Can’t wait until the next Fiesta on July 21st? Lucky for you, Willy and Karen produce a literary podcast and this week’s episode features three stories told at Essay Fiesta. Hop on over to All Write Already! to hear Erin Kahoa recount his greatest moment on the baseball diamond, Randy Richardson taking the birds and the bees … Continue reading
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Essay Fiesta on All Write Already!
Are you in Essay Fiesta withdrawals? We sure are. Luckily, Willy and Karen produce a literary podcast and this week’s episode features three stories told at Essay Fiesta this year. Hop on over to All Write Already! to hear from Kelsie Huff, Chris Bower, and Erin Diamond on green cars, quarter heists, and a really big … Continue reading
Essay Fiesta Salutes Maurice Sendak
What child of the latter part of the 20th century was not touched in some way by the words of Maurice Sendak? The prolific illustrator and author penned such perennial classics as Where the Wild Things Are and Chicken Soup with Rice, passed away today at the age of 83. Essay Fiesta thinks this is … Continue reading
Writer’s Corner: Does the Tense Make Sense?
Verb tenses are central to effective storytelling; it’s no mystery that stories unfold through relaying action. Choosing whether to write a story with verbs in the present, past or combo (past, present and future) is ultimately up to the writer. In storytelling, the form is personal, and it follows that style would be too; there … Continue reading
It’s Not Just What You Write; It’s Where You Write
Location, location, location. One of the biggest clichés in Amercian real estate applies directly to the writing process. Where one chooses to write is an important piece of the puzzle in developing a consistent writing practice. For some, it’s the same place all the time: home, office, coffee shop or library. For others, it’s variety … Continue reading
Writer’s Corner: What the F*$%? Is Cursing OK?
At Essay Fiesta, we have a set of guidelines that we provide all of our readers. One of the most contentious guidelines is our suggested limited cursing policy. It’s also one of our most misunderstood policies. Allow me to explain. First, we abide by the rules of our generous partner, the Book Cellar, which has … Continue reading
Writer’s Corner: Composite Characters
There is a common misconception that just because you are writing a work of nonfiction means you can’t take certain artistic liberties. Well, the truth is you can. This is your story, and you get to make the rules. And one of the most commonly used “fibs” in the essay biz is the use of … Continue reading
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Come See Keith Ecker at Mortified!
Hey Essay Fiesta fans! Do you like readings? Of course you do. Do you like people embarrassing themselves in public? Who doesn’t? Then you will absolutely love Mortified! Schubas (3159 N. Southport Ave.) is hosting the next installment of the popular series on Sept. 30 at 7:30 p.m. The show features everyday people reading aloud … Continue reading
Writer’s Corner: Choosing a Topic for a Personal Essay
When it comes to personal essay writing, there are an infinite number of topics. One could write about almost anything, from the family dog to an upsetting vacation to a torturous first day of high school. Essentially any experience is valid as a topic, as long as the writer’s unique point of view is central … Continue reading