iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Rebecca Makkai @rebeccamakkai.bsky.social · 11h

Clicked on the “cottagecore Halloween” tab on Etsy out of sheer curiosity and it turns out it’s brooms. Just 100% brooms.

1182 0

Reposted by Rebecca Makkai

Chicago Public Library @chipublib.bsky.social · 14/10/2026

Don’t forget to register for our Book Club Celebration! This year’s celebration will feature mocktails, trivia, crafts, a volunteer fair and an author panel with Toya Wolfe, @rebeccamakkai.bsky.social, David Ellis and Keir Graff. Learn more and register here: chi.gov/BCC26

122 0

Rebecca Makkai @rebeccamakkai.bsky.social · 14/10/2026

A new lit mag for high schoolers, my May retreat in Tuscany, and an online class starting TONIGHT with the great @paullisicky.bsky.social. Please join me on Subst*ck! rebeccamakkai.substack.com/p/can-classi...

rebeccamakkai.substack.com

Can Classical Flugelhorn Really Be Taught?

Probably. So can writing.

220 0

Rebecca Makkai @rebeccamakkai.bsky.social · 14/10/2026

Can writing be taught? Of course. But this is not my essay on the topic, it’s just an excuse to tell you three cool things I think you should know about 🧵 rebeccamakkai.substack.com/p/can-classi...

171 0

Rebecca Makkai @rebeccamakkai.bsky.social · 13/10/2026

Three great reasons to sign up: 1. From teaching near him, I know Paul gives AMAZING craft talks, so you’ll be learning from someone who really knows his stuff. 2. The class is super accessible: You can attend every class live or, if you miss one, you can watch on recording.

110 0

Rebecca Makkai @rebeccamakkai.bsky.social · 13/10/2026

If you’re working on a memoir and feeling stuck, you should definitely sign up for @paullisicky.bsky.social's @storystudiochicago.bsky.social class which is all about memoir at the level of the sentence and the scene, and starts TOMORROW (10/14), on Zoom! www.storystudiochicago.org/classes/clas...

141 0

Reposted by Rebecca Makkai

AI Moratorium for NYC Schools @aimoratoriumnyc.bsky.social · 07/10/2026

We need your help! The NYC DOE is planning to test AI on up to 50,000 students without asking for consent as part of their "pilot programs." Help us tell them no product testing on kids! Cancel the pilots! Sign the petition and share widely! @comixaction.com @gregpak.net @climatefamsnyc.bsky.social

actionnetwork.org

Cancel the High School Pilots

Our high school kids are not guinea pigs for big tech. They shouldn't be required to beta test AI to line the pockets of billionaires or fuel construction of polluting data centers that threaten their...

24728 0

Rebecca Makkai @rebeccamakkai.bsky.social · 07/10/2026

Standing ovation to whoever on the Etsy marketing team decided this would be a great day to feature their non-billionaire creators named Jeff 😂

0331 0

Rebecca Makkai @rebeccamakkai.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

Applications are open now, and if you have any questions, you can join one of their informational webinars over Zoom to go over the application process. There are two more: One’s Thursday, November 12 at 7pm and one’s January 9 at 1pm.

100 0

Rebecca Makkai @rebeccamakkai.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

And new this year, you are ALSO eligible if you’ve spent 4-6 consecutive formative years within 150 miles of the Chicago Loop and consider yourself a Chicago artist. I love this organization and have been honored to serve on the board for the past couple of years. luminarts.submittable.com/submit

100 0

Rebecca Makkai @rebeccamakkai.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

Youngish Chicago artists (Writers! Musicians! Visual artists!) you need to apply to Luminarts Cultural Foundation. If you are 18-30 years old, and live within 150 miles of the Chicago Loop, you are eligible to win a $10,000 fellowship to support your work 🧵 luminarts.submittable.com/submit

135 0

Rebecca Makkai @rebeccamakkai.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

So I genuinely thought, for several days, that I was seeing headlines about Meryl Streep playing someone Asian. Liberals defending it, the Xian right getting upset, which did seem a little weird. I need new reading glasses.

0120 0

Reposted by Rebecca Makkai

Rebecca Makkai @rebeccamakkai.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

Once in a while I have some @storystudiochicago.bsky.social classes that I reallllllllly recommend but they're not from regular instructors so I need to <SHAKE YOU BY THE SHOULDERS> and make sure you're listening 🧵

122 0

Rebecca Makkai @rebeccamakkai.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

122 0

Rebecca Makkai @rebeccamakkai.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

North Shore (of Chicago) folks! On Sunday (9/27), I’ll be in conversation with @patrickryannyc.bsky.social to discuss his latest book BUCKEYE, at the Lake Forest Library at 2pm. BUCKEYE is a family epic of the highest and most enjoyable order… www.lakeforestlibrary.org/node/66158

lakeforestlibrary.org

Lake Forest Reads 2026 | Lake Forest Library

Lake Forest Library: inspiring lifelong learning, promoting the free and respectful exchange of ideas, and building community.

140 0

Rebecca Makkai @rebeccamakkai.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

We’ll be in Evanston (outside Chicago) at the Nichols Concert Hall on THURSDAY (9/22). The event starts at 7pm, and you can get tickets below… Hope to see you there! www.eventbrite.com/e/evanston-a...

eventbrite.com

Evanston author Sara Levine, in conversation with Rebecca Makkai

Evanstonian Sara Levine and bestselling author Rebecca Makkai will discuss Levine's latest novel, The Hitch.

000 0

Rebecca Makkai @rebeccamakkai.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

For years, everyone else in Chicago has known Sara Levine & I just never managed to cross paths with her, to the point that I was convinced she was everyone’s imaginary friend. I am thrilled to say I am now not only going to meet her but am going to interview her about her incredible book THE HITCH!

150 0

Rebecca Makkai @rebeccamakkai.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

Anyone writing a memoir needs this one. Also, because this one has uncapped enrollment, it's CHEAPER than our normal 4-week classes. Class link below, please share if you can! www.storystudiochicago.org/classes/clas...

010 0

Rebecca Makkai @rebeccamakkai.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

🎧💪🔵 (Those are my sound/body/form emojis) I've been lucky enough to teach near @paullisicky.bsky.social at several conferences, and to hear him give BRILLIANT craft talks. This class is 4 sessions that you can attend live OR watch on recording. www.storystudiochicago.org/classes/clas...

110 0

Rebecca Makkai @rebeccamakkai.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

Okay, so: 🎬🎥📽I saw Taylor Vaughn Lasley do a panel at AWP that was essentially a craft class, wherein we all (the whole room) brainstormed a television series together, and it was not only a blast but I learned a ton. www.storystudiochicago.org/classes/clas...

110 0

Rebecca Makkai @rebeccamakkai.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

TONIGHT at 7pm CT is @storystudiochicago.bsky.social's Virtual Open House! You’ll learn about our upcoming classes, programs and community events (some online, some in person in Chicago). It’s free, but register at the link below, & I hope to see you on Zoom tonight! docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...

023 0

Rebecca Makkai @rebeccamakkai.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

This might be the funniest one of these I've received. Joe Rogan apparently VERY moved by The Great Believers! 😂 I imagine it was my endorsement of the carnivore diet that sealed the deal.

5160 0

Rebecca Makkai @rebeccamakkai.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

I taught Ankur in @storystudiochicago.bsky.social Novel in a Year, and he’s also a Northwestern SPS MFA grad! If you’re in Chicago, come us hear us chat at City Lit Books next Friday (9/18) at 6:30. You can get (free) tickets at the link below! citylitbooks.com/events/58244...

citylitbooks.com

Author Event: Ankur Thakkar w/ Rebecca Makkai | City Lit Books

This cozy bookstore features staff-curated selections, book clubs, and author events for all ages.

062 0

Rebecca Makkai @rebeccamakkai.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

I am so excited to be in conversation with Ankur Thakkar, whose debut novel BLOW YOURSELF UP is already long-listed for the Center for Fiction’s First Novel prize… 🧵 citylitbooks.com/events/58244...

1103 0

Rebecca Makkai @rebeccamakkai.bsky.social · 08/09/2026

I have outlined my last three novels in my Google calendar. I highly recommend it. Subst*ck below! rebeccamakkai.substack.com/p/write-your...

3174 0

Reposted by Rebecca Makkai

Lila Byock @lbyock.bsky.social · 03/09/2026

Today, America’s two largest school districts sent a message to the rest of the country that AI in schools is far from inevitable. When we organize and fight back, we win.

337291 0

Rebecca Makkai @rebeccamakkai.bsky.social · 02/09/2026

One of the five (!) interesting robots who reached out to me today to offer to expose my work to book clubs is ROBERT, ORGERNIZER. He can balance a plastic cup on one suspender! Classy!

6270 0

Rebecca Makkai @rebeccamakkai.bsky.social · 02/09/2026

Ughghgh i did not know that was happening. Also I did not know I rep other people's books now! Thanks for the heads up...

000 0

Rebecca Makkai @rebeccamakkai.bsky.social · 29/08/2026

Dolly Parton’s birthday was 1/19. What if we decide that Dolly Day every year involves gifting books to people? Like St George’s Day in Catalonia. Is anyone already on top of this?

44110 0

Rebecca Makkai @rebeccamakkai.bsky.social · 29/08/2026

Ughgg thanks, is this TikTok? It’s been going on there for a while…

100 0

Reposted by Rebecca Makkai

StoryStudio Chicago @storystudiochicago.bsky.social · 25/08/2026

Join us on Sept. 17 at 7 pm CT for our Back to School Night -- a FREE Zoom "open house." @rebeccamakkai.bsky.social will discuss upcoming workshops, events, and programs, and answer your questions. RSVP here: buff.ly/Ciul86y #writingcommunity

022 0

Rebecca Makkai @rebeccamakkai.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

Here’s what you’ll be in for: I’ll be answering all of your questions about our classes and programming from 7 to 8pm CT and you’ll come prepared to learn more about what StoryStudio has to offer for this fall and beyond.

110 0

Rebecca Makkai @rebeccamakkai.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

Come one, come all! @storystudiochicago.bsky.social is having a virtual open house on September 17th, and you’re invited whether you actually live in Chicago or if you live in the mountains of Virginia or in LA or even in Berlin… Now I’m just naming places🧵 www.storystudiochicago.org/free-events-...

154 0

Rebecca Makkai @rebeccamakkai.bsky.social · 21/08/2026

Was trying to search my photos for my dog and it turns out my phone is exceptionally bad at dogs.

060 0

Reposted by Rebecca Makkai

Haymarket Books @haymarketbooks.org · 20/08/2026

If you missed last night's event The Veiled Prophet: @devintoshea.bsky.social in Conversation with @rebeccamakkai.bsky.social, the recording is now live on our Youtube page! Stream here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=qJ67...

youtube.com

The Veiled Prophet: Devin Thomas O'Shea in Conversation with Rebecca Makkai

YouTube video by Haymarket Books

01910 0

Rebecca Makkai @rebeccamakkai.bsky.social · 19/08/2026

When @devintoshea.bsky.social was my MFA student at Northwestern, he was writing a juicy novel about real secret society in St. Louis. That novel evolved into a deep dive nonfiction book that spills ALL the secrets 🧵 events.haymarketbooks.org/events/hayma...

2154 0

Rebecca Makkai @rebeccamakkai.bsky.social · 11/08/2026

Is it? I have no idea but if I find out otherwise I’ll let you know!

000 0

Rebecca Makkai @rebeccamakkai.bsky.social · 06/08/2026

But you all know where else to find me if Italy is not in your budget next year!

020 0

Rebecca Makkai @rebeccamakkai.bsky.social · 06/08/2026

There’s a lot included (lodging at a gorgeous 1000 year-old villa, transfers from and to your flights, delicious fresh food made by a professional chef, an authentic Italian cookery class, a Michelin starred meal, industry happy hours, and more)... www.ka-writing.com/kaa-writers-...

ka-writing.com

"Powerful Storytelling" (May 2-8, 2027) - Kevin Anderson & Associates

130 0

Rebecca Makkai @rebeccamakkai.bsky.social · 06/08/2026

This retreat is for anyone, if you haven’t started working on a manuscript, you’ve just started, or if you already have a completed manuscript ready to go...

110 0

Rebecca Makkai @rebeccamakkai.bsky.social · 06/08/2026

You’ll have time to write, reflect, and connect with other writers. Plus you can explore the beautiful surroundings (and swim in the stunning pool) in TUSCANY (!!!) for crying out loud.

110 0

Rebecca Makkai @rebeccamakkai.bsky.social · 06/08/2026

You'll improve your craft, elevate your manuscript, and learn about publishing in an absolutely beautiful—and productive!—environment. Daily workshops will be tailored to our group’s needs and interests (we'll all have reviewed a sample of your work in advance)...

120 0