Grammar: The Dreaded Semicolon

At some point each writer is faced with the inevitable semicolon. When do you use it? Why do you use it? These are questions I ask myself whenever faced with the perplexing matter of "To semicolon, or not to semicolon?" 

I find that I struggle the most with the artistic use of a semicolon vs. grammatical use. I think in some cases a semicolon can be used to denote a longer pause. However, some people think you're only supposed to use a semicolon to connect an elliptical clause to an independent clause. 

I found a website that says not only can it be used for artistic use (yay!) but also to connect elliptical and independent clauses. 

An example of artistic use with a semicolon: 

"In books I find the dead as if they were alive; from books come forth the laws of peace." 

An example of the connection between elliptical and independent clauses:

"We were not careless; just the opposite."

So, here's to all the semicolon scaredy cats.... Click here:)