Events

Click here to see upcoming events at Writers WorkSpace.

Past Events

Monday, June 9, 7:30 - 9:00 p.m.

Author Coffee: Stacy Bierlein of OV Books

Topic: Submitting to and Editing Anthologies.
RSVP required. Space is limited to 10 writers.

An intimate conversation with local writer Stacy Bierlein, a Chicago-turned-L.A. fiction writer and the editor of OV Books' new literary anthology, A Stranger Among Us: Stories of Cross Cultural Collision and Connection, which has received rave reviews from Booklist, Library Journal, Utne Reader, and many others.

Depending upon participant interest, Bierlein may discuss:

• how to create and market a successful anthology
• how to expand your own literary resume by publishing in themed anthologies
• how/when to make the leap from writer to editor
• where you can discover new and established international authors

As always, participants are welcome to raise additional questions of personal interest.

Read reviews and learn more about the collection of international fiction edited by Bierlein at www.www.press.uillinois.edu/books. (Signed copies of A Stranger Among Us will be available from OV Books for $22.95 that evening.) This event is free & open to the public. Space is limited. RSVP required. Email info@writersworkspace.com or call 773-907-0336 with interest.

Sunday, March 30, 3 - 4:30 p.m.

Author Coffee featuring Susannah Felts

RSVP required. Space is limited.

An intimate conversation with Susannah Felts, author of This Will Go Down on Your Permanent Record (Featherproof Books, 2008), and other writers in the Writers WorkSpace conference room. (Read the reviews of her novel at www.featherproof.com.)

Felts will discuss young adult literature, getting published, or anything else you want to discuss. As a special bonus, Featherproof Books has promised to provide one-time-only, super-secret-recipe baked feathergoods! The Writers WorkSpace will match them with coffee, tea, and good ambiance.

This event is free & open to the public. Space is limited. RSVP required. Email info@writersworkspace.com or call 773-907-0336 with interest.

Saturday, March 8, 10-11:30 a.m.
Author Coffee featuring Ellen Blum Barish

RSVP required. Space is limited.

An intimate conversation with local author Ellen Blum Barish and other writers.

This Author Coffee will focus primarily on the way writers attempt to balance the tension between the artist/writer self with the role of parent. However, as always, the conversation might cover any additional ground participants choose.

Guests are strongly encouraged to read Blum Barish's new book, an essay collection called View from the Home Office Window: On Motherhood, Family, and Life ($14.95, Adams Street Publishing) in advance, or purchase a copy at WWS during the event.

This event is free & open to the public. Space is limited. RSVP required. Email info@writersworkspace.com with interest.

Friday, February 22, 7:00 – 10:00 p.m.

Book Release Party for Planet of the Dates (The Permanent Press, 2008)

Hosted by author Paul McComas with brief author readings on every half-hour and book signing throughout the evening.

Come to WWS to celebrate the publication of Paul McComas's novel, Planet of the Dates, which Publishers Weekly calls "a likable mix of humor and charm."

Planet of the Dates follows the exploits of Phil Corcoran, a girl-crazed Milwaukee teen stumbling toward adulthood in the summer of 1980. His twofold quest: to find hot sex and true love, in no particular order. Phil's personal transition coincides with a cultural shift: from Carter to Reagan; from disco to punk; from the last gasp of the Age of Aquarius to the era of "Greed is good." As the story unfolds, Phil—himself very much a product of the '70s—winds up ushering in the new decade in some apt and telling ways.

William Hart says, "This Planet is populated by exactly what one wants in a romantic coming-of-age novel: believable, engaging characters; unschooled desires; hypnotic yearnings; impetuous acts begetting hilarious outcomes—and one 'main squeeze' too many. This is a tender, affecting tale of a clumsy quest, of a lucky first love, and of the pain young hearts must learn—all sustained delightfully by the vibrant prose of Paul McComas, whose special knack is for piercing both heart and funnybone with each deft stroke."

To learn more, visit the author's website at www.paulmccomas.com.

Advance copies and reviews available from the publisher, The Permanent Press ($28, hardcover, 224 pages).

This event is free & open to the public.

Saturday, February 9, 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.

Dan Smith and Steve McDonagh (The Hearty Boys)

Location: HBTV, 3819 N. Broadway, ph. 773-244-9866

A special cookbook release party for Talk with Your Mouth Full.

Recognize these guys? Here's your chance to meet Chicago's own Dan Smith and Steve McDonagh, stars of Party Line with the Hearty Boys on The Food Network.

The Writers WorkSpace has teamed up with Dan and Steve to celebrate their first cookbook—equally worth reading for its stories and recipes.

The party will include a cooking demonstration from Dan and Steve as well as tips and stories about writing a cookbook. Plus, they'll serve some of their signature snacks and beverages.

Signed copies of Talk with Your Mouth Full ($27.50, hardcover, 223 pages) will be available that evening, or order in advance. (WWS members receive $5 off each copy purchased at the party.)

This event will be held at The Hearty Boys' brand-new HBTV location, 3819 N. Broadway, www.heartyboys.com. It is free & open to the public. RSVP to info@writersworkspace.com.

Friday, January 18, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.

The Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators

Chicago City Network Event New Year's Kick-Off
Hosted by Jane Hertenstein and Esther Hershenhorn of SCBWI
Cost: $8 at door to SCBWI (includes pizza and refreshments)

Connect. Celebrate. Bring a manuscript or project to share. Even learn a thing or two! SCBWI invites local children's book writers and illustrators to kick off the year with colleagues who "get" children's books.

This event is open to the public as well as current SCBWI members.

The first 20 people to sign up (per guidelines below) will be able to share a current project with the group.

Contact Jane Hertenstein to register or for more information.

Guidelines: 6 minutes or 6 pages. Can either be a sample of a work in progress or an update on what you're working on. This is NOT A MANUSCRIPT CRITIQUE but an opportunity to share, network, and encourage one another.

2007

Friday, November 16, 6:45–10:00 p.m. (Reading begins at 7:30 p.m.)

Further Persons Imperfect: Multi-Author Reading & Reception Hosted by Paul McComas

Seventeen skilled authors. Seventeen vivid stories. Seventeen fascinating first-person characters. Seventeen singular opportunities to lose yourself deep within the life of another.

Join host Paul McComas—Further Persons Imperfect editor (iUniverse, $12.95), local author (Unplugged), and fiction-writing instructor—plus many of the contributors to this compelling new short-story anthology. From 7:30–8:30 p.m., contributors will present excerpts of their work, answer audience questions, and sign copies.

Further recently received Honorable Mention in a national competition at the DIY Book Festival in Los Angeles. Pioneer Press writes, "The stories' richness of content reflects the diverse backgrounds of the writers themselves. They have a lot of life experience to draw from and many insights to share."

A portion of all book sales goes to Boys Hope / Girls Hope, a not-for-profit network of group homes for high-potential, at-risk youth.

This event is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served.

Saturday, November 3, 10:00–11:30 A.M

Author Coffee featuring Jonathan Messinger

Our Author Coffee series offers an opportunity for a small group of writers to gather for conversation, this time with Chicago author Jonathan Messinger.

Depending on the group's interest, Messinger may talk about what "self publishing" means in today's market, why he published his new short story collection Hiding Out with Featherproof Books (rather than seeking a corporate publisher), and how writers can get their books reviewed, schedule their own reading tours, and run a reading series.

Messinger is founder of Featherproof Books, books editor at Time Out Chicago, and host of the reading series The Dollar Store Show. Visit www.shootthemessinger.com to learn more about Hiding Out ($13.95) or this author.

This event is free & open to the public. Coffee, tea, and bagels provided.

RSVP required by phone (773.907.0336) or email (info@writersworkspace.com). Space is limited to 10 participants.

Monday, October 29, 7 p.m.

Nextbook Salon

RSVP required. Meeting of Nextbook members for a dinner and discussion on the topic of "Food." Contact Nextbook directly with interest in joining this group.

Thursday, October 25, 7:30 p.m.

Reading at Kate the Great's Book Emporium, 5550 N. Broadway St., ph. 773.561.1932

Free and open to the public. Author Bryan Alaspa will read from and sign copies of his new book Ghosts of St. Louis: The Lemp Mansion and Other Eerie Tales (Schiffer Books). This event is co-hosted by The Writers WorkSpace. Author reception to follow at The Writers WorkSpace, 5443 N. Broadway, after the reading.

Friday, October 19, 6:30–9:30 p.m.
Opening reception for current art exhibits

This event is free and open to the public.

"Chicago Show & Tell" by Lowell Thompson

Paintings of life in Chicago "outside the Loop" by artist Lowell Thompson, also known as "The Uptown Artist." This show combines excerpts from classic Chicago writers with Thompson's own observations in words and images. Thompson, an advertising professional for over 30 years, recently was featured in The Reader. His work has appeared at the Chicago Open Studio and the Chicago Public Library's Bezazian Branch and is part of many private collections.

"From Here to Cairo (IL)" by Mark DeBernardi

An acclaimed series of black-and-white photographs and mixed media documenting overlooked historical sites in Illinois. This showing of DeBernardi's series includes new and returning work. DeBernardi's art has been featured in The Reader, on the cover of books and literary publications, and in shows at Flatfile Galleries, Las Manos Gallery, and numerous other museums and galleries across the country.

Tuesday, October 9, 7:30 p.m.

Ragdale Visit & Tour

RSVP required. Opportunity for WWS members to tour The Ragdale Foundation in Lake Forest, IL, and talk with Ragdale staff about the residency application process.

October 5–7

Andersonville Arts Weekend

In celebration of the Andersonville Arts Weekend, advance viewing of new paintings by Lowell Thompson from his "Chicago Show & Tell" series, plus informal conversation with the artist. Contact Thompson directly at lowellt@hotmail.com or email info@writersworkspace.com.

WEDneSDAY, AUGUST 15, 7–9:30 PM
Writing & Marketing the Personal Essay with Carol LaChapelle

The personal essay thrives today because of its versatility of both subject and form. It can be funny, serious, scolding, or meditative. It can take the shape of a memoir or character sketch, book review or opinion piece, travelogue or nature essay.

In this one-night workshop, we'll talk about how to write and publish the personal essay. You are welcome to bring any of your essay ideas, first drafts, or completed mss. to the workshop. (However, please contact the instructor beforehand through WWS if you plan to bring a copy of your work.)

All workshop participants will receive a special guest pass to the WWS writing studio so participants can focus on finishing and submitting their essays, as well.

Workshop facilitator Carol LaChapelle is the author of the forthcoming book Finding Your Voice, Telling Your Stories (Marion Street Press, 2008). Her essays and articles have appeared in The New York Times, The Writing Group Book, and Chicago Wilderness. Carol regularly conducts workshops and offers private coaching in memoir and personal essay writing. To learn more about Carol's writing and teaching, visit her website, www.carollachapelle.com.

Advance registration and payment of $45 workshop fee are required. Email info@writersworkspace.com or call 773-907-0336 for more info or to register. Space is limited to 10 writers; 5 necessary for class to run. WWS members receive a 10% discount.

Friday, June 15, 6:30–9 pm

Publication party for Don Seiden's Artobiography, an unorthodox graphic novel illustrating a life's journey with art.

Join us to celebrate this unique and beloved author who has inspired countless artists and students during his tenure at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Seiden is also the author of Mind Over Matter and has worked as an educator and artist for over 50 years.

His most recent book, Artobiography, already has received rave reviews from readers of all ages and backgrounds. In this autobiographical graphic novel, 79-year-old Seiden illustrates memories from his birth to the present, including his childhood on Chicago's North Side, his tour of service in the Navy during WWII, founding the School of the Art Institute's Art Therapy program, and the death of 100-year-old mother. Seiden is professor emeritus at SAIC and currently works as both an art mentor and lecturer in addition to writing and making visual art.

Seiden will be on hand to sign copies of Artobiography and to discuss his experiences as an author, art therapist, and visual artist. This author is a founding member of WWS.

Tuesdays, 6 weeks, May 1 to June 5, 7 - 9:30 pm

Short-Short Fiction Workshop with Patricia Cronin

Call it “flash,” “micro,” or “sudden.” Writing short-short fiction develops every aspect of your craft — from discovery to completion. In this six-week workshop, participants will explore the short-short form and tackle varying word-limits — from 100 to 2,000 — to create and hone new work as well as revise existing stories.

Discussion of published fiction along with in-session prompts and more elaborate take-home exercises will encourage writers to look closely at structure, effect, and technique. Workshop includes facilitator and peer feedback.

Cronin is co-director of The Writers WorkSpace. Her fiction has appeared in a variety of literary magazines including Fish Stories, Quarterly West, Jane's Stories II, and online at ContraryMagazine.com.

Advance registration and payment of $250 workshop fee are required. Email info@writersworkspace.com or call 773-907-0336 for more info or to register. Space is limited to 10 writers; 5 necessary for class to run. WWS members receive a 10% discount.

Saturday & sunday, June 9 & 10

Printer's Row Book Fair

Look for our table there.

Saturday & sunday, June 9 & 10

Andersonville Midsommerfest

Call ahead to arrange for a tour of WWS.

Friday, June 8, 7 – 8 pm

Reading at Kate the Great's Book Emporium
5550 N. Broadway St., ph. 773-561-1932

Sandra Scofield, author of The Scene Book: A Primer for The Fiction Writer, will present her latest book. This event is co-hosted by The Writers WorkSpace. A special tour of WWS is available after the reading.

Friday, May 18, 6:30 – 9 pm

Private Party/Member Salon

A private Third Friday event specifically for WWS members and their guests/families in recognition of the workspace's six-month anniversary.

Saturday, May 5, 10 – 11:30 am

Author Coffee for WWS Members

Conversation with a local author. Open to WWS members and their guests. Free. Includes coffee or tea and light breakfast.

Saturday, April 21, 10:30 am - 12:30 pm

Walking & Reflection Workshop with Andrea Friedmann

Reiki Master and writer Andrea Friedmann will facilitate the “Trail of Beauty,” a walking and meditative workshop to be held at North Park Village Nature Center, 5801 N. Pulaski Road in Chicago.

Walking silently among prairie grasses and trees, you'll discover quotes from writers, philosophers, and other creative thinkers to inspire your own reflections. After the walk, move indoors to journal about the experience, and then discuss nature, the creative process, and what the walking meditation sparked for you.

This workshop is appropriate for participants with any level of writing or creative experience, and will be held rain or shine. (Rain should only enhance the experience.)

Friedmann is a writer, Spanish translator, Reiki Master, and founding member of The Writers WorkSpace. Her fiction has appeared in Fish Stories, Calyx, and Tropel. A native of Colombia, she currently resides in Chicago.

Friday, April 20, 6:30 – 9 pm

Poetry Reading featuring Roosevelt University Poets Janet Wondra & Regina Buccola, followed by an Open Mic hosted by the Chicago Writers Association.

Celebrate Poetry Month with featured readers Janet Wondra and Regina Buccola of Roosevelt University. Doors open at 6:30 pm. Featured readers will begin at 7:30 pm. Open mic session to follow from 8:15 – 9 pm. Open mic poets can sign up to read up to 3 poems of their own or another (credited) poet's work. This event is co-sponsored by Chicago Writers Association (www.chicagowrites.org). CWA is a community of established and aspiring writers dedicated to excellence and productivity in the writing arts.

Wednesday, March 21, 7 – 9:30 pm

Publishing Your Fiction with an Independent Press

Local editor/author Gina Frangello of OV Books (and Other Voices Magazine) and its newest author Corrina Wycoff will lead this unique, intimate workshop to help published or aspiring fiction writers navigate the world of independent presses. Frangello and Wycoff will address the pros and cons of working with an agent and entering contests, how to handle cover letters, the author/editor relationship, marketing independent press titles, and additional questions as time permits.

The $45 workshop fee includes a signed copy of Frangello's novel My Sister's Continent (Chiasmus Press) and Wycoff's newly released collection of short stories O Street (OV Books).

Friday, March 16, 6:30 – 9 pm

Art opening and party for artists Heather Hancock and Ellen Wood

"Animated Urban" features mixed-media mosaics in vitreous glass, smalti, and grout with ceramic and hardware details by artist Heather Hancock. This 10-part series explores Hancock's interest in adapting an ancient medium to contemporary ideas. The show also includes work from her Recall and Fuse series. Hancock's artwork is available for purchase and will be on display through May 2007. Call 773.907.0336 or contact the artist directly to arrange for a viewing or purchase.

We're also proud to announce WWS member and artist Ellen Wood will display assemblage and other multimedia artwork in a personal show entitled "In the Kitchen with Ellen." Both artists will be on-hand to discuss their work.

Friday, Feb. 16, 6:30 – 9 pm

Schmoozapalooza!

Translation: A publication party for acclaimed local author Esmé Raji Codell. Meet Codell and celebrate her latest book, Vive La Paris, during this adult event. Set in Chicago's Uptown neighborhood, Codell's lyrical and moving coming-of-age novel portrays a young girl addressing subjects that include nonviolence and Martin Luther King, Jr.; the Holocaust; literacy; tolerance; gang-banging; and family. Vive La Paris already has won over adult as well as young adult readers and was recently awarded a Sydney Taylor honor from the Association of Jewish Libraries; was named a Notable Trade Book from the National Council of Social Studies; and is a Chicago Public Library "Best of the Best" selection. Codell is the author of seven books, including Educating Esmé, Sahara Special, and How to Get Your Child to Love Reading. In addition to being a local author, educator, and librarian (currently at Baker Demonstration School) with over 20 years experience in children's literature, she also is the founder of Planet Esme. Read reviews of Codell's book at Amazon.com and visit her website.

Tuesday, Jan. 30, 6:30 – 9 pm

Publishing Workshop for Fiction and Creative Nonfiction Writers

Want to find a home for your stories? In this one-night workshop, Columbia College-Chicago instructor and local publisher Jotham Burrello will lead a focused discussion of what editors want and will help you generate hands-on market research to fit your work. The $45 workshop fee includes a copy of the critically acclaimed multimedia DVD Submit!

Friday, Jan. 19, 6:30 – 9 pm

Fuel Your Writing Life

Use these hours to quietly de-stress from the holidays and return the focus to your creative life. Write in the main studio; read a good book in the lounge; experiment with artmaking materials; meditate on your new year's goals; or preview copies of the writing DVDs So, Is It Done Yet? and Submit!.

2006

Friday, Dec. 15, 5:15 – 9 pm

Private holiday party & potluck

For 5443 and WWS members and their families/guests. RSVP required.

Friday, Nov. 17, 2006, 6:30 – 9 pm

"From Here to Cairo (IL)" opening

This acclaimed exhibit by artist Mark DeBernardi includes thirty-six black-and-white photographs documenting often overlooked historical sites in Illinois. DeBernardi's artwork will be on display through February 2007. Call 773.907.0336 or contact the artist directly to arrange for a viewing or purchase.

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