Waking Up In Wicker Park

By Erin J. Walter, May 1, 2007

Living in Wicker Park, it's easy to spend your time tipsy, with a stomach full of appetizers, an earful of rock-n-roll and an Urban Outfitters bag full of "vintage" t-shirts. Some days I do just that. Those are good times of course, but they tend to leave my wallet, and my soul, a little empty. My favorite days, hands down, are spent at 826CHI, the oddly named but entirely charming youth writing center on Milwaukee Avenue.

Founded by author Dave Eggers and connected to other similar centers around the country, 826CHI provides free after-school tutoring, writing workshops, and other programs for kids ages 6 to 18. The non-profit employs a small staff, but most of the youth services are provided by volunteers who believe in 826's mission to support and inspire Chicago students, especially young writers.

Sometimes it's hard to tell who's more inspired, the students or the volunteers. Many of the adults involved are professional writers, and nothing challenges us like the awe-inspiring imagination of a second grader.

At least once a week, I start my day at 826 leading book-making field trips for groups of kids from around the city. In two hours' time, two dozen elementary schoolers will brainstorm, write, illustrate, and publish a book: a smooth, tangible treasure they can hold in their hands and take home with them as proof of the day they became authors. It's like magic.

Best of all, 826 volunteers encourage the kids to let their imaginations run wild. We really milk it. A rock star snake? Sure! Friendly talking cactus? Absolutely! A horse that can control all water? Why didn't I think of that?! It's fun for the kids, and most adults could use a reminder of what life can be like when the possibilities are endless. I have personally witnessed the creation of such characters as:

- a fly named Dr. Fly who repairs broken dolls in his unique office (a school bus named Crazy David);

- a cowboy/compulsive liar who lives on Planet Booger; and

- a young couple who flee their laundry duties to attend the Latin Grammys at the North Pole but are dismayed to find the event is sold out when they get there—only to have their spirits lifted again when a family of sick polar bears "barfs up" tickets while they are walking by.

Let me tell you, it is downright impossible to have a bad day when a nine-year-old is explaining to you how a GTO convertible should have large frogs for tires. Or how said car should run out of gas on the way to Florida, where leprechauns will attack, biting the main character's ankles and giving him temporary amnesia.

Last month, when I asked the class for suggestions for a setting to our story, I got five answers; Africa, Puerto Rico, Ecuador, Mars, and San Francisco. Since all but one suggestion was a student's birthplace, I didn't have the heart to pick a winner. So I suggested naming our setting "the land of Afriricoecumarcisco" instead and the kids agreed with enthusiasm. It was a proud moment for me as a writer, especially after many years in news reporting. Now I say, "facts schmacts!" At 826CHI, reality can be a detriment to good storytelling, and no idea is too off the wall.

On the way home after each book-making field trip, I pass countless restaurants, stores, and the behemoth that is Urban Outfitters. The yellow belts and frayed miniskirts are mighty tempting. But I am too wired from the excitement and too motivated by the kids to stop and shop. I have a spring in my step and a thousand ideas in my head that I simply must hurry home to write.