Let Freedom Ring!

Growing up, the holiday I remember most vividly was the 4th of July.  It meant family, food and a wonderful spectacle of the colors of fire in the night sky. It was a time to celebrate togetherness and it was for me, the experience of deep joy in the freedom of imagination.

Over two hundred years ago our forefathers signed the Declaration of Independence, a monumental event that led to America’s freedom from Great Britain. A few days before the signing of the Declaration of Independence, John Adams wrote to his wife that this day would be commemorated with grand festivities and fireworks for all the years to follow.

To this day, the 4th of July is one of America’s most widely celebrated holidays. Not only is this day a remembrance of the sacrifices and hardships that our forefathers endured, it is also a day to come together with family, friends and as a nation.

Today, Americans celebrate Independence Day with barbecues, picnics, music shows, festivals, parades, and hot dog eating contests. Actually, it is on the 4th of July that Americans consume the most amounts of hot dogs than any other day of year.  Also, this year, the 4th of July falls on a Thursday which means we’ll enjoy an extended weekend, and more quality time with family and friends.

So whether you are celebrating with fireworks or a barbecue, make sure to take some time to reflect on what freedom means to writers everywhere. In the words of Franklin D. Roosevelt, “In the truest sense, freedom cannot be bestowed; it must be achieved.” That is our work to be done as writers.

Thanks for your support of the book, and enjoy the fourth of July!

Eric Edson and Staff
“There’s no such thing as a weak screenplay, only an unfinished one…”