What is Off Campus Writers’ Workshop? Ever since 1946, OCWW has encouraged and inspired Chicago-area writers in developing their writing avocations. OCWW meets every Thursday morning from September to May. A variety of speakers will elevate your writing technique with a diversity of topics, amongst which can be genre fiction, nonfiction, children’s lit, contemporary simmerings of romance fiction, poetry, publishing and the implication of ebooks. Here, you will achieve your individual writing goa …

The Chicago area chapter of ACFW - The American Christian Fiction Writers gathers published and aspiring fiction writers of faith in a variety of genres. We currently meet the first Friday of every month. Interested writers may attend meetings twice as a guest before formalizing their membership in the national organization and local chapter. For more information about the national organization, visit http://www.acfw.com/

You've seen the ladies of SNL do it. You've seen Mindy Kaling and Lena Dunham do it. Now, with the support of your fellow Chicago commediennes, you can do it too! Share sketch ideas, read a script you've been working on, or meet the other half of your comedy writing dream team. Essay, fiction, and web writers welcome. Even if you don't have any material to test out on this friendly female audience (yet), you'll get inspired just hanging out with some fellow Chicago funny ladies. Join the discuss …

This group is for published, established and working writers who seek fraternity, conversation and friendship. Join if you're a published/established/working writer looking for the company of your peers, and seeking like-minded companions for talk, dining, museums, films, concerts, travel and other activities.

This is a group designed for writer's in the area. The best way to improve the craft is through practice, so why not have a writer's circle where we can share our work and offer positive criticism? This is for anyone who loves to write, whether it's your vocation or just a hobby. All writing is welcome, fiction and non-fiction.  Anyone who loves to put pen to paper, or more accurately fingers to keyboard, this is the group for you.

CWN is a group of serious writers who are committed to furthering their work through a workshop-style critique process. We meet on the first and third Tuesday of each month. Please be sure to read CWN's Critique Guidelines under the Pages tab before you submit your first piece for critique.

Attendees from the 2008 Northwestern Summer Writers Conference share feedback, resources, and support.

A weekly goal setting and critiquing group for writers.

Our group is made up of published and unpublished writers of all types and genres. We meet two times a month, usually on Thursdays. We meet at the Algonquin Public Library’s main (Harnish) branch to read and critique each others work, as well as for “Creativity Cafe,” which will include write-in nights or special workshops. Our goal is to not only to keep the creative juices flowing, but to bring them to fruition by getting our work published. We are an open group – no dues to pay, no obligatio …

Find inspiration and support, bounce ideas off of other writers, test drive something you have written and receive feedback. Come join us.

This is a group for people who are working on writing a novel, short story, and poem. We'll get together once a week at different locations in Chicago, depending on what's most convenient and give each other constructive criticism and ideas on our literary pieces. Looking forward to meeting all of you!

A group for writers in Lake Conty, IL. Write-Ins held on various days at various times and locations. This is not a critique circle, just a group for people with an interest in or passion for writing to get together and write.  All levels welcome from newbies to published authors.

Mystery, Thriller, Romantic Suspense and Dark Fiction Conference. The Coolest Crime Scene Happens Every February in Chicago - Plead Guilty and Be There. For writers - February in Chicago is the hottest time of the year! Agents, publishers, Master Classes, forensic professionals, weapons experts, essential panels, presentations, and elbows to rub--the perfect antidote for whatever ails writers at every level. Love is Murder--be freezin' for a reason and come ready to advance your career and …

Are you a food blogger or food writer? Food photographer or stylist? Let's meet and be inspired, encouraged and exchange successes, failures, tips and, yes, eat!

If you like to write and want a supportive environment in which to write join us! Each week, a member volunteers to provide writing prompts to spark our creativity. It can be a first line, an object, a picture, a situation. For about 10-15 minutes we write and if we feel like sharing we read our creation aloud. This is not a critique group - only positive feedback is encouraged. We usually fit in 3-4 prompts in an evening. Member ages range from young adults to octagenarians. You do not h …

We want people interested in any form of art, who want to get together with others and spend some time sharing and creating. Whether you are a painter, sculptor, writer, musician, etc. We just want a fun, free atmosphere to enhance your creativity!

We believe in the whole writing process, not just the finished product. We see writing as a tool for emotional well-being, self-discovery, self-expression and inspiration. We focus on how writing can be used for emotional well-being and how to launch a successful career as a writer. Whether you love to journal or want to take your writing to the next level, this writing circle is for you. Begin your writing journey today and join now.

The 12th annual Love is Murder on Dark & Stormy Nights Mystery Fans Conference will be Feb. 4-6, 2011 at the Intercontinental O'Hare Hotel in Rosemont. Hear presentations from authors and publishers; meet one-on-one with agents, editors and authors; and mingle with readers and fans of mystery, dark fiction, suspense and romance. It's the Midwest's PREMIER mystery con!

Sacred Harp singing is a form of 'a cappella' singing that regularly takes place in communities across the United States and beyond.  It has brought people together to sing in living rooms, churches, and community centers since 1844.  It is rich in history and tradition, and it continues to be a thriving form of American shape note singing.  Its distinctive melodies and harmonies attract many singers for a lifelong journey of singing.  Sacred Harp singing made its way to Chicago thirty years ago …

This is a group for you creative people who have an idea, a project, a good cause, or an innovation you want to make a reality—but have always been stopped for lack of funds. We will learn how to be a part of the connection economy and use reward- and donor-based crowdfunding effectively to access your community, your tribe, your like-minded thinkers, in order to make your dreams a reality. If you've been wondering what crowdfunding is all about, and whether you can use it to fund your dream, I' …

The Author! Author! networking group brings together traditional and self-published authors to share ideas about marketing themselves and their books through promotions, public relations, publicity, advertising and other marketing techniques. The group welcomes: first-time authors of all genres as well as those who already have a few published books under their belts marketing and PR professionals those who are interested in the book publishing business and/or want to learn more about it. The fo …

We're a group of people who are interested in checking out the various cultural and art offerings of Chicago, which includes concerts, art shows, visits to museums, open mike nights, and even culinary experiences. We want to make new friends and form of community of people sharing common interest in the arts. We want to explore Chicago together!

Shalom and Welcome The Shiviti Drum Circle is a non-denominational monthly Jewish spiritual musical event. ALL ARE WELCOME. This is a facilitated participatory musical event which has been meeting on the 2nd Sunday of each month for almost 7 years now. Each gathering is always a Unique Experience! Sometimes more spiritual, Sometimes more fun. Sometimes more energetic, Sometimes more laid back. Sometimes indoors, Sometimes outdoors. Sometimes you will learn, Sometimes we will learn from you …

Hi guys. This is a (newer) group which is meant to be a meeting group for sci-fi, fantasy, horror, and comicbook fans, (of movies, books, artwork, etc) and creators in Lake County/McHenry Counties (for example, writers, artists, movie makers, etc, are welcome too!) since the only groups I've been able to find like that, all seem to be in Chicago. This group is going to work best for those with a more flexible weekend schedule since I plan on scheduling a meetup for this group on at least one Sat …

"We really believe that everyone has a talent, ability, or skill that he can mine to support himself and to succeed in life." This Group provide a chance for Desi filmmakers to meet and collaborate on Indian Film projects. If you are an aspiring screenwriter ,a director , choreographer or aspiring Actor/actress please reach us . This Group is open to all talents and disciplines who are interested in making independent Hindi, Punjabi or Urdu Films: We need Writers, editors, actors, art directors, …

This Artists Way Meetup was created to provide you with the opportunity to meet others artists who are working, and working ON working. We have occasional meetings, and many opportunities to jump-start your creative process by trying new media and modes of working.

Phandemonium is a Chicago based non for profit organization who's primary directive is to hold the annual Science Fiction convention Capricon. But along with Capricon we also hold other events throughout the year, this meetup group is to keep Chicago area Fandom updated with our events.

In this group, we discuss where the church is or should be going in the 21st century. We will explore numerous authors, worship expressions, and ideas for the church. We will read and discuss one book per month from authors in the Emergent Church movement. If you are interested in learning and sharing input on what you think the church should be, then come join us! All faith backgrounds are welcome!