The Third Monday

News from the Pen & Ink Writers' Group...

Member, Vicki Elberfeld, appeared at the 3rd Saturday Coffeehouse, Unity Temple, Oak Park, IL on May 17 and performed humorous narratives for "children over 30." She also regularly appears at and coordinates activities for the 2nd Saturday Coffeehouse, Ethical Humanist Society, Skokie, IL. Call (847) 825-8580 for more information.

Visit our monthly updated Web site to read current writings on on what we "Run" into or from, what we want to see "No More!" learn about our "Best Day," and learn about "Integrity."

News from the neighborhood...

On October 20, the Eisenhower Library in conjunction with the Pen & Ink Writers' Group will present author and humorist Debbie Goodman. Ms. Goodman will entertain with a discussion on dating, and then for the second portion of the program will speak about self-publishing her books. The event is open to the public. Refreshments will be provided by the Pen & Ink Writers' Group. Call (708) 867-7828 for information and to reserve your place.

A book of interest for writing…

InThe Writer's Idea Workshop(Cincinnati OH: Writer's Digest Books, 2003), Jack Heffron says "As writers, we have these thrilling moments of inspiration, no doubt. But most of our work is written one step at a time, not from a single sweeping epiphany but from a number of small bursts of inspiration. We look for ways to sustain the initial idea, explore its possibilities, allow it to shift and change, ride its energy, (and) fight through its rough spots. ...I believe this is where the real writing occurs" (p. 3). (BY NANCY STEWART)

A line or two of inspiration...

For many centuries, women in the western world were not allowed to voice their opinions or allowed any kind of freedom of thought. They were made slave to husband or master who made all decisions. Women were to look pretty, and not talk in public unless directly addressed. They ran the household with a provided allowance, never questioning their husband's or master's deeds be they good or bad.

Slowly, at the start of the nineteen hundreds, women started to fight for the right to be independent, and started to rebel against any form of slavery. They banded together and organized, giving birth to the women's suffrage movement. Brave women took up the banner and suffered for their involvement in this long and hard fight -- for women to have the right to be independent, for women to have the right to be equal. Today, the list of these famous women is long and thanks to them we all have the right to fully express ourselves whether it is in speaking or in writing. (BY MAIRE CRAWFORD)

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:

July 21,   2008 selection is "Integrity". Aug 18,   2008 selection is "Project". Sept 15,  2008 selection is "Guilty". Oct  20,  2008 selection is "In the Night".