"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.

Introduction       1

Trusting Instinct 5

Opening Boxes   19

Knitting Prose    36

Balancing Research         89

Feeding Creativity          101

Confronting Fear            111

Acknowledgments          127

Recommended Reading   128

Writing Resources          131

Endnotes           134