Hello readers! Those of you in the United States probably aren’t surprised by this, but those of you outside the US may have forgotten that today is one of the US’s largest holidays. As such, I’ll be taking the day off, which means there isn’t a new Being a Better Writer this week.

But that “new” is italicized for a reason. I’ve got another one from the scheduled period while I was away that a lot of you may have missed. Better yet it fits the occasion, so I’ll link it below. But first, a little on the occasion.

The Fourth of July is like any other nation’s celebration of independence, being one of the 50+ holidays around the world celebrating independence from the British (this is funny, but also true). Every nation celebrates their holiday a little differently (we love fireworks and food), but in general they all revolve around celebrating what they’ve gained with their independence.

In the case of the United States, that tends to mean “FREEDOM,” though unsurprisingly many are iffy on what that FREEDOM might actually be. Politics (and who gets what freedom) tends to dominate the sphere of the 4th, with flags and fireworks, but in general the spirit of the holiday is generally applied pretty well to a celebration of what the founding fathers successfully put together.

Now, if you want to dwell a bit more on that today, I do actually have a recommendation. Twice annually, the leaders of my faith gather to speak on topics—almost always spiritual, but sometimes adjacent. Back in April 2021, one of them decided to discuss the Constitution in depth, drawing on more than 60 years of study and experience working with it as a law clerk for the supreme court, a professor of law, and well basically someone who has spent a lot of time learning about the birth, creation, and enforcement or meaning of the Constitution of the United States.

Even if you’re not a member of my particular faith, I think there’s a lot of good knowledge to be gained from this particular presentation on the history, meaning, and importance of the Constitution. Especially given that it does not sway to any political party (a rare thing in this day and age) but instead urges intelligent moderation and adherence to ideals, not to parties or individuals.

Anyway, you can read it here. It’s a perfect bit of reading for this fourth of July, personally.

But wherever you are (near or far?) I hope you have a solid Monday, and a happy 4th of July. Whether or not it’s a holiday for you. Please enjoy, and I’ll see you all in a few days.

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But … if you’re determined for some Being a Better Writer today, there is a post you might have missed. During my trip north, I had posts updating on a schedule, but a lot of you missed them since they weren’t being posted anywhere but the primary site.

This is one of those posts. And kind of fitting for today as well. From May 30th, 2022, here is Being a Better Writer: You Want Content? Write It!

Again, happy Fourth of July, everyone, whether you’re celebrating with or in the US or elsewhere.