My Work
Find writing samples by clicking on the images below.
Want to know more?
Click on any of the headers below for in-depth info.
I coach authors in an online peer group and help polish manuscripts and queries—so you can navigate the path to traditional publication with confidence and support.
I paid $600 to a research institute and drove to Texas…The tester people came back and said, “You would be good at disaster management and writing.”
I’m available for: readings of my work, author interviews, sitting on and/or facilitating a conference panel(s), delivering a keynote speech, emceeing your literary event, school visits, or leading a workshop.
Check out my full list of workshops.
Questions? Comments? Interested in booking me for a speaking event? I’d love to hear from you!
I’d love to meet you in real life. Check out my upcoming events, and hopefully I’ll see you there!
You don’t have to take my word for it.
Learn more by checking out radio spots, interviews, reviews, and video.
2018 Best Reads
I read 80 books in 2018. Since my Goodreads goal was 75, that makes me pretty happy. By read, I mean all the way to “the end.” If I give up on a book it doesn’t count toward my goal. Sometimes, if I’m slogging through a book, guilting myself to get to the last page, […]
Let’s work together! Apply by February 15, 2019 for spring coaching session.
2019 feels full of potential and unexpected surprises, just like that book you’ve been working on. Now’s the time to polish your manuscript and build your writing support system. You can do both in my spring coaching session. (Learn the full details here.) The session runs March 15th-July 15th and includes: One full developmental edit […]
I’m Going to Pavlov Dog the Crap Out of this Meditation Stuff
When I saw MEDITATION on the daily schedule at my writers’ retreat my first thought was: that hippy crap will never work for me. My brain runs one-million miles per hour with no exit ramps or stop signs. There is no way in hell I’d be able to sit and chant “ohm” for an hour […]
What you are saying.
Quotes from my readers.
“Thank you SO much for your edit letter and comments within the manuscript.
So helpful, constructive, thought-provoking and spot on. You have picked me up on so many things I didn’t even know I was doing!
Thank you so much for energising* me to make this story into something so much better than it is. I know I can make it 100 times better and your suggestions have guided me on how to do that!”
*Paula lives in Australia, so I kept her Australian spelling as is.
- Paula G.-Coaching Client in response to Developmental Edit LetterI appreciate how Jessica provides pragmatic, practical advice as well as affirming the lived, often times emotional experience of being a writer.
- Mary S.-Attendee of How to Find (and Be) A Great Critique Partner WorkshopI’m a young writer feeling lost in the publishing world. I have love for my writing and what I have created, but the process of publishing has dismayed me. Jessica’s presentation gave me reassurance, hope, and understanding.
- Janie R.-Attendee of Paths to Traditional Publication Workshop