A note from Jane
What’s the worst that could happen?
This is a common reassurance offered to people who risk rejection and it’s well intentioned. Don’t let fear get in the way, what do you have to lose by trying, that sort of thing.
But the question has become a rhetorical one instead of a question meant to be answered. And this can minimize whatever challenge is being faced, as if it’s only about conquering one’s fears.
Lately, when my husband and I face a joint challenge, I pull out a variation of the question: What is the worst-case scenario for you?* Because he and I often have wildly different ideas of what a worst-case scenario is. By expressing in tangible terms what we both fear will end up happening (no matter how far fetched), we might be able to take better next steps.
What’s the worst that could happen? If you can express an answer honestly to someone you trust, then I advocate going through the whole thought spiral. You may uncover a chorus of voices telling you that you’ll never measure up, no one wants you, you’ll never achieve your dreams, you’re wasting time or money. You’re being foolish. You’re embarrassing yourself.
Once you know what you’re dealing with and accept these feelings exist, you might achieve some relief—or at least a better self-understanding.
Jane
* A game partly stolen from the show This Is Us
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Jane’s Electric Speed List
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Easy-to-use teleprompter app
I’ve been dipping my toes into vertical video (the kind you find on Instagram Reels & TikTok) and quickly found myself in need of a teleprompter app. This one works great, even on the free plan.
Medieval cat meme generator
Just take a look. That’s all I’m asking.
Conference goers: how to set up spontaneous lunches, happy hours, dinners, etc
I recently saw a suggestion to use Partiful, an event app, to set up impromptu gatherings that your conference connections can join spontaneously. In a nutshell: You create a QR code and show it to people you’re interested in meeting up with later. What a terrific idea. H/t Wonder Tools
Reader suggestion: projection clock
The following recommendation is from reader Dani Collins: “We got a projection clock years ago to project the time onto the ceiling. So convenient! You don’t have to roll over and look atthe clock—or pick up your phone. You just peek and go back to sleep.” This model is recommended by New York magazine.
Mastering Voice in Fiction with Tiffany Yates Martin / Oct. 8, 1–2:30 p.m. EDT
Voice is among the most important elements of story. It signals we’re in capable hands, and creates books that feel fresh and unique. But voice can be an elusive quality, made even more challenging by the fact that it refers to three distinct areas of writing: author voice, narrative voice, and character voice.
In this class we’ll explore the key components of each: how they overlap and diverge, and how to use all three to create a story that resonates. With plenty of instructive examples, you’ll learn to tap into the power of authentic voice.
Your turn: bedside lamps 🕯️
In the last issue, I asked for bedside lamps or nighttime lights that you love for reading. Here’s a selection of what you said. Several people praised Glocusent (first bullet below).
- I finally found a great travel reading light! It’s USB-charged, has several settings and is lightweight and easy to travel with. Terrible name but I still recommend: Glocusent Bookmark Style Reading Light. —Cynthia Morris
- I love the Lumos light. It’s made for knitters and you sling it around your neck. It’s very lightweight, foldable, and rechargeable, so it’s great for travelling or just keeping your partner in the dark. There are bendable and temperature and brightness adjustable lights at each end. —Kate McEnroe
- For a bedside lamp, I got a Philips SmartSleep Wake-up Light (a dawn simulator alarm clock) during the pandemic, and I love it so much. It’s expensive but totally worth it. I thought I’d primarily use it for the sunrise feature, but in fact I use the sunset feature every night. It dims and red-shifts over the course of a half-hour and makes me feel wonderfully sleepy. —Julie Golick
- Even my bedside lamp is too bright and annoying when my honey is trying to sleep. Ta-da! Rechargeable LED lighted reading glasses. This solves two issues, diminishing eyesight and low light. They need to be charged often but that’s fine. I love them! —Naomi Bellina
- I travel a lot and sometimes end up in places where there is no suitable light at all. I carry with me a LuminAID solar lantern. The basic model is about $33, but I get the one that can also charge my phone in an emergency for about $60. It folds down flat for storage or travel. The device’s invention story is interesting—two women working on a project to help folks in disaster areas. I’m using it this week at a rental unit that has zero appropriate bedroom lighting. —Deb Robson
Next question: You’ll be a guest at someone’s house and you want to bring them a little something. What do you bring? Hit reply and let me know.
Do you have a question you would like Jane to ask all readers? Offer up your suggestion, and she might feature it.
Free resources featuring Jane
Upcoming online classes
Meet Jane at an event
- Red Pencil Conference (Seattle metro area), Nov. 8, 2025
- Books by the Banks (Cincinnati), Nov. 15, 2025
- IPNE Conference (online only), Feb. 20–21, 2026
- AWP Conference (Baltimore, MD), March 4–7, 2026
- Romance Writers of Australia (Darwin, Australia), Aug. 21–23, 2026
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—Marshall McLuhan
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