Author: Jess

Amateur historian, mythology enthusiast, writer, reader, sarcastic weirdo, cancer survivor. Author of Defying Shadows: For Witches and Pagans Battling Cancer and Chronic Illness.
life

25

JessLeave a comment

TRIGGER WARNING - 9/11 IMAGERY I'm not sure how a quarter century has gone by. A whole generation. I had a whole post planned for today, but I just don't have it in me. I have memories and sadness at the state of the country today, especially with the juxtaposition of the ridiculous RNC garbage… Continue reading 25

life · witching

Lean Persistence

Jess1 Comment

After a hot, dry summer we have one persistent morning glory blooming today. Usually that corner of the house is overflowing: the morning glories are generally a menace in late summer that take over the entire back garden and completely overwhelm poor Clem Clematis and our single, brave Salvia plant that never thrives in that… Continue reading Lean Persistence

Review: Be Your Own Bestie by Misha Brown
Review

Review: Be Your Own Bestie by Misha Brown

JessLeave a comment

I borrowed this one from the local library as research for my own second book, and loved it so much I wanted to review it, too. If you aren't one of Misha Brown's millions of followers on social media, you're missing out on one of the mouthiest, sassiest, most positive and compassionate people on the… Continue reading Review: Be Your Own Bestie by Misha Brown

life · Myths and Monsters · witching

Watering Spiders

JessLeave a comment

I can’t remember the last time it rained here. Not a sad three drip drizzle, but real, all day, soaking rain. It was sometime in July, and we’ve had a total in the past thirty days of 3.57 inches in my area. August is usually dry and brown as we transition into the harvest season,… Continue reading Watering Spiders

Unexpectedly Ranty, Oops
life

Unexpectedly Ranty, Oops

JessLeave a comment

fAngus is tired of my bullshit. I finished the first draft of my next CCB book two days ago. As of the end of today I'm on vacation for a whole glorious week. No deadlines, no work, no obligations, just fun reading and naps in the hammock and no schedules. We won't be leaving our… Continue reading Unexpectedly Ranty, Oops

Up for Air
life

Up for Air

JessLeave a comment

I spent some time at the cabin this week with Grandma and Sarah. We didn't melt, but it was close. I had just enough rest to feel motivated to work on unpacking and organizing the house more (yay, and sorry SK for the upcoming extra work fun assignments chores um, energy?), and I managed to… Continue reading Up for Air

Cancer BS · life

Six

JessLeave a comment

Yesterday was six years since my last day of radiation, which signaled the change from "active" treatment and the beginning of survivorship. A few events have happened since then. Surgery for port removal. Started Tamoxifen, which started all sorts of fun side effects. Started therapy (still in therapy). Adopted Minerva (yay!) Online dating adventures during… Continue reading Six

life · Writing

Miscellaneous Admin

Jess5 Comments

As a bit of domestic maintenance, did you know I also have a Substack? Today's post is: https://jessicasettergren.substack.com/p/book-2-is-coming. Join it if you're looking for an admittedly not always regularly scheduled newsletter focused on my author announcements and writing updates. Sunday is the Summer Solstice: if you celebrate, may your day be gentle and lovely and… Continue reading Miscellaneous Admin

life · Writing

A Little Bit of Magic

Jess1 Comment

We have a lone doe hanging around in the yard this spring and early summer, ignoring the dogs barking at her in favor of ALL the available weeds abundantly thriving in the yard. It's possible the lawn mower had a setback and the parts took a while to get here, so the yard was a… Continue reading A Little Bit of Magic

Review: Weavingshaw by Heba Al-Wasity
Review

Review: Weavingshaw by Heba Al-Wasity

JessLeave a comment

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. Leena Al-Sayer is a refugee from a country at war, living on the edge of society in a country that doesn't want her people. Her father is in prison for trying to unionize workers, her mother is long dead, and… Continue reading Review: Weavingshaw by Heba Al-Wasity