Is it me? Or did 2024-25 fly by at warp speed? Either way, it’s a good time to reflect on the good times IWOC-ers had this past year... and to zoom forward for a quick look at what lies ahead. Happy travels!

2024-25 IWOC Programs 

Challenging as it may have been – and always is when it comes to mining for programs and speakers that would capture the interest of IWOC members and friends of IWOC, once again the Program Committee of Betsy Storm, Jay Schwarz and Jeff Steele (with contributions from other IWOC-ers) has jam-packed the year serving up the following. Anyone who came and saw, came out wiser businesspeople and savvier self-marketers, loaded with ideas about adding more “value added” aspects to their writing craft and writing services. 

• IWOC’S Ever-popular Annual Writers’ Roundtable, where everyone gets their say. (This is the only program not recorded, so all participants can speak freely.)

• The Nuts & Bolts of Screenwriting: Award-winning fiction and screenplay writer Audrey Wilson discussed how to structure your story for film, develop characters and craft a scene using dialogue and visuals to forward the plot. 

• Keys to Successfully Promoting Your Book: Joe Marich of Marich Media (who represented Michael Crichton and Australia’s best-selling author David Rollins) amusingly demonstrated how to effectively use literary marketing and media relations to get your book noticed.

• Self-Publishing vs. Traditional Explained 2.0: Friesen Press publishing consultant Christoph Koniczek outlined the ways in which self-publishing differs from traditional publishing, and covered new info regarding recent changes in the self-publishing industry.

• How to Be Your Own Best Editor: Melissa Harris and Jenn Bane, authors of Everybody Needs an Editor: The Essential Guide to Clear and Effective Writing, gave a game-changing presentation on how to be merciless in editing whatever you’re writing – to the point where it’s sharp, grabs attention – and moves the reader emotionally, intellectually or into action.

• Tapping New Writing Opportunities:. Creative Groove founder Jen Jones Donatelli shared best practices and a multitude of resources that have helped her and her creative clients break into various publications, publishers and more...and build a diverse portfolio along the way. 

• How Writers Can Use AI as a Trusted Ally:  Taking the heebie-jeebies out of the whole subject of AI, Matt Cardoni explained how writers can use the ever-expanding box of AI tools to get jobs done better and more efficiently.   

• Collaborate to Create: Co-authoring Non-Fiction:  Author Matty Dalrymple charmingly made the case for collaborating with fellow authors, recounting how it can expand audience reach, create new opportunities for income, and grow your platform.

Missed any of the above? No problem. Download the podcasts (except for the Roundtable one) on our Member Resources page to benefit from the info- and advice-packed gems. 

Got ideas for writing- or business-related programs? Contact the Program Committee. We welcome them all! 

2024-25 IWOC Parties

Keep a bunch of freelance writers cooped up in their lairs all year and when given the chance, they come out to play in full force. As is our tradition, last year we gave everyone three chances to let loose and party like it’s – well, 2024. At December’s Holiday Party, we let it all hang out at hands-down fave Star of Siam. For our perennial August Greektown bacchanal, we opa’d at scenic Athena. And to welcome the Spring Equinox, we dove into delectable appies, BBQ ribs, chicken and veggie kabobs at the Weber Grill. Fab-u-licious.

Events of Interest

IWOC wasn’t the only one who put on must-see programs. We also passed the word to IWOC members about these world class events:

• Share Your Story on Jacqui Just Chatters podcasts, offered several times throughout the year

• Next Generation Short Story Awards: IWOC-ers were called upon to enter their short stories in this prestigious Nonprofit Awards Program 

• Summer Writers’ Conference on Martha’s Vineyard, where writers gathered from the world over

• Chicago Screenwriters Network held 2 free events hosted by the Chicago International Film Festival: A master class on Writing for Film & TV with Virgil Williams and a Black History Month screening of "Mudbound."

• American Writers Museum offered IWOC members free tix to see Pulitzer Prize winning humorist Dave Barry be interviewed by WTTW’s Mark Bazer on – where else? -- The Interview Show. 

• American Writers Museum offered more free tix, this time to attend “Faith is Funny,” part of the AWM’s program series, American Prophets: Writers, Religion and Culture that featured four famous comedians. 

• “Garland Jeffreys: The King of In Between”: An exclusive (and free) screening with the filmmakers of this documentary examining the of the lauded singer/songwriter’s 50-year career. 

Reflections on the future

While it was indeed an excellent year and IWOC has had a wonderful, 40+ year run, it’s no secret that the times they are a-changing. Due to the many factors that I covered in last year’s President’s Post, IWOC is in the complex process of merging with the Writers & Publishers Network. But we’re not going away just yet. Until that merger is complete, we’ll still be planning programs and parties to educate and entertain all our members and subscribers, starting with our September 9 ever-popular Writers Roundtable.* Hope to see you there!

*Don’t forget: On September 9, we’ll be holding elections on the 2025-26 Board of Directors slate. Mark it down and please attend!

-- Laura Stigler