Ramona Grigg
Long time writer/essayist sends out missives on life, love, loss, politics, humor, and the art and craft of writing.
About Me
I live in Upper Michigan, far from the crowded cities and this is by choice. The air is clear up here and my BS meter works fine, though it's been overused lately.You should know that the state of our nation is ever on my mind and I don't lack opinions. They are in fact my life's work. There will be politics and they will be liberal in nature. No apologies, just my thoughts, just facts.But my life is not all politics. I've been alive for such a long time I feel as if I've learned a few things by witnessing nearly every side of being a human. (I was born in 1937, at the end of the Great Depression and a few years before WWII) Everything I write comes from my human side. Not from a classroom or a podium but as a friend and an ally. We'll have conversations. Like real people. And sometimes it'll even be fun.In the work section you'll find the links to the work I do. All of my pieces have open comment sections. We're a big, lively community. The door is always open. Come on in!
My Work
I've been at this for more than 40 years, working first in newspapers and magazines on that very typewriter you see in the picture. Now I write essays at Substack and send them out, usually once a week, sometimes more, sometimes less.At CONSTANT COMMONER I write about my life, my loves, my losses, my hopes and fears for America's future, and occasionally I just write something I hope you'll find slightly amusing.My second blog, WRITER EVERLASTING is a salon for writers, a safe place for lively conversations about every aspect of our creative work. I never know where it'll lead but I've never been disappointed. I owe it all to the Everlastings who keep coming back for more.HELP EVERLASTING is a service I offer within WRITER EVERLASTING, where I mentor and edit writers who specialize in Creative Writing. My aim is to make them comfortable with their writing and to help them find their voice.My political blog, RAMONA'S VOICES, ran from Barack Obama's first Inauguration Day, January 20, 2009, to Joe Biden's Inauguration Day, January 20, 2021. You can find the entire archive at the link below.
They Say...
Ramona Grigg is one of my absolute favorite writers to read on Substack. It's been a joy to have escaped TikTok, FB, Twitter, etc., and just engage with real writers who care about writing - Lev Raphael.Poignant meditations on life, loss, work, writing and a lifetime dedication to working class issues in America - Rant to AtmosphereFollow Ramona Grigg because she refuses to sugarcoat collapse--she names the loss, the grief, and the theft of our democracy with a patriot's broken heart. And yet, in the same breath, she summons us to courage, insisting that stubbornness, fortitude, and the will of the people are still enough to fight back. - Light Against Empire[Constant Commoner] is bursting with beautiful writing, clear reflections, and deep engagement. - Holly Starley's Rolling DeskWe are walking on similar roads to publishing with many bumps and detours along the way. Writer Everlasting is an inspiration. - Jordan JankusReaders say:
"Thanks for always hosting the coziest, most encouraging and welcoming scene on Substack." Writer Everlasting"You always seem to write what I need to hear." Constant Commoner"I like the tone. Like you're sitting and chatting with me, sharing experiences and things you've learned". Writer Everlasting"I appreciate the way you think, Ramona, and what you put out there for us to read and consider. It makes a difference for me!" Constant Commoner