Conversations with Jessica, illustrated
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On Not Being Normal
“I’m not normal,” Jessica says matter-of-factly. “I am not like other children.” We are at Wheatfield’s, having a snack. This is one of her favorite places to ambush me with questions about why her life is the way it is. You’d think I’d get a clue and start saying, No, not Wheatfield’s! But I don’t….
On the limits of poetic license
Jessica (looking over my shoulder at a blog post): That is not exactly what we said. Me: You know, someday I’m going to win a Pulitzer and you’ll be telling the committee, “It didn’t happen exactly like that.” Jessica: Yes. For example your hair is not that curly. Me: I exaggerate it for effect. You…
Tuesday Trivia
_______________________________________________ My alter ego, Jenny Jacobs, is part of an Amazon promotion for Kindle Fire owners. The book with the special price is Second Acts. More here. And more Conversations with Jessica! And don’t forget that tomorrow is Dojo Wisdom for Writers Book Club! ### Dojo Wisdom for Writers, second edition, now available! Catch a…
On Reading Aloud
“My feet are numb,” my daughter says. She has been sitting in her chair, eating dinner, feet on the floor. There is no reason for her feet to be numb, to have fallen asleep. Well, there is one reason but during this conversation, I do not remember that it exists. I just wonder how a…
On taking care
“You should be careful with your bag,” Jessica says to me. “It’s heavy.” “I will be, sweetie,” I tell her. “And don’t poke yourself with that pen.” “I’ll be careful,” I tell her, tucking the pen in the bag. Not comparing her to a helicopter parent or pointing out that I successfully managed all of…
How a Book Is Born, Part 16
I’m working on the book while my daughter is sitting next to me on the sofa. Jess: Are you distracted again? Me: I’m trying to figure out what comes next in this book. Jess: What’s happening now? Me: Natalie’s in the hospital. Jess (gasping): Why is Natalie in the hospital?! Me: She has pneumonia. You…