Excerpts from Articles & Essays

From RALPH W. ELLISON: RENAISSANCE MAN by Martha Rhynes


Although segregation and racial prejudice were obstacles to Ralph Ellison’s success as a writer, he believed that the US Constitution and Bill of Rights guaranteed every American citizen equal rights. This grandson of former slaves thought the words Negro American more accurately described his biological, cultural, geographical, and political heritage, than did the words, African American or Black. Ellison wrote articles about the contributions of Negro Americans to our culture that included music, dance, language, literature, food, sports, and fashions.

Read more in Creations 2012 by Ada Writers.


From THE DEPRESSION by Mel Hutt

The Depression of the late Twenties and early Thirties is not likely to repeat itself in the same way that some of us oldsters remember.

According to Funk & Wagnalls New Encyclopedia: “Depression – in economics, a period in an industrial nation characterized by low production and sales and a high rate of business failures and unemployment. (see - Business Cycle)”

It is interesting to note that the encyclopedia in Volume Five under “regulation of business by government” emphasizes that laws were enacted “to ensure a competitive pluralism with regard to production and trade.”



From DICHOTOMY by J. E. Tilman

Dichotomy … that hateful word. The word dichotomy comes from the late 16th century. Via modern Latin and Greek: dikhotomia “cutting in two” and also from the Greek dikho- “apart, in two” + temnein "to cut"

In modern language the word is most accurately applied to medical and scientific practices. 



From HOW TO WRITE DIALOGUE by Martha Rhynes
Description and dialogue acquaint us with characters in a story the same way we become acquainted with people in real life. We observe the appearance and behavior of strangers, aware that looks can be deceiving. We listen to what they say and what other people say about them, mindful that first impressions may or may not be true. Then we form an opinion.

Real life conversations are usually wordy. People repeat themselves and get off the subject. However, in written dialogue, every word should reveal the personality and lifestyle of the speaker. What a character says should indicate conflict, build suspense and advance the plot.



From TAKEN FOR GRANTED by Mel Hutt

Part of my morning routine is observing the beautiful scenery out my bedroom window. As I sit at my computer I can see a sole pine tree surrounded by maples, wild bushes and the green of the meadow that I mow so often during the spring season.

The pine tree is about thirty feet tall and has been the center of my view of the scenery for many years, and has been green all four seasons in the past. At present, the needles have turned brown and I fear the worst for the life of this majestic tree. It was planted many years ago by the matriarch of the family and named after the lady who took care of it from the beginning.

Creations 2012 Now On Sale!

















Enjoy poems, essays, short stories, memoirs, and novel excerpts in this anthology from Ada Writers. Featuring the works of: Stephen B. Bagley, Arlene Aren Howell, Mel Hutt, Ken Lewis, Rick Litchfield, Martha Rhynes, L.D. Robb, Steve Robb, J.E. Tilman, Joanne Verbridge, Gail Wood, and Tom Yarbrough.

Purchase Creations 2012 here!

Creations 2012 Table of Contents

Articles & Essays
Ralph W. Ellison: Renaissance Man by Martha Rhynes 
The Depression by Mel Hutt  
Dichotomy by J.E. Tilman
How to Write Dialogue by Martha Rhynes
Taken for Granted by Mel Hutt

Memoirs
Invisible Hitchhiker by Joanne Verbridge
Exchanging Umi by Ken Lewis
Holding My Mouth Right by Martha Rhynes
Living with My Wife’s DID by Steve Robb

Poems
Passion by Stephen B. Bagley
At Eighty by Gail Wood
Faves by Rick Litchfield
Untitled I by J.E. Tilman
Untitled II by J.E. Tilman
Untitled III by J.E. Tilman
Threads by Gail Wood
The Wife by Arlene Aren Howell
Non-Communion by Stephen B. Bagley
Shibboleth by Rick Litchfield
One Step by Tom Yarbrough
Cradle by Gail Wood
The Valentine by Rick Litchfield
The Age Old Clash of Land and Sky by L.D. Robb
Eden by Gail Wood
You as Farmer by Stephen B. Bagley

Short Stories
Project Diana by Martha Rhynes
Surprised by a Well by Tom Yarbrough
Tale of a Lonely Vampire by Arlene Aren Howell
Storm Front by Ken Lewis
An Unattended Death by Stephen B. Bagley
Surprise in the Woods by Tom Yarbrough
My Hero by Arlene Aren Howell
Stranger, Watch Your Step! by Martha Rhynes
The Liar by Arlene Aren Howell
A Pact House by Ken Lewis

Book Excerpts
Jack London: Writer of Adventure by Martha Rhynes
Murder by the Mile by Stephen B. Bagley

About the Authors