Wednesday, April 11, 2012

J is for Jessica Bell


Jessica Bell and I have teamed up for the A-Z blogging challenge this year to talk about our musical muses - a band/artist or song that has inspired, or affected us in some way. I guarantee she didn't see this one coming.

But how could I not include her in a list of musicians who have inspired me?

JESSICA BELL and I "met" through the blogosphere just over a year ago - but it's as though I've known her my whole life. Hardly a day goes by that we don't communicate; text, email, skype, google chat. And when she came to Canada (in a blinding snow storm) so we could meet face-to-face in late February, it was natural. And awesome. 

Many of you know Jessica through the blogosphere. You've read her books, String Bridge and Twisted Velvet Chains, or listened to her music. Maybe you know her as the co-creator and co-editor of Vine Leaves Literary Journal. Or perhaps you're hoping to attend the writing retreat she's planning in Greece this August.

I know her for all that - and so much more. 

Every day, I am inspired by her. Not only by her literary brilliance, but by her heart, her absolute selflessness, and her ability to smile even in the face of adversity. I love this woman ferociously.

In case you've not already seen it, check out the trailer for her book String Bridge -that's Jessica's brilliant voice in he background.



Don't forget to check out her blog, where she's GIVING AWAY free downloads to some of her older, yet no less brilliant, music. Seriously, this girl is so talented...it's kind of sickening, actually.

Your turn. Who's your sentimental "J"?

Now, go check out some of the other blogs taking part in the A-Z Blogging challenge, including my Dawn Dalton blog where I'm talking about awesome YA books, and the Most-Wanted Monsters blog where Judith and I are writing poems and talking smack about some creeptastic beasties.

- Dawn

13 comments:

  1. Oh my gosh you have me bawling my eyes out. You are so special. I'm crying. Seriously. I want to give you a hug and never let go! Oh Dawn ... I'm ... speechless. Thank you. If only I could give those two words an echo over the Internet ... <3

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  2. I'm sure this was a nice surprise for Jessica. How nice to have someone in your life you connect with so well.

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  3. I'm just mad I didn't think of this. Kidding. Jess is the all time best!

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  4. Yay! Jessica's the best. :o) <3

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  5. Wow, Jessica is amazingly talented! It's great when you find a friend you connect with in so many ways.

    The Greece writing retreat sounds awesome!

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  6. What a beautiful friendship! I love reading about friends like this! Simple beauty.

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  7. awe, I'm feeling the love between you two bloggysoulsistah's! I still think it's amazing you got to spend some RL time together and Jessica (and her incredible multi-talents)is such an inspiration! Great 'J' word;)

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  8. That is a really cool friendship! I'll have to check her out! :)

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  9. Aw, so awesome! Though writing is my main thing, I've always wanted to sing too. You guys are inspiring :)

    Sarah Allen
    (my creative writing blog)

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  10. How lovely! You're both so lucky to have such a close friendship and each other in your lives. It must have made your day, Jessica.
    I love the trailer for "String Bridge" - having been hooked on the album for it "Melody Hill: On The Other Side" I will definately download "String Bridge" to my Kindle and whilst I'm tucked away in remote Andros, havve a good read.

    Thanks for a lovely post :0)
    Bex
    www.leavingcairo.blogspot.com

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  11. Jessica is just so awesome! Great writer and amazing musician!

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  12. Ah, yes, Jessica is quite the talented young lady. It's great to have a wonderful friend.

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