Articles written by Virginia Emrick

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About me - Virginia Emrick

Since childhood, Virginia Emrick has been writing stories and inventing characters for written and performing arts. She studied at Rowan University, UCLA, and the Academy for New Musical Theatre, and with award-winning songwriters Arthur Hamilton, Marty Panzer,

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Creative Writing > Memoirs Memoirs: What my dog means to me: 26 of 393

Having grown up with dogs, I found it incredibly challenging to move to Los Angeles into an apartment that didn't allow pets. Moving was hard enough but to be "dog-less" was a major adjustment. Unfortunately, my life was too chaotic at the time to own a pet; so, I had to learn to deal with it. Finally, my situation changed a...
Arts & Humanities > Writing Tips Writing a journal and thoughts on writing: 2 of 25

Sometime during junior high, a teacher suggested to my class that we start journaling. According to her, it was a great way to practice our writing skills but what she didn't tell me was that it would be my saving grace during my years of teen angst, my constant and unconditional companion. Inside the pages of a well-worn no...
Creative Writing > Poetry Poetry: Death of a loved one: 83 of 562

MY LOSS Loneliness smothers me Its victim a hollow bone now that you're gone I close my eyes and pray for sleep a land of dreams. Behind these lashed weights there lies a river Salty liquid gushes without warning as you flash through my brain Morning antagonizes me in its wake. I roll over and moan as the pain returns Infusi...
Politics, News & Issues > War & Terrorism Are we safer now than we were immediately after 9/11, or have we just been lucky?: 7 of 44

Ever since that tragic September day when the United States was attacked on its own soil, polices and procedures touted to protect the country and its citizens have sprouted up on what seems a daily basis to add confusion to an already overburdened homeland security system. Do these measures really make us more secure as a n...
Parenting & Pregnancy > Child Behavior & Discipline (Other) If children behave badly, who's to blame: Parents or child?: 17 of 84

The cross-country, red-eye flight with what appears to be the spawn of Satan the screeching child who doesn't know the meaning of the word "sleep." The restaurant getaway with the tiny terror who is way more interested in how mashed potatoes look in your hair than in how they taste. The never-ending quick jaunt to the grocer...
Relationships & Family > Tips for Marital Happiness Should couples live together before getting married?: 42 of 180

There's been a lot of debate over the years as to whether a couple should live together before marriage or not. Those on the pro side say you can't really know a person until you live together and until you know them, you can't know if you're compatible enough for marriage. On the con side, others often quote the saying "Why...
Arts & Humanities > Writing at Helium Should a picture and bio be required on the writer's Helium home page?: 10 of 26

Having a picture and bio on your "About" page is a personal decision that should not be regulated or mandatory. Some writers are not comfortable giving out any personal details. A few argue that it's a way for thieves to pilfer their identity. However, I feel that adding those elements lets the Helium readers know you better...
Entertainment > Music (Other) How to find musical inspiration: 5 of 13

Who Inspires You, Baby? (c)2007 After attending numerous workshops and lectures by fellow writers & other creative folks, I've decided the number one question asked during the Q&A sessions is "What's your inspiration?" There's ALWAYS at least one person in the audience who can't resist asking this and often more. They just r...
Entertainment > Musicians & Bands Composer biographies: Peter Michael von der Nahmer: 1 of 1

At some point, everyone chooses a career but there are a handful of people whose careers choose them. These folks work at something they love in a field as intrinsically tied to them as breathing is to all living creatures. Such is the case with composer Peter Michael (Mike) von der Nahmer. Born in Munich, Germany into a fam...
Jobs & Careers > Getting Ahead Kissing up to your boss is a must if you want to get ahead: 27 of 52

When I first chose the entertainment industry as my career, I was told, "You know, you're going to have to sleep around if you want to get ahead." Over the years, I've heard this repeatedly and would be rich if I had a penny for every time someone said it to me. While I know that saying is more than just a rumor and I've eve...