Word by Word

Practical insights for writers from Jessica P Morrell

Archive for the 'Jessica Page Morrell' Category

January

Read the rest of this entry »

And so 2020 ends…

I hope you have many reasons to celebrate a new year. I hope you have writing projects that challenge you, friends who cheer you,  and a pile of thick books that will last through this next season. Thank you to anyone who has stopped by. There’s been heartbreak and upheaval in my life this past […]

Read the rest of this entry »

Stalk your Calling

We can live any way we want. People take vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience–even of silence–by choice. The thing is to stalk your calling in a certain skilled and supple way, to locate the most tender and live spot and plug into that pulse. This is yielding, not fighting. ~ Annie Dillard, Live Like […]

Read the rest of this entry »

December

Read the rest of this entry »

“Gratitude is the memory of the heart.” ~ Jean-Baptiste Massieu

Never has there been a more important time, year, season to focus on gratitude and extend it whenever possible. Wishing all a day of peace, hope, and thankfulness.   Vincent van Gogh – The Harvest – Van Gogh Museum

Read the rest of this entry »

From an Editor’s Desk: Follow Their Eyes

With the holidays upon us, I’m especially grateful  for all the good things and people in my life, the small joys that bring so much simple pleasure. A walk with a friend, an engrossing novel, spring blooms, autumn leaves, watching seasons change, the first sip of tea in the morning, dinner simmering in the kitchen. […]

Read the rest of this entry »

Character arcs happen mostly in action

Read the rest of this entry »

Historical Accuracy and other Peeves: Skip the hugs and kisses.

With apologies–an early draft to this article was mistakenly published before it was completed. Updated November 17. Obviously I’m not alone in declaring this a humbling, angst-filled, anxiety-inducing year. Did I mention fattening?  Like many millions around the world, I’m following the COVID numbers with growing horror and paranoia. I’ve been wearing a mask and […]

Read the rest of this entry »

November

Read the rest of this entry »

From an editor’s desk: Accuracy and how not to screw up sight lines, fisticuffs, and body blows

I taught virtual workshops last month and before teaching one on editing, I was asked to comment on typical mistakes, red flags, and screw-ups that are easily noticed in manuscripts. I’m going to list them here, starting with something that drives me kind of batty. File it under A for Accuracy. Forget Hollywood, John Wick, […]

Read the rest of this entry »