Tools of the trade

*A round-up of Chicago writing classes/workshops: 

Sure, you could join a writing group (like Thousand Fibers, which meets every other Wednesday at various locations in Chicago, cough cough) to polish your mad skills for free. But if you want feedback from a professional, a real, live, trained teacher, you could sign up for one of these creative writing classes, in exchange for your cold, hard cash:

Newberry Library: Adult education seminars are affordable (prices vary but one example: 8 classes for $160) and generally at convenient times. 

Graham School (at the University of Chicago): The Writer's Studio offers a certificate in creative writing and open enrollment classes. Open enrollment classes cost $545 for the 08-09 school year.  

University of Illinois at Chicago Writers Series:  Classes include practical business oriented writing to story workshops. Prices range from $275-475. 

StoryStudio Chicago: Good selection of class schedules and time commitments. Typical cost per course: $375. 

The Writers Loft: This web site is intense. I have no idea how much the workshops cost. 

*Classes not leading to some sort of degree, available a la carte or towards specific certificates.  Please comment if you know of other options. At a later date, we'll look at MFA options locally/regionally.