My 8 Commandments

Hey Pill fans,

So we are winding down from a beautiful Easter day. Had brunch with my brother's family and Tom's sister's family. It was great to spend the day outside. The kids spent the majority of the time on the trampoline and doing egg hunts so the adults had some time to chat and relax a bit.

I am really looking forward to devoting a lot of energy to this blog and making it the best it can be. In the coming weeks I will be adding a lot of features, most of which will be aimed at getting feedback from you, my readers, and encouraging you to share whatever content you might feel is valuable to others.

I've been writing for a long time, about 10 years now in one way or another. As a features reporter, a TV newswriter, a freelance writer, and I've had the privilege of having my own lifestyle column for quite a while in my local paper. But the most consistent thread is the readers. Because you are the people who have to want to consume my product - my words. Here's what I've learned over the past year and what I will use as my writer's Constitution - call it the 8 Commandments - as I move forward:

• I’ve learned that it’s not about the words you write, but the sentiment you convey.

• I’ve learned that if someone reacts to your work – positively or negatively – they are paying attention. And if they pay attention, you’ve done your job.

• I’ve learned that listening to your audience makes you a better writer.

• I’ve learned that every column, like every story, has an underlying message. That message might be different for every reader but as long as they discover one, you’ve done your job.

• I’ve learned that my husband and kids are good sports about having our lives be public fodder.

• I’ve learned that my husband and kids are what give me a life in the first place.

• I’ve learned that finding out someone cut your article out and taped it on their fridge is better than any award I could receive.

• I’ve learned that I will never be a perfect mom or a perfect wife but that I am a near perfect version of me.

I hope you will find me worthy of your time. I will do my best to keep you entertained. Have a great night and remember to check back often. I will be posting as close to daily as I can.

Sue