: About Me

My name is Steve. I am 53 years old, married with two daughters. I live in New York state. After working for 34 years for a major nationwide company, my job was eliminated. I decided to take this turn of events as an opportunity to do what I have wanted to do for a long time – write. I have a Bachelor of Arts Degree with a double major in Literature and Human Resources. I am also interested in history and considered going into the field of teaching – specifically social studies. I have recently earned a certificate in Technical Writing and have taken a number of online courses in various types of writing and web site design. I am an active Freemason (since 1999) and enjoy the friendships and the vast array of topics surrounding this wonderful Fraternity. 

I found Helium through a couple of different sources – Writer’s Digest magazine and the local newspaper and decided to give it a try. The variety of topics has been somewhat overwhelming, but as a result of this variety, I have been able to stretch my range of topics by piggybacking on some topics as I go through the rating system. This whole exercise has been one of the most challenging I have ever had. My goal is to continue on this path.  At this point, my writing is focused on two areas, articles to further hone my skills and hopefully pay some bills as I also work on my first novel – a mystery.

My favorite quote is from Henry Ford: “Whether you think you can or you think you can’t – you’re right.”

I know too much about ...

Classic movies

My parents always told me ...

I may disagree with what you say, but I will defend your right to say it.

My childhood ambition ...

Being an astronaut - We should be on Mars now.

Why I write ...

I want to tell stories and share knowledge with others

What I am reading/watching/listening to ...

I always read more than one book at a time on various subjects.

My first job ...

Clerk in a "Mom & Pop" grocery store

My inspiration ...

Seeing others who overcome adversity. It makes me complain less and work harder.

Arts & Humanities > Colonial & Early American The difference between the Pilgrims and the Puritans

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Time has blurred the differences between the Pilgrims and the Puritans. To many people the words Pilgrim and Puritan are interchangeable when describing New England's early settlers. While there were many similarities, there are also distinct differences between the two groups.   During the reign of Queen Elizabeth I (1533-1603) a compromise was reached between the two dominant religions in Britain – Anglicanism (or Church of England founded by Henry VIII) and Roman Catholicism. It was an uneasy truce; both sets of believers wanted to see the other banished from the land believi...

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Writing:

• Marketplace Approved Writer
• Marketplace Premier Writer
• Helium Charter Member