An Old Clocktower (A Poem)

By Joyce Jacobo [Author’s Note: This poem is something of prelude to a much larger story on which I’m working. Hope you enjoy it!] An Old Clocktower stood so tall in the valley its origins unknown aside from vague legends of ancient artisans whose great skills when combined produced a sacred monument around the very

Journal Entry #41-Literary Observations and Promotion Questions

This past week has been quite busy. We had a lot of rain where I live, and there was even the possibility of snowfall (although it seems to have passed us by for the time being). I have also writing quite a bit every day, working on another much longer story to eventually self-publish. Literary

Opened Wings (A Poem)

By Joyce Jacobo [Author’s Note: Do you often have dreams were you get to fly? The feeling is remarkable.] Deep in my dreams. . .            I learned that I could fly With opened wings                         fully extended             I took to the skies with just                                    a little touch of trepidation Fearful to fall from

Journal Entry #40–Reviews and Happiness

It felt wonderful to start 2023 with a self-published book on Amazon, Literary Observations, and being able to publish a book has been a huge dream for me. But, what really made me smile during this past week was that two people gave the collection very thoughtful reviews, alongside five-star ratings. One of those people

Freelance Writing Services–including Creative Writing, Content Writing, Proofreading, and Editing

As a freelance writer, I am happy to help anyone who might like or need some help with writing content, proofreading/editing their work, and more. So, I am happy to emphasize that if anyone would like to hire me for these services, they should feel free to contact me at my email address to discuss

Literary Structures (A Poem)

By Joyce Jacobo [Author’s Note: I just love the thought of books being like structures we, as readers, get invited to explore.] A simple pen touched to a blank canvas page      can lay the foundation for a new chapter             in many textual lives—                        born from words to breathe                              upon each reading

A Creative Writing Morning (A Poem)

By Joyce Jacobo [Author’s Note: It feels good to be able to spend certain mornings working creative pieces, especially as a New Year gets underway. When is your favorite time to write during the day?] I’m going to have a Creative Writing Morning     right after a hearty breakfast for strength and endurance          to

Journal Entry #39-Happy New Year!

Happy New Year, everyone! How did you celebrate the transition from 2022 to 2023? I had a quiet evening spent with my parents and brother, while a rainstorm raged outside. It was a good time for staying as warm as possible indoors, but still a great time to celebrate a fresh start. Hopefully, 2023 will

A Majestic Bird… (A Haiku)

By Joyce Jacobo [Author’s Note: Based on an actual event. We always get the powerful Santa Ana Winds near where I live, and they have been known to carry out any number of objects. One year, they carried off a parrot-shaped kite we had accidentally left unattended outside. Goodness, that made for an interesting and

Journal Entry #32–Writers of the Future Contest

Has anyone here entered the Writers of the Future Contest? It is an impressive event where writers can submit fantasy and science fiction tales, which get judged by professional authors and can really help to launch your career as a writer as well. I’ve entered pieces on occasion, but a few days ago I got