no more.

[Pam Rosenthal]

I am so so sad to hear this. I have loved your books (but you know that, because of the embarrassingly gushy fan mail I've sent you) but I absolutely understand. And about any future writing (as I sometimes tell myself), hey, you never know. Meanwhile, about that scarf. I've got one going too, waiting for someone to teach me how to cast off. Sending love and (once again) big time admiration.

[Janice Jacobson]

I am very sorry to learn this. I liked your books.

I think, though, that you are a writer and this is too important a part of you to relinquish forever. I hope you will always be working on something, thinking it over and using your talent and abilities. I suspect that you will, whether we all get to read it or not.

Best wishes to you, hugs to the dog and cat, and thanks for all the books.

[Karin]

Wishing you a fulfilling and happy retirement! I'm so sorry we won't see your witty posts here; you have a wonderful way with words that shines through even in a blog comment. I have had "Her Ladyship's Companion" in my Kindle library for umpteen years, waiting for a "break glass in case of emergency" moment. So as well as rereading your old books, I have a "new" one to look forward to. And I hope to continue to see you on Twitter!

[Karin]

How to cast off: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VSwjIUiQZlM
And thank you for your great books too, Pam!

[Lynnd]

For myself, I am sorry to hear that you are retiring from writing, but for you I am very happy that you will get to transition into something new that hopefully brings you happiness and joy. I love your books. They are comfort reads, and I will continue to find pleasure in every reread.

I wish you all the best in your future adventures (and should those adventures ever inspire another story that you just HAVE to write, well that wouldn’t be a bad thing :-)).

[Rose Phillips]

I so understand, but selfishly hope it’s a hiatus, a renewal. I will always be grateful for your gentle but honest guidance on the forum, and your wonderful sense of humour. Wishing you the best.

[Cindy DeGraaff]

You will be much missed. We are none of us getting any younger, but the pandemic is taking a toll on our brain functions- more fogginess, more procrastination, more depression. Maybe after some time off, you'll feel renewed and ready to write some more, but if not, best wishes for happy relaxation and renewal.

[Arlene]

I’ve enjoyed your books and will again when I reread them. I enjoy being retired and reading with a cat in my lap, I hope you do to.

[julie Weathers]

Jo,

I am so very sad to hear this, but I understand. More sad than you know.

I was thinking about you the other day when I ran across a picture of you sitting on that couch, pencil tapping on your chin, pondering your heroine. "I have her trapped in a whore house. Gee, I wonder why I'm never invited to polite dinner parties."

I laughed like a loon.

I still re-read your books quite frequently as they are inspirational when I am in a writing rut. Your words will be missed.

Love always.

Julie

[Maryjane Turbett]

You will be missed! I am hoping your retirement gives you everything you everything you need. I love your writing and re-read your books on the regular. I hope with the vaccines and the eventual re-opening of the country your retirement will be all the more enjoyable for you.

[Patricia Franzino]

I love your books. Have a happy retirement as you commune more closely with family and pets.

[Alison]

Jo - congratulations on your retirement. This last year has been oppressively difficult and taking the pressure off yourself by retiring seems like an excellent decision. Be prepared tho- I retired shortly before COVID and before the lockdown, I found a Calvin cartoon to be very on point “ there’s never enough time to do all the nothing you want”. May you be blessed with sufficient time to do nothing.

[Faith Freewoman]

Dear Jo,

I’m gonna miss you SO much. Your wry outlook on life, your brilliant writing, your delightfully cockeyed view of the world. But when it’s time to quit struggling against new journeys, I guess it’s time.

Be well and enjoy the beauty!

Cheers, Faith

[Maggie Robinson]

You are, as they say in all the Regencies, an Original. I wish for you all the good things.

[Joanne Bourne]

You've picked out the salient point here.

It's not just whether you're sitting at the computer scowling at the blank screen or sitting on the porch not quite relaxing.

There's never a time when the guilt of not producing leaves you.

Guilt-free porch sitting, here I come.

[Joanne Bourne]

'Tis mine intention.

Who knows? Maybe I'll find something exciting to do. Maybe rent a house near the beach way off season and let the dog chase seagulls.

[Joanne Bourne]

There should be something useful I can do starting pretty soon. I've had the Covid vaccine so I can get out and about in just a few weeks.

They always need volunteers, don'tthey?

[Joanne Bourne]

I will hope so. I haven't seen my family for more than a year now. It's hard.

I suppose I could force myself to keep writing something or other, but I don't think I can write that something well. The old mind isn't as nimble as it should be.

We'll see. One reason for simplifying life is to look carefully at what's left when you remove the superfluous.

[Joanne Bourne]

Adventures in writing ...
Something different, maybe.

A long time back I wrote travel articles for a magazine. That was fun. Most of what I've done has been fun.

[Joanne Bourne]

Thank you kindly. I enjoyed creating the postings I made for the Word Wenches. I always learned a lot.

[Joanne Bourne]

Hi Darlene -

Thank you.

You know how it is, I imagine. Sometimes in our lives we can be productive and filled with good thoughts. Sometimes, not so much.

I'll see what comes next in my own particular life.

[Joanne Bourne]

Hi Suzi -

Hope you're doing well.

I have a png of a scholarly-and-benevolent-looking snail that I wish I could add here.

I see myself as slowly making progress in some direction.
Don't know where, though.
The readiness is all.

[Joanne Bourne]

I have one manuscript I was not able to finish.

Maybe sometime I'll be able to re-enter the story and write the rest and get it published somewhere. No guarantees on that, though. I've really ground to halt on the writing.

Still, the future is big and full of possibilities.

[Joanne Bourne]

Hi Pam -

Back at ya in all of this.

There is a time to gather stones together,
A time to throw them at people,
A time to cast off,
A time to knit two, purl one,
A time to write fiction,
A time to snarl at the lap top and stomp around the house.
A time for every purpose under heaven.

[Joanne Bourne]

I am reliably informed that one knows a writer by her distracted air of discontent and the trail of crumpled Post-It Notes she leaves behind.

If continuing distraction and little yellow Post-it notes follow me for the future, I suppose I can put up with that.

[Joanne Bourne]

Hi Karin -

Thank you so much.

I imagine you will find Her Ladyship's Companion a bit of a disappointment. It was something I wrote when I had a time without other work and wanted to see if I could write fiction.

I sort maybe could almost write fiction. We might, charitably, call it an initial attempt.

[Joanne Bourne]

Thank you so very much.

I feel myself under far less pressure right now. That's a very good thing.

As to writing ... I'm not thinking a great deal about the future. Just as well, probably.

[Joanne Bourne]

Hi Rose --

Long time. Good to see you.

Sometimes you know you're on the right track because what you're doing makes you feel good. That's the case here. The decision is right because I already feel under less stress.

Maybe everybody feels this way when they put aside work for a while or permanently.

[Joanne Bourne]

I have heard this from a number of sources: the pandemic -- while it's battering the whole world -- is also not being kind to writers.

Everybody is on edge. We have to deal with the isolation and the breaking of beloved customs. So many are facing grief and loss. I know I am.

Our inner resources of kindliness and understanding are being pushed to the limit.

I will step back and work on self-understanding and connection to the world. It'll be a good use of time otherwise spent not writing.

[Joanne Bourne]

The cat (and the dog) are rather keen about the whole "We will add fifty pounds of pet to your lap, all of it full of sharp bones and/or claws" thingum.

They rather like self-isolation since I am now around ALL the time.

[Joanne Bourne]

Hi Julie,

Hope you're doing well.

You never know how much you enjoy getting together with other writers until the day comes when you CAN'T.

I've thought of myself as an introvert. Happy to sit somewhere and work alone.

Turns out this is not so much true.
Now that I'm really not seeing anyone I can appreciate ther difference.

[Joanne Bourne]

The vaccines are miraculous. The brilliance of this science just floors me.

I had expected three years between the appearance of the epidemic and an effective vaccine. Instead, it was less than one.

Some billionaire needs to award huge prizes to the scientists who did this.

[Joanne Bourne]

Thank you so much.

I am incredibly grateful for zoom and google whatever-we're-doing and Skype.
This would be much, much worse without them.

[Joanne Bourne]

*g* That's a lovely line from Calvin. I don't think I'd seen it before. So true.

The decision to stop pounding my head against the writing has been so freeing. It's like I've pulled a big heavy blanket off from over my head.

The world seems full of possibilities.

[Samantha Craig]

Your views and experiences will be very missed. Of course I don't have a favorite on this blog but I always looked forward to reading yours. It was like wrapping up in a blanket in front of a fire with a cup of coffee.

All the best in your next chapter.

Samantha Craig

[Joanne Bourne]

Hi Faith --

When I set myself free of the "I must write" requirement I feel as if so many things become possible.

Whatever happens, I think I've done the right things for now.

[Karen Feist]

Wishing you a happy retirement, grateful for all the years of reading enjoyment. Hoping if the Muse does come calling again, you will consider inviting her in. Good luck!

[Joanne Bourne]

Thank you. *g*

In the middle of the ballroom, Lady Dalrumple, already deep in her cups as was her custom, led young Heatherforde into a fandango. This rather disrupted the ongoing country dance.

"Bit of an Original, Lady Dalrumple," the colonel said.

"Quite," Lord Dalrumple muttered.

... excerpt from the MMORPG 'Hell is Other People'

[Joanne Bourne]

Thank you so much.

I cannot tell you how the thought of someone enjoying my posts warms me.

[Annette N]

WOW! First of all, I have some of you on my Kindle and I thank you for that.
Second, I have enjoyed your posts. Everyone shows different perspectives and you have provided wonderful gateways for me. You have said something, I go to look up something, and 3 days later, I realize I have had a wonderful journey. OK, maybe not 3 days but for awhile.
Third, you mentioned you want to simplify your life. I have made that same decision recently. Maybe the isolation has fried my brain, but I have changed the way I do things and even some of the things I have been doing. I do feel lighter and more able to enjoy the world. I hope that you find the same to be true for you.

Finally, I would like to thank you for your humor, your charm and your knowledge. You have provided me with information I would not have had if it were not for you. That is a heck of a gift.

Thank you for a lovely time. And down here, we would say "Y'all come back now, ya hear?"

Take care and may you be blessed. Stay well.

[Joanne Bourne]

Thank you so very much.

Maybe the Muse has been knocking at my door for some time now and I simply haven't been able to hear over the jangle and bash going on everywhere.

I'll make a little zone of quiet around me. If I try listening for a while instead of being so busy with work I may become more productive.

[Martha]

Dear Jo, I will miss your WW blog posts but am glad, even delighted, that you have decided to do what makes you happy. Your books are wonderful, and they are on my shelf to remind me of you.

I also remember all the brilliant writing lessons you posted in the Research and Craft Section of the old Literary Forum. I printed those out years (decades) ago and while I re-read them occasionally., I remember them, and can still see in my mind’s eye how you worked out Jess leaping from one roof to another and Annique and Grey in the bathtub. Just typing that brings Hawker and Marguerite and Will and Galba vividly to mind. Up they go on my re-reading list.

My hope is that once you’ve rested with your fur-babies that you will have another story that excites you. But whatever you do, know we all are grateful for your work, books and teaching both, as well as your kindness. All the best wishes for your good health and happiness,

[Gail Mallin]

I was sorry to hear this news because I have really enjoyed your books and your excellent posts, Jo, but I hope you will be able to refresh yourself by taking some rest. Slowing down and taking things easy can really help as can learning new skills or at least that is what I found when I retired. Not that my retirement lasted. I discovered I missed writing too much to give it up entirely. Maybe you will find the same at some point in the future, which would be lovely for your fans.

[Faith Freewoman]

Then I'm very, very happy for you! And may our paths cross again one of these days...whether in e-form or in person.

High hopes and abundant blessings,

Faith

[Sofie Couch]

Oh, Jo. Mine heart filled with woe...
Not a poet. Not gonna try.:) Well, guess I just did. Failed.
Hoping you get back to the scarf. (This past year, I learned to knit a sock. Not sockssss. Sock. Next year, who knows? Plurality? Maybe.)
Love your brain, your books, and all your bits and bobs.
More time to sit with you over a cuppa Jo, (ha ha) and pick your brain. (So selfish of me, but there you have it.)
(No need to respond... unless it's just for visual symmetry.) See ya later.

[Pat Dupuy]

Whatever you decide to do (or not do) enjoy it guilt-free. You've earned it and don't let anyone tell you otherwise!

[Kristen Koster]

As I said on twitter, *hugs Jo* I'm truly grateful for all you've written both fiction and about the writing process itself (yes, as Darlene said, masterclasses!). You definitely have a gift for language and your witty observations about writing (and life in general!) and the way you're able to share how you work SO hard to make read so smoothly and naturally in the end!

Enjoy the peace of mind, the quiet and the lower expectations, enjoy the freedom, enjoy ... well just enjoy life, my friend!

[Teresa Broderick]

The very best of luck to you Jo. It will be strange to be reading the Wenches blog and not see a post from you.
My husband is due to retire in August and is not sure if he's looking forward to it or not. I guess it can be a scary time when faced with the new unknown.
I hope you enjoy whatever you do.

[Kantu]

Hello,
Happy Retirement. And the beginning of Retirement Adventures. Wether they are armchair adventures. Or actual footwork ones, you alone can decide what suits you best. Maybe a new hobby that you would never have considered before? Rest well. And enjoy yourself. You will be so missed.

[flchen1]

Huge hugs, Jo. Very best wishes to you and you find some peace and relaxation in your retirement! I reread your books regularly, and hope you'll find the same joy and comfort in whatever you're pursuing next!

[Janet McConnaughey]

I've been erratic on Facebook, and just saw your message there. Have a wonderful retirement, with grand, happy and comfortable things to do in it.

[Rose Phillips]

I’m so glad you feel the stress slipping away. Wishing for you everything you want. Enjoy exploring this next stage of your life.

[Alina K. Field]

Happy retirement! Your books will always be on my keeper shelf (well, at least until I kick up my heels and my kids who don't read historical fiction move them on to someone else who will treasure them!). Your voice and storytelling has been such a gift. Thank you, and I wish you many peaceful years of relaxation. Also, I hope your muse catches a second wind and stirs back into business, but that's me being selfish! Blessings to you!

[Joanne Bourne]

Thank you so very much.

Maybe the Muse has been knocking at my door for some time now and I simply haven't been able to hear over the jangle and bash going on everywhere.

I'll make a little zone of quiet around me. If I try listening for a while instead of being so busy with work I may become more productive.

[Joanne Bourne]

The Simplifying Life thing you see here is part of a general sweeping away of what is not necessary so I can concentrate on the things that are.

I'm turning FaceBook off. You can do that with FaceBook and then come back any time and turn it on again. I'll put that in place on the first day of spring. Nicely symbolic.

And I'm going to disengage from FaceBook. You can't just turn it off the way you can Twitter. But I can mostly ignore it, and I will try to do that.

Yoou have been so kind in your praise. I'll just say that readers make the work of writing worthwhile.

[Joanne Bourne]

Hi Martha -

How doing? Hope all is well with you.

Wish I'd thought to print out those discussions from CompuServe. I'd post them on my blog.

I got so much out of discussing the craft of writing there. I hate it when good things just go away.

This seems a good time to reassess and renew. I'm looking forward to the Spring.

[Joanne Bourne]

One of the things about writing is we don't have clear goal posts.

If you're a teacher or an engineer you graduate from university. You get certification. You end a school year or a project and brush your hands and move on to another distinguishable part of your lifetime's work.

Writering is a bit more nebulous.

I may need a milestone - like retiring from the Wenches - to give my life shape. To make a transition.

Who knows where I'll end up next?