Word by Word

Practical insights for writers from Jessica P Morrell

Archive for March, 2012

Turning Pro

©Jessica Morrell There is no mystery to turning pro. It’s a decision brought about by an act of will. We make up our minds to view ourselves as pros, and we do it, simple as that. ~ Stephen Pressfield File this column under my annual pep talk. Something you might hear from a hard ass […]

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Line by Line workshop

Line by Line: How to Rewrite, Rework & Reword March 24, 9-5 Tabor Space, 5441 S.E. Belmont, Portland, OR Cost: $75 Every good writer is also an editor. The tough thing about self-editing is learning what to keep, what to lose, and what to leave well enough alone. For some this can be difficult because […]

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“And yet, words are the passkeys to our souls. Without them, we can’t really share the enormity of our lives.” ~ Diane Ackerman

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The best advice on writing I’ve ever received is to take it seriously, because to do it well is all-consuming. David Guterson

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Good Advice, Bad Advice?

Bad Advice? Good Advice? ©Jessica P. Morrell “You write to be read. That is the bottom line.” ~ Jane Yolen While teaching and working with writers I’ve heard them parrot all sorts of advice by well-known authors, experts, and cranks. And I’ve concluded that there sure is a lot of lousy advice aimed at writers. […]

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