In our TV era, there are fewer readers--that much is fact. Does it follow that would-be writers are in short supply? Apparently not, as local scribes confess to a passion for plying their trade.

Heidi Goodman

Age: 28

Resides: Fort Ord

Occupation: Bookseller at Borders

Do you write? Yes.

Is there a particular genre you concentrate on? Yes. Poetry. But lately I''m writing short stories.

What are some challenges involved with writing? Writing beginnings. It''s easy to know how you want to end up but getting started is the challenge.

Have you ever been published? Yes. Two of my poems were published in an anthology during college.

What inspires you to write? Mostly it''s personal experience.

Erik Martin

Age: 33

Resides: Monterey

Occupation: Naval Officer

Do you write? I write a lot of papers for school. I also write a bit of poetry.

Do you have any writing aspirations? Yes. It would be nice to have it as a third career, to write travel books.

What makes good writing? A good command of the English language. The ability to connect with readers. Originality--to come up with new and different ideas.

What are challenges involved in writing? Finding something that rhymes with "orange."

Gabriel Michel

Age: 28

Resides: Marina

Occupation: Teacher

Do you have any writing aspirations? Not until recently.

What makes a good writer? A good writer is a good storyteller.

What makes good writing? The fact that it can take me to different times and places.

What challenges are involved in writing? To broaden the target audience. I don''t feel enough people read.

Carol Berry

Age: 62

Resides: Seaside

Occupation: Business Representative

Do you write? No, not really.

Do you have a creative outlet? I crochet a lot.

What makes good writing? I like writing that holds my attention.

What makes a good writer? Imagination.

John Courter

Age: 38

Resides: Rocky Point

Occupation: Artist

Do you write? Yes, usually poetry. But I mainly paint and sculpt.

What makes good writing? Honesty.

What makes a good writer? Somebody that can emote their soul openly.

What are some challenges involved in your art? Getting the exposure necessary so that people can understand and appreciate your work.