May-July, 2015

Biblio File Society of Midland Authors: Libby Fisher Hellmann’s Nobody's Child was named a 2015 Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in ‘Amazing and noble’ at 100 Mystery/Suspense finalist. Also, Libby has written a short story prequel to A Bitter BY THOMAS FRISBIE Veil titled “War Secrets.” ... Many thanks he Society of Midland Authors, to Richard Lindberg for his years of born a century ago as literature was service as a Society board member and Tbeing redefined, is like a venerable president. Richard, whose 17th , punk band, emcee Robert K. Elder joked Gangland Chicago, comes out Oct. 15, has at the Society’s centennial book awards stepped down after completing his most dinner on May 1. recent term. ... Shane Gericke dedicated Society co-founder and early president The Fury, his new thriller coming out Sept. Harriet Monroe “was a champion of 4, to his “wonderful and loving-est” wife, modern writing, and she threw out tradi- Robert K. Kathleen Jerrie. Also, Shane’s earlier Blown tional ideas of ivory tower literature,” Elder Rooney Away, Cut to the Bone and Torn Apart will said Elder, author of six books, includ- be redesigned and republished in August ing Last Words of the Executed and The in and trade . ... Former Film That Changed My Life. “ ... She SMA board member Steve Monroe’s first along with folks like Carl Sandburg two books ’57, Chicago and ’46, Chicago found themselves in a cultural revolt, a were reissued in trade paperback on July full-on sort of punk rock rejection of the 14. ... Mark your calendar: The 6 p.m. to modern status quo. So for members of 7:30 p.m. Sept. 8 SMA program at the this honored society, you might not have Harold Washington will feature realized it, but you are a members in a Neal Samors, Christopher Lynch and 100-year-old punk band.” possibly a third author. Samors and The Society also serves an important Lin Harriet Lynch are authors of Now Arriving: community that nurtures writers, Elder Enger Monroe Traveling To and From Chicago By Air: said. “It’s amazing and noble that it’s last- Of The Confessions of Frances Godwin, 90 Years of Flight (Chicago Books Press, ed 100 years, and I hope it lasts 100 more.” Judge Tony Romano said, “What really May 1). ... The June Indiana Magazine of He then announced the start of the stuck with us with this book was the char- History includes Ray Boomhower’s article Society’s annual book awards in Chicago, acter, Frances Godwin. You wanted to on John Bartlow Martin's 1947 book which honor the organization’s choices spend time with her. She’s sarcastic, she’s Indiana: An Interpretation. ... On April for the best books by Midwest authors shrewd, tough, irreverent, even when 25 Arnie Bernstein gave an introductory published in 2014. speaking to God. ... We come to know her speech at the Peoria Riverfront Museum In the Adult Fiction category, the win- on many levels.” during a screening of The Godfather on a ner was Robert Hellenga for The Hellenga said, “The biggest risk I took seven-story high screen. “If that’s not Confessions of Frances Godwin in writing The Confessions of Frances heaven, I don’t know what is!” he e- (Bloomsbury). The finalists were Godwin was introducing God as an active mailed. And his Swastika Nation: Fritz Kathleen Rooney for O, Democracy! character and allowing him to bully Kuhn and the Rise and Fall of the (Fifth Star Press) and Lin Enger for The German-American Bund was published in High Divide, (Algonquin). Turn to Page 2 Poland by Rebis on April 28. ... The April 24 Lake Forester profiled Ilene Cooper. ... Now & Then Reader has added a link to June Sawyers’ Printers Row New Literary Workingman: The Faith-Based Politics of report Books Lore Bruce Springsteen. ... Starting April 28, PAGE 4 PAGE 5 PAGE 6 Turn to Page 2 Biblio File n Awards Continued from Page 1 Continued from Page 1 Frances in Latin.” Billy McCarthy ran a 30-day “Ferocious For O, Drummers” Kickstarter campaign. On Democracy!, July 14, he announced a major TV/film Romano read Judge distributing company has optioned Bayo Ojikutu’s “Ferocious Drummers.” ... Stan “Tex” comments, which Banash was presented with a Superior said in part, Achievement Award at the 2015 Annual “Rooney strikes at Awards program of the Illinois State the the winsome hope of a new lost Historical Society on April 25 for his Jonathan David Stuart generation, hopes Michael book Roadside History of Illinois. A McCarthy Eig MacLean judge said, “[It is] a straightforward, given embodied well-written and informative travel book voice by a narrator Answer to the Riddle Is Me: A Memoir of that includes many helpful extras — a toiling on behalf an ambitious Illinois Amnesia (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt). history timeline, interesting factoids, a politico campaigning for high office. The finalist was Ken S. Mueller for complete index, and an extensive bibliog- “The novel is timely in ways both stark Senator Benton and the People: Master raphy. ... I want to have this book with and covert, trenchant in its observations.” Race Democracy on the Early American me whenever I explore the Prairie State.” Rooney thanked the Society for the Frontiers (Northern Illinois University Also, Stan was on “After Hours with honor of being named a finalist. Press). Rick Kogan” on June 14. ... Leone The third Adult Fiction judge was This was the second year that memoirs Castell Anderson’s poems “Wind Mark Eleveld. were included with biographies in the Farms” and “Shades of Winter” will be In Adult Nonfiction, the winner was same category, Judge Bob Remer said. displayed at a September reception spon- Jonathan Eig for The Birth of the Pill: “This year something very special hap- sored by Inprint at which those poems How Four Crusaders Reinvented Sex and pened, and that is that a powerful memoir receiving the most votes will appear in Launched a Revolution (W.W. Norton). won for the first time,” he said. book titled Word of Art. Also, she won The finalist was Michael McCarthy for Of the finalist, a biography, Remer this year’s Highlights for Children’s mys- Ashes Under Water: The SS Eastland and said, “The book was very thorough, well- tery story contest, getting both prize the Shipwreck That Shook America written, competently researched and using (Lyons Press). as its subject an important Democratic Turn to Page 3 Judge Davis Schneiderman said this senator, Thomas Hart Benton, who was year’s competition presented “an astound- the first from Missouri, during a very sig- ing array of really fantastic nonfiction nificant transition period.” books.” The winner, about a fluke reaction to an Schneiderman called Eig’s book “a tri- anti-malarial drug, is “a powerful story” umph of narrative nonfiction.” and “a book that enormously affected all 2015, Society “I was so inspired by this book three judges,” Remer said. of Midland Authors that I started taking the Pill,” he joked. “The story is often painful, often funny P.O. Box 10419, Chicago IL 60610 “Combining intensive research with and frequently suspenseful as the author compelling storytelling, the book is a struggled to recreate, or appear to create, Editor: Thomas Frisbie grand mix of biography, politics, femi- his memories with friends and loved ones. [email protected] nism, social science and medicine,” he ... The writing is so powerful and engag- Copy Editor: Beverly Offen said. ing that the word empathy does not do www.midlandauthors.com In his acceptance, Eig credited former justice to how David grabs hold of the SMA President Leon Forrest, who taught reader along this journey.” Follow the Society on Eig’s freshman literature class at In his acceptance, MacLean thanked the Twitter@midlandauthors Northwestern. Society for giving an award to a memoir. “This guy just lit up the room,” Eig “Memoir lives in a weird literary ghet- Society of Midland Authors members said. “He was this revolutionary writer, a to,” MacLean said. “It is not as concerned can now pay their membership dues, man who believed with the power of with beauty as poetry, it is not as smart as buy tickets to the annual dinner and these words that he could change the essays, it is not as complex as the novel. make donations on our website with world.” The memoir is relegated to those of us PayPal (there is a $1 fee to help cover The other judges for Adult Nonfiction who have had things happen to them.” PayPal’s fee). To make a donation, visit were Ray E. Boomhower and Gregory The other judges for Biography & our home page at www.midlandau- Harms. thors.com and click on the "Donate" Memoir were John Hallwas and button in the upper right corner. In Biography & Memoir, the winner was David Stuart MacLean for The Turn to Page 3 2 LITERARY LICENSE, MAY-JULY 2015 n Awards Continued from Page 2 Biblio File Re'Lynn Hansen. Continued from Page 2 In Children’s Fiction, the winner was Margi Preus for West of the Moon money and an engraved pewter bowl, and (Amulet Books). The finalists were her entry “Sam Sleuth,” will appear in the Margaret Willey for Beetle Boy (Lerner magazine. ... Chris Abani lectured April Books); Crystal Chan for Bird 15 at the Sensoria literary event in (Atheneum Books for Young Readers), Charlotte, S.C. ... Theresa Amato wrote and John David Anderson for Minion a June 17 New York Times op-ed head- (Walden Pond Press). lined “Put lawyers where they are need- Judge Lisa Bigelow said, “Minion ed.” Her next book, Liberated Lawyering: Margi Margaret offers a fresh perspective on the super How Lawyers Can Change the World Preus Willey hero genre. It has a wonderful dry wit and (The New Press), is due out April 26, also a touching father-and-son story.” 2016 ... Robert Kurson’s new book, Judge Laurie Lawlor called Bird “a Pirate Hunters, went on sale in June. ... very, very lovely book about a 12-year- Charlene Baumbich tweeted June 15, “I old boy who was born on the day his expect a great #writing day today. Setting brother died. ... It is a wonderful, wonder- my spirit and mind for success. Cloudy ful tribute to how you recover from grief.” rainy days = good moody writing days.” Chan said she has discussed her book ... Keir Graff tweets to say, “It's a little- during many school visits, and the “really known fact that Ray Bradbury’s short amazing thing [was] to see Bird kind of story “The Long Rain” was set in 2015 fly to different to communities and take John David Ann Chicago.” ... Dominique Raccah was off there.” Anderson Bausum No. 3 on Newcity’s “Lit 50 2015: Who Laurie said Beetle Boy is “a wonderful Really Books in Chicago.” Scott Turow young adult novel about a 19-year-old is always one moment in childhood when was No. 8, Donald Evans was No. 9, boy who has spent most of his life avoid- the door opens and lets the future in.’ And Kevin Coval was No. 14, Gillian Flynn ing what happened when he was a kid.” of course I want to write that moment was No. 22, Robert Loerzel was No. 25, For her part, Willey said, “I wrote when I write for children. ... For children, Bill Ott was No. 26, Aleksandar Hemon Beetle Boy primarily because I feel very sometimes the future is a book.” was tied for No. 34, Kathleen Rooney strongly about children who are used and The other judge for Children's Fiction was No. 37, Reginald Gibbons was No. conscripted by their parents for their own was Gary Schmidt. 41, Keir Graff was tied for No. 49 and financial benefit and emotional benefit.” In Children’s Fiction the winner was Ian Morris was No. 50. ... Richard West of the Moon, Laurie said, “is a rol- Ann Bausum for Stubby the War Dog: Longworth is retiring from The Chicago licking adventure ... we admired its ele- The True Story of World War I's Bravest Council on Global Affairs “and from the Dog (National Geographic Children's world of deadlines and punctual pundit- I really want to con- Books). The finalists were Don Mitchell ry.” ... Former SMA award winner for The Freedom Summer Murders Sharon M. Draper won the 2015 gratulate you for keeping (Scholastic Press) and Ilene Cooper for A Margaret A. Edwards Award . ... It’s the “ Woman in the House (and Senate): How a group of writers in an 50th anniversary of Edward Burke’s Women Came to the United States graduation from police academy. His uni- organization for 100 Congress, Broke Down Barriers, and form still hangs in his closet and, “It still Changed the Country (Abrams Books for fits.” ... Harry Mark Petrakis wrote a years. Young Readers). July 23 letter to the editor to the Chicago gant prose. ... It’s just an exceptional The challenge in judging children’s Sun-times about prison conditions. ... Dan read.” ” books, judge Christine Taylor-Butler Klefsad, morning host and Book Taking a moment to congratulate the said, is that the category covers books for Series editor for Northern Public Radio, Society, Preus said, “I really want to con- readers from birth to age 18, which broadcasts in southern gratulate you for keeping a group of writ- “We were trying to balance reading Wisconsin and northern Illinois, writes to ers in an organization for 100 years.” beautifully written picture books with say that a few times a year he introduces Her book, she said, “was inspired by stellar works written for older children. ... authors from the region to listeners. He the diary that my great-great grandmother As a full-time writer I know how much invites interested authors to contact him kept as they emigrated from Norway to work and passion goes into producing a at 801 N. 1st St., Dekalb, IL 60115. Wisconsin.” work of art.” Already interviewed authors include Preus said she keeps by her writing Many people in the publishing industry Robert Hellenga and Charles desk a quote from Graham Greene: “ ‘There Turn to Page 4 Blackstone.

LITERARY LICENSE, MAY-JULY 2015 3 Lesson learned n Awards Continued from Page 3 do not regard children’s nonfiction as at Printers Row serious, she said. But in the SMA contest, “Every single one of the books that was BY ROBERT LOERZEL submitted was brilliant.” ore than a dozen SMA members Freedom Summer Murders, which tells sold their books June 6-7 at the of the murder of three freedom fighters Printers Row Lit Fest in M who were lynched in the South while Chicago, the Midwest's largest annual fighting for civil rights, “is beautifully free literary event. Lynn Sloan, who sold written,” she said. “It is told in multiple books during the festival's first hours that voices of people who lived in that era.” Saturday morning, later remarked: "Did Ilene Don Of AWoman in the House (and Senate), we get lucky with great weather!" But as Cooper Mitchell she said, “It is both informative and funny a first-time Printers Row bookseller, she – and well researched.” presented its Distinguished Service Award did learn one lesson: Prepare for gusts of Cooper said, “It was such a pleasure to to former President Robert Loerzel. wind. "Next time I'll bring rocks," she do the research on this book.” President Meg Tebo said Loerzel has said – presumably to use as paperweights. Of the winning book, Taylor-Butler had “his hand in every single detail of Also selling books on Saturday were said, “Using Stubby as the mechanism for everything the Society does. ... Robert is Richard Cahan, Amelia Cotter, Joseph talking about World War I was brilliant.” the detail guy that keeps all of these Peterson, Bill Yarrow, Greg Borzo, Saying she finds many of her best ideas wheels greased. He has shown a dedica- Genevieve Davis, Craig Sautter, Dennis by accident, Bausum said she stumbled tion to this Society that I don’t think any- Byrne and Joanne Koch. These SMA across Stubby’s story while body who knows him or who authors filled any lulls with lively conver- doing research on another has interacted with him ... sation about writing, publishing and other book. could possibly disagree with.” topics. “Despite my best efforts to Loerzel said he was inspired The weather wasn't so great on Sunday. forget him, he would not get by the recent presidents who A downpour in the morning caused a out of my head,” she said. preceded him and also by temporary shutdown of the book fair, but “You never really know research he had done for a the festival opened again for business at where books are going to take Centennial book about the noon, and several SMA members – Jim us as readers or as writers. Society. Graham, Burt Levy, Eckhard Gerdes, Sometimes they lead us to a “I was humbled to read about Joan Kufrin and Genevieve Davis – stray dog. Sometimes they pro- Robert all these people over the past sold books as the skies cleared up in the vide an unexpected comfort. Loerzel 100 years, including some afternoon. And sometimes they lead to famous people like Harriet In an email afterward, Gerdes com- unexpectedly wonderful awards and a Monroe, and other less-famous people mented: “I also very much appreciate the lucky year.” who really devoted their time to the opportunity to have participated in the The other judges for Children’s Society,” Loerzel said. event. I enjoyed meeting ... everyone. ... Nonfiction were Patricia Kummer and For example, Alice Gerstenberg, a I had some very nice conversations with Andrew Medlar. playwright who was one of the founding passersby who were curious about my In Poetry, the winner was Grace Bauer members in 1915 and who stayed active books as well. I think such opportunities for Nowhere All At Once (Stephen F. in the society until she died in the early to introduce one's work to others, even if Austin State University Press). 1970s, twice rallied the Society when no immediate sales result, have long-term Elder read a note from Bauer, who was other members were considering folding benefits. This business is so much about not present at the awards. the organization, he said. building long-term relationships anyway, “Some of us continue to follow our “She wrote letters you can find in the and this event is an opportunity to build calling to hone our words and send them archives of the Society of Midland and strengthen such relationships, which out into the world, hoping they will fall Authors at UIC where she urged the offi- is always a good thing!” into the hands of readers for whom those cers basically to get their act together and NOTES: Shane Gericke, who was a words will resonate,” Bauer wrote. “... keep going,” Loerzel said. member of the Mystery Writers of Ultimately, I hope the poems will illumi- “Let’s keep this organization going for America panel on “writing characters that nate a greater regard for all that is another 100 years or more,” he added. you love to hate,” wrote on Facebook that human.” Also at the program, this year’s James Saturday was the “nicest day that I can The judges for Poetry were Anne- Friend Award for Literary and Dramatic remember, weatherwise and otherwise, Marie Cusac, Alice Friman and Martha Criticism was presented by Tracy Friend for Chicago’s annual Printers Row Lit Modena Vertreace-Doody. to the Goodman Theatre's Cindy Bandle Fest.” Following the book awards, the Society Young Critics program.

4 LITERARY LICENSE, MAY-JULY 2015 New Books enough to help Judith overcome the named it one of the tragedy and get through a difficult time? must-read books of Younger readers, for whom this novel the summer. Four of is intended, will see Judith’s difficulties WHEN THE DEVIL the stories already dealing with her friends as well as the have appeared in CAME TO DANCE adults in her life. The story is told in “The Best American Judith’s voice against a background that Short Stories” collec- evokes the Catholic schools of yester- tions. In Stella Pevsner’s new book (Feb. 9. year. The Tribune also Kindle), Kate, a Chicago drama coach, is wrote on July 16, “Rebecca Makkai just getting involved with a new writes stories like houses: brick and mor- boyfriend when she gets an emergency PARIS, HE SAID tar, but strangely alive.” call from her beloved Aunt Janet in Angel Springs, Colorado. Janet, a costume designer who has just broken her ankle, Christine Sneed’s latest novel (May 5, PURSUIT needs help because Bloomsbury USA) is “a serious explo- she has a big order to ration of how one manages the hunger for fill for the local ballet recognition and success, and why one A major mob bust is going down. The school’s looming might harbor ambivalence about that FBI pulls back surveillance. A killer flees. recital. aspect of oneself,” the New York Times In Steve Monroe’s new book (Open Running errands Sunday wrote on June 5. Road Distribution, for her aunt, Kate “ ... It is a book about self-discovery, an Aug. 11), it’s up to learns that the town is absorbing, original tale about the ques- Detective Wallace reeling from the tions we all end up confronting as we Grer and his partner, shock of stolen pets grapple with the interplay between who Romar Jones, to track turning up in the we are and who we think we want to be.” down the killer. Angel Springs fountain and bloodying the Donna Seaman of Booklist wrote, They give chase waters. Considering herself a criminology “Sneed judiciously dramatizes gender through Chicago’s expert based on hours of watching TV expectations, the ‘erotic imagination,’ the Gold Coast and its crime shows, Kate offers to help track struggles of women artists, and the divide tony restaurants, under the L in the East down the perpetrator despite lack of between outward appearance and inner Loop, by Lake Michigan and by the encouragement from the local sheriff. realities.” Chicago River. Then a person is murdered at the ballet According to the publisher, Paris, He school. As Kate plunges ahead with her Said tells the story of Jayne Marks, who investigation, she realizes that there’s is questioning choices WRITTEN IN THE STARS more to find out about Sheriff Jeb she has made in the Parsons than she realized at first. years since college and is struggling to Sherill Bodine and Patricia Rosemoor pay her bills in teamed up to write this romance RADISHES AND Manhattan when she (Diversion Books, May 3). STRAWBERRIES is given the opportu- An ancient curse is at the heart of this nity to move to Paris story, which begins in with her wealthy 1601 when Lady Radishes and Strawberries (April 7, lover and benefactor, Laurent Moller. He Elizabeth York is Kindle) by Margery Frisbie is the tale of offers her the time and financial support powerless to resist the a young girl who, after the death of her she needs to begin her career as a painter advances of the ille- mother, is left to con- and also challenges her to see who and gitimate half-brother tend with a distracted what she will become if she meets her of the man she arrived father and an embit- artistic potential. at Dunham Castle to tered aunt. Judith marry. Burns attends a Generations later, USIC FOR ARTIME Catholic school back M W archeologist Cordelia Ward – searching in the days when all for treasure in a sunken ship – turns to the teachers were Lady Elizabeth York’s journal when her nuns. They can be Rebecca Makkai’s first story collec- heart is pursued by two men, salvager strict at times. Is their tion (Viking, June 23) is “richly imag- Innis Foley and treasure hunter Morgan love and concern for their pupils strong ined,” said the Chicago Tribune, which Murphy. LITERARY LICENSE, MAY-JULY 2015 5 SMA Support A history of the Society Thanks to these members who made This is Part Two of the history of the contributions since the last newsletter: Many early members Society. It picks up from the previous Beverly Offen, Janet Hickman, issue as, with help from fellow writers of the Society of Midland Katherine McCaughan, Margaret “ Mason Warner and Douglas Malloch, McMullan, James Reiss, Ellis “Ned” John M. Stahl has invited authors to a Authors were also part of Brandt, Jeannie Morris, Carol B. meeting in 1914, including Hamlin Gartner, Frank Gonzalez-Crussi, the Little Room's ‘polite Garland. Harry Mark Petrakis, Bernard Brommel, Carolyn S. Pratt, Charles circle of bohemians.’’ Masters, Chris Abani, Craig Sautter, istorian Donald L. Miller including themselves," recalled Stahl, David Radavich, Dick Simpson, describes Garland as “brawny, explosive, and willfully ill man- who met Chatfield-Taylor for the first” Edward Burke, Greg Borzo, Jamilla H time at a Whitechapel Club gathering. Ra, Marlene Targ Brill, Richard & nered,” and fervent about the need for In November 1913, Chatfield-Taylor Margery Frisbie, Ronald Wallace, political reform. “When he preached his chaired a National Institute of Arts and Edward Gordon, Beverly Friend, rural radicalism in crowded Chicago Letters symposium at the Art Institute, Darwin M. Walton, Jack Driscoll, halls, his eyes would glow like hot cin- welcoming the nation's leading painters, Marianne Fineberg. ders and his voice would tremble with rage,” Miller wrote in his 1996 book City composers, sculptors, and writers. That of the Century: The Epic of Chicago and event helped inspire Stahl to bring togeth- the Making of America. er a group of Illinois authors. Call for proposals Another literary heavyweight in Stahl's Chatfield-Taylor and his wife – the group was Hobart Chatfield Chatfield- beautiful Rose Farwell, daughter of for- Hastings College Press welcomes pro- Taylor (1865-1945). "He was a cosmopo- mer United States Senator Charles posals for chapters for an edited lite, but strangely, a somewhat shy and Benjamin Farwell – were regulars at the focused on Midwestern regionalism dur- diffident gentleman with whom conversa- Little Room, a gathering of influential ing the first half of the twentieth century. tion seemed a trifle remote," Alice artists and writers after Friday-afternoon The volume is tentatively entitled "The Gerstenberg observed. Born into a wealthy Chicago Symphony Orchestra concerts. Midwestern Moment: Essays in Early- family in Chicago, he'd added the second The group, which usually gathered in the Twentieth Century Midwestern Chatfield to his name so he could inherit Fine Arts Building on Michigan Avenue, Regionalism." Midwestern regionalism money from that side was named after an includes writers, artists, publishers, intel- of his family. He'd 1895 short story by lectuals, architects, journalists, filmmak- written novels, mem- Literary Madeline Yale Wynne ers, magazines, journals, institutions, oirs and a biography Lore in Harper's magazine films, etc. Subjects may include but are of Molière, and he'd about a room that mys- not limited to: Midwestern regionalism as also edited a literary teriously appeared and a movement to highlight work that was journal called America Robert disappeared. produced in the Midwest and focused on in 1880s and 1890s. Loerzel Many early mem- the Midwest as a counter to the cultural Stahl scoffed that this bers of the Society of dominance of the coasts, especially publication was "con- Midland Authors were Boston and New York City; Individuals ducted on a plane entirely too high for the also part of the Little Room's "polite cir- or institutions that purposely sought to Chicago of the period of its existence." cle of bohemians," including Chatfield- encourage or counter the theory that In the early 1890s, Chatfield-Taylor was Taylor, Monroe, Garland, sculptor Lorado Midwestern intellectuals and writers the consul of Spain in Chicago and a Taft and authors George Ade and Edith "revolted" from their Midwestern vil- member of the Whitechapel Club, a group Wyatt. According to The Encyclopedia of lages; Representations of the Midwest in of journalists and other noteworthy Chicago, the group fostered "an atmos- popular culture or by non-Midwesterners; Chicago citizens who took their organiza- phere of aesthetic playfulness and serious Proposals should be roughly 300 tion's macabre name from the London intellectual engagement that lasted until words, briefly explain the significance of neighborhood where Jack the Ripper went the club's demise in 1931." the subject chosen and sources available, on his killing spree. Their meeting room "There were friendly groups of artists in and be sent to Patricia Oman at was supposedly decorated with a used Chicago at this time, and they were less [email protected]. The editor of the hangman's rope and the skulls of actual divided by cliques and professional barri- volume will be Jon K. Lauck. All propos- murderers. "The members of the ers and jealousies than in certain other als are due by August 1, 2015. If a pro- Whitechapel Club were the most original, cities," Monroe wrote. "We used to meet posal is accepted, the resulting chapter, bizarre, harmlessly insane and interesting on Friday afternoons … to talk and drink not exceeding 6,000 words (including lot of men that, in the history of the tea around the samovar, sometimes with a notes), shall be due June 1, 2016. Midland, shocked some and amused all, Turn to Page 7 6 LITERARY LICENSE, MAY-JULY 2015 about Illinois. It's a wrong idea to suggest Continued from Page 6 that Illinois writers write exclusively n History about Illinois. They ought not to, unless dash of rum to strengthen it, and every they have a good story about Illinois. But visitor who was anybody in any of the Stahl's idea of creat- it is true that people are getting tired of arts would be brought to the Little Room ing another group – one Broadway and Fifth Avenue in their liter- by some local confrère," she wrote, recall- “ ature. Most of the Illinois people who ing that the group often staged "a hilari- dedicated to the region's make their living by writing write of the ous play or costume party." west." In 1907, Garland had started a more authors – began to take Stahl wanted to see more literary events formal arts group, the Attic Club, which in Chicago, but Balmer said, "I do not was all-male at first, including the men shape in the fall of believe that this society will make the who hung out at the Little Room. "There 1914. mistake of New York literary societies of are in Chicago many clubs, each with a meeting too often. There the authors are special function, civil or political, but constantly exchanging ideas and write, there is no association which unites all the Wallace ”Rice arose and announced that he usually, of the same things." literary and artistic forces as this club had not believed it until that moment, but The Great War – which came to be would do," he wrote in a letter, explaining he had eaten a good dinner and had not known as World War I – had broken out his idea for a private club including "men received a slip inviting payment, and now in Europe a few months earlier. "It is the concerned with some form of creative art; his soul was ready to depart in peace, or twilight of the kings," a somber editorial that is to say, painters, sculptors, novel- words to that effect," Stahl, who was in the Tribune declared. Monroe was con- ists, poets, musicians, architects, histori- president of Farmers National Life sidering whether she should suspend pub- ans, illustrators and those who make Insurance Company, recalled in his mem- lication of Poetry, the groundbreaking handicraft and art" as well as "distin- oir. magazine she edited, during "this sordid guished men in other professions who are Stahl had gathered these writers – interruption of man's finer activities and patrons of art or sympathetic with the fun- including Harriet Monroe, Hamlin aspirations." In a letter, Ezra Pound told damental purposes of the club." In 1909, Garland, Vachel Lindsay and Edith Wyatt her "the War is eating up everybody's sub- the club changed its name to the Cliff –because he wanted to create a literary conscious energy." In spite of all the grim Dwellers, which was the title of a Henry group focused on Illinois. "The principal news, Monroe kept working on her maga- Blake Fuller novel about Chicago. object of the society is to make Illinois zine. Garland said he'd told Fuller: authors personally acquainted with And the committee of authors (includ- "It isn't a matter of ten years or each other," the Chicago Daily ing Monroe) got to work. Stahl was not your lifetime, Fuller. We are Tribune reported. It was a day- able to attend the next meeting, on building something in this Club long gathering, starting with a December 9, where Garland insisted that which will be alive and jocund meeting and luncheon at 10 the new group should include authors when you and I are gone, and I A.M. at the City Club, hosted from a bigger region rather than focusing want its name to be character- by another group Stahl was strictly on Illinois. He showed his famous istic of Chicago and a reminder involved with, the Writers' passion when he spoke. of you and your first fictional Guild of Chicago. In the after- "Bent upon broadening Mr. Stahl's study of Chicago life." noon, the authors went to the parochial idea, this doughty champion of Fuller replied, "Nobody will Cliff Dwellers for tea and a recep- the Middle West orated unabatingly until want to be reminded of me" and tion, and then they finally went to the domain of the proposed society had refused to join the club. (He John M. Stahl the Auditorium for dinner. been so extended as to include within it would not join the Society of "Feelings ran high about the all that vast region of the land lying north Midland Authors, either.) constant drain of talent which New York of the Ohio River and between the Stahl's idea of creating another group – was taking from us," playwright Alice Alleghenies and the Rockies," Hobart one dedicated to the region's authors – Gerstenberg later recalled. "It was thought Chatfield-Taylor recalled. "Indeed, with- began to take shape in the fall of 1914. that some gatherings of home writers out any of us knowing precisely how it The authors he'd invited gathered for din- could promote mutual inspiration and a happened, we authors of the ner on November 28, 1914, at the bond for remaining." Commonwealth of Illinois … became so Auditorium Hotel in Chicago. "I wanted to get in touch with a writer fired by Mr. Garland's enthusiasm that we The authors who gathered at the who had written a story in one of the New resolved ourselves into a Society of Auditorium Hotel in Chicago didn't York magazines," author Edwin Balmer Midland Authors, pledged to recruit our expect a free dinner. But they were some- told the Tribune. "I wrote to him in care ranks to full war strength from those of what stunned when the writer who'd invit- of the magazine at New York. When he our fellow craftsmen in eleven other ed them, John M. Stahl, picked up the tab got the letter I found that he lived just two states of the Union." for everyone. blocks from me, around the corner. This The minutes of the meeting reported: "That someone should actually feed organization won't mean that editors are authors, free, was so remarkable that going to be flooded with stories written Turn to Page 8 LITERARY LICENSE, MAY-JULY 2015 7 remain uppermost." Continued from Page 7 Stahl disagreed with the decision to n History include authors from the eleven states "The committee … was of the unanimous beyond Illinois. Describing what hap- opinion that a distinctive literature was The organizing com- pened in his absence at that committee not a matter of State lines." The commit- mittee also defined the meeting, Stahl's memoir included the tee approved a motion by Douglas “ heading: "A MISTAKE IS MADE." Malloch – seconded by Garland – to new Society's mission: "a Despite the leading role Garland played cover twelve states: Illinois, Indiana, in setting up the Society, he promptly did Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, closer association among just the sort of thing this new group was Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, designed to discourage: He moved to South Dakota, and Wisconsin. the writers of the Middle New York. "After thus upsetting Mr. According to the Tribune, one of the West, a stimulation of Stahl's good intention, Mr. Garland fled arguments for expanding the group's precipitously to effete Manhattan, where scope was a desire to include "those bub- creative literary effort in all but sentiment he has ceased to be a bling wells of literature, Indiana and Midland Author," Chatfield-Taylor wrote. Kansas." In particular, the organizers and the establishment of Garland had been planning the move wanted to include William Allen White a library of books and for months. His father had died, giving (1868-1944), the longtime editor of the him less reason to remain in the Midwest. Emporia (Kansas) Gazette, whose widely manuscripts" by the "I began at once to think very definitely quoted editorials earned him the nick- region's authors. of taking my family to New York City, name the "Sage of Emporia" and turned where most of my literary friends lived him into a spokesman for middle and from which all my income was America; and also James Whitcomb Riley claimed credit for choosing ”the term. derived," he later recalled. "…It may be (1849-1916), the best-selling "Hoosier "Being temperamentally adverse to the counted as a weakness, but I was no longer Poet" who was famous for "Little Orphant term 'Middle West,' I mildly suggested the content to live the life of a literary pioneer." Annie" and "The Raggedy Man." word 'Midland' between flights of Mr. When Garland asked another leading According to the minutes: "The com- Garland's eloquence," he remembered. Chicago author, Henry Blake Fuller, mittee feels that effort should be made to Gerstenberg recalled that Chatfield-Taylor whether he should move to New York, recognize and preserve the special mid- "was elected the first president after a Fuller replied, "Why stay in this town if land quality, and that association and serious debate in which he protested you can get out of it? No writer can earn acquaintance will tend toward that end." against the use of the word 'Midwest' for a living here except on the newspapers. If Who was eligible for membership? authors and the term 'Midland' was cho- I could get away, I would go to Italy and "Any writer resident within the twelve sen." But in his 1930 memoir, Stahl never return." states who is the author of a book said he'd come up with the Society Garland then said, "For the sake of my of poetry, fiction, history, biogra- of Midland Authors name earlier. wife and children I must get out of my rut." phy or criticism, published in And Garland claimed he'd At that committee meeting in December the regular course of trade, or coined the name. One member 1914, Garland told Chatfield-Taylor: who is the author of a play who objected to it was "Some time Chicago will be an important produced by professional play- Emerson Hough, whom Stahl literary center, but not in your time or ers on a public stage." described as "100% American." mine. Without a first-class publishing The Bismarck (North Dakota) Hough thought "Midland" house or magazine, how can it hold its Tribune commented: "It must evoked England rather than writers and artists?" have been published in the regular America, according to Stahl. "It can't and won't!" Chatfield-Taylor course of trade, as the authors don't The organizing committee also replied, according to Garland. want any get-rich-quick folks Hobart defined the new Society's mis- Part Three will appear in the next issue horning in by publishing a book Chatfield-Taylor sion: "a closer association among of Literary License. at their expense and clambering the writers of the Middle West, a among the immortals. A posi- stimulation of creative literary Society members tion in the society can be smudged only effort and the establishment of a library of may obtain a free with ink; it cannot have the taint of pork, books and manuscripts" by the region's copy of our full or soap, or trade." authors. On January 19, 1915, the Centennial history: Garland made a motion to call this new Christian Science Monitor reported: Send $1 for group the Society of Midland Authors. "Besides the desire to foster the Midland postage to Society Wyatt seconded the motion, and the com- in literature, the society has other aims – of Midland mittee approved it. more intimate relationship between pub- Authors, P.O. Box "Midland" instead of "Midwest" or lishers, editors and among themselves – 10419, Chicago IL "Middle West"? Chatfield-Taylor later but the chronicling of the Midland will 60610.

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