Welcome back, Neuse River Writers. This is a follow-up to our Open Mic session at our monthly meeting on March 13th. I was asked to submit some of the Toastmaster tips I spoke about during our ‘critique’ part of the evening. Due to time limitations, I couldn’t go into a lot of detail, so I added more information in this article.

I’m trying to enjoy myself, trying to lower my shield, my level 5 force field. I’m doing my best to be at ease and reveal some of myself in hopes that it will be accepted, even reciprocated, by those around me. I really want it, BUT…

“Well, it’s Groundhog Day… again!” That’s what TV weatherman Phil Connors (Bill Murray) says the first time the day repeats itself on an endless loop in the hilarious and profound 1993 movie titled, of course, Groundhog Day. We just discussed the film the other day in our Film Discussion Club. And it happens to be Groundhog Day (literally) as we write!

Happy New Year, members, and friends! In the spirit of new beginnings, as you know, we have retired our old name, the Triangle East Writers, and have installed a new one, the Neuse River Writers. While keeping the sense of place about our name, we have kicked things up a notch by adding the dynamic dimension of movement to our title.

Oh, Christmas tree, Oh, Christmas tree…

I’m sure you are all familiar with the lyrics to the famous song above. If you are reading this article, you may already have a Christmas tree decorated and lit with sparkling lights, or you will soon have one.

Do you remember toddler shaming? If you sucked your thumbs beyond toddlerhood, you were called a baby. Little kids also risked being taunted if they still drank milk, water or juice from a bottle or sippy cup. Does either situation strike a chord? 

How early in life should one begin writing?  Well, it stands to reason that no one can claim he’s getting younger or has been given a long straw from which he can perpetually sip from the Fountain of Youth.  So the best answer?...

I want to report some thoughts sparked by a recent rereading of a passage from Aleister Crowley’s novel Moonchild.

“But she is a sublime genius, the greatest artist the world has ever seen.”

“She has a genius,” distinguished Simon Iff. “Her dancing is a species of angelic possession...