Chicago Lit Fest

Chicago Lit Fest 2011


I love events like this because we get to meet the real people behind the story characters we have grown to love. I just listened to Terry McMillan talk about becoming a writer and give advice to young writers, “Read everything. When I was young, I thought I had it all figured out. I didn’t. Writing is a question, not an answer.” That’s powerful to me for so many reasons. Hearing her read from her newest novel and listening to her words helped me think about why I write, my role as a writer, and how I influence others through my words.

The Lit Fest at Printers Row was my introduction to Chicago’s literary family and the fest welcomed me and thousands of others with open arms. The lineup of author talks was impressive – I also got to hear Ismael Reed and meet several members of writing organizations here in the city. I meandered through the tents where vendors were selling new & gently used books, jewelry, homemade journals, literary-themed apparel, typewriter art for us old-schoolers, and other book related items. I visited every single booth, if nothing more than to show support, and spent too much money as usual. But, can you ever spend too much on books? I don’t think so.

I was impressed by the diversity, the beautiful summer temperatures I thought would never arrive here in Chicago, and the overall celebration of the written word. If I had to sum up what an event like a Lit Fest means, it would be the place to awaken the inner writer in all of us! I’m inspired to get back to writing, to ask new questions of my storylines and to revisit my work in progress with fresh eyes, and for that reason alone, Chicago Lit Fest 2011 was a huge success!