Independent Writers of Chicago - IWOC

03/03/2026

3/10 Zoom meeting: "Get Your Writing Seen in Magazines...and More"

Psst: Pitching with persistence. That’s the secret sauce to getting editors of magazines, news pubs and more to stand up, take notice – and publish your story. Our March speaker ought to know: Meet Misty Schwartz, CEO of Schwartz Entertainment Media Group. Misty has had phenomenal success in landing spots in leading publications from Forbes, Washington Examiner and Entrepreneur to Vogue, Vanity Fair and Inc. Magazine. Eager to share her success secrets, she’ll be covering such common sensical tips as:

• Muster up the right attitude: Be persistent, confident -- yet graceful
• Research journalists thoroughly and tailor your story accordingly with a unique angle
• Follow up politely, express gratitude, accept feedback.

That’s just a taste. It gets juicier.

Bursting with stories that deserve to be read? Take the first logical step to finally getting those stories out there and in print: Come to the Zoom meeting! Details at https://iwoc.wildapricot.org/event-6474407

01/09/2026

1-14-26 on Zoom:
"The Unconventional Path from Book Idea to Book in Hand"

You know that book (or even short story) you feel you have in you, but you just can't seem to get started? So how do you find the time (and squash the excuses) to work on the works you feel driven to write? By seeking ways that are "off the beaten path," according to our exuberant January speaker, Michele Kelly.

Co-founder and CEO of K+L Storytellers, Michele will share the true story of how in 2025 she "accidentally" published "What War Reveals: One Family's Story About the Israel-Hamas War" -- a full-fledged book that began as a 20-page memoire. As for her unfinished manuscript of short stories? On that point, attendees are invited to share how they cross the finish line in setting down words.

A few takeaways:

• Looking for book writing opportunities in unsuspecting places
• Why the heart drives writing – when it's for someone else
• The surprising reality after you've published a book

Come Zoom along with Michele as she guides us all on discovering unexpected routes that can turn those gauzy ideas
into a real, honest-to-goodness book. Or short story. Or whatever you're destined to pen.
Details: https://iwoc.wildapricot.org/event-6474418

11/28/2025

12-9-25 IWOC's Holiday Party 2025! It's that most wonderful time of the year! Join IWOC-ers for an evening of wonderful food, wonderful camaraderie, and wonderful holiday cheer (of all types) as we raise a glass to another year of IWOC-osity and look forward to the next. As always, the party will include an exchange of gently used books*.

Festivities will take place in the large-but-cozy private room on the lower level of the Star of Siam restaurant at 11 E. Illinois Street in Chicago. Details: https://iwoc.wildapricot.org/event-6401747

11/03/2025

11-11-25 "Panel of Pros" When it comes to writing, IWOC members have a treasure trove of combined experience that can benefit your writing career. In November, IWOC convenes a panel of experts to discuss their areas of expertise. Members Betsy Storm on healthcare, Cindy Bertram on self-publishing, Joseph Wycoff on grant writing, Laura Stigler on copywriting / creative content, and Jeff Steele on journalism & personal finance will be empaneled to field your queries about their writing beats and reveal how you can follow their paths to success. Details at https://iwoc.wildapricot.org/event-6362701

10/09/2025

Straight talk we sometimes need to hear...

10/04/2025

10-14-25 “Ask a Literary Agent” — Lissa Woodson, to be precise. Backed by a stellar record of securing deals with many of the top publishing houses, Lissa will have answers to all the Q’s you’ve ever wanted to “ask a literary agent.” Details: https://iwoc.wildapricot.org/event-6305833
Chicago Writers Association Illinois Woman's Press Association

08/31/2025

9-9-25 Join us at our ever-popular Writers’ Roundtable! Whether it's to get advice on freelance writing or the craft of writing — or to share your own hard-earned words of wisdom, come experience why the Roundtable is a perennial favorite! Details at https://iwoc.wildapricot.org/event-6230517

08/04/2025

8-12 It’s IWOC Fest 2025! No meeting, note-taking or learning allowed. Just lots of laughing and savoring summer at Greektown’s Athena Restaurant! Come for the camaraderie + fab food in an airy setting that's almost as gorgeous as Greece itself. Details: https://iwoc.org/event-6230461

07/15/2025

Kim Kavin (who's been at the forefront in the charge against those who've been anti-independent contractors) will be testifying in a Senate hearing this Thursday at 10am EDT/ 9am CDT. Tune in then at https://bit.ly/4lOJtfA to watch. If you're among the 70+ million indie contractors representing over 600 fields -- from freelance writers, to truckers, caregivers, manicurists and more -- this involves you and your livelihood. Thank you, Kim, and all those fighting for freelancers!!

I'll be among the witnesses testifying at this week's HELP Committee hearing in Washington, D.C., about independent-contractor policy.

07/04/2025

7-10-25 “Collaborate to Create: Co-authoring Non-Fiction” Author Matty Dalrymple shares how collaborating with fellow authors can leverage shared expertise, joint oversight and expand audience reach to create new ops for income & platform growth. Details:https://iwoc.wildapricot.org/event-6223160

05/30/2025

6-10-25 Zoom Meeting: “Tapping New Writing Opportunities” CreativeGroove.com founder Jen Jones Donatelli shares best practices and resources that have helped her and her creative clients break into various publications, publishers and more...and build a diverse portfolio along the way. Details: https://iwoc.wildapricot.org/event-6132207