Farewell to the Queen

Adding my wail to the universe on the departure of a stellar human

I wrote this ‘toon for my dear departed friend Jude, who left us 10 years ago this month. I find I always am drawn back to this ‘toon every time someone I wish was still in this world with me departs to the unknown realms. There have been far too many of late.

The latest departure is that of Janet Reid, Query Shark to some, QOTKU to others (if you know, you know) and to a small select group, brilliant literary agent. To those I send send my deepest sympathies. I can’t imagine the pain they are experiencing now. But even those of us who never rose to that exalted rank benefitted from her words of wisdom.

The inter webs are a wild and woolly place. Snark abounds. There are dark scary places here. Janet’s daily blog was a shining example of the community that was possible. In amongst the advice and counsel that Janet shared, relationships were built, experience was shared, progress was celebrated. It became something of an addiction to start my day there, reading the post of the day and then finding myself an hour or more later still reading and answering comments. Last year (or was it the year before? Time has no meaning anymore) Janet stepped back from daily postings, to just occasional posts.

I lost track, I lost the thread. But I kept her blog bookmarked and stopped in every now and then to see if there was anything new.

Some people seem immortal, or seem like they should be immortal. Some people you really hope are not immortal. I think it is as much shock as sorrow that Janet is gone. I never met her. My only point of contact was her blog. But much of my understanding of the publishing business comes from what she shared.

Beyond what she shared about writing and publishing, the most important thing she shared was her community, and the idea that community is possible and that it is not bound by geography or politics or identity.

To all the other Reef Dwellers out there, you are in my thoughts. In our shared grief may we find comfort and community. I love you all.

I hope you’ll read

E.M. Goldsmith

‘s tribute to Janet. She also shares several other links to remembrances by some of the other dwellers in Carkoon.

Fare thee well, my Queen. Give my fond regards to the Duchess of Yowl.