Mango Street

Writing group was postponed but I did finish The House on Mango Street. It was short but beautifully so. When you're reading stories written by a poet you can tell that every word matters. There's a deliberateness to it but in a good way, because Cisneros is such a talented writer. April is going to be busy with writing events. Time to come out of hibernation.

One Chicago

I picked up the new One Book, One Chicago selection from the library last week -- Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman. It's refreshing that they picked a fantasy novel. Gaiman said he's been inspired by Chicago, that it's a city that can act as its own character. The best Chicago-set novels were compared in the recent Time Out Chicago, and The Adventures of Augie March by Saul Bellow was the champion. I read it for the first time last year. Bellow is the kind of writer who makes it feel like words just kind of tumble out of his pen perfectly the way they were supposed to be. Another book on the list was The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros, which I need to read for my next writing group gathering. Thankfully, it's short.

Audrey N.

It was great listening to Ms. Niffenegger last night. The discussion was good -- it's always fun to hear other authors' writing stories. My friend asked a question that ties into her current writing, so that was worth the $8 glass of wine. Cliff Dwellers Club is in a modern high-rise but the club itself is over 100 years old and it looks like they fashioned the space with artifacts from some other older building. Wood floors and bookshelves, a beautiful fireplace, and amazing city views.

Cliff Dwellers Club

Going to see Audrey Niffenegger tonight at Cliff Dwellers on South Michigan Ave. It's an event hosted by the Society for Midland Authors, and I'll be meeting up with writing group pals. In other parts of the world, it's Mardi Gras, so we'll raise a glass of wine before the author discussion begins.