New year, new writing!

OK, so the NaNoWriMo plan didn't pan out perfectly. I did write a few thousand words and come up with an outline for a future book, though. Better than nothing. :)

And what's way better? Monday I start an 8-week online writing workshop led by one of my favorite authors and inspirations, Ariel Gore. You may remember her from the motivating and generally cool-chick interview she gave me this time a couple years ago: Ariel interview Pt. 1 and Pt. 2. I've been writing up a storm just at the thought of the workshop. I'll let y'all know how it goes.

In other news, the Hidden Mitten was in the studio last week recording a new EP (YAY!!!!) and I'm also getting the Silver Lining Writers Group back together for the new year. Woohoo! It feels awesome to end '08 and start '09 on a creative note. A studio diary will be coming soon from me, and in the meantime, here's the scoop on writing group from my Facebook post:

So, in 2007 I had this superfun writers group going with various friends. We got together every month or so to drink, hang out, and either talk about writing -- or not talk about writing, depending on mood. It was open to anyone with an interest in writing, so we had everyone from those with a published book to those who prided themselves on writing kickass e-mails. If one of us needed to vent about writer's block or a torturous freelance assignment, we did (and we drank). If one of us was celebrating seeing their article in print or book in stores, we did (and we drank). Those were good, inspiring, camaraderie-infused times.

Then I got a full-time job. Projects like finishing my book, writing on my blog, printing my 'zine, and getting the writer's group together fell tragically but understandably by the wayside. To that I say: NO MORE! Many members have asked when we're meeting again, and I shall put it off no more. Break out the whiskey and put on your best Hemingway pants -- for as the new year looms, Silver Lining Writers Group returns! Woohoo!

WHEN: 6 p.m. (or as soon as you can get there) Monday, January 19
WHERE: Hopleaf Bar, 5148 N. Clark http://www.hopleaf.com/
WHAT ELSE: For new-year's inspiration, we'll head to the Neo-Futurariam for the 8 p.m. show of my favorite theater production ever, That's Weird, Grandma. The show is cheap ($9), short (1 hr.), and unforgettably different and hilarious every time. (The Barrel of Monkeys troupe works with Chicago Public School kids, who write short sketches that the adult actors perform in the show.) If kids can write, we can write -- right?! :)http://www.barrelofmonkeys.org/
HOW: New people are always welcome! You can come for the meeting and the show, or one or the other. You can bring friends. You can dance on the bar. Bring it on. (And if you do, I'll definitely regale you with the infamous story of "salsa sock," which was born after a particularly whiskey-fueled meeting at (may it rest in peace) Pontiac Cafe. Just comment and RSVP so I know how many seats to grab at the Hopleaf.

Happy new year and happy writing and reading to everyone!
LOVE & LIT,
Erin :)