WORDS, by Jessica McCann, is a tiny book offering enormous possibilities for a writer to consider, whether just starting on the writing path or travelling a well-worn trail. This author embraces words to make sense of life and shares her 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 to 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. Like me, she started to write creatively just for the sheer joy!

McCann’s writing style is authentic and relatable. Her voice is personal, so the book reads almost like a memoir but with educational components that don’t feel academic. Through stories and examples, she shows us 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 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 through my digital library. The 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 regarding research, editing, and recommended reading/resources are shared. 

I have read WORDS twice and will keep it as part of my arsenal of craft books and memoirs. 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 our words out into the world.