By Della Leavitt StoryStudio Chicago's three-day Writers Festival moved this year to a covid-necessary virtual format. I was pleased to participate Oct. 1-4 as a guest of the Chicago Literary Hall of Fame. While “In-a-Year” StoryStudio students had the opportunity to meet…

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On Monday, Oct. 5, beginning at 7 p.m., Rachel Swearingen will read from her debut story, How to Walk on Water, and discuss it with author Kate Wisel, whose own short story collection Driving in Cars with Homeless Men just came out in paperback. Host The Book Cellar requires pre-registration for…

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by Patty Kelsey The murder of George Floyd on May 25th of this year was, sadly, nothing new. American history before and since reflects the systematic and consistent social injustices waged against powerless people, particularly, as in this case, People of Color. This murder did not happen in…

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By Donald G. Evans In the course of his tireless advocacy of literature and writers—a frenzied, decades-long career in which he has taught young writers, published great books, run literary festivals, and so much more—Jotham Burrello stole some hours to create his own novel. For the past…

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By Donald G. Evans Dusty did not want to do it, I could tell. He is 16 and until this past spring his days were packed—academic work, rigorous soccer training and games (often playing on two teams simultaneously), the ping pong club, babysitting gigs, outings with friends. Sunup until…

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By Donald G. Evans Volumes Bookcafe hosts award-winning writer, rapper, educator, and editor Nate Marshall this Thursday, Aug. 27, in celebration of his new poetry collection, Finna. Nate will be joined by his friend and fellow poet, José Olivarez. This night of poetry and…

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By Donald G. Evans Al DeGenova writes poetry in a shed he built himself (“every nail and screw”), out back of his second home in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, where he has long been associated with the Clearing Folk School. Al fell in love with Door County even earlier than that first…

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By Donald G. Evans   The Summer 2020 Chicago Fit/Lit Challenge July 13–Aug. 17, 2020 Middle Schoolers and High Schoolers (maybe adults, too—if you are interested, contact me) Through Zoom and Discord. Site visits are self-guided. (Make it a family outing).  $75; Register…

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By Randall Albers Recent events have rendered our nation’s history of racism highly visible—once again. Of course, for those families losing loved ones in Chicago and elsewhere, and for those who daily walk the streets fearing violence, the pain of racism is and always has been a…

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