Three celebrated Chicago-area writers and professors discuss the joys, challenges, and struggles of becoming a writer.

Three celebrated Chicago writers and longtime professors of fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and drama join the Barrington Writers’ Workshop on a panel titled “The Writing Life,” which will explore the artistic trajectory of becoming a writer, from all the joys, challenges, and struggles that this profession entails. The panel features Rachel DeWoskin and Vu Tran of the University of Chicago as well as Thomas Bradshaw of Northwestern University, who will discuss their own unique backgrounds and trajectories, including how unexpected directions in their personal lives have not only dictated their artistic interests but also shaped their professional decisions.

Professor DeWoskin is the award-winning author of five novels, including Foreign Babes in Bejing, which is currently being adapted for television. Professor Tran is the winner of a Whiting Writers’ Award and a National Endowment in the Arts Fellowship; his debut novel, Dragonfish, was named a New York Times Notable Book and a San Francisco Chronicle Best Books of the Year. Professor Bradshaw is the Department Chair of Radio/Television/Film at Northwestern and has written numerous award-winning plays, including a screenplay adaptation of Uncle Tom’s Cabin.

The panelists will inspire the creative spirit in everyone and discuss how an artist’s life constantly and unexpectedly dictates their artistic decisions as well as ways to be creatively brave and the role of the writer in today’s world. Following the presentation, an open house author book sale and signing will feature books by event speakers as well as books by BWW authors.

NOTE: Students 18 and under FREE with paid adult admission. This event is entirely in-person. No virtual tickets are available. If you are having trouble purchasing tickets please contact us at culturalevents@barringtonswhitehouse.com or 224-512-4066.