Must-See Monday

Tonight at 7:30pm, 2nd Story returns to Webster's Wine Bar (1480 W. Webster). Stop by for a wine flight and performances by local authors.

Have you read Jonathan Frazen's THE CORRECTIONS? Dying to discuss it? Head over to The Gapers Block Book Club at The Book Cellar (4736 N. Lincoln) tonight at 7:30pm.

Tomorrow, stop by The Cliffdweller's Club (200 S. Michigan) where authors Laura Caldwell and Marcus Sakey discuss their latest novels. The event is part of The Society of Midland authors, and includes a social event at 6pm before the 7pm discussion.

Trek out to the burbs on Wednesday, January 13th where Elizabeth Gilbert will be signing copies of her novel, EAT PRAY LOVE. The signing starts at 7:00pm at the Borders in Oak Brook (1500 16th st.)

Head over to Beckett's Public Ale House (3210 N. Lincoln) on Thursday, January 14th for a cocktail party celebrating the Nelson Algren Awards. Mingle with nominees and celebrate Chicago's longstanding literary award, before the winners are announced on Friday, the 15th.

Since it seems to be a quiet literary weekend, head over to US Beer Company (1801 N. Clybourn) on Saturday January 16th for Cred Fest. The event kicks off at 8pm and includes four great rock bands, but the main event is defintely 20 Mark Helga, who will take the stage at 11pm.

Must-See Monday

Stop by The Book Cellar (4736 N. Lincoln) on Wednesday, January 6th at 7pm for their monthly book group. Tonight's selection is OLIVE KITTERIDGE by Elizabeth Strout. No RSVP required and all beer and wine is 50% off for book group participants.

Fans of Sherlock Holmes should head out to the Edgebrook Branch of the Chicago Public Library (5331 W. Devon) on Wednesday at 6:30pm. Nick De Leonardis leads a discussion of the Arthur Conan Doyle story "The Five Orange Pips."

The biggest must-see this week is definitely Sherrill Bodine's book launch. The fabulous event takes place on Thursday, January 7th 5:30-8:00pm at The Palmer House (17 E. Monroe). Help Sherrill celebrate the release of her latest novel, A BLACK TIE AFFAIR, with champagne, cocktails, and delicious appetizers.

Can't make it downtown? You can still catch Sherrill at Bundles of Books in Glen Ellyn on Saturday, January 9th at 1pm and pick up your signed copy of A BLACK TIE AFFAIR.

And for those of you not in Chicagoland, here are a couple bonus events for you:

Author Lou Berney will be signing is debut novel, GUTSHOT STRAIGHT, at Murder by the Book in Houston on Thursday, January 7th at 7pm.

Robin Burcell will be signing her latest novel, THE BONE CHAMBER, at The Poisoned Pen in Scottsdale, AZ on Friday, January 8th at 7pm. She's also signing at Murder By the Book on Saturday, January 9th at 3pm.

Must-See Monday - Tuesday edition

I'm blaming yesterday's lack of posting on a brain cramp. I had written everything out, just forgot to click publish. Luckily, the post was restored in my drafts folder and no must-sees were missed yesterday!

This week, check out the Gerber-Hart library annual Holidaze Book Sale. Head over to this longtime LGBT establishment for some great deals on books, music, and DVD's. Check out their website for more information.

Stop by Hopleaf Bar (5148 N. Clark) tomorrow night at 7:30pm for the popular Bookslut Reading Series. Tomorrow's guest is the talented Daniel Nester, author of HOW TO BE INAPPROPRIATE.

Can't catch Nester tomorrow? He'll also be reading with novelist Claire Zulkey at The Book Cellar (4736 N. Lincoln) on Thursday at 7:00pm.

Head over to Barbara's Bookstore (1218 S. Halsted) on Thursday at 7:30pm to hear punk author of PLEASE KILL ME, Legs McNeil chat with Joey Ramone's brother, Mickey Leigh. They recently co-authored I SLEPT WITH JOEY RAMONE: A Family Memoir. This is one conversation you don't want to miss!

Return to Hopleaf Bar (5148 N. Clark) on Saturday, December 19th for Drinking & Writing IV: The Twelve Steps of Christmas. Celebrate two loves that always go together!

For a non-literary event (but one which I'll be attending), swing by the AJ Kane Gallery (119 N. Peoria) on Friday, December 18th from 5:30pm-midnight to catch photographer Megan Baker's Chicago debut. This talented artist has photographed musicians such as Jason Mraz and Gavin DeGraw and her work has appeared in Eyemazing and Kurv photography magazines. Oh, and did I mention she's only eighteen? So come out, have a drink, and be the first to view this groundbreaking series!

Must-See Monday

It's a light week for all things literary. So if you're not going to head out into the snow and cold for either of these must-sees, might I suggest staying in and curling up with a book? Preferably one purchased from an independent bookstore....

Literary/art magazine, "Two With Water" celebrates the launch of their debut issue on Tuesday, December 8th at the Empty Bottle (1035 N. Western). Stop by at 7:30pm to meet contributors Denise Dooley, Bobby Evers and Nick Sarno, and hear music by four Chicago bands.

It's that time of year! What better way to celebrate Chanukah than with two Jewish, Chicago authors at a neighborhood bookstore? Join Sara Paretsky and Libby Fischer Hellmann at Women and Children First (5233 N. Clark) on Sunday, December 13th at 5:30pm for readings, signings, and of course, latkes.

Must-See Monday

Kick off December with Tuesday Funk at Hopleaf Bar (5148 N. Clark). Hear fiction, poetry and essays from authors Jennifer Scappettone, Jotham Burrello, Nicholas Michael Ravnikar and Nicholas Kryczka. The night kicks off at 7:00pm.

On Wednesday, December 2nd at 7:00pm, head over to Sheffield's (3248 N. Sheffield) for RUI: Reading Under the Influence. This month's theme is "Snow and Whiskey" and features Literary Death Match champion Jill Summers, performance artist Sean Ewert, 2nd Story ensemble member C.P. Chang and local author Jeff Phillips.

On Thursday, December 3rd, swing by Chicago Comics 6:00-8:00pm for the YI SOON SHIN: Warrior and Defender Issue #1 launch party. Help celebrate the launch of this historical comic book series with complimentary drinks and mingle with the Chicago author, Onrie Kompan.

Depaul hosts a Holiday Book Bash on Friday, December 4th 6:00-9:00pm at the John J. Egan Urban Center (1 E. Jackson). Hosted by "The Today Show" correspondent Mike Leonard and Young Chicago Authors president and WBEZ radio personality Sylvia Ewing, the event features over 30 authors, including Elizabeth Bracket and Janice Metzger. Tickets are $50, $15 for students. Visit the Young Chicago Authors website for more info.

Must-See Monday

Ready to take your writing to the next level? Check out "Going Pro" at the Chicago Cultural Center (77 E. Randolph). StoryStudio founder Jill Pollack, author Carol Saller, and Agate Publishing president Doug Seibold discuss what it takes to become a professional writer tonight at 6:00pm.

2nd Story returns to Red Kiva (1108 W. Randolph) on Wednesday, November 26th at 7pm. Check out this long-running reading series where authors put their prose to music. Tickets include wine tasting.

Friday, November 28th at 8:00pm, head over to the Playground Theater (3209 N. Halsted) for Christopher Piatt's Thanksgiving Spectacular. The Time Out Chicago theater editor has put together a show of storytellers talking about their families. The catch? The families have to be present. No doubt, there will be plenty of laughs. And don't worry if you burned through your paycheck at the Black Friday sales, the event is free!

If you don't laugh enough on Friday, stop by Book Cellar (4736 N. Lincoln) on Saturday, November 29th for Comedy Night with the Kates. The literary stand-ups who once preformed at Kate The Great's Bookstore have now made the Book Cellar home. Show starts at 7pm.

Must-See Monday

Stop by The Hideout (1354 W. Wabansia) on Wednesday, November 11th for Funny Ha-Ha, the monthly comedy and reading series hosted by Claire Zulkey. This month's guests include Tribune critic Maureen Ryan, The Onion's A.V. Club, novelist Kevin Guilfoile, and filmmaker Steve Delahoyde.

Also on Wednesday, Time Out Chicago Kid's editor Judy Sutton-Taylor, reads from her contribution to P.S.:WHAT I DIDN'T SAY, a collection of unsent letters written by women to their friends. Stop by the Book Cellar at 7pm to hear readings from the anthology.

Feel like a road trip this weekend? Head up to Wisconsin for Murder and Mayhem in Muskego. This great library event features appearances by Marcus Sakey, Jamie Freveletti, Andrew Grant, Tasha Alexander, Michael Koryta, Sean Chercover and...who else...oh yeah, myself! Sign up for the Friday evening cocktail reception where I'll be interviewing Freveletti, Alexander, Grant and Koryta and stay Saturday for a long lineup of authors.

Must-See Monday

Lots of big name authors are coming to Chicago this week, most as a part of the Chicago Humanities Festival. I've picked my favorites, but visit their website to get the full lineup.

Stop by Sheffields (3258 N. Sheffield) on Wednesday, November 4th for the monthly reading series RUI: Reading Under the Influence. This month's theme is "Ch-Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes" and features Chicago authors Kathie Bergquist and Geoff Hyatt.

Also on Wednesday at 7pm, the talented John Connolly reads from and signs his latest novel THE GATES at the Albany Park Borders (6103 N. Lincoln).

University of Illinois's literary magazine Ninth Letter celebrates the release of their latest issue at 57th St. Books (1301 E. 57th) on Thursday, November 5th at 6pm.

Head up north for another lit mag launch on Friday, November 6th. Fifth Wednesday Journal celebrates the release of their fall issue at Book Cellar (4736 N. Lincoln) at 7pm.

Also on Friday, Margaret Atwood reads from her latest novel, THE YEAR OF THE FLOOD at the Merle Reskin theatre (60 E. Balbo) at 7:30pm. Her novel is a follow up to ORYX AND CRAKE. Tickets are $20 for the public and $10 for DePaul students.

Sunday, November 8th at 12:00pm, radio host Victoria Laufman interviews bestselling author Jonathan Lethem at the Art Institute (111 S. Michigan) in the Fullerton auditorium. Tickets are $5, but Lethem fans will agree with me, it's totally worth it.

Must-See Monday

Head over to the Music Box (3733 N. Southport) on Tuesday, October 27th at 7pm to hear Augusten Burroughs read from his new collection of holiday short stories, YOU BETTER NOT CRY. Tickets required.

Stop by Manny's (1141 S. Jefferson) to hear David Sax read from his new book SAVE THAT DELI. Not only does the book sound entertaining, Manny's is arguably the best Jewish food in Chicago.

Stop by Red Kiva (1108 W. Randolph) on October 28th at 7:30pm for the Halloween edition of 2ND STORY. This long-running series features authors reading their work with musical accompaniment.

For something different this Halloween, stop by the Irish American Center (4626 N. Knox) 11:00am-9pm Saturday and Sunday for iBam! A Celebration of Irish Books Arts and Music. Author Malachy McCourt, cartoonist Jack Higgins, and Irish rock band Black 47 are all scheduled to attend.

Must-See Monday

It's a busy literary week here in Chicago! Creative Nonfiction week kicks off today at Columbia College, so be sure to check out the following events at the Film Row Cinema (1104 S. Wabash, 8th floor):

• Student Reading today at 3:30pm
• Pulitzer finalist Luis Alberto Urrea reads from a selection of his work tonight at 6:30pm
• Sam Weller, author of THE BRADBURY CHRONICLES, hosts Words + Music, featuring Sun-Times writer Laura Emerick, blogger Max G, musician Laura Lindeen, and Time Out Chicago music editor Brent DiCrescenzo tomorrow at 3:30pm
• The South Loop Review launches their latest issue Friday at 3:30 in the Hokin Gallery (623 S. Wabash).

Events unrelated to Creative Nonfiction week include:

MARLEY & ME memoirist, John Grogan, reads from his new novel, THE LONGEST TRIP HOME, at Barnes and Noble (1 E. Jackson) tomorrow at 5:30pm.

Chicago author, Joe Meno, reads from his new novel, THE GREAT PERHAPS, at Literacy Chicago (17 N. State) Wednesday, October 21st at 6pm.

Also Wednesday at 6pm, Michael Chabon reads from his new memoir, MANHOOD FOR AMATEURS, at the Harold Washington Library (400 S. State).

And if that's not enough Literary activity for a Wednesday night, head up to Book Cellar (4736 N. Lincoln) for Local Author night. Readers include Libby Hellmann, Lise Marinelli, and Craig Hickman.

Must-See Monday

Marcus Sakey will be signing copies of his latest novel, THE AMATEURS, at 57th St. Books (1301 E. 57th) Tuesday, October 6th at 6:00pm.

Stop by Sheffield's (3258 N. Sheffield) on Wednesday, October 7th for RUI: Reading Under the Influence 7:00-10:00pm. This month's theme is "Where the Wild Things Are" and will include readings by Devin Polderman, John Flaherty, Rob Duffer, and Jesse Jordan.

Also on Wednesday is Patrick Somerville at the Harold Washington Library (400 S. State) where he'll read and sign copies of his debut novel, THE CRADLE. The reading is part of the Chicago Book Festival which lasts until the end of October and will host events at libraries throughout Chicagoland.

On Thursday, October 8th, Prose, Poetry and Pints returns to Wild Pug (4810 N. Broadway). This month's featured readers include the talented Darwyn Jones, Mark Richard Zubro, and Rick Karlin. There's also an open mike component, so don't forget to bring something to read!

Must-See Monday

Tonight is Open Mike night at Twilight Tales, the monthly reading series. Head over to the Bourgeois Pig (738 W. Fullerton) at 7:30pm and bring your speculative fiction.

Local author Jeff Phillips reads from his new book WHISKEY PIKE at Quimby's (1854 W. North Ave.) on Wednesday, September 23rd at 7:00pm. His book is described as a "bed-time story for adults", complete with illustrations. I'd go just to see what an adult bed-time story would look like.

If you want something that won't put you to bed, head over to Washington Square Park (901 N. Clark) on Saturday, September 26th for the Banned Books Week Read Out. Between 12:00pm and 3:00pm, authors will read from their banned or challenged books with a signing to follow.

Writer's Block Wednesday: Speak up!

It always amazes me how many authors have difficulty reading aloud or speaking in public. But if people are going to buy your book, they'll want to hear you read from it first. Why do you think every Must-See Monday has at least one reading or open mike? If you fear stepping on stage and reading in front of an audience, here are a few tips to help you out. These may seem obvious, and yet, there isn't a reading I go to where I don't see someone who could benefit from this advice:

Practice. You should always read your work aloud for editing purposes, but for a reading, it's important to practice the finished piece a few times and learn your story better. If you're familiar with the words, your piece will sound like storytelling rather than reading.

Gestures and Eye Contact. These will also help you tell your story rather than read it. When the stage lights hit you, it's easy to keep your head down and get sucked into the page. Don't forget to connect with your audience and meet their eye. It's hard to ignore someone who's looking right at you. Gestures help get your story off the page and animate the material. As your character absentmindedly scratches the back of his neck, go ahead and demonstrate.

Slow Down! I'd say 90% of readers go too fast and I guarantee 100% of them think they read at a fine pace. Most of us talk too fast to begin with, but when we're anxious, we only speed up. Always slow yourself down and give every word full value. Often, a slower speed helps build the tension and suspense.

Speak up! Most readings you'll have a mic, but if you don't, make sure you get your voice up so even the folks in the back can hear you.

Mind your body. When you read, you don't want your feet glued to the floor, but you don't want to be running the marathon either. Command your presence on stage by turning to either side every few pages and addressing your full audience. Again, it doesn't hurt to practice this at home.

The best practice is doing this in front of an audience, so attend a few open mikes to get more comfortable. Once you're published, you're going to have to read aloud and speak in front of audiences, and by then, the stakes are a lot higher. As with anything, practice makes perfect, so start attending the smaller readings before you hit the big time.

Must-See Monday

Now that you're recovered from the BBQ filled three-day weekend, check out these great literary events:

Need some book recommendations? Stop by Book Cellar (4736 N. Lincoln) on Wednesday, September 9th at 7:00pm for Book Reps Rep Book Club Books. The area's publishing experts share their picks for great book club books.

Prose, Poetry and Pints returns Thursday, September 10th at 7:30 at Wild Pug (4810 N. Broadway). This month's readers include Aldo Alvarez (Interesting Monsters), Kathie Bergquist (A Field Guide to Gay and Lesbian Chicago), and Mark Kendrick (Desert Sons). And don't forget to bring a couple pages to read during the open mike portion!

If you're in the western suburbs, stop by the Oak Brook Barnes and Noble (297 Oak Brook Center) on Saturday, September 12th at 2:00pm to meet Tasha Alexander and pick up your signed copy of TEARS OF PEARL.

Or, if you're further north, stop by the Schaumburg Public Library for "Coffee, Tea, and a Smoking Gun" from 10:00am-4:30pm on Saturday. The event is free, open to the public, and includes workshops some of Chicago's finest authors: Jamie Freveletti, Sherrill Bodine, Laura Caldwell, Patricia Rosemoor, and others.

Must-See Tuesday

Sorry for the delay folks, but I am semi-recovered from the Chicago Triathlon and back with new must-sees.

Tonight, check out the bi-monthly performance series, Homolatte, at Big Chicks (5024 N. Sheridan). Enjoy a reading by the talented Darwyn Jones and musical stylings by Phil Putnam.

If you'd rather drink and buy books, Tasha Alexander is celebrating the release of her new novel, TEARS OF PERIL. Stop by the Lincoln Park Borders (2817 N. Clark) tonight at 7:00pm, buy a book and meet Tasha, then head out to drinks with the gang afterwards.

For more drinks and a lot more debauchery, check out RUI: Reading Under The Influence on Wednesday, September 2nd at 7:00pm. This months readers include J. Adams Oaks (Why I Fight), Nadine Warner, Kyle Chaney, and Gapers Block editor Ramsin Canon. As always, the kind folks at Sheffield's (3258 N. Sheffield) host.

I cannot believe I've lived in Chicago all my life and never knew about the Book Cellar Adult Spelling Bee (4736 N. Lincoln). I have every intention to check it out on Thursday, September 3rd at 7:00pm. Guest judges include Random House sales rep Bridget Piekarz and authors Claire Zulkey, Billy Lombardo and Stacey Ballis.

Not much going on over the holiday weekend, plenty of time to relax and read!

Must-See Monday

The Book Cellar (4736 N. Lincoln) hosts "The Brother's Delacorte" on Wednesday, August 26th at 7:00pm. This is group of YA authors - Daniel Kraus, James Kennedy, and Adam Selzer - are all published under the Delecorte imprint. Stick around until 8pm for Never Too Old, the YA book group for adults.

If you prefer a reading that's 21+, head over to Red Kiva for 2ND STORY, also on Wednesday at 7:00pm. A combination of storytelling, music, and wine; what better way to spend you evening?

Head over to Bloomingdale's (900 N. Michigan) on Thursday, August 27 5-7pm to meet Laura Caldwell, author of the Izzy McNeil Trilogy. Receive a free book with any Bloomingdale's purchase and Laura will be happy to sign your copy.

Friday, August 28th at 5:30pm, Th!nk Art (1530 N. Paulina) hosts the William Burroughs 50th Anniversary Celebration. $60 in advance and $75 at the door earns you food and open bar and the proceeds will fund a documentary film on the famous author. Music by Maya Jenson, food by David Leigh and readings by Anne Waldman, Kurt Henner, and Davis Schneiderman.

Must-See Monday

PURSUIT OF HAPPYNESS author Chris Garnder visits the downtown Borders (150 N. State St.) on Wednesday, August 12th at 12:30pm.

Stop by Quimby's (1854 W. North Ave.) on Thursday, August 13th at 7:00pm to celebrate the launch of THE 2ND HAND's 32nd issue. Includes readings by Patrick Somerville and CT Ballentine.

Also on Thursday, check out "Prose, Poetry and Pints" at the Wild Pug (4810 N. Broadway). Readings by novelist Stephanie Kuehnert and poet Robert McDonald as well as an open mike.

For you out of towners, Marcus Sakey is doing a Midwest regional tour this week and maybe coming to a bookstore near you:

Joseph Beth Booksellers in Cincinnati, OH on Wednesday, August 12th at 7:00pm
Mystery One Bookshop in Milwaukee, WI on Thursday, August 13th at 7:00pm
Aunt Agatha's Bookstore in Ann Arbor, MI on Saturday, August 15th at 1:30pm

Must-See Monday

Start the week off right and head over to the Twilight Tales open mic, tonight at 7:30pm at the Bourgeois Pig Cafe (738 W. Fullerton). This long running reading series has an emphasis on speculative fiction, so bring in your work-in-progress and take it for a test drive!

The Bookslut Reading Series returns to Hopleaf (5148 N. Clark) on Tuesday, August 4th at 7:30pm. This weeks guests are journalist Katherine Joyce and Chicago Tribune columnist Mark Caro.

Head over to Sheffield's (3258 N. Sheffield) on Wednesday, August 5th at 7:00pm for RUI: Reading Under the Influence. This month's featured reader is Chicago author Marcus Sakey. He's both a talented writer and talented drinker, so it's sure to be a good time. He joins Dennis Frymire, Tim Weaver, and RUI's Amy Guth.

If you like what you hear on Wendesday, return to Sheffield's Thursday 7:00-10:00pm for the release of THE AMATEURS, Marcus Sakey's fourth novel. The drinks are free and the books are for sale.

Must-See Monday

Stop by Hopleaf (5148 N. Clark) on Wednesday, July 29 for the Bookslut Reading Series. The literary blog hosts an evening of non-fiction writers Adam Frank, Luke Bergmann, and Rachel Shteir. I haven't heard any of the readers before, but if nothing else, Hopleaf has a great selection of beer!

The 2nd Story reading series returns, this time to Red Kiva (1108 W. Randolph) also on Wednesday, July 29th at 7:30pm. Writers/preformers Rosie Forrest, Larry Kerns, and Julie Ganey read original work set to live music.

The fifth annual Printer's Ball kicks off Friday, July 31 at 5pm. Head down to 1104 S. Wabash and check out the showcase from the Columbia College Book and Paper Department, load up on free books and magazines from various small presses, and participate in paper making and book binding demonstrations.

Must-See Monday

Uncover the lies your parents told you by heading down to Barbara's Bookstore (1218 S. Halsted) on Tuesday, July 21st at 7:30pm when Dr. Aaron Carroll and Dr. Rachel Vreeman discuss their new book DON'T SWALLOW YOU'RE GUM: Myths, Truths and Outright Lies About Your Body and Health. Haven't read the book, but it sounds like a fun read.

Columbia College professors Ann Hemenway and Eric May read original work at The Poison Pen (1128 W. Armitage) on Wednesday, July 23 at 7:00pm. Both are talented readers and excellent oral storytellers.

Book shelves looking bare? Head over to the Newberry Library Book Fair (60 W. Walton) Thursday, July 24 and Friday, July 25 12:00-8pm and Saturday, July 26 10am-6pm.

Chicago author Stephanie Kuehnert reads from her new novel BALLADS OF SUBURBIA at Women and Children First (5233 N. Clark) on Thursday, July 24 at 7:30pm. She's a fellow Columbia College grad and the author of the critically acclaimed I WANNA BE YOUR JOEY RAMONE.