Comic and Author Lynda Barry's Writing Workshop in Chicago

While chatting online, I was told about this by a friend, almost as an aside, that author and illustrator Lynda Barry was giving a workshop in Chicago this August. The title: Writing the Unthinkable. I love that title! I want to know how to do that!

A writing class with author Lynda Barry....and for only $250 for a whole two days! I zipped over to check out the details on the listing (which was on Ebay) and there were STILL two slots left. But when I went to put in my bid, it was sold out. Rats! Of course, I had to pour salt into my psychological wounds by going here and confirming the truth of what I'd just missed: www.marlysmagazine.com/

It may not be showing up now but it sure did then....the workshop announcement (sigh). I couldn't see any evidence that slots were still open.

Now I'm left to chew anxiously on my fingernails as I rue the missed opportunity to take part in a writing workshop with Lynda Barry. I hope someone writes about it. I guess that someone won't be me (sniffle). So, yes, this isn't exactly the sunniest, most chipper article I've written but there is some very good news in here if you keep reading, a ray of hope for those who might also have wanted to attend that workshop. A connection for the alienated writer, wallowing in misery.

But first....

Who is Lynda Barry?

 She is an American cartoonist and author (Source: Wikipedia) I'd read her comics about Ernie Pook and others. If you do searches online, you can actually hear interviews with her and (by her own admission) hers was not the cheery, happy childhood that is often portrayed in children's books.

She speaks to the rest of us, those who may have been a bit outside the mainstream, those who knew that parts of childhood could be difficult.  Teens with names  like Arna and Marlys often appear as well as a poodle named Fred Milton - and yes, I'd sure like to know why he is called that. One of her books, The Good Times are Killing Me, was made into a play.

Another book, What it Is, has served as one of the most unique books on how to be creative and jar up one's writing that I have ever seen. I recommend it.

Why I wish I was able to go to the Lynda Barry Writing Workshop  - being held in Chiago - during August

There are many reasons I wish I'd gotten a chance to participate. For one thing, I love the title of that workshop: Writing the Unthinkable. I really relate to that because often when I write a piece, I often wonder: Does anybody else think about these things? Will they relate? Sometimes I think, "No way! Ugh! I don't even what to think about it any more!" and then I delete a potential masterpiece of original thought. I'd like to know if I should be reconsidering that position more often, wait a bit longer, give my work another chance before pitching it.

Who would 't want Lynda Barry to tell me how she gets past that anxiety - or if she does? Who wouldn't want to know her trade secrets? I really don't want to know who doesn't want to participate. Those were a couple of redundant questions there and a double negative too (bet you thought I didn't notice that).

The main part, of course, is that Lynda Barry is said to be teaching this

Lynda Barry, the author who draws cartoons that are often disturbing - yet also engaging. The person who gives dysfunctional people - and those who wonder about them- a chance to feel understood or maybe just see others in worse shape.

She not only admits that life is often unfair  but rubs it in, which is somehow comforting and honest and engaging. As noted above, her characters have names like Marlys, Maybone and Freddy (siblings) and there is that very strange poodle that has appeared called Fred Milton.

By the way, did you know that Lynda Barry actually dated Ira Glass, he of NPR fame? Yes, she did but the relationship ended and not in a good way.

There was reportedly some animosity but that seems to be in the past, although she did write a story about it called "Head lice and my Worst Boyfriend". I really like the way she put those two seemingly unrelated things in one piece.

 She obviously piqued other people's interest as she has gotten raves from such diverse media as Entertainment Weekly and The New York Times.....and now I'm raving about her too. I raved about her before but now I have a reason to put it into print. Envy. BItterness. Pain. Trying to distract myself from the memory of that missed workshop.

 I'll go on to note that Matt Groening actually dedicated his early editions of Life in Hell to her. Yes, those first (source: A.V. club interview with Lynda Barry). You can see that info here: www.avclub.com/content/node/24257

If you want to know more about Lynda Barry's work, try going to Amazon or another site and doing a search under her name. You'll find a ton of information, books, links, etc. The Freddy Stories, Cruddy, One! Hundred! Demons!...they are all there. If you don't know who she is, I also envy your discovery of her for the first time. I guess I'm wracked with envy today.

 I've loved her quirky work for years (well, not all of it but plenty of it). Also, I liked the the part of the workshop description that noted that people could blow their minds...with their own minds!

 Oddly I can relate to that, too, and think I may even be doing that sometimes (but I'd still like LYnda Barry to affirm that). Also, the part about blowing one's mind isn't described in detail, leaving much to the imagination, a nice touch.

The price

Only $125 per day ($250 in all) and no socializing required! Plus, people only have to bring along 150 sheets of notebooks paper, a three-ring binder and pens. I really like that part about using actual pens to write, a complete novelty compared to typing away at a keyboard, very retro!

Okay, I"m wincing again, envious of those 50 lucky souls that presumably got into this class. I better stop that and keep writing or I'll be fraught with jealously, tormented by lust over that missed workshop.


So, there you have it. Lynda Barry is offering a two day writers' workshop and I don't have a chance of getting into it, short of a miracle. However, I will be comforting myself by looking at some books of hers, hope to learn something from her book, What it Is and maybe turn to some dark chocolate (or even milk chocolate) therapy as well. I guess I have to stop writing  now and try something else to keep from focusing on this lost weekend.