I love to write. Every week I come up with an article in this paper that explains, promotes, or educates others about our Senior Center. I appreciate those of you who comment on my articles and compliment me on my writing style.

                One person once came to me and said, “I don’t know what your style of writing really is—but when I read one of your articles, it sticks in my mind. I always remember what you have written.”

                To be honest, I don’t know what my writing style is either. I remember reading once that all writing styles vary. It’s something like playing a piano. Every standard piano has the same 88 keys, yet no two of the millions of piano players in the country play exactly alike, even from the same sheet of music. They play differently, they play faster or slower, they do or don’t add the runs, they make mistakes, or they improve. Each pianist has a style that is his or her own.

                Many factors shape my writing style: my family background, my education, my reading habits, my physical and mental interest, the times in which I live, the audience I am writing for, and my purpose in writing. Generally speaking, the best writing styles are the most natural. I often find that a personal, homey touch or a bit of humor will transfer a stiff writing style into spoken prose—the most readable of all writing styles.

                I started enjoying writing as a high school student at Yantis High School. My teacher, Mrs. Cimarolli, saw some talent in me and encouraged me to use that talent. She talked me into entering a contest and I walked away with first place. After that, I was hooked. She taught me that all writers need to read and I have to admit I have always been attracted to words. I remember her telling me once, “One of the top trade techniques of good writers is this: they read, read, read!” And I have never stopped the habit of reading widely.

                Like all writers, I remember my first article I wrote that came with a paycheck. It was a freelance article I wrote about Ronald Reagan and how he came from actor to President. Did I cash the check immediately? I did! But not until I made a copy of it and sent it to Mrs. Cimarolli. She had already retired from her teaching career. But I received a letter of congratulations from her and in typical Cimarolli style, she ended her letter by saying, “Always remember—you learn to write by writing!”

                I may never be an O. Henry or Ernest Hemingway and I may never win a Pulitzer Prize. But—and this is an important but—I will continue writing and expressing myself as clearly and effectively as my capabilities permit.

                I hope you will read next week’s article which I am already working on. I will be highlighting the life of one of our favorite seniors here at our Center—Mr. Melvin Griffin. No doubt, Melvin will accentuate my story’s intensity by sharing with us some unique happenings in his 93 years of life.

                As a writer, I know what makes a story move is the movement of the characters. And we all know what a character our beloved Melvin really is!

Don’t Forget

                It’s time again for another pancake breakfast at our Center. We will be serving this Saturday from 7 to 11 a.m. Donations are appreciated.

                We will have an arm wresting competition starting at 9 a.m. Come join in the fun or just enjoy watching the “strong arms” that day. Registration ends at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday. Trophies will be given to the winners in each division.

                To register, contact: Kaci Lee at 806-272-4969