I’m Jamie Morris and I’m a writing coach. I came to writing coaching the long way around—but I’ve never found work that suits me better.
A Life with Writers
For over two decades I’ve been working with writers. I spent ten years directing Woodstream Writers, mentored writing consultants at Rollins College, taught creative writing workshops around Central Florida, and presented at writing conferences throughout the state. I hold a degree in literature and writing from Rollins College and am a certified Amherst Writers and Artists workshop leader.
In addition, I’ve co-authored two books on writing: Plotting Your Novel with the Plot Clock and Jamie Helps Mel Write a Novel.
What I bring to this work is hard to quantify. One novelist called it a “literary sixth sense.” And, yes. I hear what a manuscript is reaching for beneath the surface. But I also hear the writer.
Although I’m otherwise a stranger to her, Jamie has an innate sense of where more is lurking in my memories that will add depth to the story. She’s a great listener and gives exceptional feedback that has enabled me to believe I am a writer. — Terrie Reynolds
I’ve been a reader my whole life—the kind of person who notices how stories work, who feels when something on the page is true and when it isn’t. That eye for truth is something I bring to every manuscript I work with.
I’ve also spent a lot of years learning to be honest with myself. It’s been a practice. It’s hard won, and I’m grateful for it. I think it’s part of what makes me useful to writers—I’m not afraid of what’s true, even when it’s complicated.
And, you know what? Twenty years in, I’m still as interested in this work as I was when I started. Every writer is different. Every project is different. That never gets old.
Writing Coach Acknowledgements
TIGHT RACE (Spruce Park Press), Elizabeth Sims. I received generous story analysis from the extraordinary Jamie Morris.
RIGHT IN SIGHT (Whimsical), Elaine Braman and Margarete Johl. Many thanks to Jamie Morris for her expert guidance.
THE MYSTERY AT MOZ HOLLOW, A.K. Hicks. Heartfelt gratitude to Jamie Morris who worked persistently and diligently with me to bring this story to life.
Darlyn Finch Kuhn’s SEWING HOLES (Twisted Road). Heartfelt thanks to Mary Ann DeStefano, Jamie Morris, and Julie Compton (beta readers who made this book better through honest feedback).
Dana Summers, in DRAWN AND BURIED. My thanks to Jamie Morris and Margie Lawson for their insight into the craft of writing. Their knowledge is endless.
Melody Maysonet, A WORK OF ART (Merit Press). Huge thank-yous to Joyce Sweeney and Jamie Morris for teaching me about the craft of novel-writing and cheering me on in every stage.
KEEP NO SECRETS (Fresh Fork), Julie Compton. Jamie Morris believed in this one from the beginning. I’m so fortunate to have met such an amazing writing mentor.
Peggy Miller, STONE BEING (Foothills). Thank you, Jamie Morris, for your support in sculpting the first draft of this collection and for drawing so much from me even as I grieved.
Pati Anderson, SECRETARY’S DAY. For Jamie Morris, who helped me find my voice.