The Guardian’s Rules for Writers is a great resource. Here’s the link to Sarah Water’s ) rules. I especially liked her advice in number 9. “Pace is crucial. Fine writing isn’t enough. Writing students can be great at producing a single page of well-crafted prose; what they sometimes lack is the ability to take the […]
Read the rest of this entry »Archive for the 'Jessica Page Morrell' Category
A Guide to Using Semi-Colons
In my work I see writers struggle with certain punctuation marks again and again. The culprits are semi-colons :, em dashes—, and the ubiquitous comma ,. Like me don’t you wonder who the heck came up with all these rules? But all grousing aside, they’re brilliant little traffic signs and help move readers through text. […]
Read the rest of this entry »Fiction is About the Cost of Things
Fiction is about the cost of things. The plot should always somehow scar or wound the protagonist and put something valuable at risk. Protagonists suffer. Period. Paying heavy costs make characters relatable. I swear by these statements. Use them to guide your storytelling because it creates stakes, motivation, and tension. Fictional characters take more risks […]
Read the rest of this entry »Yoga for Writers
I don’t know about you, but I spend time every day trying to undo the effects of sitting in front of a computer. Always stretching and bending and taking breaks. Here’s a yoga routine suggested by one of my medical providers from Yoga With Adriene.
Read the rest of this entry »The novels I remember best
“The novels I remember best have empathetic characters whose motives I understand–even if I don’t agree with them–and a plot I can’t stop thinking about. The best novels make me think–that could happen, and what would I do if it happened to me?” ~ Amanda Patterson
Read the rest of this entry »Reading Deeply and Roddy Doyle
Bleak November skies this morning and the impeachment inquiry is airing on television. These days I feel like I’m taking a law course by following the news and activities across our government. Make that several courses. When I’m reading a new author or a beloved author with a new book out I often research the […]
Read the rest of this entry »End Strong
We’ve had early rains this autumn, but the colors splashed around are russet, lemon, gold and scarlet. I’ve officially turned into one of those cranks who complain about how fast time passes. Typically, October has found me gob smacked because once Halloween is over, the runaway slide toward the holidays seems to pick up speed. […]
Read the rest of this entry »Talking about writing with Rachel Hanley
I was interviewed by the talented Rachel Hanley. A few thoughts on writing and editing and persevering. With many thanks and yes, my head shot is dated. Keep writing, Keep dreaming, Have heart
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