Kirjahaku

Writers just have to write. True enough. So true, in fact, that this thought has become something of a mantra for everyone who feels compelled to get those thoughts, that rhyme, that story onto paper before inspiration flits along. Not as clich , but certainly as important, is that writers also must share their work. Since 2012, WriteOn Joliet has provided a platform for that important process. WriteOn Joliet lets authors read their work, commiserate, laugh, and pick up a pointer or two from others likewise engaged. "Write Where We Are" collects some of the best examples of that community process. This inaugural anthology features a broad selection of writing styles including poetry, essays, short stories, a novella, and an excerpt from a novel. Some WriteOn Joliet members write professionally. For others, writing is a hobby and a creative release. Some have been traditionally published, others have self-published, and some are still working toward publication. Regardless of where they are on their creative path, all of the authors in this anthology share a passion for the (frustrating, joyful, mysterious and magical) art and craft of writing. WriteOn Joliet is excited and proud to share their work.

WriteOn Joliet proudly presents its second annual anthology. Since 2012, WriteOn Joliet has given writers a platform to hone their craft, learn, commiserate and grow. This anthology features a broad selection of writing styles highlighting that process including poetry, essays, and short and long fiction.

"A baby cheetah appears on your porch and asks for a sandwich."WriteOn Joliet members attacked this prompt with gusto and produced the most varied and imaginative pieces ever found in a single anthology.The stories, essays, and poems on these pages address free range diners, midlife crisis, the age-old question of bread versus meat, dinner party etiquette, neighborly conversation, medication, standup comedy, artistic passion, revolution, southern and marital humor, social justice, veganism, bar gags, ships, ghosts, endangered species, and literary devices.One member produced a mime, which we, sadly, could not include. But the rest, we guarantee, virtual safaris into the deep recesses of these writers' imaginations.Pull up a chair, grab a sandwich, and prepared to be entertained.

Simply put, writing is magical.Like all artistic expression, writing allows mere humans to create life from nothing.Armed with little more than imagination and a bit of elbow grease -- the simplest and, paradoxically the most complex and powerful tools of all - writers bring whole worlds intoexistence. Real and imagined. Big and small. Universal and singular. Informal and intimate.Not only do writers create life from nothing, writing has many times through history changed lifeas we know it. bringing dominant governmental systems, even entire civilizations to heel byexposing corruption and evil. Changing the forces of human nature by promoting charity andkindness.Or sharing the indescribable sorrow of death and the joy of a new birth.Whether through fiction or journalism, poetry or personal memoir, writers do all of this often(usually) for little more than the goal of enticing just one person, one set of eyes, one mind toread their work. No need to accept or agree. Just respond. React. Think. Consider.WriteOn Joliet has proudly supported and fostered the magical act of writing among its membersand guests since its inception in 2012. Some of our members are professionals, some hobbyists.Some have been published, others still look forward to cashing their first royalty check.Now, we proudly offer this third annual anthology as a showcase of some of our best work in thehopes that our efforts may help, inspire or reassure some future "magicians."Enjoy

"We just want to celebrate reading and writing with you because we are community, we are friends, inthe word." Tom Hernandez, WriteOn Joliet Mic Night, 2018Since 2012, WriteOn Joliet has provided a platform for writers to share their words with other writers.Since 2017, WriteOn Joliet has published an annual anthology - "Write Where We Are" - thatshowcases each member's finest pieces.Among the pages of the 2023 anthology, readers will discover poetry, essays, and short stories that spana wide variety of genres and styles. Some of the authors are professional writers; some are hobbyists.Some have published, others are pursuing publishing.But each writer is dedicated to perfecting their craft. WriteOn Joliet is proud and excited to share theresults.