Jessica McCann's Blog

Three Wild Dogs (and the truth)* by Markus Zusak The first thing you need to know is that this is a memoir. The second thing you need to know is that it’s the first book I’ve read by Markus Zusak (and it won’t be the last). The third thing you need to know is it’s … Read More

When a couple has been together 35 years, they develop a sort of code for sharing opinions. For example, when I tell my husband that his guy movie is “hilarious,” he knows I mean idiotic. (Think anything with Chevy Chase.) Likewise, when he remarks that a book is “literary” or “poignant,” what he really means … Read More

My latest article at WritersDigest.com highlights why neurodiversity adds richness to literature and life, with tips to creating authentic characters on the autism spectrum. Writing on the Spectrum: The Importance of Stories by and about People with Autism The article also highlights the Arizona Author Book Festival taking place in Phoenix, April 27, 2025. I … Read More

A technique for writing and for life. Post-impressionist painter Vincent Van Gogh said, “Great things are done by a series of small things brought together.” His distinctive technique consists of bold brushstrokes and contrasting colors to create a bigger picture of vibrant intensity and emotion. Big is wonderful. Yet, big is often overwhelming. Small is … Read More

The Framed Women of Ardemore House by Brandy Schillace A friend brought this book to my attention because it is written by a woman on the autism spectrum and the novel’s protagonist is also on the spectrum. Those of you who know me also know my son is on the spectrum, as is a main … Read More

I’m so grateful to announce my novel Bitter Thaw received the Gold Award for historical fiction in the 2023 Foreword INDIES Awards.

There were so many wonderful novels in the finalist list, and I’m honored to have been in such esteemed company. Congratulations to all the finalists and winners!

Click below to read more.
Foreword INDIES Gold Award for Historical Fiction

Grateful to Atmosphere Press for this lovely interview about my latest historical novel, Bitter Thaw.

It includes some background on how I came up with the story premise and title. Check it out!

An Interview with Author Jessica McCann

What’s your puzzling behavior? Mine is much like my writing behavior. Once I begin a jigsaw puzzle or writing project, I am compelled to finish it – no matter how difficult, no matter how long it takes. Recently, I worked on a puzzle that taught me an important lesson about letting go. Letting go is … Read More

The Tucson Festival of Books author selection committee has invited me to appear in the Indie Author Pavilion. This is the first time I’ll be attending the festival as an author, and I’m thrilled. I’ll be on hand for a few hours on Saturday to chat with attendees and sign books. Come one, come all! … Read More

Reading multiple perspectives will help you as a writer (and a human being) to understand what other people are thinking, feeling, and grappling with in life. The mistakes they’ve made. The obstacles they’ve overcome. What they’ve learned from those experiences. Memoirs allow you to get inside the author’s head. And when you’re in her head, … Read More