Word by Word

Practical insights for writers from Jessica P Morrell

Archive for the 'Jessica Page Morrell' Category

Read the rest of this entry »

Why are we reading, if not in hope of beauty laid bare…

“Why are we reading, if not in hope of beauty laid bare, life heightened and its deepest mystery probed? Why are we reading if not in hope that the writer will magnify and dramatize our days, will illuminate and inspire us with wisdom, courage, and the possibility of meaningfulness, and will press upon our minds […]

Read the rest of this entry »

Portland, OR area writers I’ll be speaking on June 4

  We’ve got another cloudy morning here in the Pacific Northwest as spring winds down.  I’m working on another manuscript with the deadline fast approaching–it’s the third in a thriller series and is appropriately twisty, fast-paced, and more than a little scary. As usual, I’m trying to turn up the thrill and tension. And speaking […]

Read the rest of this entry »

Tribal: Part 2

We’ve got a changing weather pattern happening that’s destined to hang around after a bout of cold, unseasonal  temperatures, waking to frost in May, snow accumulations in the mountains, and profound rainfalls drenching the valleys. On Sunday I ventured out to a giant, outdoor plant and garden sale wearing a heavy sweatshirt and jeans, tbick […]

Read the rest of this entry »

Tribal: Advice for Writers

It’s a chalky-sky morning here in the Pacific Northwest. It started raining last Thursday and there have been deluges and downpours and drizzles. This is a pause before more rain returns tonight. I’m still practically swooning in gratitude. Because rain washes away pollen. Let me set the table here: Over the years I’ve become allergic […]

Read the rest of this entry »

May

Read the rest of this entry »

Frodo says…they keep going

Read the rest of this entry »

April already?

It’s a Saturday afternoon in the lovely Pacific Northwest. Despite medications {plural} my is head thick and eyes burning from allergies as the nearby, behemoth cottonwoods are blooming. Not to mention all the other trees around here. Then, too, my back is complaining from yesterday’s gardening bout that included digging and hoeing.  So I’ve been […]

Read the rest of this entry »

Read the rest of this entry »

Pay Attention

Do stuff, be clenched, curious.  Not waiting for inspiration’s shove or society’s kiss on your forehead. Pay attention. It’s all about paying attention, attention is vitality. It connects you with others. It makes you eager. Stay eager. ~ Susan Sontag, Vassar College commencement address

Read the rest of this entry »