It’s a hot summer afternoon. Voices murmur in the streets as groups of people stand and wait, they know not for what. Inside the building, the air is stifling and stale. All the windows have been shut and no one has gone in or out for some time. The men gathered there dab at the perspiration trickling down their cheeks, but it isn’t all from the heat. Anxiety forms knots in the pit of stomachs, knowledge of what they are doing silences all desire for small talk, and something–is it pride?–stamps each face.

Slowly the hours tick by, how long must the crowd outside which is growing, wait?

At last the great doors of the brick building open and the men come forth. It is done. The thirteen colonies have declared their independence from the British crown. But those who signed that document knew they were committing treason in the eyes of King George III. If they were caught, it would only be a matter of a short time before they were hanged for their part in the deed.

Yet they were willing to risk it all: their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor.

Because of their willingness to stand up for what they believe, we today enjoy great freedom and liberty. That includes freedom to write and publish our stories.

For all my American readers, Happy Independence Day!

For all my non-American readers, Have a lovely day anyway. 🙂

Next week you get something here that I’ve never done before, so be sure you come back.

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