Windy City Writers

CHICAGO 

 “The Path to On the Job: Murder, Reflection, and Where TV Cop Shows Fail” by Daniel P. Smith

Author, journalist, and lifelong Chicagoan Daniel P. Smith guides audience members into the closed-door society that is the Chicago Police Department. Sharing never-before-told stories of the tolls the job exacts on the officers, their families, and their lives while interweaving a discussion of Chicago’s criminal landscape, police department culture, and history, Smith discusses the unique personal experiences that led him to pen his debut work, On the Job: Behind the Stars of the Chicago Police Department. (Adults; 60-75 min.; $100-200 negotiable with permission to sell books)

Website: www.onthejob-smith.blogspot.com

Contact: smithwriting@gmail.com, (708) 717-6126

References: Carol Kania of the Downers Grove Library, (630) 960-1200,ckania@downersgrovelibrary.org ; Judy Nicholas of the Plainfield Library, (815) 327-2505, jnicholas@plainfield.lib.il.us

“Chicago Genealogy 101” by Grace DuMelle

Learn the challenges of searching for your Windy City relations, such as address and street name changes and scores of unindexed newspapers, from Grace DuMelle, author of Finding Your Chicago Ancestors and head of Heartland Historical Research Service. Also, discover some lesser-known resources for family historians—fire insurance maps, inquest records, and probate cases—to gain a more complete picture of ancestors. Includes handouts. (Adults; 60 min.; $150 with permission to sell books)

Website: www.hhrs1872.com

Contact: hhrs1872@ameritech.net, (312) 842-8933

References: Terri Meyer with Ela Area Library District, (847) 438-3433, tmeyer@eapl.org

“Chicago Literary Hall of Fame: Writing by, about, and for the First City” by Donald G. Evans

Chicago's rich literary heritage and community is famously overshadowed, but Chicago's backseat reputation is itself fiction and the burgeoning Chicago Literary Hall of Fame's mission is to honor and promote our own. Evans, Executive Director of Chicago Writing Association’s Chicago Literary Hall of Fame and author of Good Money After Bad, traces Chicago’s history and culture through a chronological overview of its great books, discussing what Chicago's literature reveals about the city, its writers, and history. (Adults; 60 min.; $100 with permission to sell books)

Website: www.donaldgevans.com

Contact: (773) 414-2603, donaldgevans@hotmail.com

AMERICAN LIFE AND CURRENT EVENTS

“Climate Change: The Real Story” by Steve Goreham

Climate change remains a hot topic in today's news. While our newspapers, TV stations, and political leaders deliver warnings about icecap melting, droughts, floods, increased storm intensity, and polar bear extinction, some claim that these alarms are exaggerated. Learn the real story on the science and the policy impacts from climate change researcher Steve Goreham, author of the upcoming book, Climatism! Science and Common Sense on the 21st Century's Hottest Topic. (Teens and adults; 60 min.; $125 negotiable with permission to sell books)

Contact: (815) 462-8924, gorehamsa@comcast.net

“Hip Hop 101: Learning the Business of the Hip Hop Industry” by Michael Gardner

NAS Media Group CEO Michael Gardner directs an open discussion of the hip hop industry with colleagues from the music field, including artists, producers, and directors. Gardner provides hip hop history, evaluates the infusion of poetry and prose, discusses the business of hip hop, and (if allowed) leads an open mic session. (Teens and adults; 120 min.; $120 negotiable with permission to sell books)

Website: www.naspublishing.com

Contact: michaelgardner@naspublishing.com, (773) 220-8344

References: Alphie Doss of Doss Media, (312) 316-7020

WRITING AND LITERATURE

“Pathways to Publishing Success” by Helen Gallagher

Noted speaker Helen Gallagher, author of Release Your Writing: Book Publishing Your Way, explores the pros and cons of traditional publishing versus self publishing while also detailing her “Ten Commandments of Visibility” for book marketing. Gallagher helps participants leave the workshop with an action plan to reach their writing goals. A segment on the value of blogs teaches the “how and why” to gain visibility and exercise one’s writing voice. (Pre-teens to adults; 60-90 min. open to the public or 120-min. morning workshop with advance registration; $300 negotiable with permission to sell books)

Website: www.releaseyourwriting.com

Contact: (847) 998-6240, Helen@releaseyourwriting.com

References: Jodie Jacobs, president Midwest Writers Assoc., jodie_jacobs@sbcglobal.net; Sue Roupp, president of Off-Campus Writers Workshop, sroupp@gmail.com

“Poetry Workshop” by Susanna Lang

Award-winning poet and veteran teacher Susanna Lang leads comprehensive workshops beginning with a brief presentation on an aspect of the poet’s craft, such as a form (elegy), tool (metaphor), or theme (poetry of witness). Participants will then have a prompt related to the presentation and time to write. The last and largest part of the session will be sharing and critiquing each other’s work. Participants may share what they wrote in response to the prompt or bring copies of previous work. (Children to adults, limited to 12 participants; 90-180 min. depending on group; $50-100 negotiable with permission to sell books)

Contact: (773) 456-9485, slang12@yahoo.com

References: Deborah Rosen of Northwest Cultural Council, (847) 835-0266; Kathy Umlauf, Director of the Northwest Cultural Council, northwestculturalcouncil@yahoo.com

“The Road to Running with Stilettos” by Mary T. Wagner

Journalist-turned-criminal prosecutor-turned-blogger-turned-author Mary T. Wagner discusses writing for the sheer joy of it and the steps along the way that set her on the journey to an award-winning writing career. Heavy emphasis on the “carpe diem,” pounce-on-every-opportunity philosophy of writing and living. (Teens and adults; 50-60 min.; $150 with permission to sell books)

Website: www.runningwithstilettos.com

Contact: (262)573-7171, runwstilettos@yahoo.com

“Baseball Literature: The Hall of Fame Bookshelf” by Donald G. Evans

Daily newspapers, monthly magazines, Web sites, newsletters...relentless reporting on professional baseball comes at high velocity. How, then, do creative writers use sports as part of the creation of literature? What combination of qualities makes sports writing lasting rather than disposable? Evans, editor of Cubbie Blues: 100 Years of Waiting Till Next Year, reviews the range of sports writing, from masters such as Ring Lardner and Grantland Rice, and showcases sports history in the context of its great literature. (Adults; 60 min.; $100 with permission to sell books)

Website: www.donaldgevans.com

Contact: (773) 414-2603, donaldgevans@hotmail.com

References: Debby Preiser of the Oak Park Public Library, dpreiser@oppl.org, (708) 697-6915; Augie Alesky of Centuries & Sleuths Bookstore, cns7419@sbcglobal.net, (708) 771-7243

“Its Not Where You're From...It’s Where You're At” by Teen Writers and Artists Project

TW&AP Executive Director Diana Zwinak and a group of teen poets discuss writing and being heard along with the value of self-expression. Tailored to be a workshop on poetry, fiction, or creative non-fiction depending on the needs of your audience, spoken word performances are included. (Teens; 60-90 min.; $100-200 negotiable with permission to sell books)

Website: www.teenwritersandartists.ning.com

Contact: dlzwinak@aol.com, (630) 677-8735

“Golden Microphone: A Spoken Word/Open Mic/ Workshop for Teens” by Teen Writers and Artists Project

Executive Director Diana Zwinak and spoken word poets from Teen Writers and Artists Project partner with a published author/performer to present a writers workshop and open mic night. Participants learn some literary techniques, have the opportunity to present their original work, and participate in a reading by the featured author. (Teens; 90-120 min.; $100-250 negotiable with permission to sell books)

Website: www.teenwritersandartists.ning.com

Contact: dlzwinak@aol.com, (630) 677-8735

“What about the Moody Kid in Black? Growing and Fostering Teen Creativity” by Diana Zwinak

Author, journalist, teacher, and Teen Writers and Artists Project Executive Director Diana Zwinak directs a program for all those who have creative teens in their lives and wish to encourage their literary expression. Zwinak addresses the difference between pushing and encouraging, how to keep creative teens safe from negative influences, and when behavior might be worth worrying about. She also discusses how tapping into creative potential will aid in navigating a teen's emotional landscape and assist him or her in the future workplace and new adult job market. (Adults; 45-60 minutes; $100-200 negotiable with permission to sell books)

Website: www.teenwritersandartists.ning.com

Contact: dlzwinak@aol.com, (630) 677-8735

TRAVEL

“Finding Hallowed Ground: America’s Civil War Historic Sites Today” by Michael Weeks

While many Civil War historic sites are preserved as national or state parks, the vast majority remain less heralded. Yet, even the smallest sites are easy to find and hold incredible stories. Weeks, author of The Complete Civil War Road Trip Guide, will showcase the nation’s premier Civil War sites as well as the hidden gems that dot the American landscape, demonstrating how seeing history with our own eyes directly connects us to our past. (Teens and adults; 60-90 min; Coverage of travel expenses and permission to sell books)

Contact: (773) 547-3475, mike.weeks312@gmail.com

References: Bob Conklin with the Moline Public Library, (309) 762-6883, bconklin@molinelibrary.org

"Waltzing Australia" by Cynthia Clampitt 

A land of surprises and contrasts offering a kaleidoscope of memorable experiences, Australia presents a splendid destination with its astonishing landscapes, strange animals, the Great Barrier Reef, the Sydney Opera House, great wineries, abundant birdlife, and friendly people. With 40 years of international travel experience, writer and photographer Cynthia Clampitt’s customizable program focuses on the many aspects of Australia, including highlights from her heralded work, Waltzing Australia. (15-90 min. and tailored to age of audience; $100 negotiable with permission to sell books)

Website: www.worldplate.com

Contact: caclampitt@att.net, (847) 537-7915

References: Scott Warner with Culinary Historians of Chicago, swarner@cmsdocs.org; Vicky Edwards of Chicago-area Mensa, AChicVic@aol.com, 630-629-8385

“Travel Savvy” by Cynthia Clampitt

Travel broadens an individual’s horizons, but it brings with it risks, costs, hassles, health issues, and other considerations. Every stage of the trip contributes to the ultimate outcome of the adventure: planning, packing, flying, touring, and returning home. Learn travel tricks, products, guidelines, and resources from veteran international traveler, author, and photographer Cynthia Clampitt. Sprinkled with tales of adventures from Paris to Mongolia, “Travel Savvy” offers ways to save money, cut risks, reduce hassles, and enjoy the road. (Teens and adults; 60-90 min.; $100 negotiable with permission to sell books)

Website: www.worldplate.com

Contact: caclampitt@att.net, (847) 537-7915

References: Scott Warner with Culinary Historians of Chicago, swarner@cmsdocs.org; Vicky Edwards of Chicago-area Mensa, AChicVic@aol.com, 630-629-8385

LIFE AND CAREER

“Commit To Get Fit: The Secret to True and Ever-Lasting Weight Loss” by Laura Dion-Jones Casey

Health activist, writer, and lifestyle consultant, Laura Dion-Jones Casey presents her motivational program aimed at helping individuals overcome common fitness hurdles and reach the best shape of their lives. Highlighting key components of her own 130-pound weight loss success, Laura’s high-energy program teaches the basics of daily walking, meditation, positive mindset, and finding the right diet for lifelong change. (All ages; 90-120 min. introductory session with 5-week follow up series available; $150 for intro, negotiable per person rate for 5-week series, and permission to sell books)

Website: www.lauradionjones.com

Contact: (312) 933-7325, (312) 595-0172, dionjones@aol.com

“Win the Job Interview Before It Begins” by Dan Burns

A hiring manager makes a decisive qualification about a job candidate within the first 60 seconds. In that opening minute, a hiring manager often decides a candidate’s fate and in today’s challenging marketplace it is critical that job seekers go beyond what’s normally required and the competition. Veteran business manager Dan Burns, author of The First 60 Seconds, provides the tools and techniques to make a great first impression and help jobseekers win their interview before it begins. (Adults; 60 min.; $100 negotiable with permission to sell books)

Website: www.thefirst60seconds.com

Contact: dan@thefirstsixtyseconds.com, (630) 915-8808

“Your Calling Has Been Disconnected: Chronic Stress, Burnout, and Compassion Fatigue” by Dr. Serena Wadhwa

Led by Dr. Serena Wadhwa, director of TriQual Living Center, participants leave this interactive, skill-building workshop with tools enabling them to identify and work through stress, burnout, and compassion fatigue to be more effective in their lives. Participants examine where they are currently at in terms of optimal stress and learn ten different strategies they might implement to better optimize stress. (Adults; 60-120 min.; $100-$175 with permission to sell books, manuals)

Website: www.triqualiving.com

Contact: bserenwad@aol.com, (773) 368-4363

References: Mark Sanders with Governors State Univ., Onthemark25@aol.com

“Elements of Personal Power: Creating Magic to Battle Destructive Forces” by Dr. Serena Wadhwa

Dr. Serena Wadhwa, director of TriQual Living Center, leads this interactive, skill-building workshop aimed at providing strategies for individuals to develop and implement a plan of empowerment. Participants define what empowerment is, recognize what the lack of power may look like, and develop the knowledge and skills to empower oneself. (Adults; 60-120 min.; $100-175 with permission to sell books)

Website: www.triqualiving.com

Contact: bserenwad@aol.com, (773) 368-4363

References: Mark Sanders with Governors State Univ., Onthemark25@aol.com

“Conflict Resolution: An Interactive Program” by Michael Gardner

Author, speaker, and organizer Michael Gardner leads an interactive workshop involving participant role play as well as Q&A. Covering the effectiveness of peer leadership boards as well as how to set them up in various areas to better serve the chosen community, Gardner also discusses peer leadership networks in public places, the home, and the community as well as peer-to-peer mentorship. (Teens and Adults; $120 negotiable with permission to sell books; 90 min.)

Website: www.naspublishing.com

Contact: michaelgardner@naspublishing.com, (773) 220-8344

References: Bob Jackson of CeaseFire, (773) 238-5599

“Entrepreneurial Activities: Creating Your Own Job” by Michael Gardner

Gardner, CEO of Chicago-based New Age Scribes Media Group, examines strategies and techniques to create and improve entrepreneurial activities. Topics include the definition of an entrepreneur, the history of the entrepreneur, modern and grassroots methods of marketing, business models, article maintenance and preparation, and more. (Adults with a modified program for young audiences; $120 negotiable with permission to sell books; 120 min.)

Website: www.naspublishing.com

Contact: michaelgardner@naspublishing.com, (773) 220-8344

References: Basil Muhammad of AskMuhammad.com, (773-304-7340

“Credit Education” by Michael Gardner

Bringing in colleagues from the financial and banking industry, Gardner leads a discussion on building and improving credit. Prior to Q&A, the group discusses what credit is and how it impacts people, the credit cycle, effective credit versus ineffective credit, repairing bad credit, and more. Post-workshop, the presenters provide free credit checks. (Teens and Young Adults; $120 negotiable with permission to sell books; 120 min.)

Website: www.naspublishing.com

Contact: michaelgardner@naspublishing.com, (773) 220-8344

References: Lafayette Ford of J.P. Morgan Chase, (312) 670-0914

HISTORY

“Uncovering Your Past in Land Records” by Grace DuMelle

DuMelle, author and head of Chicago-based Heartland Historical Research Service, instructs on accessing a trove of public records that can provide maiden names, death dates, proof of relationships, and much more. Once you know the two types of indexing systems (tract book and grantor-grantee) you can work in any county in the U.S. Specialized maps and legalese will also be deciphered. Includes handouts. (Genealogy groups, historical societies; 60 min.; $150 with permission to sell books)

Website: www.hhrs1872.com

Contact: hhrs1872@ameritech.net, (312) 842-8933

References: Terri Meyer with Ela Area Library District, (847) 438-3433, tmeyer@eapl.org

“Compelling Stories, Verifiable Facts: Getting the Best of Both Worlds” by Daniel P. Smith and Grace DuMelle 

Quotable quotes and juicy anecdotes liven any type of writing and are especially welcome when writing the history of a family, business, or municipality. How do you get page-turning stories AND the facts to back them up? In this tag-team program, journalist and author Daniel P. Smith provides key interviewing techniques to solicit the personal stories and voices necessary to create an engaging human portrait while genealogist Grace DuMelle shares 10 tips from her award-winning Finding Your Chicago Ancestors on sourcing the details you’ve gotten from your subjects, including newspapers and public records. Includes handouts. (Adults; 75-90 min.; $200 negotiable with permission to sell books)

Website: www.hhrs1872.com

Contact: (Daniel) smithwriting@gmail.com, (708) 717-6126

Have questions or comments about the CWA Speakers Bureau? Please contact CWA Speakers Bureau Director Daniel P. Smith at smithwriting@gmail.com or (708) 717-6126.