A peek into my office, some exciting news and a discourse on the value of books

This is what my desk corner looks like.

I started my adult life as an English/journalism teacher. That career has since morphed into a new one: photographer and writer.

Those who know me well – specifically my best friend from college – know that throughout my college years (and some time beyond that), I carried a pocket-sized dictionary, thesaurus and stylebook in my purse.

They were lifelines for me. At any time, I could find the meaning of a word, locate an adjective that wasn’t overused and make sure I chose the correct preposition, adverb or punctuation mark.

A couple of years ago, my friend was back in town and we were out having coffee when she fondly reminisced … or, perhaps made fun of me a little … about the “library reference section” in my purse. Suddenly, after a few years of staying at home with my kids, I was shocked that I had abandoned those pocket-sized books!

But then, I realized I hadn’t – thanks to my smartphone! I have the latest version of the AP Stylebook, a dictionary and a thesaurus at my fingertips. I am completely covered!

I’ve written before about my typewriter, and sometimes I get a bit too nostalgic, but I do enjoy these books sitting on my desk – they seem ready to be called into service at any moment. Pages, both pristine and marked up, sit awaiting the duty that is theirs alone.

Why this little peek into my life – more closely, my desk?

Well, today I received a contract for an article that will run in a national magazine. I am so incredibly proud of the person who inspired this article and I truly hope that this helps him further his deepest desire – to help others. Look for a link when it publishes early next year. These books, the dedication of the key players in the article and my dear (fellow grammar-nerd) sister-in-law (who painstakingly worked to cut nearly 300 words from the original) helped me achieve this goal.

My message today? Don’t give up on these volumes of immense wisdom – love your reference books!

OK. And love ALL of your inspirations, too!

If you enjoy my blog, please consider “liking” my Facebook page – Just Writing Through.

And, I know I need some updated images there, but I haven’t had any snow to photograph!