bookpublishing

So a few personal reflections that have resonated with me lately… I’ve done a lot of thinking about where I want to work. In publishing, it’s practically a cardinal sin not to work in NYC if you’re close enough to relocate–or at least to aspire to it. I’m torn on this. I really think I’d enjoy the publishing that occurs in New York (fiction, specifically), but I have no interest in working or living in that particular city. It’s not even the pace or the pressure that bothers me; it’s more like the total lack of aesthetics. In New York, I can’t take a lunch break at the beach, and I’d be lucky to find a free park bench if I could even find a tree to sit under. I can’t take a leisurely drive or run to the supermarket to pick up some groceries during my break, nor can I run home to watch a quick TV show. I’d never feel completely alone or at peace or feel surrounded by quiet. I couldn’t get up and drive at a moment’s notice to a faraway friend’s house or to see family an hour away. It’s a totally different experience than what I enjoy in a small town in Connecticut. And considering my gripes about how expensive it is to live in this state, I can’t even imagine what it would be like to live in New York. I know for certain: I wouldn’t be able to afford a gorgeous, cozy, large, nearly antique studio with my own bathroom and kitchen with free water and heat. And while Connecticut gets 5-7 inches of snow, I might never know it happened because any snow that does fall mixes with dirt so quickly it becomes a new layer of sidewalk.

I’ve always had a hard time really appreciating New York. And I thought I was destined to dislike cities everywhere. But then I found out how much I love Washington, D.C. So much of the layout, architecture, historical aspects, and green space are constructed to be aesthetically pleasing that it seems so unlike a city at times. It’s much easier to drive around and easier to find your way. Like New England in the fall, DC in the spring is something to behold (I’m told). Sure it’s expensive. It doesn’t get nearly as much snow as CT (although that could certainly be a good thing), and it gets a lot hotter in the summer. But it sure helps me appreciate city life a lot more.

So, great. I could live in DC but work there? What kind of publishers would one find there? Mostly newspapers, magazines, and journals. Much more focus on news and politics and business. None of those options are bad ones, but it would be a big adjustment and a much different kind of work. Probably more money too, so that is a plus.

I’ve also begun thinking about Boston as an option. My family is from the area and it would be relatively simple to live in the suburbs and commute in. I love the Boston attitude and way of life… and it helps that I’m a Red Sox and Patriots fan. Too bad it’s even harder to get around than New York! But it does offer a lot of similar publishing jobs to what New York offers.

For the moment I’m happy to stay where I am, publishing books I love and enjoying the rural atmosphere and small town charm. I can swing by the beach just a mile or 2 down the road and drive to either New York or Boston (or DC) for a visit with ease.

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