April 5, 2016
Honoring National Poetry Month
Poetry by G.M. Oqlat, Jennifer Brown Banks, and Joyce Merriwether
There is much to be said about studying the works of famous poets throughout history.
Noted poets such as e.e. Cummings, Maya Angelou, Langston Hughes, Elizabeth Barrett-Browning, all impart important lessons on structure, technique, form, and various literary devices.
But, we are also enhanced and enriched by examining the works and various styles of expression of our contemporaries.
With this in mind, in honor of National Poetry Month, today's post…
March 31, 2016
IU Writers’ Conference: A Participant’s Perspective
Guest blog post by Celia Daniels
Interested in registering? We have spots remaining in our science fiction, fiction, and poetry workshops, but they’re going quick!
I first learned about the Indiana University Writers’ Conference in the spring of 2015 after meeting with the then-associate director, Trevor Mackesey. We spoke about our styles of writing for…
March 7, 2016
Think Pink!
Celebrate Women's History Month
March is Women's History Month. A time to embrace, honor and trumpet the collective contributions of women worldwide. From the arts scene, to politics, to business, to fashion—women are trail blazers, innovators and trendsetters. Women's History Month initially began as a week long celebration in 1978, in California. And…
February 11, 2016
February Marks National Black History Month
In the Inner City and Dreams
Poetry by Lucille Clifton and Langston Hughes
February is designated National Black History Month. A time to examine, embrace, and honor the collective contributions of people of color. In keeping, today's pieces will highlight the poetic works of some of the most celebrated African-American writers throughout history.
Enjoy!
In the Inner…
January 20, 2016
Bringing Stories to Those Who Need Them Most
An interview with Karen Thomson - CWA's 2015 Lifetime Achievement Award recipient
By Christina Rodriguez
When you think of book groups, you typically think of a bunch of women sitting around, talking about a book they have chosen to read and their thoughts about it. For some, it’s an exciting experience. To others, it seems like one of the dullest things you can do.
…January 19, 2016
Healing Through Writing
CWA's 2015 Book of the Year Award Winner for Non-Fiction, Non-Traditionally Published
An interview with author Kelley Clink by Christina Rodriguez
Losing a loved one is one of life’s hardest trials. It leaves you walking around with your heart at your feet. Walking into any reminder kicks grief into gear. In a different kind of same, author Kelley Clink explores how living with that grief can lead you to…
January 18, 2016
An Old Heart Still Beats Strong
CWA's 2015 Book of the Year Award Winner for Fiction, Traditionally Published
An interview with author Peter Ferry by Christina Rodriguez
At some point of your life, after you have done all the right things (and plenty of wrong), you finally have the chance to right the things that haunt you and follow your true heart’s desire. Imagine wanting to or doing just that, but you now have everyone…
January 17, 2016
Prose and Cons
CWA's 2015 Book of the Year Award Winner for Non-Fiction, Traditionally Published
An interview with author Dean Jobb by Christina Rodriguez
Every Chicagoan knows the stories of corrupt early twentieth century Chicago. In the era of gangsters like Al Capone, you had every scam, swindle, scheme you could dream of with men who made you quiver all your money away.
Dean Jobb wrote about "the greatest con man you’ve never heard…
January 16, 2016
Not All Clowning Around
An interview with author James Finn Garner - CWA's 2015 Book of the Year Award Winner for Non-Fiction, Non-Traditionally Published
By Christina Rodriguez
Writing a series is never an easy feat, especially when you dive into a world of crime with clown shoes. James Finn Garner manages to do it with flare and a ton of laughs, making his Rex Koko, Private Clown series a two-time Chicago Writers Association Book of the…
January 11, 2016
Feedspot Releases Best Writing Blogs for 2016 Selections
It's here! The first one of the year: the 2016 listing of the "best blogs" for writers. No matter what your age, stage or genre, you'll find a wealth of information and resources in this very diverse, dynamic compilation. Discover tips, tools and techniques to enhance your writing career…
