Write me in

Last night I went to my first writers group meeting.  The introductions went something like this:

Hello, my name is Ralph and I have been writing for 20 years as a reporter and columnist among other things.


My name is Liz and I just published my third book!

My name is Bob and I just retired after 40 years as a newspaper and magazine editor.


My name is Dirk and I have been writing for three months...

Eh, everyone laughed.  The truth  is, most of the members are new and everyone is very nice.  I look forward to the next meeting.  I was selected to present a writing at the next gathering and decided that I would not base the character on my life, but write something completely new.  Last night a wrote a page and it was a struggle!

Avoiding TV

This morning I had to run from my truck to the coffee shop to avoid getting soaked from the wind-driven downpour.  Nevertheless, I am in good spirits today.  Last night I did not visit Clickerville.  Instead, I read a few chapters from Generation Kill.  I feel good about not wasting the evening.

I am determined to read more.  Reading is a much better alternative to Clickerville and I believe it will improve my writing ability.

Coffee at the beach

Today I am enjoying my coffee whilst gazing out at the calm blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean. It is a beautiful, sunny morning and the sleepy little beach town has yet to wake up. With envy, I watch the charter boat captains navigating their fishing boats past the jetty en route to their favorite fishing spots in search of haddock, cod and flounder. A treasure hunter walks by me wielding his metal detector up and down the beach looking for lost gold and silver.

My treasure lies in this moment of appreciation.