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Words: Essays on Writing, Reading, and Life
"A book is a box of words, until someone opens it." ~ Ursula K. Le Guin
Jessica McCann has woven together a collection of personal essays and writing tips that offer a unique glimpse into her writing journey and process. She is an award-winning historical novelist and has worked as a professional freelance writer and editor for magazines, universities, corporations, and nonprofits for more than thirty years. In Words, McCann shares her passion for books, as well as research that shows how reading improves our lives. With a philosophy that is equally pragmatic and optimistic, Words will appeal to readers and writers alike.
RUNNING TIME ⇒ 2hrs. and 22mins.
©2020 Jessica McCann (P)2020 Jessica McCann
Jessica McCann has woven together a collection of personal essays and writing tips that offer a unique glimpse into her writing journey and process. She is an award-winning historical novelist and has worked as a professional freelance writer and editor for magazines, universities, corporations, and nonprofits for more than thirty years. In Words, McCann shares her passion for books, as well as research that shows how reading improves our lives. With a philosophy that is equally pragmatic and optimistic, Words will appeal to readers and writers alike.
RUNNING TIME ⇒ 2hrs. and 22mins.
©2020 Jessica McCann (P)2020 Jessica McCann
Audible Audio
First published March 3, 2020
1 person is currently reading
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About the author
Jessica McCann
4 books210 followersReading and writing historical fiction is my passion, though I'm also drawn to memoirs, contemporary fiction, nonfiction, literary classics -- anything with a compelling story. I only review books I enjoyed reading, hence the abundance of 4- and 5-star ratings!
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
January 27, 2020
Words: Essays on Writing, Reading, and Life possesses an immediate resemblance to On Writing, by Stephen King. While that comparison might be presumptuous to liken author Jessica McCann to such an iconic writer, that was my realization about fifty pages into these essays. This book is a concoction of professional, anecdotal, and theoretical lessons on the becoming of a serious writer, delivered in a smooth, memoir-ish voice so deja vu of McCann's fiction. Like King, she spoke of personal writing experiences and how those, in combination with ageless, proven writing lessons, can develop a person into an earnest wordsmith. In an endless sea of books on essays on writing, Words comes across fresher and more genuine than the rest.
February 23, 2020
If you’re a freelance writer or novelist-in-training (or simply a dreamer) and also enjoy memoirs, this slim book may be just what you need. The author shares her nontraditional path to the writing life – and a transition from corporate and nonfiction writing to fiction. Within, you’ll find personal anecdotes and writing tips ranging from how to balance research and feed creativity to ways of overcoming writing fear. A very helpful ‘writing resources’ section is included at the back of the book and, throughout, McCann shares some of her favorite fiction reads as well. This upbeat book showcases the author’s positive outlook on life and the benefit of approaching dreams with a can-do attitude.
May 18, 2020
Jessica McCann's new release, Words: Essays on Writing, Reading, and Life is a remarkable writer's tool and inspiration. I read it one weekend afternoon and garnered so much valuable information from Jessica's advice and experience, I now carry it with me to remind myself I'm not alone in this world of creativity and confusion. Jessica gave me hope as a first time memoirist to keep on believing, as she, too, often finds the writing journey painful--yet rewarding. For the first time I'm now excited about rewrites and revisions, thanks to Jessica's input and coaching. I've ordered both her historical novels as a result of reading Words, All Different Kinds of Free and Peculiar Savage Beauty.
February 28, 2020
Thank you to the author, Jessica McCann, for sending me a copy of her book. McCann, who describes herself as “the kid whose heart races with delight at putting words on the page,” shares her path to becoming a writer and some great practical writing tips. Other writers may find inspiration for their own projects in McCann’s examples, from goal setting to deciding whether to cut a character from a work in progress.
January 15, 2020
Journalist and historical novelist Jessica McCann writes about her unique writing background in Words: Essays on Writing, Reading, and Life. This thoughtful book offers fans of McCann’s novels a behind-the-scenes look at her process and gives writers (new and experienced) hope. Personal essays woven throughout the narrative include stories about her formative and present-day connection to words. She uses setbacks and accomplishments to show her audience the importance of perseverance. Many of the writing and research tips offered are rooted in her own understanding, but she also provides insights and quotes from other authors. Additionally, the importance of reading is emphasized, substantiated by scientific research. Readers of this writing memoir will quickly realize they’ve found a marvelous handbook on how to create a life with meaningful words.
February 27, 2020
Jessica McCann’s book "Words" is aptly named and a delightful read. This slim volume is a thoughtful collection of essays that ponder and reflect on her love of words, books, and writing from a young age. McCann knows of what she speaks. She has earned a living as a full-time writer for more than thirty years, and is the author of two historical novels, "All Different Kinds of Free," and "Peculiar Savage Beauty" both of which received well-deserved acclaim. I happen to have read and enjoyed both books, but "Words" will stand alone even if the reader hasn’t. I thought I would read this book faster, but found myself savoring McCann’s words, and her well-chosen quotes. She included helpful writing resources in the back, which means I will keep this book on my shelf with other books on writing. If you enjoy writing, go ahead. Treat yourself to a copy. If you are thinking about writing, this collection may offer just the motivation you need. It would also make a nice gift for a young, aspiring writer.
February 4, 2025
WORDS, by Jessica McCann, is a tiny book offering enormous possibilities for a writer to consider, whether just starting out on the writing path, or travelling a well-worn trail. This author embraces words to make sense of life and shares her personal journey of learning, growing, and succeeding as a published author.
I bought WORDS because I’m a fanatic about collecting books on the craft of writing. What I didn’t know at the time was how much I would relate with the author’s journey, for example, loving life in the Arizona desert, beginning our careers at the same hospital many years ago, and entering the writing life by volunteering to write articles for a health care entity. And, like me, she started to write creatively just for the sheer joy of it!
McCann’s style of writing is authentic and relatable. Her voice is personal so the book reads almost like memoir but with educational components that don’t feel academic. She shows us, through stories and examples, how words can change lives. When written well, they improve our minds, emotions, and attitudes. Although writing is hard work, the key to success is pretty simple: the writer must have a distinctive voice and a compelling story.
The author’s first two historical fiction novels are briefly mentioned in WORDS. Being the curious person I am, I read samples of each one through my digital library. Those first couple of chapters were so fascinating, I didn’t want the sample to end. So, I bought all three of her novels and can’t wait to dig in!
McCann admits it took her ten years to research, write, and publish her debut novel, All Different Kinds of Free, a testament that all good writing takes time and effort. She uses metaphor to show the reader that, like a delicious stew simmering in the Crock-Pot, “certain things in life cannot be rushed.”
WORDS offers an array of suggestions on process, even the painful part of cutting words we love to move the story forward. “Every detail, every character, every scene, and every action should move the reader closer to the point of your story.” Additional words of wisdom are shared regarding research, editing, and recommended reading/resources.
I have read WORDS twice and will keep it as part of my arsenal of craft books and memoir. What I learned in addition to craft…Take initiative. Volunteer to do what you love…it just might lead to a career. Persevere if you want something badly enough. And conquer the ‘what ifs’ and fears of putting words out into the world.
I bought WORDS because I’m a fanatic about collecting books on the craft of writing. What I didn’t know at the time was how much I would relate with the author’s journey, for example, loving life in the Arizona desert, beginning our careers at the same hospital many years ago, and entering the writing life by volunteering to write articles for a health care entity. And, like me, she started to write creatively just for the sheer joy of it!
McCann’s style of writing is authentic and relatable. Her voice is personal so the book reads almost like memoir but with educational components that don’t feel academic. She shows us, through stories and examples, how words can change lives. When written well, they improve our minds, emotions, and attitudes. Although writing is hard work, the key to success is pretty simple: the writer must have a distinctive voice and a compelling story.
The author’s first two historical fiction novels are briefly mentioned in WORDS. Being the curious person I am, I read samples of each one through my digital library. Those first couple of chapters were so fascinating, I didn’t want the sample to end. So, I bought all three of her novels and can’t wait to dig in!
McCann admits it took her ten years to research, write, and publish her debut novel, All Different Kinds of Free, a testament that all good writing takes time and effort. She uses metaphor to show the reader that, like a delicious stew simmering in the Crock-Pot, “certain things in life cannot be rushed.”
WORDS offers an array of suggestions on process, even the painful part of cutting words we love to move the story forward. “Every detail, every character, every scene, and every action should move the reader closer to the point of your story.” Additional words of wisdom are shared regarding research, editing, and recommended reading/resources.
I have read WORDS twice and will keep it as part of my arsenal of craft books and memoir. What I learned in addition to craft…Take initiative. Volunteer to do what you love…it just might lead to a career. Persevere if you want something badly enough. And conquer the ‘what ifs’ and fears of putting words out into the world.
March 9, 2020
When you're struggling to put something... anything... on the page, we all wish for a friend to nod knowingly as they pass us a glass of wine at the end of the day. Preferably, that friend will also cheer us on. And that friend is Jessica McCann. This book soothes doubts and reassures from another voice in the trenches. A voice who's been there, struggled, been told she can't, and then did anyway. I highly recommend it! And I'll refer back to it often as I stare at the screen willing something to happen.
September 3, 2020
WORDS: Essays on Writing, Reading, and Life by Jessica McCann is part writer’s how-to, part motivational self-help, writer’s journey, and personal memoir. It speaks to the seasoned writer as well as newbies and wannabes. It is enriched with memorable quotes from the likes of Vincent van Gogh and Theodore Roosevelt as well as valuable links to research on nature, history, and storytelling. And yet, WORDS still manages to be a fun, fast read. Well done Ms. McCann!
March 8, 2020
You know I'm going to LOVE any book that starts out with the (probably) age-old wisdom that my ancient babysitter told me repeatedly when I was a child - Becoming a writer requires only one thing - write.
This is a fantastic little book filled with things writers already know, but which are lovely and comforting to read, and it's all couched in a sort of memoir. I very much enjoyed it.
This is a fantastic little book filled with things writers already know, but which are lovely and comforting to read, and it's all couched in a sort of memoir. I very much enjoyed it.
May 25, 2020
It's been a long time since my English major days, and this book has inspired me to want to write again and really write what I want to write. Simple with lots of tips, it has given me insight into some of the how-tos and the discipline of writing without being unrealistic about the work and time it takes. It's just what I need in my life now. Thanks, Jessica!
March 30, 2020
Loved this insight into a writer's life.
It's sure to improve my already insatiable appetite for reading.
It's sure to improve my already insatiable appetite for reading.
May 11, 2020
A small gem for both readers and writers
This should be required reading for every creative writing class. The bibliography at the end is a valuable resource. For readers, this book gives a new appreciation for the writer's craft and inspiration to keep reading.
This should be required reading for every creative writing class. The bibliography at the end is a valuable resource. For readers, this book gives a new appreciation for the writer's craft and inspiration to keep reading.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews