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I'm Jennifer McGuiggan, The Word Cellar's purveyor of fine writing and editing. (But most people just call me a freelance writer and editor.) I write nonfiction pieces for publications and work with clients on writing, editing, and coaching projects. I'm also working toward my MFA in Creative Nonfiction from Vermont College of Fine Arts.

You can read more about my story or download my resume (.pdf) if you prefer a chronological rendering of my tale.

I also invite you to read The Stories I Tell (my blog). While you're there, do share some of your own.

If you need words written, edited, or enlivened, I'd be honored to help. Let's chat.

I envision The Word Cellar as a cozy, stone-walled chamber filled with racks and racks of words. We have nouns, verbs, adjectives, and even some adverbs. The prepositions and conjunctions sit next to glass jars of jaunty little pronouns. Perfectly turned phrases shimmer magically in the shadows, and whole sentences often appear on the walls. There's a nook just for punctuation, and another for grammar. (Some people don't like to venture into those areas, but I don't mind them one bit.) Some days you'll find me writing, and others you'll see me editing (my own work or maybe yours!). Stacks of books sit next to overstuffed chairs, beckoning you to delve into a good read. The whole scene is generously illuminated by white twinkle lights, so The Word Cellar is never dark, dank, or scary. This is a place where left brain meets right brain, where whimsy shakes hands with business, and communication is considered a sacred science and time-honored art.

I'm so glad you've joined me.

« The Fiction of Writing Fiction | Main | A Short Hiatus »
Saturday
09Jan2010

For Now

I'm back from ten days in Vermont, ten days brimming with writing, learning, discussing, dorm living, cafeteria food, cold and snow, water outages, travel, delayed luggage, inspiration, exhaustion. This was the residency part of my low-residency MFA program. Now, back home in my cozy living room with two sweet, grey cats to keep me company while my husband is at work, I sit. I sit and acknowledge that I am tired. There is two feet of snow outside and a two-foot pile of dirty clothes upstairs. I am not shoveling the driveway or doing laundry. I am not really writing or even thinking all that much. Words whisper, stories beckon. Mostly all I can do is sit. I cannot tell if I am full or empty. For now I will sit. I will drink tea, fill myself up with sweet music, feel the soft, warm fur of a grey cat between my fingers, pick up a book, let myself -- and the world -- be. For now.

Reader Comments (8)

i tend to feel the same way when i return from a trip. just sit my friend! you deserve the rest.
January 9, 2010 | Unregistered Commentervivienne
I concur. Sometimes, all that's needed is a bit of sitting. Just sit. Be. Let your home welcome you. ;o)
January 9, 2010 | Unregistered Commenterdanielle
Welcome home, Jenna!
January 10, 2010 | Unregistered CommenterHelen (Dixon Hill Girl)
blessings in this, dear Jenna.
love from here to there...
xo
January 10, 2010 | Unregistered Commentergem
I love "I cannot tell if I'm full of empty". I was e-mailing a friend about it this morning. Strange feeling. And you're right: it's the sign that it's time to recharge. To to nothing and thorugh that, actually do all that is needed!
Maryse
January 11, 2010 | Unregistered CommenterMaryse
You are wise, Jenna. Sink in and savor your rest.
Dear Jenna,
I'd just like to add a little something to your thoughts, as they swirl around you, as you sit and regroup.
I recently received Lanterns and am savouring every morsel. It is the PERFECT thing for me to be reading right now, and it speaks to me on so many levels that I will be reading and re-reading it for some time to come. And giving it as a gift to very special friends.
It is a remarkable achievement. What an incredible segue from one year to the next. Please allow yourself to be proud.
With respect and admiration.
Kat
January 11, 2010 | Unregistered CommenterKat
it sounds like a lovely welcome home.
January 12, 2010 | Unregistered Commenterkristen

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