Those who swam in the waters of Janet Reid’s reef, described her as a shark, QOTKU (Queen of the known Universe), Thumbs to the illustrious cat, the Duchess of Yowl, a mentor, and a fierce friend. And we who were blessed to know her, personally or virtually, were so enriched to be able to call her such. I was fortunate enough to have met her in person on three different occasions.
Janet Reid touched lives of so many writers, and without her, I would not be writing at all anymore. For over a decade, like so many writers, one of the first things I did everyday was to swim over to her blog, to breathe in her humor, words of wisdom, encouragement, and even the sharp admonishment needed to navigate the perilous waters of the publishing world.
As of late, those posts came less often, and a feeling that she was slowing down had been growing. We thought, perhaps, retirement. I don’t think many of us thought she would leave us so soon. It breaks me. I am not alone in this.
Janet Reid passed away this week and a bright candle in the world flickered out and returned to the heavens. The grief is raw and I don’t know if I have the words for how awful this loss is for the world, for the literary community, and for all that knew Janet.
I was not her client, but she always took time to check in, the make sure I was doing all right through my journey. She did not rep fantasy, but she always offered direction and advice. She was in the acknowledgments of my debut book, and so many writers acknowledged her. I can’t tell you how many titles I have picked up to see the writer swooning over her guidance.
She did so much for so many, and not just related to the writing. She cared about our lives, did little things that mattered, checking on us, sending handwritten notes for congratulations or condolences.
And best of all she introduced us writers to one another, gave us allies and friends, made us understand we were not in competition, that there was room for all our voices, and that we made each other better.
We, her loyal Reiders, were often treated to the exploits of a special cat dubbed The Duchess of Yowl. On March 22, 2020 we were treated to this post, Her Grace and Sleekness, The Duchess of Yowl.
It started as most of them do featuring Janet as “Thumbs” navigating some task for the imperious Duchess. I remember laughing, thinking as I always did, that Janet should write a series about the cat, using these humorous posts as the building blocks. They were delightful.
At the end of this last post, I burst out into ugly tears. The Duchess had left a note for her subject, Thumbs.
Dear Thumbs,
I have gone on ahead to my next life.
I took the tuna. I left the cannoli.
I loved the Godfather reference, the brilliance of her turn of phrase that could take you from laughter to despair with such great humor.
I suppose the cannoli is gone now too and Janet is with the Duchess now. Oh, and the cat was not even hers. She watched the Duchess for a friend who traveled quite a bit. But boy, she did love that cat. I am glad they are together again.
I will miss Janet Reid forever. Her legacy to the literary world is immeasurable. And this is a clumsy tribute. Below are linked some better words than I can muster at the moment.
In Memoriam: Janet Reid, the QueryShark by Colin D. Smith
It's Who You Know by Bruce Borgos
Rest in peace, dear friend. And try not to let the Duchess scratch my pug too much. Frankie means well.
I can't believe it. Hugs!
Aw geez. You made me start crying again. I will always be grateful to Janet for not only this community, but for proving to us that community is possible in a world that is filled with so much division. I was never lucky to meet Janet in real life, but I met several other Raiders out here in the "real" world.
The Duchess of Yowl was one of my favorite characters I met on The Reef. It gives me some comfort to think they are together again. Janet has left a giant shark sized hole in the universe with her departure.