We've launched an exciting new project of our own! Introducing the Kickstarter app for iPhone!

Funded! This project successfully raised its funding goal on April 24, 2012.

Reminder: Updates now exclusively via email

Update #23 · Jan 2, 2013 · comment

Hello supporters!

Thanks again for making 2012 a successful year for us! We are excited to kick off 2013 with the launch of our Writers Night Out workshops. 

If you want to stay apprised of our doings into 2013, please sign up for our newsletter.

We are no longer posting updates via kickstarter. Our newsletter goes out every few weeks (and maybe some extras just before the conference), we do not spam, and we never share or sell your information.

Thanks again for your support in 2012 - we couldn't have done it without you!

Happy New Year! We wish you a joyful, healthy, prosperous 2013.

Cheers,

Mare Swallow and everyone at Chicago Writers Conference

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Thank you - you made the Chicago Writers Conference a reality!

Update #22 - For backers only · Sep 18, 2012 · 3 comments

For backers only. If you're a backer of this project, please log in to read this post.

CWC in the media two more times

Update #21 · Sep 4, 2012 · comment

The conference is a mere 10 days away! Thanks to your help, we made it happen.

CWC was in the media again! Please enjoy:

Mare Swallow's interview on CHIRP Radio is here.

New City's feature on CWC (found here) also mentions Chicago literary heavyweights Ian Belknap, Tuesday Funk, and Essay Fiesta.

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CWC featured on the Chicagoist this week!

Update #20 · Aug 24, 2012 · comment

Chuck Sudo of the Chicagoist interviewed founder Mare Swallow. Enjoy!

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More good news: We're on CHIRP!

Update #19 · Aug 20, 2012 · comment

About a week and a half ago, we announced our media sponsor: CHIRP Radio. They're online, and they are the best independent radio station, so give 'em a listen.

Even better: CHIRP Radio news director Dan Epstein interviewed our founder, Mare Swallow. (Picture below.) Listen in to CHIRP to hear the interview in the next few weeks!

One more note about CWC: Conference registration closes in a mere 11 days! If you or a writer you know wants to join us next month and learn from accomplished authors such as Aleksandar Hemon or prominent publishers such as Dominique Raccah, sign up now!

Thank you again for all your support. This amazing conference is happening because of you.

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Mar 25, 2012 - Apr 24, 2012 (30 days)

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  • Pledge $5 or more

    12 backers

    Your name and thanks on the CWC website.

    Estimated delivery: May 2012
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    13 backers

    Your name and thanks on the CWC website and a CWC Bookmark!

    Estimated delivery: May 2012
  • Pledge $25 or more

    46 backers

    Your name and thanks on the CWC website, Chicago Writers Conference Tote Bag and a CWC bookmark! Carry your books, mark your place.

    Estimated delivery: Jun 2012
  • Pledge $50 or more

    0 backers Limited (5 of 5 left)

    Your name and thanks on the CWC website and a signed copy of "It Was Love When..." by Chicago author and conference presenter Robert K. Elder.

    Estimated delivery: Jun 2012
  • Pledge $50 or more

    5 backers All gone!

    A critique of your query letter OR your book synopsis (choose one) from Writers Digest Editor and conference speaker Chuck Sambuchino. You may submit 1 page single-spaced (max). Delivery date is the latest date you may submit your query or book synopsis for feedback. Excellent for writers seeking representation!

    Estimated delivery: Aug 2012
  • Pledge $50 or more

    2 backers Limited (3 of 5 left)

    Your name and thanks on the CWC website and a signed copy of "It Was Over When..." by Chicago author and conference presenter Robert K. Elder.

    Estimated delivery: Jun 2012
  • Pledge $50 or more

    4 backers Limited (6 of 10 left)

    Your name and thanks on the CWC website, and a signed copy of "The Crack Between the Worlds" by Chicago author Maggie Kast.

    Estimated delivery: May 2012
  • Pledge $50 or more

    2 backers Limited (8 of 10 left)

    Your name and thanks on the CWC website and a signed copy of "A Recipe for Hope: Stories of Transformation by People Struggling with Homelessness," by Chicago author Karen Skalitzky.

    Estimated delivery: May 2012
  • Pledge $60 or more

    1 backer All gone!

    Your name and thanks on the CWC website, and a poem written just for you (on a select topic) by author, poet, and Tuesday Funk host William Shunn.

    Estimated delivery: Jul 2012
  • Pledge $75 or more

    2 backers All gone!

    CWC Founder Mare Swallow will bake you 2 dozen homemade cupcakes (choose one: lemon, yellow, or chocolate) and deliver them in person to within 50 miles of downtown Chicago. Homemade! Nothing from a can! Delivery date is latest date you may take delivery. You may take reward as early as May, 2012.

    Estimated delivery: Aug 2012
  • Pledge $75 or more

    2 backers All gone!

    CUPCAKES! They were so popular, we had to bring 'em back. CWC Founder Mare Swallow will bake you 2 dozen homemade cupcakes (choose one: lemon, yellow, or chocolate) and deliver them in person to within 50 miles of downtown Chicago. Homemade! Nothing from a can! Delivery date is latest date you may take delivery. You may take reward as early as May, 2012.

    Estimated delivery: Aug 2012
  • Pledge $75 or more

    1 backer All gone!

    Your name and thanks on the CWC website, and a Seat at the Table of Judgment (ie: you be the judge!) at a future Write Club Event. We will contact you to determine which date works for you -- delivery date below is just the latest possible date. Write Club happens every month.

    Estimated delivery: Dec 2012
  • Pledge $100 or more

    4 backers All gone!

    Your name and thanks on the CWC website; an original screen print of Chicago Watertanks ("Kingsbury St." or "Watertanks & Birds") by Chicago artist and CWC board member Kevin Swallow. See images via the link to the left.

    Estimated delivery: Apr 2012
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    1 backer All gone!

    Art by friend of the conference, Chicago Artist Scott Simons. Choose ONE: "Red Abstract" or "Blue Abstract." Acrylic on panel, 16" x 20" View images to the left; indicate preference, Red or Blue. (Only 1 may be selected.)

    Estimated delivery: Jun 2012
  • Pledge $125 or more

    1 backer Limited (1 of 2 left)

    Get cooking with Anupy! A package of goodies from author and conference speaker Anupy Singla! Receive a Spice Tiffin, a cookbook, and starter spices. Anupy is the author of "Indian as Apple Pie and "The Indian Slow Cooker Cookbook." (View images on the left.)

    Estimated delivery: Jun 2012
  • Pledge $150 or more

    1 backer All gone!

    Your name and thanks on the CWC website; a framed original, digitally-enhanced photograph, "Marina Towers" by Chicago Artist and CWC board member Kevin Swallow. Last piece of art special: We'll throw in a tote bag and bookmark. See images via link to the left.

    Estimated delivery: May 2012
  • Pledge $160 or more

    13 backers Limited (37 of 50 left)

    ATTEND THE CONFERENCE! Your name and thanks on the CWC website; 2-day admission to the Chicago Writers Conference; a Chicago Writers Conference Tote Bag and a CWC Bookmark!

    Estimated delivery: Sep 2012
  • Pledge $175 or more

    1 backer All gone!

    CONFERENCE & CRITIQUE! Attend the conference, plus receive your name and thanks on our website, plus short story manuscript critique (up to 10,000 words) by Hugo and Nebula Award nominee William Shunn.

    Estimated delivery: Jun 2012
  • Pledge $175 or more

    1 backer All gone!

    CONFERENCE & CRITIQUE! Attend the conference, plus receive your name and thanks on our website, plus short performance manuscript or video critique (up to 10 minutes) by performer, writer and Write Club founder Ian Belknap.

    Estimated delivery: Jun 2012
  • Pledge $175 or more

    1 backer All gone!

    CONFERENCE & CRITIQUE! April 20 Special: This is limited until 10 pm tonight. Attend the conference, plus receive your name and thanks on our website, plus short story manuscript critique (up to 10,000 words) by Hugo and Nebula Award nominee William Shunn.

    Estimated delivery: Jun 2012
  • Pledge $300 or more

    1 backer All gone!

    CONFERENCE AND ART! Attend the conference, plus recieve your name and thanks on the CWC website; a framed original, digitally-enhanced photograph, "Chicago Skyline Sunset" by Chicago Artist and CWC board member Kevin Swallow. See images via link to the left.

    Estimated delivery: May 2012
  • Pledge $350 or more

    0 backers Limited (2 of 2 left)

    Spice Tour of Devon Avenue for up to 10 people. Take a walking spice tour of Devon Avenue with author and speaker Anupy Singla. Grab some friends, meet Anupy and explore the spicy treasures of Devon Avenue in Chicago. You'll snack along the way. Perfect for foodies! Note: Delivery date is the latest you may take the tour. You will arrange your tour directly with your guide.

    Estimated delivery: May 2013