Update From WAM! Conference in Cambridge

Filed: March 28, 2009 at 3:16 pm |

I’m thrilled to be at the annual WAM! conference this weekend — so many great activists, writers, journalists, artists and teachers in one (very cool) space brainstorming, debating and learning from each other.

Yesterday I taught a day-long workshop on blogging (note to participants: hope you alert us all to your new blogs soon!). I’ve posted a longer update at Our Bodies, Our Blog.

Welcome CWIP Visitors

Filed: March 18, 2009 at 9:57 pm |

A big welcome to readers dropping by from the The Freelance Edge program presented by Chicago Women in Publishing. And a shout-out to moderator Chris Benevich and fellow panelist Kay Daly, both of whom were terrific.

Here are a few of the articles mentioned tonight:

- Twitter Makes Us  More …: Many, many responses gathered at Pistachio Consulting.
- How Twitter can help you improve, market and publish your creative writing: Though aimed at creative writers, these are helpful tips for anyone.
- A Non-Fanatical Beginner’s Guide to Twitter: A great article for getting started.

There are more resources in CWIP’s excellent take-away guide. If you’re looking for information on any of the topics discussed, or have any questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Best. Friday. Ever. (Free Beer Edition)

Filed: March 6, 2009 at 3:52 pm |

Years ago, I wrote a cover story for Vermont Sunday Magazine on the state of the state’s craft brew industry. If you appreciate good beer, living in Vermont will spoil you. Even most backroad bars serve excellent beer on tap, and there’s a good chance at least one was brewed within walking distance.

In Chicago, the options are more limited; there’s no guarantee you’ll find even Goose Island (brewed here in the city). If the bar also happens to sell Bell’s (Michigan) and Three Floyds (Indiana), it’s a keeper.

Now there’s a new brewer in town in my neighborhood — Half Acre — and it’s reaching out to beer lovers in some creative ways. Today the brewery offered a free case of beer to the first person to find and return a hidden silver capsule. The treasure hunt clue was posted on Half Acre’s blog and social networks:

A warm day in a park close to home. Maybe a game with an equine twist. Think of the #5 and look for the green carpet.

The instructions were simple — no long set of rules or fine print, other than the winner had to be 21 or older. Easy enough. And the clue seemed obvious, though 1.) how many times have I thought, “Oooh! I know the answer!” only to be completely wrong; 2.) I never win contests (see #1).

Still, we’re talking free beer. I leashed up one of the dogs and made a beeline for Welles Park, the closest green space to Half Acre. We headed for the horseshoe playing area, ring #5. Score! For the first time ever, I had been correct and timely.

On the way out, I met a woman pushing a stroller whose husband had called from work, urging her to go search. Then a guy showed up, very excited about the possibility of taking home a case of Half Acre. (The brewery retail center hasn’t opened yet, making the hunt all the more rewarding.) He tweeted his defeat with grace.

I lucked out again at the brewery — Half Acre owner Gabriel Magliaro  gave a full tour. There were no flowing rivers of beer, but all sorts of magic is happening (be on the lookout for chocolate rye stout), much of it due to this brewer (*excellent likeness). I even got to taste a bitter, foamy extract and pour in some hops. Thanks, guys!

And then there was the ultimate prize: a mixed case of Half Acre Lager and Over Ale. It’s like living in a small state, minus the dirt roads, all over again. Committing to shopping locally has never been easier.

P.S. Half Acre promoted the treasure hunt via email, Twitter and Facebook. They’re going to make this a weekly event, so go friend or follow them.