Recovering from the AWP

Thanks to WestConn, I had the opportunity along with some of our colleagues to attend the AWP conference in New York City. I returned to Connecticut last evening tired, my feet aching, and soaked to the skin -- and totally energized to get back to my writing.

It would be impossible to capture everything about AWP in a single posting. The days were filled with informative panel discussions, one right after the other. No stopping for lunch! A quick run to Cafe Metro and portable lunches were devoured in the back of the room while juggling notebooks and the thick AWP conference guide.

I was lucky enough to hear Joyce Carol Oates speak (a very funny, insightful writer!) and John Irving, one of my all-time favorites, who was equally engaging and inspiring. The book fair was a vast oasis of booths -- a tremendous experience to walk among the representatives from literary journals, publishers, and other MFA programs and network, ask questions, and get a better understanding of the publications out there and what they're looking for. I had a quick opportunity to introduce myself to Lee Gutkind from Creative Nonfiction, and attend his panel discussion about "Keeping It Real."

For anyone who has gone through the MFA program, I would suggest it is a "must" to attend a future AWP conference, whether you're just starting out in the publishing world, or still don't know what to do with your writing (except to write!)But while still fresh in my mind, here are suggestions for attendees, especially first-timers:

-Plot your days. There are many, many options to choose from. Take time in the weeks prior to the conference to review the on line agenda, make note of the workshops you absolutely MUST attend. The days are long and tiring, and you want to have an idea which you'll be flexible about if you opt instead to eat or hit the bookfair.
-Make time for the bookfair. If you've never attended before, I suggest doing a "test run" when you first get there and it's not too busy, then going back when you've digested more of the conference. I did a first walk-through Thursday morning when I arrived, just to get the feel. It was not crowded and I had a few nice conversations. By Friday afternoon, it was mobbed but I knew who I wanted to talk to and where they were.
-Bring business cards. I had cards for my writing printed up through VistaPrint. I did a deal with VistaPrint - I think 250 cards cost in total around $9 and that included my publicity photo from my blog. It was worth having them to hand out as you met people and made connections.
-Follow up. Today's task is to write a short follow up note to the people whose business cards I collected and assess opportunities I found.
-Jot down your ideas. Conferences like this always get my creative juices going. I came out of the conference with four new ideas for essays and creative nonfiction pieces that I'm ready to start the research on.
-Tap into your mentors. Although she was never directly a mentor to me, Paola Corsa was incredibly generous both before and during the conference with her tips and advice about how to get the most out of the conference.

I hope everyone takes the opportunity to attend some conferences during the year, whether next year's AWP, or some of the other sessions that take place. There's nothing of more value in evolving as a writer as to hang out a couple of days with those who share your passion and know the ins and outs of fulfilling your writing goals.

Anne