The Third Monday

News from the Pen & Ink Writers' Group... Member, Vicki Elberfeld, regularly appears at and coordinates activities for the 2nd Saturday Coffeehouse, Ethical Humanist Society, in Skokie. Call (847) 825-8580 for more information. Visit our monthly updated Web site to read current writings, discovering the world of "Marionettes/Puppets," seeing what we may have "Lost," finding a "stranger," and delivering the "Mail." A book of interest for writing... In Keys to Great Writing (Cincinnati OH, Writer's Digest Books, 2000), Stephen Wilbers says "Periods do more than separate sentences. Periods punctuate. They create pauses, and pauses create emphasis. If you write nothing but long sentences, you offer your reader fewer points of natural stress and fewer breaks in the flow of your though. On the other had, if you mix in some short sentences, you offer more frequent pauses. Short sentences are emphaic. Don't underestimate their power. (p 73)." (Contributed by NANCY STEWART) A line or two of inspiration... The two most engaging powers of an author: new things are made familiar, and familiar things are made new. (BY SAMUEL JOHNSON) A quick look at what we do... The truth is, we all have to "write" and in our own particular style. That's the reason we gather on the third Monday of each month: to listen and to share in each other's work. Our simple method is to use a pre-selected word or phrase as the basis of a story, an idea, or an opinion. Our audience does not overly analyze or intensely criticize the writings, although positive feedback of the material is welcomed. The atmosphere is friendly and supportive, but charged with expectation in the variety of what we are hearing and reading. We welcome other writers, who find that they too "must write," who need to put their thoughts down on paper, and who seek the support, the discipline, and the challenge of a group. There is no age limit, no gender stipulation, no residential restriction, and no dues. We are small in number, and we hope to grow. Our commitment is strictly to produce and foster creativity among our members. Curious? Always wanted to try writing for fun or entertainment? Think about it. Writing poems, essays, or stories is fun. And, if you are interested, visit any of our meetings. They are open to all. Sit in and see what we do. Bring along a sample of your writing, we'd love to listen to it. When you decide, we are always open to having new members join the group. So, come on, visit with us or join us. We would like to get to know you... Come join us at our meetings or call (773) 631- 8722 for information. Write a short 1 to 1 1/2 page double-spaced short story or essay, or bring your writing in the form of poetry. Here are our coming meeting dates and topics: Dec 19, 2011 selection is "The Dimestore." Jan 16, 2011 selection is "Dog". Feb 20, 2011 selection is "Monday, Monday".