Happy New Year!
If your New Year's Resolution is to get to the gym more, enforce a new ban on sweets, or give up Cheetos once and for all, welp, we can't be of much help.
BUT, if your New Year's Resolutions are about starting to write more, or write for the first time in a long time, or begin recording your family stories into a book, hey, you've come to the right place! Especially over the next four months, we're putting a major emphasis on how to go from a rough idea or rough draft and turn those into a final book.
New Case Study - Publishing your Long Overdue Book (even if it's been 30 years)
Our new case study shares the journey of how a bedtime story David Ovitt used to tell to his grandkids 30-years-ago went from this stapled rough draft:
To this final copy, available just in time for Christmas, 2019.
David's children's book/coloring book can be purchased on Amazon or directly through Long Overdue Books.
What happens after National Novel Writing Month?
Did you participate in National Novel Writing Month last November? Wondering what to do next?
We're launching a series of events called "Rough Drafts" nights. The idea: Bring a rough draft chapter, scene, comedy sketch and receive helpful feedback in a welcoming environment. Our first one will take place at Bottles Up! in Lakeview East Chicago.
Also - if you're interested in hosting your own Rough Drafts event, shoot us a note at library@longoverduestories.com
What advice would you give to your 30-year-old self
In honor of our Story Prompts initiative, we asked a few random strangers around Chicago, "Hey, what advice would you give to your 30-year-old self?"
Here are some of the answers below:
Reclaiming something you love to do
We see there being three main types of Long Overdue projects.
1. Something I've always wanted to do, but never tried
2. Something I've been working on here and there, but just never quite finished
3. Something I used to love to do, but it's been years/decades since I've worked on it
We hope to see more people tackle their Long Overdue projects in 2020. For some encouragement, here's an article about reclaiming something you love to do and why that's always worth doing.
Upcoming Comedy Show
Speaking of which, one of our Co-Founders (Chris O'Brien) will be reclaiming an old love of performing comedy. Chris will be a cast member in the Writing 6 show "New Year's Revolution." The show will take place at The Second City Training Center in Chicago on Jan. 10, 17, 24, and 31st. Shows are at 7:30 PM in Donny's Skybox Theater (4th Floor).
More information and tickets are available here.
Classes at Newberry Library
If you're in Chicago, the Newberry Library is an incredible resource for researching your family history and genealogy. They also offer great Adult Education classes. Here were a few that caught our eye this winter/spring:
Secrets in the Tree: Going Beyond Genealogy to Write Your Family Story
Saturdays, 1-3 pm
March 7 - March 28
Four Sessions. Early - $195, Regular $214.50
Doing Oral History
Thursdays, 6-7:30 pm
February 13 - March 5
Four sessions. Early - $170, Regular - $187
Writing Your Life and Getting Published
Tuesdays, 6 - 7:30 pm
March 10 - April 14
Six sessions. Early - $210, Regular - $231
The Micro-Memoir: An Introduction for Writers and Readers
Saturday, 1 - 4 pm
April 4th
One session. Early - $85, Regular - $93.50
Seeking a Lead Writer/Editor (and contributing writers)
What makes vacations so great? The food? The sites? Breaking our regular routines?
Which makes us wonder: Could you create the same vacation effect right here in the Midwest. By finding the hidden gems, going to the great local spots, could you turn your own neighborhood into a foreign country and make everyday life feel more like a vacation?
We're looking for the "Rick Steves of the Midwest" to lead this book-in-progress. Also looking for other contributing writers to share about your favorite spots, restaurants, festivals, and more. To be involved, email - library@longoverduestories.com
Hey, before we totally say goodbye to 2019...
We're excited to move into 2020, but want to take a moment to look back at an exciting first year in business. To recap: We published a novel, a book of business advice, a children's book, and a book of essays. Can't wait to take the next version of this photo at the end of 2020.
Where to follow us on social media
Our next newsletter will go out on the first Tuesday of February (Feb. 4th). We'd love to hear from you in between. Feel free to email us at library@longoverduestories.com