So Short It's A Sentence

It's impossible to offer an opinion online without offending someone. And I want you to like me, I want everyone to like me (I probably need to work on this) so I have tried over the years to file down some of my edges. Whenever possible I limit my observations to noting that kittens are cute or the sun, it is sunny. It's safer that way. So I know as I type this that someone is going to identify with it and feel annoyed and I am sorry. Really I am. But...

I have never understood the point of writing a personal blog and withholding information from it. I mean really big major things, like "We abruptly moved to Rome last month after Carl's bail hearing" or "I haven't wanted to say anything but I'm seven months pregnant." I might choose not to mention that Steve - maddened by pain apparently - punched a hole in the kitchen wall last night after accidentally kicking the edge of the open dishwasher door but only because I don't want you to think he's a sociopath. Besides it's not relevant to the general scheme of things. It can be left out of the Clif Notes, if you see what I mean. But, by and large, I try to keep you posted on the things that matter to me. After all, this is my blog. What else is there to write about?

So it has been killing me that I have been unable for the past month to tell you this: REDBOOK laid me off, let me go, released me from our monthly agreement and I am heartbroken. HEARTBROKEN, my god. I got an email at the end of January asking for a phone call and I thought "Hmmm, that's not good" and sure enough it wasn't. They were very nice about it but, you know, freelance budgets or lack thereof and no bail-out in sight for the downtrodden journalist whose only area of expertise is herself.

Anyway, I wrote my last post at REDBOOK today. I knew it was too good to last. Who in their right minds would continue to pay me to piffle for any period of time? Still, I loved that I had a job and it was all mine and I really worked hard to meet my obligations there. And now it's over. So I cried this afternoon. That is all. 

Comments

[Kate]

I am so sorry to hear it. I looked forward to your Redbook entries, and I have to honestly say that I have never found the other submissions to the blog very interesting.

[Cathy]

I'm very sorry to hear about REDBOOK. It must really hurt to lose it, but don't give up. You have such a way with words and such a good heart.

[another Julia]

Oh, so sad! My dad was recently laid off and it has made me realize how tough it is to receive that kind of rejection, even when the big reason behind it is general economic problems. Hang in there...

[christa]

Well, that it crappy. It's been so delightful to get a chance to read so much of your writing. What a huge loss for you and for Redbook blog readers.

[Akimbo]

Lurker here.

OH NO. You are the only reason I checked the Redbook site. I won't be going back after I read your last post.

I am sorry. That sucks donkey balls.

[beyond]

very sorry to hear that. i will miss reading your posts there. having a good cry is healthy. will it help if i say that other doors are sure to open for you?

[Angela]

Very sorry to read this. I enjoyed your posts over there. Although I'll be glad not to have to click over to the site from my feed reader. But that's a bright side for me, not for you, so again I go back to the point -- I'm sorry you got laid off.

[cynthia at the sandwich life]

I'm so terribly sorry. I can't help but think that something else will come along given your talent...

you are one of my VERY favorite blogs despite the fact that I never comment...

[Erin]

Aw. I'm so sorry. You are such a delightful writer, I have been reading this blog for more years than I care to count (because then I will start down that whole "hmmm, a lot of time has gone by, wow, I am getting old, WHY ME WHYYYYYYYYY" road) and I followed you on Redbook, too. I don't even have kids, hell, I'm not even married yet (wait for it: "so much time has gone by, WHY ME WHY?" hee hee) and yet I adore the tales you tell of your highly lovable family. Punched holes in the kitchen wall and all. Surely someone as talented as you are will not go without a paid writing gig for long. Hang in there! This damn economy is bound to hit an upswing at some point.

[Jenn]

I'm sorry to hear that - I enjoyed having two places to read your writing. It's certainly Redbook's loss as that blog is effectively dead now without you contributing to it.

[Nony Mouse]

Aww, that sucks. :-( If any blogger should be paid for writing, it's you. I hope another opportunity comes up soon!

[hydrogeek]

I just read the goodbye post a bit ago and was so sad for you. It was affirming (in a karmic type "look, good things DO happen to good people" kind of way) to see your witty writing over there, and I'm sorry they've had to let you go. Sounds like there will be several of us not clicking over there anymore. Good luck with the next gig.

[victoria]

I am in shock. I can't believe they chose to save money by cutting YOU. I need a well-crafted sentence, and you met that need better than any other magazine writer I've ever encountered. Maybe the chapters of Jamacia Kincaid's "Lucy," when they were first serialized in The New Yorker, count as an example of magazine writing on a par with yours. Honestly, I just don't see any other writers who produce regularly on a deadline whose craftsmanship comes anywhere near yours. I mean, not to disrespect REDBOOK or anything, but -- you have boatloads of talent. Enough talent to sink the whole REDBOOK ship -- and all their other writers are quite good. What were they thinking? Have they no taste?

[margot]

You caught the Layoff Bug too! It's like a bad flu, isn't it? I'm so sorry, hope you get to find another equally engaging & paying gig soon. Goodness knows we could all use more of those things too...I'm also sorta bummed, I only ever read REDBOOK because of you and now there's less Julia stories out there to read. Alas!

[Carla Hinkle]

Can I be honest here? I thought your column was the only even vaguely interesting offering at REDBOOK. Julie's infertility diaries used to be good, but then she left and all that was left was you. The other authors (no offense if they may be reading here) were, quite frankly, boring. Boring, boring, boring. Their writing had no style, no interesting developments, nothing.

I really, really enjoy your writing. In my opinion (and I read a CRAPLOAD of blogs so I have some basis) there isn't anyone else out there who writes like you. Your style is quite distinctive. And it is one of my very favorites. It doesn't matter what you write about ... it is your presentation that makes it great.

I am so sorry about the job, though. I know you probably have very little time to look for new gigs but if you did, I am sure you would find one quickly.

Drink some wine, milady.

[Sarah]

I remember growling when google reader suddenly started reducing the Redbook feed to just the title. I couldn't tell who the authors were of the posts, and I had to click through to the sloppy pop-uppey Redbook main site to see if it was your writing (yay!) or not (earnest attempts, but never compelling writing at all).
I mourn the loss of lovely self-affirming dollars earned in your chosen trade. Hopefully a little adoration will help smooth things over until another gig comes along.

[Roxane]

Oh no! That really sucks. I can't believe that they would do that. What are they thinking?! They must know that most of the visits to their site was from your blog readers. They are really out to lunch on that call!

I just love your writing and have been following your for years now. Thanks for all of the laughs! You really have a gift.

[Melissa H]

Bummer! I'm so sorry, I loved your redbook posts. I have faith another gig will come along--you are too amazing a writer to not be paid for this stuff. Good luck!!

[jenn]

Julia,
I am sorry to hear that. I'm sure that you are hurting right now.

BUT.

Like one commenter has already mentioned, you were the only reason I checked the Redbook site. I tried many, many times to comment on your posts there and their Byzantine registration system never accepted my registration. I even emailed them, to no avail. I gave up, read, enjoyed, and saved my comments for your posts here.

Also:

You are one of the best writers in the Blogosphere. Really. No, REALLY. I'm a voracious, but demanding reader (English major, former English teacher, you get my drift...). Your writing is outstanding.

Add to that:

Your story is captivating. Your struggles with infertility, Patrick's quirky interests, mothering twins - this is fascinating stuff. It is a book waiting to be written (and, thanks to your blog posts, practically written already).

So, cry. Eat some chocolate. Drink some wine. Stare mournfully out of the window for awhile and grieve the end of an era. Then pick yourself up, find a literary agent, and write your story into a book.

I guarantee you it will sell. Hugs!

[Sarah]

Really, you were the only reason to read the Redbook blogs, and I tried to say as much there. I was surprised several times at the mediocre writing by staff members. I understand that "editorial" encompasses a number of valuable organizational skills, but should you be allowed to call yourself an "editor" if you write things like "I was laying in bed"? I presume that Redbook editors did not really read your contributions as evidenced by the fact that one posed the same question you raised about the tooth fairy only shortly before. It is their loss, Julia. Pretty clearly, they are concerned with the least common denominator. Shall we try to stir up some stay-at-home--work-out-of-the-house controversy yet again?
Please, do not go away from the personal blog. Sometimes it is the bright spot in my day.

[Sela]

Delurking to say that you were the only reason I ever went to the Redbook site - and that I love your writing enough that I kept going back, even though that site crashes my browser nine times out of ten.

I'm glad I'll still get to read you here, and I hope someone else snaps you up to write for them soon!

[The Girl]

Well... I would pay you. I think you're great. I'm sorry about REDBOOK. Stupid goddamned economy. You're super, it's not you. (I just realized I'm typing like the computer in that one book where the computer is crazy? Short and choppy and sort of "Hal. We cannot do this, Hal. I cannot allow this." My apologies.) You really are great.

[Catherine]

Can't say it any better than the previous commenters. Your writing there was the only reason I visited. I enjoy your writing immensely and hope another paying gig comes your way soon!

[Liz]

Oh, that sucks. I liked having another place to go to read you. Two blogs! Very bonus. Anyway, I'm sure something else will come along, because you are a great writer and the fan base will demand it.

[sinda]

I'm so sorry! I echo others here - you're the only reason I go to their site AT ALL.

Dare I hope you continue with the same level of production, only here? Or at least, until some genius offers you a paying gig?

[Amy]

I am so sorry to hear that. I really enjoyed reading your blog at REDBOOK. It was the only reason I ever went on the site (and went through the trouble of registering). I was just tickled when you posted my question about my non-sleeping 3-year-old for answers.

Your writing is wonderful, and it is REDBOOK's loss, as much as it may feel like your loss now. Your fans will continue reading you here, and hopefully you will continue to get other writing opportunities.

[Sarah]

I forgot to say in my earlier comment I would pay to read you if only I were solvent myself.
I lost a free-lance job myself in 2003 and it was surprisingly painful, so I extend my sympathy. I am sorry for you--I am sorry for me and for your other readers.

[Veronica]

Heh, and here I was hoping that I could maybe earn something freelancing [badly]. Fully expecting my partner to come home without a job today. Sigh.

[Shannon]

I commented on Redbook, but I really feel compelled to comment here too (even though I never comment, so sorry for my lurky-loo-ness!). You were the absolute only reason I ever ventured over to Redbook. I have less than zero desire to ever go back now. From the sound of it, they will be losing quite a bit of whatever ad revenue the blog brought them.

To echo other sentiments, your voice is refreshing, your story captivating (plus your children are simply charming). You clearly have some devoted followers here and we will do our best to help you through this through our witty and supportive comments (however helpful, or not, those might be). And through buying the book that you will write!

And also, if you move to Boulder, CO, I will console you in person with wine and chocolate and even watch your winsome children while you forget about your troubles out on the town :-) I'm so sorry you have had to go through this.

[Veronica]

Whoops! I meant to add that I am so sorry to hear about Redbook letting you go.

[JessicaP]

Ah, I am sorry to hear this.

Julia, I really like your style and it's a shame that writing talent doesn't necessarily offset freelance budgets on the REDBOOK corporate side of things. The fact that you treated the REDBOOK blog much like your personal one was the key to its success, in my opinion. It always seemed like the other columnists didn't quite get the concept or were unwilling to share anything deeper than the bare minimum surface type of stuff. You put serious thought and commitment into your efforts at REDBOOK and it showed, so it's truly a shame they let you go.

So kudos to you on a job well done and now it's onward and upward from here.

[winecat]

Serious bummer, but as many people ahead of me I only went to Redbook to read your column.

Look at it this way know you have more time to concentrate on your book. I''m sure Edward and Caroline would be more than happy to cooperate by taking 5 hour naps (ha,ha) so you could get your creative juices flowing.

[May]

Don't cry. So they will lose their Mom Moment readers, and if they have any sense, call you up apologizing for their lack of forethought! I have to tell you - although I did enjoy them, this blog seems more....you.
And also - I adore that you speak so openly about your life. I agree that's what we find so enchanting about your blog (well, that and your vocabulary & writing style, oh and really adorable children with great story/photos...can I get an amen?).
big hugs

That sucks for you and for us readers, too. Your posts were the only ones I read. I tried to read the others and I am sure those moms are nice and smart and all, but you're all that (it seems) AND a gifted writer. So everyone's loss. But may this lead to bigger and better things for you, writing-wise.

[Beth]

I'm so sorry. In your last post over there, you sounded sad, and I'm glad you wrote about that here. I always looked forward to reading your writing in both venues, and even my husband, who relentlessly makes fun of me for reading blogs, likes the way you write about your kids. We look forward to many more years of your writing, and hope that this is just a small setback in the ongoing good life.

[susan too]

I am really sorry that you feel bad- but you are destined for greater things than that site. Someone is sure to snap you up for another site, if thats what you want. I am surprised though, you are the only reason I ever went there. And I agree, the other writers were boring. I always wondered why they were there. On with a book!

[Pam L]

Well, that's a bummer! I enjoyed those two-fer days when I would find a new post here and then there as well. But, one door closes etc. etc. etc. Now you have time to start on that book everyone so subtly mentions when they have read you for more than one post. Why not now?

[Stephanie O]

I almost never comment, but I have to say that I'm so sorry for this! You will certainly be missed over there, and I know for sure their blog will fade back to obscurity (it's getting kicked out of my feed reader for sure - you were the only reason it was there).

:)
Stephanie

[Molly]

Well that just sucks. I never bothered to read the other mom moment bloggers because they were really really boring. Now I can toss that one out of my feed reader. Hey, I wonder if Offsprung.com pays its bloggers?

[txmama]

Oh, it's definitely leaving my RSS feed. And the other person, who I'm sure is lovely, did not write nearly as interesting posts. I'm sorry you are sad!

[haus]

I'm truly sorry to hear it, but I can't help but believe that you'll have another (better?) offer to write again soon. You're too good to languish for long!

[JoAnn]

I'm echoing everyone else here, and I would have commented at Redbook earlier, but I never managed to get registered to the point where they'd let me post comments. I found you at the infertility diaries, and along with Julie, became hooked on your writing style. My first thought as I read your post was that I was done checking the Redbook site, the editors seem like really nice women, but they aren't writers. You, my friend, are a marvelous one.

[JoAnn]

I'm echoing everyone else here, and I would have commented at Redbook earlier, but I never managed to get registered to the point where they'd let me post comments. I found you at the infertility diaries, and along with Julie, became hooked on your writing style. My first thought as I read your post was that I was done checking the Redbook site, the editors seem like really nice women, but they aren't writers. You, my friend, are a marvelous one.

[Jen]

I shan't read them anymore! I'd be loyal to you anyway, but honestly, your writing was the only writing worth reading over there. I was always disappointed when I clicked on a new post from my feed reader and it wasn't you. (And I hope Kim doesn't read this, it isn't her fault, I wouldn't want to make her feel bad.) I'm glad to know what really happened.

I'll pay you to write for me exclusively. :) I can afford about fifty cents an hour. Interested? You can email me stories.

[Sydnew]

I am so sorry you're sad about it. I feel a little guilty because I read your post there before this one and thought, thank goodness, I don't ever have to come back to the Redbook, and promptly deleted it from my feed, without even considering that you might be feeling unhappy about it. Very selfish of me! And yet, I'm still relieved that I don't ever have to go back there. It was nice that they paid you, but it's a really annoying site.

Have you considered allowing ads on this site? I know people don't get rich of off them but I'd happily click-through a few for you.

[S]

I am a lurker most of the time, too. I love your blog and am sorry to hear about the job.
(HUGS)

[Katie]

Julia, I'm sorry to hear this! I rarely comment but wanted to chime in with an "I love your writing!"

[Cadence Daly]

I'm so sorry you are sad about losing the Redbook gig, and I'm sorry to have one less place to read your writing.

I've been smitten with you and your talent ever since I found you, eagerly devoured all your archives, and would happily follow you anywhere you might end up contributing your trademark wit and wisdom. Pipefitting Frontiers. English Smocking Quarterly. Society for Red-Haired Philatelists. Seriously.

I would encourage you to research ways in which you might monetize your writing here on the internets, such as a subscription blog or newsletter. I know I would pay real cash money* to read you on a regular basis; frequent emails in my in-box from Julia Hippogriffs? Heaven!

You might also look into self-publishing collections of your writing in book form. Technology has made possible Print on Demand and other self-publishing options that allow any individual a chance to disseminate their work with minimal expense. I dare say, you have quite a built-in fan base to get you started.

Let us know when and where we might get to read more of you!

*I am not kidding.

[Mommyjoanie]

I registered at Redbook just to tell them they were crazy to let you go. I won't be going back to their site and removed them from my favorites. Their other writers don't make me laugh or cry or smile - you always do. I look forward to continuing to read your wonderful musings on motherhood and life. You are too good for them. Something better will be coming along.

[chavale]

I commented over at Redbook (where I hope the editors are sadly mulling over their decision in a smoke-filled room) but just wanted to reiterate: you're fab. Keep writing, we'll keep reading, wherever it is.