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Pairings by Jann Alexander include creativity, inspiration, books, writing, photography, art, history, travel, Texas life, lore and more
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Where You Look Is Where You'll Go
Life provides obstacles, but you can choose what you focus on

Jann Alexander
May 19, 20232 min read


Renewed Inspiration In An Artist’s Poem
In 2006 I wrote this ode to my creative spirit, "Artist's Poem," and found renewed inspiration.

Jann Alexander
Apr 20, 20231 min read


When in Doubt, I Hit the Road
Hitting the road is part of my creative process. And I never pass by a historical marker without braking.

Jann Alexander
Apr 12, 20233 min read


What It’s Like
"The work never never matches the dream of perfection the artist has to start with" — William Faulkner
Jann Alexander
Mar 10, 20232 min read


Three Surprising Sources for Writers ISO Ideas
Inspiration strikes in strange and unexpected ways. But when it doesn’t strike, there are three tricks to juice it along.
Jann Alexander
Mar 6, 20233 min read


What Happens When You Let Go
When you let go, you create space for something else to move in to your life, as Holiday Mathis told me in my horoscope.
Jann Alexander
Oct 29, 20223 min read


Requirements for Writing Fiction
Embrace your dual gifts: you can inhabit two worlds, and you can slide between them with ease. It’s just what writers do.
Jann Alexander
Apr 29, 20222 min read


What Are You Doing This Morning?
In one short paragraph author Flannery O'Connor nails down her work ethic — one that will motivate your creative soul.
Jann Alexander
Apr 4, 20221 min read

Where Inspiration Comes From
Inspiration comes from many places. No use pretending it all comes out of our heads with no other stimulation. We rely on influences.
Jann Alexander
Mar 15, 20222 min read


Prescription for a Creative Funk
To ignore a creative funk is to imperil your creative stamina. Here's out to take a time out to tend to your creative soul.
Jann Alexander
Feb 24, 20213 min read


Location, Location, Location
There’s a saying in real estate, that it’s all about location. Location. Location. Location. It’s just as true in writing historical novels.
Jann Alexander
Feb 24, 20203 min read


How To Frame A Photo For Effect
How many times have you been set to make a photo, but there’s something in the way? Think of it not as a barrier, but as an opportunity...
Jann Alexander
Aug 27, 20161 min read


Is This Any Way To Have Fun?
Take the annual Weird Austin Homes Tour and see for yourself. Weird Homes Welcome | iPhoneography by Jann Alexander ©2016 Welcome. Let’s...
Jann Alexander
Aug 13, 20161 min read


When The Narrow View Widens Out, It Becomes Universal
The Narrow View | iPhoneography by Jann Alexander © 2016 Behind the camera lens, you’ve got a choice. Your view can be narrow, focused...
Jann Alexander
Jul 31, 20162 min read


While We’re On The Subject Of Details…
Life is lived in the details, so your camera must always be ready to be your eyes. But it helps to be ready at the right time. Here’s...
Jann Alexander
Jul 22, 20161 min read


A Lesson In Perspective
When You Can’t Change The View Water Over The Dam by Jann Alexander ©2016 Change Your Perspective Another Perspective: Water Over The Dam...
Jann Alexander
Apr 6, 20161 min read


2015 Measured By What You Liked Best
You voted with your eyeballs for your favorite Pairings this year ( Thank You! ), and your eyes revealed that my posts about the creative...
Jann Alexander
Dec 30, 20152 min read


Tis The Season For The Gathering To Begin!
Now’s the time to gather the shiny ornaments . . . iDecorations iPhoneography by Jann Alexander © 2014 To gather the sugar and butter...
Jann Alexander
Dec 20, 20151 min read


Where You Focus Is Where You’ll Go
Where you focus, in photography as in life , can make your vision clear to others. As the unfurling sago palm leaves, above, show,...
Jann Alexander
Sep 25, 20153 min read


Where Inspiration Lies, Motivation Lurks
Inspiration shows up anywhere and everywhere. But motivation isn’t as reliable.
Jann Alexander
Sep 11, 20151 min read
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