Chances are if you are a writer, you don’t write with a pencil anymore. Most likely you use a keyboard on a computer or tablet. But the pencil is symbolic to writers. Unlike a pen, you can easily jot your brilliant thought down and a moment later erase it forever. Pencils are cheap, easy to find, easy to use, and very portable. When you think about it, all it takes to be a writer is a sheet of paper and a pencil. That’s where my writing began…a very long time ago.
But the story of Pencils is about a writers group that was founded in 2003 in Norwalk, CT. Our leader was Kaye Peterson, a talented, funny and incredibly creative writer. Her passion to write and to support other writers came from her soul. She nurtured the group and encouraged each of us to reach our full potential. Kaye also led the initiative for our group to publish our own collaborative work which we did in 2009. Thanks to that group, I finished my first novel; published multiple short stories, and began marketing my talent as a social media strategist to authors. Pencils of Norwalk was one of the longest-running writers groups in the country. I had the privilege to take over the leadership role when Kaye’s other responsibilities forced her to ‘retire.’ We ran full steam for another five years. Our members, over time, represented every possible style, genre, experience level, and success story up to and including one who became a New York Times Best Seller.
When I moved to PA in 2016, the one thing that was missing was the camaraderie and support of my fellow writers. Writing is not what I do for a living, but it is who I am. I am thrilled to re-start the legacy of Pencils here in Hawley, PA.
Maybe it’s time for you to dust off your keyboard, take out a pencil or pen, and start writing. There is nothing as rewarding as having others acknowledge your creative prose and receive encouragement to continue. Welcome to Pencils NEPA!