January 23, 2012
by Valya
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Some moments make creative ripples in the Universe. They may be quiet affairs of a half dozen or less people. They may be large gatherings, well-publicized and documented for posterity. Sometimes all we have are whispers, hints of an evening … Continue reading
January 12, 2012
by Valya
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Last weekend I sent out the first announcements about the Chicago Literary Hall of Fame’s Evening to Honor Gene Wolfe. I haven’t been this excited about an event since my book launch last October. There’s a question often asked at parties … Continue reading
November 14, 2011
by Valya
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Later tonight the second annual Induction Ceremony for the Chicago Literary Hall of Fame will be held at the Harold Washington Library’s Pritzker Auditorium, from 6-8PM. Once again the eloquent and charming Rick Kogan will be our Master of Ceremonies, … Continue reading
June 2, 2011
by Valya
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Printers Row Lit Fest is happening this weekend in Chicago! I’ll be around to answer questions about the Chicago Writers Association and the Chicago Literary Hall of Fame, as well as sell/sign copies of my novel, The Silence of Trees. … Continue reading
March 25, 2011
by Valya
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With the busy Words & Wheels weekend in LaCrosse, I didn’t get the chance to blog properly about the Chicago Classics reading. Happy to be a part the celebration of Chicago literature, I read along with 20 local writers at … Continue reading
March 17, 2011
by Valya
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Columbia College has been celebrating 15 years of its annual Story Week! After I graduated from the School of the Art Institute with my MFA in Writing in 1998, I taught a few classes at Columbia College and remember the … Continue reading
November 16, 2010
by Valya
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Along with literature, I have always had a passion for history. I think it comes from my parents and grandparents trying to impress upon me at a young age the importance of my roots. They always taught us that we … Continue reading
October 23, 2010
by Valya
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I mentioned meeting the amazing sculptor Margot MacMahon at a Chicago Literary Hall of Fame event earlier this year. She impressed me with her insight into raising children and making time for Art. I have to admit that I didn’t … Continue reading
October 13, 2010
by Valya
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It’s a quiet, rainy Fall morning at Casa del Lobos. I love this weather, this time of year. Life is busy but good–full of people I love, activities I enjoy, events I believe in. My only concern is that it’s … Continue reading
July 29, 2010
by Valya
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So many updates, so here they are abbreviated in lieu of a proper post that may never come. The summer is nearly over, and while I’m not a summer person I do enjoy the freedom from schedules and routines afforded by … Continue reading