Auction Items Announced for our March 23rd Magazine Release Party!

We are pleased to announce the generous gifts donated to support our "Best Of" print edition. Thanks to Merz Apothecary, Writers’ Theatre, Infuse Yoga Spa, Old Town School of Folk Music, Ewing Eugene Baldwin, Anne Unger, and Literary Writers Network members, we are able to offer these wonderful prizes to help defray publishing costs.

Join us Friday, March 23, 7-9pm, at The Book Cellar in Chicago to bid on these wonderful gifts starting as low as $5, get your copy of our newly released magazine and listen to five great readings.

Auction item #1: Two Tickets to see The Blonde, The Brunette, and the Vengeful Redhead at The Writers’ Theatre, from May 22 – July 29, 2012.

Thwarted housewife Rhonda Russell loses herself in a heated moment of passion, setting into motion an unbelievable series of events that ripple through the lives of everyone around her. One performer intricately weaves together the many different sides of Rhonda's story with engrossing narrative, wit and compassion. An international hit, The Blonde, the Brunette and the Vengeful Redhead is a surprising and touching tale of loss and ultimate redemption.

Writers’ Theatre • 664 Vernon Ave., Glencoe, IL 60022

Item Value: $110
Bidding starts at $15

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Auction Item #2: A beautifully wrapped gift box full of natural health and beauty products from Merz Apothecary.

Gift box includes Caswell-Massy hand and body wash, lulu lemondrop body lotion, Sen Tara 1 facial cream, Kamill hand cream for men, organic vegan green tea—free of gluten, dairy and soy, soaps and more!

Merz Apothecary • 4716 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago
Merz Downtown • Palmer House Hilton, 17 E. Monroe St., Chicago

Item Value: $100
Bidding stats at $10

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Auction Item #3: Daily Spa Gift Set from Infuse Yoga Spa in Lincoln Park

Ever wish you could hit the “Refresh” button on yourself? Enjoy this sampling of botanical spa products that are pure, safe and beneficial. The set includes shampoo, conditioner, sea salt scrub, body lotion and a candle—all vegan. Free of chemical dyes, fragrances and parabens.

Plus visit Infuse Yoga Spa for a free do-it-yourself facial that you can re-create at home using botanically based premium skin care products. Gift also includes a $50 gift certificate for addition products.

Infuse Yoga Spa • 713 W. Wrightwood Ave., Chicago, IL

Item Value: $100
Bidding starts at $10

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Auction Item #4: Either 1) a 1.5 hour general yoga class for up to 10 of your friends, either in your Chicago home or at Focus Yoga in Brookfield, OR 2) a 75 minute private one-on-one yoga session for flexibility, weight management, stress, depression, low back, or simply yoga basics 101, in your home with Anne Unger, RYT (registered yoga teacher), and teacher trainer—yes, our editor is also a yoga instructor!

Looking for a fun night out… with the girls or with a group of couples? Or do you need to relieve tension, alleviate aches & pains, build strength and flexibility, clear your mind, or simply relax? Then this is the package for you.

This yoga offering will be designed to meet your needs and experience level. Anne has been teaching yoga since receiving her 200-hour certification in 2006. She teaches weekly classes in yoga basics, all-levels and intermediate to advanced levels at Focus Yoga in Brookfield, where she also provides instruction for teacher trainees and a monthly philosophy class to the community. She teaches private and group sessions, as well as floor or chair yoga for the corporate environment. Anne also offers special classes and workshops, including: Finding Creative Inspiration through Yoga, A Four-part Series on the Chakras, Yoga for True Beginners—a five-week series, a Focus on Shoulders workshop, Developing a Home Practice, Yoga for Gardeners, and Rock ‘n’ Yoga.

Scheduling is flexible—open for day, evening, and weekend sessions—but subject to availability. Offer expires March 2013.

Item Value: $100
Bidding stats at $15

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Auction item #5: a Pre-form (un-notched) Ovate Burlington chert knife.

Used for butchering or skinning of game. Archaic Period, 8,000-1,000 BC. Found in Jersey County, Illinois, and donated by "Watchers" author Ewing Eugene Baldwin.

This item is fragile, may chip or scratch if handled.

Item Value: $50
Bidding starts at $10

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Auction item #6: a Complimentary New One-Year Household Membership to the Old Town School of Folk Music—for New Members Only!

· Member price for Group & Private Lessons
· Advance Concert Ticket Purchases
· Member price for most Concert Tickets
· 10% off most merchandise in the School's Music Store
· Discounts on Smithsonian Folkways CDs
· Invitation to Member Sales, Special Offers and Appreciation Events
· Gift Certificate for an Old Town School t-shirt or hat
· Free admission to Paydates

Old Town School of Folk Music • 4544 N. Lincoln & 909 W. Armitage, Chicago, IL

Item Value: $125
Bidding starts at $10

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Auction Item #7: A Basket of Several Gently Used Books

Several LWN members donated their gently used books to be auctioned off. Give yourself the perfect excuse to take a break and relax with this wonderful selection of great books…

The Time Traveler’s Wife – Audrey Niffenegger
Travels With My Aunt – Graham Green
Angela’s Ashes – Frank McCourt
The Hippopotamus – Stephen Fry
Bee Season – Myla Goldberg
Almost French – Sarah Turnbull
Small Victories – Sallie Bingham
The Book of Joe – Jonathan Tropper
The Light of Day – Graham Swift
The Story of Edgar Sawtelle – David Wroblewski
Time Will Darken It – William Maxwell

Our "Best Of" 2012 print edition of 10,000 Tons of Black Ink

Item Value: PRICELESS
Bidding starts at $5


Stay and enjoy readings by…

Anne Unger is the editor and co-founder of 10,000 Tons of Black Ink, and the founder of Literary Writers Network, an organization dedicated to the advancement and promotion of literary writers. She is a freelance writer and editor working in various industries, including health care, real estate development, education, law, behavioral health, and others. She was recently awarded an Illinois Arts Council grant based on the opening of her current novel, The Weight of Tomorrow. Anne will be reading Hannah Lackoff’s story from the “Best Of” publication.

Jerry Long was a writer, editor and director of communications in several Chicago not-for-profits, the last being Illinois Institute of Technology, before retiring. He wrote annual reports, articles and speeches for management, including the president. Upon retirement, Jerry decided “enough already with writing for others” and began writing short stories and poetry. 10ktobi published his first story, which was also included in the magazine’s inaugural print edition in 2007. Since then, he has had other stories and some poems published in other journals.

Ewing Eugene Baldwin will be reading his story from the “Best Of” publication. He has had over 20 short stories published and 15 plays produced, including Off Broadway in New York and at the former Body Politic Theatre, in Chicago. His play, “Water Brought Us and Water’s Gonna Take Us Away,” about the Underground Railroad in Illinois, was commissioned by the U.S. Forest Service and produced at Prop Theatre and Columbia College. A commission by the U.S. Department of the Interior allowed him to act as Chicago producer of the National Tuskegee Airmen Oral History Project. He taught for 30 years as a theater artist-in-residence in the Illinois Arts Council's Artists-in-Education program. Part Shawnee Indian and an avocational archaeologist, he has found thousands of Indian artifacts in rural southwest Illinois, the setting for his fiction. “Watchers” is one of 14 short stories in his new book, Confluence.

Alexander Slagg has been writing and editing for various publications for more than 10 years. He’s been an LWN member since 2007 and serves as an editorial assistant for its literary publication 10,000 Tons of Black Ink. His short fiction and nonfiction work has been published in a number of magazines, most recently in the Q4 2011 issue of EdTech. Currently, he’s looking for a publishing home for his debut novel Guitar of the Gods.

Willy Nast graduated from Northwestern University, where he studied creative non-fiction. He loves beer, boxing, and greyhounds, though not necessarily in that order. He updates (far too infrequently) his own blog about writing at trustmeimawriter.blogspot.com. His greatest accomplishment is being the only Willy Nast on Facebook.

“Best Of”10,000 Tons of Black Ink Volume II Contributors Announced!

We wish to extend our sincerest congratulations to our contributors who will be featured in our next print edition, scheduled for release March 23, 2012.

“Ghost Train” by Eli Hastings (February, 2011)
“Twelve Pencils” by Renee Thompson (May, 2011)
“Ilpohechatoka!” by Anthony Spaeth (August, 2011)
“Watchers” by Ewing Eugene Baldwin (October, 2011)
“The Intruder” by Rebecca Burns (November, 2011)
“The Dead Do Not Come Back At Night” by Hannah Lackoff (February 2012)

Please Join Us For Our
“Best Of” 10,000 Tons of Black Ink Volume II Release Party

Friday, March 23, 2012
7:00 – 9:00 p.m.

The Book Cellar
4736-38 N. Lincoln Ave
Chicago

10,000 Tons of Black Ink will release its next “Best Of” print edition featuring the strongest pieces published online from 2011-2012. The evening will feature readings from the publication, plus work from local writers, and a silent auction offering many great prizes.

Be sure to come a few minutes early to visit The Book Cellar’s wine bar, with a variety of coffee drinks, beverages, salads, and sandwiches available for purchase.

Receive a copy of the magazine with your $5 donation.
10,000 Tons of Black Ink is a Literary Writers Network (LWN) publication. LWN is an organization dedicated to literary excellence through the advancement and promotion of emerging fiction and creative non-fiction writers. 10,000 Tons of Black Ink is an independent literary publication of quality literary or experimental fiction and creative non-fiction. It relies on the kindness and generosity of those who support the arts.

To learn more, please visit www.10ktobi.org.

SAVE THE DATE!

Please Join Us For Our
“Best Of” 10,000 Tons of Black Ink Volume II Release Party

Friday, March 23, 2012
7:00 – 9:00 p.m.

The Book Cellar
4736-38 N. Lincoln Ave
Chicago

10,000 Tons of Black Ink will release its next “Best Of” print edition featuring the strongest pieces published online since the last print edition. The evening will feature readings from the publication, work from local Chicago writers, and a silent auction offering many great prizes.

Be sure to come a few minutes early to visit The Book Cellar’s wine bar, with a variety of coffee drinks, beverages, salads, and sandwiches available for purchase.

Receive a copy of the magazine with your $5 donation. To learn more, please visit www.10ktobi.org.

10,000 Tons of Black Ink is a Literary Writers Network (LWN) publication. LWN is an organization dedicated to literary excellence through the advancement and promotion of emerging fiction and creative non-fiction writers. 10,000 Tons of Black Ink is an independent literary publication of quality literary or experimental fiction and creative non-fiction. It relies on the kindness and generosity of those who support the arts.

Auction Items Announced for November 4th Lit Reading!

We are pleased to announce the generous gifts that have been donated to 10,000 Tons of Black Ink by Merz Apothecary, Old Town School of Folk Music, Northlight Theatre, Writers’ Theatre, Victory Gardens Theatre, and Timeline Theatre to support our next "Best Of" print edition.

Several LWN members also donated their gently used books to be auctioned off during our Special Literary Engagement featuring five great readings from five of our talented members, Friday, November 4, 7pm at The Book Cellar in Chicago.

Auction item #1: Two Tickets to see The Caretaker at The Writers’ Theatre, from November 8 – December 30, 2011.

Writers’ Theatre • 664 Vernon Ave., Glencoe, IL 60022

Item Value: $120
Bidding starts at $10

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Auction item #2: Two Tickets to any Northlight Theatre production during the 2011-12 Season.

Chose from:
Season's Greetings - Nov 11 - Dec 18, 2011
Black Pearl Sings! - Jan 13 - Feb 19, 2012
Ten Chimneys - March 9 - Apr 15, 2012
[title of show TBA] - May 4 - June 10, 2012

Northlight Theatre • 9501 Skokie Boulevard Skokie, IL 60077

Item Value: $120
Bidding starts at $10


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Auction Item #3: Two Tickets to see Ameriville at Victory Gardens Theatre, from January 27 – February 5, 2011.

Victory Gardens Theatre • 2433 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago, IL 60614, IL 60657

Item Value: $110
Bidding starts at $5

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Auction Item #4: Two Tickets to any performance at Timeline Theatre before November 2, 2012.

Choose from:
The Pitmen Painters – Sept. 6 – Dec. 4, 2011
Enron – Jan. 17 – Apr 15, 2012
My Kind of Town – May 1 – July 29, 2012
Check website for future shows running Aug-Nov, 2012.

Timeline Theatre • 615 W. Wellington Ave. Chicago

Item Value: $90
Bidding stats at $5

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Auction Item #5: Gift basket full of natural health and beauty products from Merz Apothecary.

Item Value: $100
Bidding stats at $10


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Auction item #6: a Complimentary New One-Year Household Membership to the Old Town School of Folk Music—for New Members Only!

· Membership benefits for one household
· Member price for Group & Private Lessons
· Advance Concert Ticket Purchases
· Member price for Concert Tickets
· 10% off most merchandise in the School's Music Store
· Discounts on Smithsonian Folkways CDs
· Multiple class discount
· Gift Certificate for an Old Town School t-shirt or hat
· $20 Savings on 16-week classes

Old Town School of Folk Music • 4544 N. Lincoln & 909 W. Armitage, Chicago, IL

Item Value: $125
Bidding starts at $10


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Auction Item 7: A Basket of Several Gently Used Books

Give yourself the perfect excuse to take a break and relax with this wonderful selection of great books…

The Hours by Michael Cunningham
A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius by Dave Eggers
Be Cool by Elmore Leonard
Gilligan’s Wake by Tom Carson
In The Woods by Tana French
Blitz by Ken Bruen
The Things They Carried by Tim O’Brien
Little Big by John Crowley
Memoir’s of a Geisha by Arthur Golden
You Remind Me of Me by Dan Chaon
The Idiot Girls’ Action-Adventure Club by Laurie Notaro
Night of the Grizzlies by Jack Olsen
Our "Best Of" 2009 print edition of 10,000 Tons of Black Ink

Item Value: PRICELESS
Bidding starts at $3

Stay and enjoy readings by…

Denis J. Underwood is the online managing editor for 10,000 Tons of Black Ink. His stories have appeared in The First Line, The Angler, The Paumanok Review, Hatches Magazine, and elsewhere. His chapbook, Carolina, was published by Wind River Press. Grave Matters, a feature film he co-wrote and co-produced, has been in post-production a few years too many. The project was featured on the Sundance Channel's 24 Frames News.

Susan Fox has worked as a technical writer for a major consulting firm in the Chicago area, and is an editorial assistant for 10,000 Tons of Black Ink. She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from University of St. Francis, plus a nursing degree and a certificate in technical writing from the Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago. Susan has been invited to speak about her current novel by the Indiana Center for Middle East Peace and excerpts have been published in Two With Water, and the opening pages of the book took honors in the non-fiction category at the 2011 Writers’ Institute in Madison, Wisconsin. Visit her website at www.littlewomenofbaghlan.com.

Chad Peterson is the managing editor of 10,000 Tons of Black Ink. He has written a very small sampling of short stories as he spends most of his time working on novels, working on selling novels, putting novels in a drawer and then starting a new novel. He also writes poetry and has been recognized for his work by the Jo-Anne Hirshfield Memorial Poetry Awards and by the Writers' Institute at the University of Madison. During daylight hours, he serves as Director of Marketing and Communications for Writers' Theatre in Glencoe, and feels that you should come and see “The Real Thing” (which the Wall Street Journal says "reminds us of why we go to the theatre") before it closes on December 4.

Stephen Markley is the author of Publish This Book: The Incredible True Story of How I Wrote, Sold, and Published This Very Book, which is available wherever books are sold. In addition, he is a regular columnist for RedEye and writes a blog for them called "Off the Markley." His fiction and non-fiction have appeared in the Chicago Reader, Perceptive Travel, RadarOnline, The Week, Cars.com's KickingTires, and Weber: A Study of the Contemporary West. He is currently at work on his second and third books and has recently sold the film rights to Publish This Book.

Willy Nast graduated from Northwestern University, where he studied creative non-fiction. He loves beer, boxing, and greyhounds, though not necessarily in that order. He updates (far too infrequently) his own blog about writing at trustmeimawriter.blogspot.com. His greatest accomplishment is being the only Willy Nast on Facebook.

A Special Literary Engagement with Literary Writers Network

To Support the next "Best Of" print edition of 10,000 Tons of Black Ink

Friday, November 4, 2011
7:00 – 9:00 p.m.
$3 suggested donation

Our readings are a collaborative effort by Chicago-area writers and readers who are interested in promoting literary expression and appreciation for the literary arts. The evening will include readings by Denis Underwood, Chad Peterson, Sue Fox, Stephen Markley, and Willy Nast. Plus we’ll have a silent auction offering many great prizes.

All proceeds will go towards the next print publication of 10,000 Tons of Black Ink, which features the strongest pieces published online at www.10ktobi.org.

Literary Writers Network (LWN) is an organization dedicated to literary excellence through the advancement and promotion of emerging fiction and creative non-fiction writers. LWN offers a bimonthly Chicago writing group coupled with an online writing community and special literary reading events throughout the year. It also publishes the literary publication 10,000 Tons of Black Ink, featuring regular online publishing and an annual “Best Of” edition.

Auction Items for November 5th Lit Reading Announced!

We are pleased to announce the generous gifts that have been donated to 10,000 Tons of Black Ink by Northlight Theatre, Infuse Yoga Spa, Old Town School of Folk Music and Fine Wine Brokers to support our next "Best Of" print edition.

Several LWN members also donated their gently used books to be auctioned off during our Special Literary Engagement featuring five great readings from five of our talented members, Friday, November 5, 7pm at The Book Cellar in Chicago.

Auction item #1: Two tickets to a preview performance of any of our remaining 2010-11 Season productions.

Chose from:
A Civil War Christmas: An American Musical Celebration by Paula Vogel
Eclipsed by Danai Gurira
Sense & Sensibility by Jon Jory, adapted from the novel by Jane Austen
The Outgoing Tide by Bruce Graham

Northlight Theatre • 9501 Skokie Boulevard Skokie, IL 60077

Item Value: $110
Bidding starts at $10

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Auction item #2: a Complimentary New One-Year Household Membership to the Old Town School of Folk Music—for New Members Only!

· Membership benefits for one household
· Member price for Group & Private Lessons
· Advance Concert Ticket Purchases
· Member price for Concert Tickets
· 10% off most merchandise in the School's Music Store
· Discounts on Smithsonian Folkways CDs
· Multiple class discount
· Gift Certificate for an Old Town School t-shirt or hat
· $20 Savings on 16-week classes

Old Town School of Folk Music • 4544 N. Lincoln & 909 W. Armitage, Chicago, IL

Item Value: $125
Bidding starts at $5


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Auction Item #3: a Spa Tea Party for six at Infuse Yoga Spa in Lincoln Park

How would you like to have clear skin, a radiant complexion and a new daily luxury ritual? Gather your friends and learn a simple but effective do-it-yourself facial you can re-create at home using botanically based premium skin care products. Vegan. Free of chemical dyes, fragrances and parabens... you and your friends will learn what to look for when reading labels and how to create your own at-home spa ritual. All guests receive special pricing on any product purchases the day of the party.

Infuse Yoga Spa • 713 W. Wrightwood Ave., Chicago, IL

Spa Tea Party Value: $300
Bidding starts at $10

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Auction Item #4: a 4-Class Package for Yoga Classes at Infuse Yoga Spa in Lincoln Park

Do you need to relieve tension, get rid of aches & pains, build strength and flexibility, clear your mind, or simply relax? Our boutique Lincoln Park studio is the antidote to the stress of your busy urban life.

Infuse Yoga Spa offers customized yoga experiences designed to assist you in attaining greater peace of well being in a warm, welcoming environment. Class package may also be used for Pilates Mat, Cardio Boot Camp, and Belly Dance and can be shared with a friend.

The class package may also be used for the brand new Late Night Yoga Lounge Friday November 12th or Friday December 10th @ 10pm. An alternative to the same old Friday night social scene. Lounge music, great yoga, candlelight, organic wine sampling.

Infuse Yoga Spa • 713 W. Wrightwood Ave., Chicago, IL

Yoga Class Package Value: $68
Bidding stats at $5

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Auction Item #5: 2 Tickets to Fine Wine Brokers Spirits and Sparklers Event, November 16, 7:30pm

Check out Lincoln Square's Annual Grand Tasting of Champagnes, Whiskeys, Dessert Wines and more…over fifty items will be available for tasting including selections of Scotch, Bourbon, Cognac, Port, Sherry, Madeira, Cava, Prosecco and many other rare treats.

Fine Wine Brokers • 4621 N Lincoln Avenue, Chicago, IL
November 16, 7:30pm

Item Value: $80
Bidding stats at $5

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Auction Item 6: A Basket of Several Gently Used Books

Give yourself the perfect excuse to take a break and relax with this wonderful selection of great books…

Norwegian Wood - Haruki Murakami
Turkey Hash - Craig Nova
Foreign Land - Jonathan Rabin
Secret Lives of the First Ladies - Cormac O'Brien
Hot, Flat and Crowded - Thomas Friedman
Long Story Short - Flash Fiction Collection
Ishmael - Daniel Quinn
Botany of Desire - Michael Pollan
The Perfect Storm - Sebastian Junger
Mumbo Jumbo - Ishmael Reed
The Kite Runner - Khaled Hosseini
On the Road - Jack Kerouac
Another Roadside Attraction - Tom Robbins
Our "Best Of" 2009 print edition of 10,000 Tons of Black Ink

Item Value: PRICELESS
Bidding starts at $3

Join Us for a Special Literary Engagement with LWN Members

And help raise funds for our next "Best Of" 10,000 Tons of Black Ink print edition


Friday, November 5, 2010
7:00 – 9:00 p.m.
$3 suggested donation

The Book Cellar
4736-38 N. Lincoln Ave
Chicago

This special evening will include several readings by Literary Writer’s Network members, and a silent auction offering many great prizes.

Journalist and Essayist, Kate Hawley, will read an excerpt from her novel in progress, The Bride of Arlempdes. The book weaves together the stories of two families, a 19th-century peasant couple trying to marry off their unusual daughter, and a contemporary family struggling with an unhappy marriage. Kate is a freelance writer who has been published in the Chicago Reader, the Chicago Tribune, The New York Times, Travel+Leisure Family Magazine and elsewhere.

Northwestern graduate, Willy Nast, will read his short story "Surfing." Stuck in Lily Lake, Illinois, with his pregnant girlfriend, Craig couldn't be farther from surfable conditions. Outside of writing, Willy’s three greatest loves are hockey, boxing, and his retired greyhound Elmo. He is currently working on a book about his hometown of Aurora, Illinois and blogs about writing, although not as nearly as frequently as he should, at www.trustmeimawriter.blogspot.com. Willy studied creative non-fiction at Northwestern University.

Goddard College MFA graduate Kathleen Cecilia Nesbitt, will read an excerpt from her novel Sentencing Silence. In this excerpt, a young newlywed discovers her husband and his friends have ideas that send her reeling. Other excerpts have been published in 20lbs of Headlights and on BigCityLit.com. Her short fiction, prose poetry, and poetry have appeared in Whiskey Island Magazine, No Exit, Clockworks, and Hair Trigger.

Great Books Foundation Editorial Associate Lindsay Tigue, will read her short story "With Love From All of Us." Two sisters navigate loss against the backdrop of a national media event. Lindsay is a marketing and editorial associate at the Great Books Foundation and manages its quarterly magazine, The Common Review. Her fiction has appeared in Monkeybicycle and the Vermont Literary Review. She blogs about short story collections at www.iheartshortstories.com.

Author Sue Fox will read from Little Women of Baghlan, a creative non-fiction account of a Peace Corps volunteer that lived and worked for two years in Afghanistan. Sue has worked as a Registered Nurse, a technical writer and a flight attendant. She plays clarinet in several community ensembles and founded a school-based mentoring program.

Check back for details about the many great prizes offered during our silent auction.

All proceeds will go towards the next print publication of 10,000 Tons of Black Ink, which features the strongest pieces published online at www.10ktobi.org.

Literary Writer’s Network Hosts Reading for Chicago Author’s Debut Memoir

Literary Writers Network (LWN) will host a special literary engagement featuring Stephen Markley, author of the newly released memoir Publish This Book: The Unbelievable True Story of How I Wrote, Sold and Published This Very Book

The book is a no holds barred self-referential account about life and love (and everything in between) and the unending struggle to find your true self in it all. “There are compelling, emotionally resonant passages… a reflection on what it's like to shake loose the influence of a literary mentor, for example, or a best friend's realization of just how much an unplanned pregnancy has changed his life,” said Publisher’s Weekly.

In an interview with LWN, Markley admits, “Mostly, I just want people to enjoy it—to laugh where appropriate and think about the larger stuff when they have time.”

Markley is a Tribune RedEye columnist and blogger, and a commentator for the automotive blog Kicking Tires. His fiction has appeared in the Chicago Reader, 10,000 Tons of Black Ink, and in Midnight Times, and he has had articles published in the Populist Progressive, Weber—The Contemporary West, RadarOnline and Private Investigator’s Magazine.

Please join us at The Book Cellar, 4736-38 N. Lincoln, Chicago, on March 26, 2010, 7-9 p.m. The evening will include select readings from his debut book, a Q&A with the author, and a book signing. Admission is free.

To learn more about the author, please visit www.stephenmarkley.com.

Good Rule of Thumb for All Writers: “Always Be Brilliant”

Interview with Stephen Markley, author of Publish This Book

Literary Writers Network (LWN) member and author of Publish This Book—a soon-to-be-released memoir about life and love (and everything in between) and the unending struggle to find your true self in it all—Stephen Markley, shares with us his outlook on writing and offers insights into what it takes to be successful. Stephen came to LWN in 2007, soon after moving to Chicago, where he began writing Publish This Book and passing chapters through the LWN writing group for critique. He eventually obtained representation and landed a book deal before the entire project could be work-shopped, but several members promptly critiqued the remaining chapters (nearly the whole second half of the book) outside of the group to help Stephen prepare his memoir for his publisher.

Anne Unger for LWN: So how does it feel to have your first book published just a few years out of college?

Stephen Markley: There’s really no other word for it except “badass.” I’m well aware that writers work their entire lives to get a book into print, and to have leapt over so many hurdles so quickly really has me on a high. It opens up so many doors that were previously locked.

LWN: Publish This Book is part trendy, part intellectual, do you remember how you came up with the book idea?

SM: Desperation mostly. I really had no idea how I was going to achieve this dream of mine but also knew it was all I wanted, and I would be after it until I dropped dead or went insane. I mostly used Publish This Book as a side project while I worked on other things, but then everything started to fall into place.

LWN: What do you hope to leave your readers with or what do you hope they’ll learn from reading Publish This Book?

SM: I have no idea. I think that’s the great thing about “literature.” It’s not just what the writer puts on the page, but also what the reader brings to it. Already, I’ve heard wildly differing opinions of people’s favorite parts. Mostly, I just want people to enjoy it—to laugh where appropriate and think about the larger stuff when they have time.

LWN: It’s easy (and important) for writers to become absorbed in the story they are writing, living with it, feeding it, tending to it, often making it challenging to nurture and maintain most relationships. How do you find that balance in your life while writing?

SM: My problem is I absolutely care about writing more than anything else in my life, and I do sometimes think that has a negative effect on relationships. I’ve thought about it a lot since I got the book contract, but I really do prioritize writing above everything else. I’m sure that’s going to leave me lonely, cynical and miserable at some point, but for now it’s awesome.

LWN: Are you working on another book-length piece? What can we hope to see next from you?

SM: My goal starting out was to be a fiction writer, and that’s where I’m headed next. What I’m working on right now is really weird and might be a Hindenberg-style disaster of a sophomore effort. But then again, you only live once.

LWN: When and where do you like to write? In other words, do you have a writing schedule or a specific place that inspires you, or can you write anywhere, anytime? Any unusual writing rituals?

SM: I hear writers talk about their rituals, but I’ve never really bought into any of that. It is an anywhere, anytime kind of thing for me. A couple of times when I was driving around out west and sleeping in my car at rest stops, I even wrote then. I do like to write late at night—just stay up until four in morning with my laptop, and that’s how I finished Publish This Book--but my day job has made that a tough thing for the last couple of years.

LWN: Any hard or fast rules you adhere to when writing?

SM: Always be brilliant.

LWN: Do you read your work aloud to get it ready for publication?

SM: No. I probably should, but I have a bunch of roommates who would likely use something like that to denigrate my masculinity.

LWN: What are you reading right now? Do you find that you read more or less while writing?

SM: I read all the time no matter what. The only way you can be a writer is just to read non-stop. I try to keep my reading material as varied as possible, and I have a nerdy little system to keep that chugging along. Right now I’m kind of into theoretical physics, which sounds bizarre but is related to the aforementioned weird project. I went back to read Hawking’s “A Brief History of Time.” It’s a total trip, and it’s possible I’m not understanding any of it.

LWN: What advice can you share with young writers?

SM: This is one of those questions that necessitates a bullshit answer because there really is no magic advice. My situation is so anomalous that there is really no lesson to be drawn. My favorite advice ever comes from Conan O’Brien on the last night he hosted the Tonight Show. He said: Work hard and be kind. I think that’s pretty awesome.

Want to hear more from Stephen?

Be sure to join LWN for a special literary engagement with Stephen Markley on Friday, March 26, 2010, 7-9pm, at The Book Cellar, 4736 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago. He will read from his newly released memoir Publish This Book, and sign your very own copy following a brief Q&A. The reading is free and copies of the book will be available for purchase.

If you simply cannot wait until March 26th to get your copy and meet Stephen, please join him next Thursday, March 11, for the official release of the book at McFadden’s, 1206 N. State Parkway, Chicago, from 8pm-12am. Stephen will read from his memoir from 8-9pm; an all-you-can-drink special will be offered at $15 per person. To avoid paying a cover charge at the door, mention that you are attending Stephen’s release party. Visit www.StephenMarkley.com for more details.

If you live out of town, but want to get your hands on the book, you can order it through Amazon or Barnes & Noble.

Special Literary Engagement with Stephen Markley

Join Literary Writers Network for a Special Literary Engagement with Stephen Markley, author of Publish This Book.

Fed up with the Byzantine quest of trying to get a book published, Stephen Markley decided to cut to the chase and simply write a hyperkinetic high-concept memoir about trying to publish a book—this book, to be precise. Like a mobius strip in book form, the concept is circular, self-indulgent, and maybe, possibly, hopefully brilliant.

Stephen will read from his newly released memoir Publish This Book at The Book Cellar on Friday, March 26, 2010 at 7 p.m. Following a brief Q&A, he will sign your very own copy of Publish This Book.

The reading is free; copies of the book will be available for purchase.

To learn more about Stephen, visit his website at www.StephenMarkley.com.

Auction Items Announced!

We are pleased to announce the generous gifts that have been donated to 10,000 Tons of Black Ink by Northlight Theatre, Chicago Fire, Infuse Yoga Spa, and The Great Books Foundation to support our debut "Best Of" 2009 print edition. Several LWN members also donated their gently used books to be raffled off at our 2009 “Best Of” Release Party, Thursday, February 11, 7pm at The Book Cellar in Chicago!

Auction item #1: two Gold Section tickets for any night of the week to Northlight Theatre’s production of Hugh Leonard’s Irish classic, A Life, featuring John Mahoney.

As Desmond Drumm nears retirement, his memories come to life, reminding him of the triumphs and tragedies of his youth and prompting him to mend relationships with a childhood friend and the love interest that had charmed them both. But as scenes from the past shed light on the misunderstandings of today, Desmond must realize that his lifelong ability to use his great intellect and acerbic wit as a means of self-defense has come at a cost.

Northlight Theatre • 9501 Skokie Boulevard Skokie, IL 60077
MARCH 18– APRIL 25, 2010

Item Value: $100 (for both tickets)
Bidding starts at $10

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Auction item #2 & 3: two pairs of Premier Section tickets to Chicago Fire Opening Night at Toyota Park on Saturday, April 10th at 7:30 PM.

Throughout their ten seasons, the Chicago Fire has proven to be a force in Major League Soccer. The Fire have always given fans something to cheer about, winning five domestic titles; four Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cups and an MLS Cup Championship.

Item Value: $76 for two tickets (one pair of tickets per auction item)
Bidding starts at $10

Please note that the two sets of tickets cannot be combined so that all four tickets holders will be seated together.

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Auction Item #4: a Spa Tea Party for six at Infuse Yoga Spa in Lincoln Park

Treat your skin with this do-it-yourself facial. Using botanically based premium skin care products, you won't find a drop of the bad stuff in these mud masks and they definitely haven’t been tested on animals. You and your friends will learn what to look for when reading labels and how to create your own at-home spa ritual. All guests receive a $20 product voucher toward purchase.

Infuse Yoga Spa • 2536 N. Halsted St., Chicago, IL

Spa Tea Party Value: $300
Bidding starts at $10

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Auction Item #5: a 4-pack class card at Infuse Yoga Spa in Lincoln Park

Do you need to relieve stress, reduce chronic pain, build strength and flexibility, clear your mind, or simply relax? Our boutique Lincoln Park studio is the antidote to the stress of your busy urban life.

Infuse Yoga Spa offers customized yoga experiences designed to assist you in attaining greater peace of well being in a warm, welcoming environment.

Infuse Yoga Spa • 2536 N. Halsted St., Chicago, IL

Yoga Class Package Value: $64
Bidding stats at $5

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Auction Item #6: Seven Deadly Sins Sampler and Even Deadlier Slipcase Set

The popular Great Books Foundation anthology, The Seven Deadly Sins Sampler, and the exciting new sequel, Even Deadlier, comes in a handsome slipcase, featuring illustrations by artist Lisa Haney. Includes 28 stories by literary greats and discussion questions that will fuel hours of conversation.

A nonprofit educational organization and publisher in Chicago, the Great Books Foundation has been advancing the reading and discussion of great literature in our communities, schools, and homes for more than 60 years.

Anthology Slipcase Set: $37.95
Bidding stats at $5

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Raffle: a basket of several gently used books

Raffle tickets are $1

A Special Literary Engagement

Please Join Literary Writers Network for a Special Literary Engagement, featuring critically acclaimed Chicago Author Stephanie Kuehnert, on Thursday, September 17, 2009, at 7 p.m. at the Book Cellar, 4736-38 North Lincoln, Chicago.

Stephanie will read from her newly released novel, Ballads of Suburbia, and a brief Q&A with the author will follow. She will also sign copies of her book, which will be available for purchase. To learn more about Stephanie, visit her website at www.stephaniekuehnert.com.

Praise for Ballads of Suburbia…

"....an intensely real and painfully honest novel of high-school anxiety." and "....Kuehnert nails the raw vulnerability of teendom and delivers a hard-hitting and mesmerizing read." - Booklist

"Like an American Beauty for the teen set." - NewCity

"With her first two novels, Kuehnert has created vivid pictures of teenage lives that lie in that borderland that abuts adulthood. It is a fertile, confusing and intense place, and Kuehnert never holds back. But like a good ballad, she keeps the stories taut and precise, with a touch of heart thrown in for good measure." - Chicago Sun-Times

The evening will include brief readings by the following LWN members prior to our featured author:

Stephen Markley, whose first book, Publish This Book, will be released by Sourcebooks in March 2010. Currently he writes for the Tribune Company’s RedEye and the ChicagoNow blog “Off the Markley,” at www.chicagonow.com/blogs/off-the-markley.

April Galarza, a Columbia College Chicago graduate of fiction writing and an associate editor for the literary publication 10,000 Tons of Black Ink.

Nancy Werking Poling, author of Out Of The Pumpkin Shell, released earlier this year. To learn more about Nancy and her book, visit her website at www.nancypoling.com.

The reading is free.

Special Literary Engagement

First-ever LWN Members only Prose Show

Tuesday, September 30, 2008
7:00 p.m.

Mercury Café
1505 W. Chicago Avenue
Chicago

We’re pleased to present our first reading dedicated to LWN writing group members who will share their original fiction, including:

Stephen Markley, chapter excerpt from his novel "Publish This Book."

Diane Gillette, short story “Unmatched.”

Denis Underwood, short story “Fractured Memories of Hope,” published in the spring 2008 issue of The First Line.

Caela Carter, short story “Carrots or Celery?”

Alex Slagg, short story “Hello, My Name is: PDG.”

April Galarza, chapter excerpt from her novel "La Manda."

Chad Peterson, short story “Groovy.”

Seating is limited, so we encourage you to RSVP for priority seating by e-mailing us at rsvp@literarywritersnetwork.org with the number of literary enthusiasts in your group. A $3 donation is suggested.

Be sure to come a few minutes early to visit Mercury Café’s coffee bar, serving a full array of coffee drinks, beverages, salads, and sandwiches.

Visit the “Readings” section at www.LiteraryWritersNetwork.org to learn more about Prose Show.

I Wanna Be Your Joey Ramone Release Party

We at LWN are happy to report the release of Stephanie Kuehnert’s debut novel, I Wanna Be Your Joey Ramone. Stephanie’s novel, described as a raw, edgy, emotional novel about growing up punk and living to tell about it, will be released through MTV books.

As a friend to LWN, Stephanie has read at multiple Prose Shows, and a chapter of her upcoming novel Ballads of Suburbia is featured in issue one of 10K TOBI.

Help Stephanie celebrate her novel’s debut at the book’s release party.

I Wanna Be Your Joey Ramone Release Party
Beacon Pub
101 Circle Ave, Forest Park, IL 60130
Thursday, July 10
Party starts at 7 p.m.
Reading and signing at 8 p.m.

Here’s a summary to entice:
The Clash. Social Distortion. Dead Kennedys. Patti Smith. The Ramones.

Punk rock is in Emily Black's blood. Her mother, Louisa, hit the road to follow the incendiary music scene when Emily was four months old and never came back.

Now Emily's all grown up with a punk band of her own, determined to find the tune that will bring her mother home. Because if Louisa really is following the music, shouldn't it lead her right back to Emily?

About Stephanie:

STEPHANIE KUEHNERT got her start writing bad poetry about unrequited love and razor blades in eighth grade. In high school, she discovered punk rock and produced several D.I.Y. feminist 'zines. Stephanie received her MFA in creative writing from Columbia College Chicago. She currently resides in Forest Park, IL. Visit her website at www.stephaniekuehnert.com.