by Dan Burns

I became a writer because of Ray Bradbury.

Over thirty years ago, I first dreamed of becoming a writer. As often happens, life got in the way for so many years.

But on Thursday, May 6, 2004, I was struck by lightning, my brain seared, my heart jolted, and life changed forever.

On that fateful day, I had the opportunity to…

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Chicago is a city tied with identity, its eight million residents hailing from all different backgrounds, cultures, and countries. Wherever I’m At: An Anthology of Chicago Poetry is the cross-section of that city-wide identity, exposing slices of life from a variety of angles.

I reached out to Marianne Boruch, who contributed her poem Once at Berghoff’s (115) to the anthology. Boruch was born and raised in…

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By Dan Baron

During a career as a journalist who covered major social movements, a teacher, and a nonprofit executive dedicated to telling the story of grassroots groups, Henry W. DeZutter was also a creative soul who wrote a children’s book. Mr. DeZutter passed away in Chicago on July 14. He was 80 years old.

Oh, to hell with it. I can’t do this. Henry…

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by Vincent Francone

1.

I once told a pro-lifer that if anyone opposes abortion they should adopt a kid or shut up. They said, “Why should I be forced to raise a kid I don’t want.”

2.

Talking to a libertarian friend the other day, he makes a comment regarding the gender

nonconforming and pontificates about the impossibility of their…

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By Donald G. Evans

From the Logan Center’s 9th floor, you can look out across Hyde Park all the way to the skyline, watch the horizon twinkle and roar and blush. But I wasn’t looking. I stationed myself in the small room outside the penthouse—a kind of vestibule with no windows—to greet guests as they arrived for the launch of Wherever I’m At: An Anthology of…

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This conversation is clarified from the discussion that took place at the Fuller Award ceremony to Reginald Gibbons, which took place September 21, 2021 via Zoom.

Alex Kotlowitz: I wish I was seeing you in person—I miss our Furama days! I loved your talk. Everybody talks about your generosity—it was so "Reg"—and here we are to celebrate your writing and you spend fifteen minutes celebrating all…

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By TBD

Mike Royko died 25 years ago, on April 29, 1997.

It’s only right to start a remembrance of Mike Royko with a quick one-sentence lede. The swift jab of his lede was a hallmark we all appreciated, straight through to the knockout punch of his snappy conclusion.

Here’s an iconic example from October 19, 1971, on the imminent destruction of Adler &…

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By Dmitry Samarov

I get a curious email from a man named Artis. He’s writing on behalf of the United States Postal Service. It isn’t to ask me to stop harassing the post office about delayed or lost packages, as I would have surmised. He’s inviting me to take part in the unveiling of the first-ever stamp featuring the work of Shel Silverstein.…

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By R. Craig Sautter

April of this year, 2022, marks the 107th anniversary of the Chicago-based Society of Midland Authors, a lively group that still flourishes with nearly 400 paid members representing book authors in 12 States of the American Midland. SMA conducts monthly meetings and literary programs, normally at the Cliff Dwellers’ Club, high above the Art Institute, overlooking Grant Park and Lake…

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