Both of my boys have amazing writing skills. Not sure where that came from ... but both can express themselves superbly.
Tom, our oldest, is the creative writer and attorney. He was always quite the wordsmith ... he read at age two. (How that came about, we'll never know.) His first-grade teacher predicted he'd become a professional writer. We were quite flattered, as any parents would be, but little did we know at the time ... she'd be right! Tom utilizes his writing skills within his career, but is now beginning to also enjoy some success with his writing. He has been published online many times and in a few Chicagoland area publications. Obviously, we're quite proud.
John, the younger son, (in insurance management) is accomplished in writing as well ... but it's in quite another style from his brother's. John is our family historian. He's a "fact-man". Got his love of history and talent for facts from his grandfather. While earning his bachelors at Virginia Military Institute, he wrote many papers while studying for his history major degree. He also did a large amount of research for a couple of the history professors there. He has one piece of writing that is actually used as a history class study tool in Virginia high schools. His 1st Classmen thesis won him an award.
Why do I relate this? Well, beyond the obvious fatherly bragging ... I do it to point out, that good writing comes in many styles. It can be pretty, factual, humorous, flowery, full of fire, full of #$*%!, move at the speed of lightning
, move like a slow lazy river, and more.
Here on ActiveRain you can find it all. You can find writers that are so good they bring you to tears ... to laughter ... to a boiling point. Some write so well that I'm literally jealous of their talents.
Just as my two sons styles of writing is vastly different, the writers showcased here on AR offer quite a wide range of styles too. My style? Probably somewhere in between my two sons. The truth is, that not every style of writing will be your personal cup of tea. But, sure as shoot ... they'll be someone else's favorite.
With the number of members involved in AR ... everyone is sure to become a faithful follower of other participants found here. It's a virtual library of writing and writing styles a
t your fingertips!
So enjoy! And oh yes ... be on the outlook for a new best selling author by the name of Mundt!
Gene Mundt, Sr. Vice President
Personal NMLS #216987
The Federal Savings Bank
1823 Centre Point Circle, Naperville, IL 60563
Skype! 630-219-1316
Hi Gene,
I am one that is jealous of others ability to write. I do it because I have lots of ideas and want to share.
Like you my family are all good writers and all three of my children have writing as a major part of their job description.
I know where that came from though, my wife is an amazing writer and communicator.
Paul: It's great to have smart and talented family members, isn't it?? You and I are lucky. I totally agree ... some of the writers represented here are totally amazing and I wish I had those talents. Thanks for writing and stopping by. I'll look for you in the future ...
Gene
Gene - It's good that you want to brag about your two talented boys. Let us know when Tom's book is published.
Gene, I love to write post but struggle to do so and envy those that have it just flow freely.
Suzanne: Thank you ... I'm hoping I don't turn anyone off with it ... but I AM proud. I'll certainly be letting everyone know when Tom's on the Bestseller List!! Thanks for understanding ... and commenting. It's appreciated!
Ted: I too wish it came more easily than it does. But we get it done, friend ... don't we? We're here ... and we survive. Glad to see you again ... I for one enjoy your writing.
Gene
Sounds like you have much to be proud of!
(and don't kid yourself, you can hold your own with the written word!)
Gene - I agree with Lisa, you're a fine writer too. Like so many others, I struggle with my writing. I actually used to be a better writer.
I was a communications major in college and had a lot of writing courses. For the first five after college, I was a PR agent for retail clients andI did a lot of writing and I was really good at it. After I left PR, I spent 15yrs in HR and wrote very little. I feel like I lost a lot of my writing skills.
When I started blogging, I struggled big time but I'm finding that the more I blog, the more comfortable I'm feeling at it and I do think I'm getting better and that my writing is improving. It's like a lot of things, the more we do it, the better we'll become at it.
Lisa: I appreciate the kind words ... and letting me off the hook about my bragging on my boys. I hope I express myself well enough to get my message across and maybe even inspire a little. You're thumbs-up means alot ...
Donne: I'd have to argue with you that you have lost any of your skills. I've always thought your blogs very well written and I've admired the flow of them. You just seem to be speaking to me when I read them. Something I wish I could do, as mine seem a little stiff at times .. more like a teacher speaking to a class ... lol. You keep on doing what you do ... it seems to be working beautifully for you ... and I for one greatly enjoy it. Thanks for all you do ....
Gene
Gene ~ I enjoy reading well written posts like yours. Funny posts are one of my favorites; one of them even made me cry :)
I struggle writing but it looks that slowly I'm getting better.
Haris: Your struggles are not evident in your writing. What comes across loud and clear is your sincerity ... a quality that is invaluable when found in a real estate agent and one that will serve you well. Don't change yourself one bit. I'm glad that you enjoyed my post. I appreciate your writing to tell me ...
Gene
Hi Gene - Good insights on different styles. I tend to write more informally, but can tighten it up if I really sit down and plan it out. For me, a shorter conversational style works better for blogging.
John: I love that style, but it seems no matter how hard I try to replicate it ... it just doesn't happen for me. It's a gift ... go with it! Thanks for stopping by ...
Gene
Gene - What a proud father you are! Indeed, there are many different styles exhibited in the posts here on Active Rain. For me, it has been a wonderful learning experience as well as entertainment. Kepp up the great work!
Hey Karen! Insufferable, aren't I?? I agree with you about AR though ... it's definitely been a learning tool for me ... plus you can never say you're bored here! Always something worth note going on. But you forgot to mention, that you find great people here too ... such as you ...
Gene