All Posts (on this blog) by Jesse Smith

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Jesse Smith is a local Oregon author, specializing in retellings and modern reimaginings of mythology and history, with flawed characters and a sense of adventure. Buy my books on Amazon!

About Jesse S. Smith

Jesse S. Smith’s writing explores everything from self-help to science fiction and beyond with a wry sense of a humor and a personal voice that speaks directly to the reader. A multimedia creative and Nature lover from the Pacific Northwest, Smith is best known beyond the world of books for his work as a music teacher, a small business owner, a local political candidate, a member of a movie crew, an adventurer, a runner, a producer, a performer, and a parent. He lives in rural Oregon with his wife of 20 years and their family.

Announcing “Curb Thy Vanity”

December 2, 2025 by Jesse S. Smith

I’m pleased to announce Curb Thy Vanity, a new comic short film directed by Anna Gillock. The film was entered into the competition for a local film festival just this week! The Team Behind Curb Thy Vanity Anna Gillock: Director Curb Thy Vanity is Anna Gillock’s directorial debut, and I am so grateful to […]

Don’t be Limited!

February 7, 2022 by Jesse S. Smith

Don’t be limited by what you’ve been in the past! This is the antidote for the people who will tell you, “Don’t try to be something you’re not!” Who are they to decide what your potential is? Following your dreams means building on skills and experiences that take years to develop. Whether you’re developing those […]

“Control the Narrative” by Lida Citroën: a book review and personal journey

September 15, 2021 by Jesse S. Smith

Control the Narrative by Lida Citroën is an excellent strategy guide to personal branding in the modern era of online communication. It contains invaluable insights and advice for any professional. If you are trying to get established or gain recognition, this book is for you. If you are trying to overcome setbacks or a damaged reputation on the Internet, this book is especially for you. I highly recommend it.

How to Review Results and Refocus

August 3, 2021 by Jesse S. Smith

Once you’ve been working towards your life goals for a while, it becomes time to review your results and refocus on your goals. As you review your results, ask yourself: Are you achieving the results that you wanted? Are things headed in the right direction? Most people skip this step Taking some time to review […]

Writing Projects Status Update for July 2021

July 28, 2021 by Jesse S. Smith

Lately my creative focus has been on poetry. “But wait, I thought, didn’t you say…?” Yes, I had previously announced my intention to release my fantasy novella some time around now-ish; but I get distracted, you guys. I am still planning to release that fantasy novella; and fans of Terry Pratchett-style slapstick fantasy will hopefully […]

How to Follow Through: Stop Procrastinating, Stay Motivated, & Get Things Done

July 26, 2021 by Jesse S. Smith

We all have goals that we want to achieve. In this post, I’ll consider some of the major problems that stop us from achieving our goals. Planning One common problem is the lack of a plan. Sometimes we’re so excited about our goal that we start doing the work without carefully considering what specific […]