What’s better than being a writer?

Being a writer with other writers. And that’s what the monthly Black List Happy Hours are about. Just look at these groovy people:

This is part of the group of writers who showed up yesterday for the Black List event in Chicago. I met each writer and a good time was had by all. In fact, three young gents — Reed, Sam, and Zack — made a two hour trek from Milwaukee to participate in the Happy Hour session.

Writing is a lonely gig. Whenever we have a chance to socialize with other wordsmiths where we can share our experiences and hopes, ups and downs, knowing there’s a real good chance the other people get what we’re talking about and going through, that is a plus.

The Black List has monthly Happy Hours for writers in 18 cities. If you think your locale can support this kind of get-together, contact the Black List here to see what you need to do to get something going in your community.

Meanwhile if you live in and around Chicago — or even Milwaukee — circle the calendar for the first Wednesday of every month. That’s when the Black List Happy Hours happen all around the globe. Now that I’m living in Chicago, I plan on making as many of these sessions as possible. Good people, good times!

Speaking of which, one of the writers I met yesterday Devi Bhaduri is connected with the Chicago Review of Books and they just recently announced a new online literary magazine called Arcturus, “featuring place-based fiction, creative nonfiction, poetry, comics, art, and photography.” If you’re interested in checking it out and perhaps submitting something for publication, go here for more information.