Catching up

 I'm sorry I haven't been able to keep up with the blog for several weeks now. I don't get sick often, but this was an ordeal for me. My wife and I contracted an upper respiratory issue we couldn't easily shake.

But now, I'M BETTER! I've even regained most of the volume in my voice, I know some of you would just as soon have me suffer from laryngitis.

Betsy is better as well but, upon recovering from the bronchial issue, she suffered a fall and fractured her sacrum. It's painful and will take a while to heal. I hope her recovery goes well so I'll be able to see you all at the next meeting.

Ernie has kept me informed as to who attended the meetings and some of what was read. I couldn't even sit at the computer long enough to type up the recap.

Thank all of you for sending copies of your work to me through Ernie or by email. I thoroughly enjoyed reading them.

As writers, we often express views not shared by our readers. Is this a good thing? I think so. Opinions are what spur discussion, sometimes we may become overzealous in expressing our opinion, or even scoff at opinions not in line with our own. All of this is part of human nature. I hope, and vehemently suggest, no matter how we perceive what another has authored, we remain polite in our critical evaluation of an author's work. As a writer I accept critique as a tool to improve my work, not as demand to change what I have written. My style and word choice are my own, and often do not blend with the thoughts and styles of others. That is what makes my writing unique.

Above all, this is a writer's group and we are here to help each other with the art of writing. If the political or scientific views expressed are not what we like, fine. Was it well written, that is our concern, not the content or ideas expressed. 

Well, I've said enough today, I hope to see you all on December 7th at the firehouse in Nokomis. Until then, KEEP ON WRITING!