Posted by Keith Ecker …

Get to Know: Jen Bosworth and Dana Norris

The next Essay Fiesta is right around the corner. Mark your calendars for the 19th at 7 p.m. at the Book Cellar. With amazing readers and great raffle prizes from Threadless, Southport Grocery and Chicago Underground Comedy, this show will be a doozy. We are pleased as Christmas punch to be welcoming two of the … Continue reading →

Sign Up for the Essay Fiesta Newsletter

Hello Essay Fiesta fans! Tomorrow we will be sending out the December edition of the Essay Fiesta newsletter. Each month, and only once a month, we deliver writing tips, announcements and Chicago literary news directly to your inbox. If you want to be on top of the Chicago literary scene, make sure to subscribe to … Continue reading →

Essay Fiesta Dabbles in Teaching

Do you love learning? Who doesn’t?!? Well, now thanks to the geniuses at the Chicago-based tech start-up Dabble, it’s easier than ever to find skill-building and quirky workshops. And guess what?!? Your Essay Fiesta pals Keith Ecker and Alyson Lyon are teaching classes through Dabble. As many of you know, Alyson is also a professional … Continue reading →

Essay Fiesta Announces December Line-Up

You’re probably dreaming of a white Christmas. Well keep those sugar-plumb fairies at bay until after the 19th because Essay Fiesta is going to stuff your mental stocking with heaping helpings of literary joy! That’s right, we are proud to welcome the following readers to our December line-up: Queen of Story Club (and recent bride) … Continue reading →

Chicago Readings in December

‘Tis the season for fabulous and fun readings! Whether you’ve been naughty or nice, there are an abundance of great lit shows to attend. Here’s what’s on Essay Fiesta’s list: Story Club will feature Shannon Cason and Scott Whitehair. The show is  Thursday Dec. 1 at Uncommon Ground on Clark. It starts at 8:15 p.m. and is hosted … Continue reading →

Essay Fiesta Anniversary: What You Missed

If you didn’t get a chance to see the Essay Fiesta 2-year anniversary spectacular, here’s what you missed: Alyson Lyon still loves Matt Dillon. Will Matt Dillon love Alyson Lyon? Ian Belknap wants to kill James Franco. More prizes than you could carry home in your arms. BIG THANKS to Southport Grocery and Cafe, Dabble, … Continue reading →

Essay Fiesta by the Numbers

Hello Essay Fiesta fans! It’s just 4 more days until our 2-year anniversary. And because we are so fond of numbers today (as you can tell), we thought we’d give you some cool Essay Fiesta facts…in number form!   60+ That’s the number of artists we’ve welcomed as readers at Essay Fiesta. 24 That’s the … Continue reading →

Essay Fiesta Anniversary Raffle Prizes

As you probably know, Essay Fiesta holds a raffle  that benefits 826CHI. Raffle prizes have included everything from a Threadless gift certificate to a student-penned novel (from 826, of course) to a home-knitted scarf (thanks Alyson’s aunt!). Our prizes are indeed awesome and raffle tickets are only a dollar, but the biggest win of them … Continue reading →

Essay Fiesta and the Book Cellar Are in Love

Essay Fiesta hearts the Book Cellar in a big way. It’s our beloved home. What makes the Book Cellar so great is not only the fabulous books, whip-smart staff, and delicious food  and drinks (booze included), but also the awesome and unique programming. Check out what’s going on this week: Wednesday, Nov. 9 at 6:30 … Continue reading →