Editor's Corner

By Mary E. Adair

“Accept criticism. If you do not offer your work for criticism and accept that criticism, meaning give it serious thought and attention, then you will never improve.”--Theodora Goss.

That quote shown on FaceBook by Michael John Fierro has been chosen for this column quote for August. The reason we do Pencil Stubs Online is to encourage writers, established authors, and beginning authors of all submissions which includes columns, articles, stories, poetry and song lyrics. They get a professional editor lending expertise in the form of minor corrections for spelling errors, typo's, choice of the correct 'sound alike word,' some grammatical errors and sometimes old fashioned advice on form. The author's personal 'voice' is never changed or compromised and we strive only to enhance what they intend to present so the reader does not become distracted by glaring errors. Many of our early authors have gone on to publish their own books or chap books, or have progressed to blogs of their own. Several of the song lyrics first seen in our pages have been turned into complete song recordings as Phillip Hennessy and Bruce Clifford can attest.

Our "By The Numbers" columnist Michael John Fierro has supplied us with the numerological forecast for August as well as the numerological profiles for George Zimmerman and Trayvon Martin. Because of the length of those profiles, they are being shown separately in this same issue.

"Irish Eyes" by Mattie Lennon, addresses a solemn subject, a change from Lennon's usually more humorous essays with info about The Chillin. Thomas F. O'Neill, of Suchou, China, lauds the freedom of speech here in the USA in "Introspective."

Peg Jones ("Angel Whispers") shares the Amazon link to her book, “Living In The Heart Place With Your Angels: Daily Angelical Whispers Throughout the Year” and delivers a new message from the Angels. Eric Shackle's Column does have a lighthearted piece featuring the Australian Prime Minester Kevin Rudd. Then Judy Kroll ("On Trek") also started with a FaceBook quote and discusses what it set her to pondering.

John I. Blair's column "Always Looking-People Who Made A Difference IX" once again brings to our attention a famous name from the past, telling us, "Frances Ellen Watkins Harper is a little-known American literary figure who dedicated her life to human betterment. Her writing may have become dated, but her motives have not."

Scott Chase aka Gandolph returns to our pages this time with a free verse, "Longing in A Dream," while Riva Joi Smith shares "Proud Stallion;" and John I. Blair's current poem is "Fight." Jacquelein Veldhuis of the Netherlands says of her poem "When I wrote 'Memories' in Dutch, it rhymed, but the translation does not."

"Are You With Me Now" and "So Far Gone" were submitted by Bruce Clifford. Phillip Hennessy of England, another of our song writers, offers "Fear-Faced," "Did You Know What Time, this is," and "Pieces of Me."

Jeremiah Raber, a member of the first cast of the TV show "Breaking Amish, Brave New World," wrote his first song, "Unstoppable," and then two more songs, "Burning Love" and "Never Know" followed shortly. We are pleased to present them here for him as he begins what promises to be a prolific new career.

"Rabbo Tales II, Chapter 17-Attack" is a long new chapter in the adult fantasy with rabbits by Mark Crocker. Previous chapters of this tale can be accessed by clicking the author's name.

We thank our co-founder and webmaster Mike Craner for all the work he does to keep us appearing month after month. What would we do without him?

See you in September!