Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: guest post series, jalynn harris, the best things in life are free, writing

Comments

  1. Wow, I am absolutely speechless.
    I have no doubt that Jalynn will fulfill her dreams of becoming a journalist. Her writing is captivating, illuminating, and endearing. I can’t wait to read more of her work.

  2. Publishing her first book at 17?! Holy cow, congratulations!

    • Jalynn Harris says:

      Thank you!! Pick up a copy on Amazon when it comes out?I’m trying to afford college (if that’s even a plausible dream anymore).

  3. Oh, this is wonderful. You don’t need anybody to tell you to keep on writing, but really – your writing is incredible. I identified so much with this piece. Truly lovely.

  4. Hanna [excelsior lady] says:

    W.O.W. This was amazing!!

  5. Jalynn, you are an amazing writer–I look forward to reading much more of your work over the years! (And Cassie, thank you for sharing!)

  6. Lauren Michelle says:

    I am loving these guest posts you have on your blog. Your blog is pretty much what I wish I could accomplish with mine! Lol. Her words remind of the simplistic relationship I’ve lost with my own writing, and as I read, I brainstormed ways that I could get it back. What do I have to do differently in my life to make writing as present of a habit as it was only a few years ago? She definitely has me thinking, so her goal as a writer has been accomplished. Until next time, that is… :)

    [WORDPRESS HASHCASH] The poster sent us ’0 which is not a hashcash value.

    • Jalynn Harris says:

      Lauren,
      Seriously, don’t let go of your love for words. It keeps you sane. I think the way I keep writing simple is through journaling. I like to add an element of collage into my journaling time– clippings of funny magazine ads, old photographs, drawing a comic of my day. Anything that’ll keep the creativity flowing.
      Hope that you can know again/ indulge in the healing power of words!

  7. Lauren Michelle says:

    And, I have no idea what a hash cash value is, but I was just trying to add a smiley face, lol.

  8. Katie McCoach says:

    What a smart and great writer! I remember feeling all those sorts of things in high school as well. Writing=life. It’s something that, as time goes on, you have to work a bit harder to hold on to that. She sounds like she’ll never forget it. And three cheers for a fellow Marylander.

  9. I love this! Such a great reminder about how powerful writing and community can be.

    • Jalynn Harris says:

      Dara,
      This is what I’m talking about: I can try to say something of worth with my words and then people, not only read it, but comment and encourage me, that is the beauty of community at work. SO SWEET. Thank you so much for your words.

  10. Hooooly shit, this is inspiring. 17?! Gah. Give me summa that ability and go-get-it attitude! When I was 17, I was wallowing in my bedroom and listening to emo music and reading Harry Potter over and over again. I am thoroughly impressed. This is such a great post. Also, this:

    ‘(and according to everyone I confide my journalist dreams to, it should because, “You’ll never make money in that profession! Choose a major you’ll make money in, like engineering, or prostitution!” To which I’m like, “Granny!”).’

    …made me genuinely laugh out loud.

    Lovin’ this guest post series, Cassie!

    • Jalynn Harris says:

      Rachel,
      I don’t even know how to respond to your comment– much less anyone else’s. I am grinning from ear to ear. It is especially awesome to see that you commented b/c I read your post the day it came out and was like, “Wow, now I have to follow that?” So to say your encouragement means the world to me sounds cliche, but it’s so so true.

      (Also, your photography is mouth-watering. It’s really surreal how much beauty you capture.)

  11. Jalynn: You never cease to inspire me. The honesty here–the entirety of this piece–holds such beauty and power. I feel so fortunate to be exposed to your writing on a daily basis and so blessed and honored to be your friend. I’m so proud of you!!

  12. wonderful! go, jalynn, go!

  13. Maria Celina says:

    Oh… my gosh? I’m floored.

    Jalynn, that was an amazing piece. The beauty, wit, and life in your writing is ever so present, and you clearly have a gift. You bring up a wonderful point by being open to vulnerability. We often fear it, because of its sting, but without it, how else can one live honestly? Thank you for reminding me, and many other who may feel the same, of that.

    Please continue to bless people with your words.

    Also, thank you for sharing this, Cassie.

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