The dynamic and effervescent Janet McLaughlin passed away two evenings ago, March 29, 2022 after a three-year battle with cancer. How lucky and blessed we were to spend years with her and to share special moments as writers and as friends.
Janet McLaughlin, the redhead, was the first writer to join what remained of a critique group started in 2004 that would become The Skywriters. Augusta Scattergood, Melissa Buhler and I attempted to save a dwindling membership by bringing members from south of Pinellas County into the mix. Janet was Augusta's friend and after I met her for lunch, she became mine too. Janet agreed to drive every two weeks to meet us at 4th Street Panera in St. Petersburg. We, in turn, would drive to Peaches in Ellenton to meet her for the next meeting. Together we created a multi-county critique group that met in person. We all braved the Skyway Bridge to meet whether there was sunshine, rain or thick fog. Eventually we voted to name the group Skyway Writers, which soon was shortened to Skywriters.
What a gem of a find Janet was too. We all appreciated what she brought to our meetings and especially her unique gift of finding logic issues in our manuscripts. Janet had an infectious laugh and a fantastic sense of humor. She exuded a positive energy and a loyalty and love for her husband and family.
We lost a friend and fellow writer two days ago, but the memories of many happy days and the essence of Janet will stay with us always.
