And Off We Go

Ode, to the Launch Party... Wow, a blast! It was amazing to see all the writers who came out to play. Everywhere I turned, folks were chatting about their next project, deadlines, book deals, agents, the local literary scene... Almost a week later and I'm still pumped up from the night and still feeling slightly overwhelmed with everyone's generosity. We make for such a friendly, hilarious, lovely bunch of creative intellects, introverts, misfits, goof balls, and performers. This was exactly the kind of energy Writers' Dojo needed for our launch. Thanks, everyone, for helping make our party such a fabulous time.

Super-special-I-can't-say-it-enough thanks to our readers: James Bernard Frost, Kim Stafford, Chelsea Cain, Alison Clement, Tom Spanbauer. Each of you... phenomenal! As were the Dojo members who pitched in to help. Kristin, Caelan, Ellen, Dana, Skye: thank you.

Showing off Writers' Dojo was cool. But I hope we helped showcase St. Johns as a literary venue. Many of our friends who own the small businesses here are ready to open their doors and hearts to writers, to help out and play host. There are all these great spots, just within a few blocks around N. Lombard. Our local bookstore, St. Johns Books, is ready to team up for more readings. The Urban Soul is a tattoo parlor and art gallery with an amazing space for rocking parties. The Red Sea Church where we had our readings can hold up to 350 folks. Proper Eats, who helped cater the event, has a small stage and regular open mic nights. Anna Bananas, who provided coffee, has a cool cafe wine bar. The list goes on. The owners are ready and happy to connect. So stay tuned for more from NoPo.

Many wondrous notes have flowed in post party. Sweet, delicious thoughts from our new friends. So good! We did lose a healthy number of friends to the flu season, but our attendance numbers swelled nonetheless. We guess there were about 130-to-150 guests, most of us writers. The transition was especially surrealistic to see: a stream of party goers with wine glasses meandering across N. Chicago. Love it!

We'll do another party-like event soon. Maybe the summertime, maybe a garden party. Hey, shoot me a note with your ideas. We'll stick to the party formula: heaps of tasty wine, delicious food, friendly writer folk abound.

Okay, I did the little speech of thanks at the show, but here I go again. So many people donated their toys, expertise, and energy to help celebrate our opening.

A standing ovation, then, please, for: Emerald, my sister-in-law, who handmade a gagillion dumplings, egg rolls, and pieces of sushi; Michael, my brother and Aikido teacher, for opening the mat as a kids' playground; Jessica from Cameron Hughes Wine, who donated six delicious cases to our cause; our new friend and photographer, Doug, who should have amazing photos of the party to share soon; Piper and James from Proper Eats who helped with some catering; Shawn and Nathan at the Red Sea Church across the street who offered use of their home for the readings; freelance artist and coolest friend ever, Kim, who created these hilarious posters for us; Aaron, Web Master and music dude, dj Ujeen, who shared his mixing expertise; Albert who played keyboards; Kristina, who offered her party planning expertise; Hanny, who helped pour the wine; Jim, who lent his In Focus machine...