Rebecca Makkai
@rebeccamakkai.bsky.social
Pulitzer finalist for THE GREAT BELIEVERS; new novel, I HAVE SOME QUESTIONS FOR YOU, out now. Artistic Director at StoryStudio Chicago. Trying to give everyone the benefit of the doubt. You should, too.
rebeccamakkai.substack.com
https://rebeccamakkai.com
rebeccamakkai.substack.com
https://rebeccamakkai.com
This is a sad memorial post for a bunch of people/institutions, but there’s good poetry in it, I promise.
rebeccamakkai.substack.com/p/a-mess-of-...
rebeccamakkai.substack.com/p/a-mess-of-...
February 6, 2026 at 3:22 PM
This is a sad memorial post for a bunch of people/institutions, but there’s good poetry in it, I promise.
rebeccamakkai.substack.com/p/a-mess-of-...
rebeccamakkai.substack.com/p/a-mess-of-...
It costs what you’d expect (not cheap), but you all know where else to find me if Spain is not in your budget next year!
uptrek.com/retreat/star...
uptrek.com/retreat/star...
Start Something New, or Start Anew Writing Retreat | UpTrek
Join award-winning novelist Rebecca Makkai for an immersive fiction writing retreat in the breathtaking Almería region of southern Spain.
uptrek.com
February 4, 2026 at 9:04 PM
It costs what you’d expect (not cheap), but you all know where else to find me if Spain is not in your budget next year!
uptrek.com/retreat/star...
uptrek.com/retreat/star...
We’ll share meals together, explore some nature near the estate, and take a trip to the nearby historic city of Almería. After a really lovely first writing last fall retreat with Uptrek, I anticipate an equally spectacular time in Andalusia.
February 4, 2026 at 9:03 PM
We’ll share meals together, explore some nature near the estate, and take a trip to the nearby historic city of Almería. After a really lovely first writing last fall retreat with Uptrek, I anticipate an equally spectacular time in Andalusia.
The TLDR: The theme this time is “Start Something New, or Start Anew” and I’ll be giving some craft talks, you’ll have time to focus on your writing, and we’ll meet one-on-one for a personal brainstorming session and individualized goals.
February 4, 2026 at 9:03 PM
The TLDR: The theme this time is “Start Something New, or Start Anew” and I’ll be giving some craft talks, you’ll have time to focus on your writing, and we’ll meet one-on-one for a personal brainstorming session and individualized goals.
So yes, you can still join me in Andalusia this October (5-12) if you’re interested in good food, beautiful scenery, and, oh yeah, writing time/instruction/community/joy.
February 4, 2026 at 9:02 PM
So yes, you can still join me in Andalusia this October (5-12) if you’re interested in good food, beautiful scenery, and, oh yeah, writing time/instruction/community/joy.
If, a few months ago, you saw me post about that Uptrek retreat in Spain and thought, “I’ll bookmark that and think about it,” but promptly forgot, I have good news—there are FOUR last spots remaining 🧵
uptrek.com/retreat/star...
uptrek.com/retreat/star...
February 4, 2026 at 9:01 PM
If, a few months ago, you saw me post about that Uptrek retreat in Spain and thought, “I’ll bookmark that and think about it,” but promptly forgot, I have good news—there are FOUR last spots remaining 🧵
uptrek.com/retreat/star...
uptrek.com/retreat/star...
Deadline is this Sunday (2/8) and all you need is some work samples, a reference, and an artist statement (application in the link below)!
luminarts.submittable.com/submit
luminarts.submittable.com/submit
Luminarts Cultural Foundation Application Manager
Luminarts Cultural Foundation FellowshipApplications for open. Fellowship Programs are listed below. For general questions about program eligibility please visit our Frequently Asked Questions page or...
luminarts.submittable.com
February 4, 2026 at 5:49 PM
Deadline is this Sunday (2/8) and all you need is some work samples, a reference, and an artist statement (application in the link below)!
luminarts.submittable.com/submit
luminarts.submittable.com/submit
If you live near Chicago, and you’re a writer, musician, or visual artist between 18-30, apply to Luminarts for a $10,000 fellowship plus ongoing support. I love serving on the board of this amazing organization, & want these grants going to brilliant young writers 🧵
luminarts.submittable.com/submit
luminarts.submittable.com/submit
Luminarts Cultural Foundation Application Manager
Luminarts Cultural Foundation FellowshipApplications for open. Fellowship Programs are listed below. For general questions about program eligibility please visit our Frequently Asked Questions page or...
luminarts.submittable.com
February 4, 2026 at 5:48 PM
If you live near Chicago, and you’re a writer, musician, or visual artist between 18-30, apply to Luminarts for a $10,000 fellowship plus ongoing support. I love serving on the board of this amazing organization, & want these grants going to brilliant young writers 🧵
luminarts.submittable.com/submit
luminarts.submittable.com/submit
Reposted by Rebecca Makkai
INBOX: Washington Post Ukraine Correspondent Lizzie Johnson announces that she has been laid off in the middle of a below-freezing war zone without power, heat, or running water.
February 4, 2026 at 5:11 PM
INBOX: Washington Post Ukraine Correspondent Lizzie Johnson announces that she has been laid off in the middle of a below-freezing war zone without power, heat, or running water.
Welp, democracy sure does die in darkness, doesn't it.
February 4, 2026 at 5:41 PM
Welp, democracy sure does die in darkness, doesn't it.
These free conversations, sponsored by @storystudiochicago.bsky.social and the Newberry Library, are about craft and life – not a typical book tour event. Attend in person at the Newberry (with registration) or on Zoom. Join us 2/17 at 6pm CT… Hope to see you there!
www.newberry.org/calendar/wri...
www.newberry.org/calendar/wri...
Writers on Writing: Edwidge Danticat and Rachel DeWoskin
Award-winning authors Edwidge Danticat and Rachel DeWoskin will reflect on the work and craft of writing.
www.newberry.org
February 2, 2026 at 4:58 PM
These free conversations, sponsored by @storystudiochicago.bsky.social and the Newberry Library, are about craft and life – not a typical book tour event. Attend in person at the Newberry (with registration) or on Zoom. Join us 2/17 at 6pm CT… Hope to see you there!
www.newberry.org/calendar/wri...
www.newberry.org/calendar/wri...
Really looking forward to the next installment of Writers on Writing, with brilliant visiting author Edwidge Danticat and Chicago’s own Rachel DeWoskin!
www.newberry.org/calendar/wri...
www.newberry.org/calendar/wri...
February 2, 2026 at 4:57 PM
Really looking forward to the next installment of Writers on Writing, with brilliant visiting author Edwidge Danticat and Chicago’s own Rachel DeWoskin!
www.newberry.org/calendar/wri...
www.newberry.org/calendar/wri...
We'll also talk a bit about the month ahead, but this isn't an awkward Tupperware party, I promise.
6 pm CT, free for everyone, but you have to register. 2/2
us05web.zoom.us/meeting/regi...
6 pm CT, free for everyone, but you have to register. 2/2
us05web.zoom.us/meeting/regi...
Welcome! You are invited to join a meeting: Free Sunday Session: Kick-Off Class! Introduction to Publishing with Julia Fine . After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the...
Welcome! You are invited to join a meeting: Free Sunday Session: Kick-Off Class! Introduction to Publishing with Julia Fine . After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the...
us05web.zoom.us
February 1, 2026 at 6:53 PM
We'll also talk a bit about the month ahead, but this isn't an awkward Tupperware party, I promise.
6 pm CT, free for everyone, but you have to register. 2/2
us05web.zoom.us/meeting/regi...
6 pm CT, free for everyone, but you have to register. 2/2
us05web.zoom.us/meeting/regi...
FREE! TONIGHT! FOR WRITERS! An online intro to publishing class with the brilliant @finejuli.bsky.social to kick off @storystudiochicago.bsky.social's monthlong Pub Crawl (where you can learn a LOT more about publishing), but tonight is commitment-free and you can just get the lay of the land! 1/
February 1, 2026 at 6:52 PM
FREE! TONIGHT! FOR WRITERS! An online intro to publishing class with the brilliant @finejuli.bsky.social to kick off @storystudiochicago.bsky.social's monthlong Pub Crawl (where you can learn a LOT more about publishing), but tonight is commitment-free and you can just get the lay of the land! 1/
I was so happy to write about the brilliant Toya Wolfe for @chicagorevbooks.bsky.social series on Chicago books of the past 10 years! We are absolutely living in the New Chicago Renaissance, and there's a lot that sucks about the world right now but the Chicago lit scene is not one of those things.
Our second installment in the Chicago Renaissance series is about Last Summer on State Street by Toya Wolfe (@wmmorrowbooks.bsky.social, 2023), chosen by novelist @rebeccamakkai.bsky.social.
chireviewofbooks.com/2026/01/28/t...
chireviewofbooks.com/2026/01/28/t...
January 30, 2026 at 5:07 PM
I was so happy to write about the brilliant Toya Wolfe for @chicagorevbooks.bsky.social series on Chicago books of the past 10 years! We are absolutely living in the New Chicago Renaissance, and there's a lot that sucks about the world right now but the Chicago lit scene is not one of those things.
Watch this. You need it.
brass solidarity band performing “stand by me” in the streets of whittier next to alex pretti’s memorial. the crowd started chanting “the people united will never be defeated” so they incorporated it into the song. i love minneapolis
January 27, 2026 at 1:35 AM
Watch this. You need it.
Reposted by Rebecca Makkai
Greg Bovino is packing up all his tactical gear to return to his natural home under the ratatouille hat
January 27, 2026 at 1:29 AM
Greg Bovino is packing up all his tactical gear to return to his natural home under the ratatouille hat
This is the most comprehensive publishing education out there for authors, and I'm so proud that we're making it happen for the fifth year. If you have a finished book or will soon, this is for you.
ONE WEEK until Pub Crawl! Spend the whole month of February learning about the craft of writing and the publishing industry. Learn, pitch, publish!
buff.ly/YzKlk6d
#writingcommunity
buff.ly/YzKlk6d
#writingcommunity
January 26, 2026 at 8:23 PM
This is the most comprehensive publishing education out there for authors, and I'm so proud that we're making it happen for the fifth year. If you have a finished book or will soon, this is for you.
Reposted by Rebecca Makkai
“Freedom is not free. We have to work at it. Nurture it. Protect it. Even sacrifice for it.”
January 25, 2026 at 2:56 AM
“Freedom is not free. We have to work at it. Nurture it. Protect it. Even sacrifice for it.”
Reposted by Rebecca Makkai
"The armed suspect reacted violently."
An outright, barefaced and monstrous lie, conclusively disproven by irrefutable video evidence.
An outright, barefaced and monstrous lie, conclusively disproven by irrefutable video evidence.
January 24, 2026 at 11:04 PM
"The armed suspect reacted violently."
An outright, barefaced and monstrous lie, conclusively disproven by irrefutable video evidence.
An outright, barefaced and monstrous lie, conclusively disproven by irrefutable video evidence.
Reposted by Rebecca Makkai
Kare 11 local news just read, in full, this statement from Michael and Susan Pretti, the parents of Alex Pretti.
"Please get the truth out about our son."
"Please get the truth out about our son."
January 25, 2026 at 12:43 AM
Kare 11 local news just read, in full, this statement from Michael and Susan Pretti, the parents of Alex Pretti.
"Please get the truth out about our son."
"Please get the truth out about our son."
Kind of a perfect online tactic. Stealing this. 😂
January 22, 2026 at 11:01 PM
Kind of a perfect online tactic. Stealing this. 😂
Yes, yes, the Oscar nominees are out, but this is a WAY more important lineup 👀
ANNOUNCING: Applications are now open for our 2026 StoryBoard Conference! Now in its 7th year, StoryBoard is our annual week-long writing workshop.
Just look at this incredible line-up of instructors! 🤩
More info and how to apply is here: buff.ly/xGOkq8Z
#writingcommunity
Just look at this incredible line-up of instructors! 🤩
More info and how to apply is here: buff.ly/xGOkq8Z
#writingcommunity
January 22, 2026 at 9:19 PM
Yes, yes, the Oscar nominees are out, but this is a WAY more important lineup 👀