For anyone who doesn’t know, AWP stands for “Association for Writers and Writing Programs.” Every year they have a conference in different cities for creative writers of all genres to connect and learn from each other. “AWP provides support, advocacy, resources, and community to writers, college, and university creative writing programs, and writers’ conferences and centers. Our mission is to amplify the voices of writers and the academic programs and organizations that serve them while championing diversity and excellence in creative writing.” Find out more here: https://www.awpwriter.org/about/overview

Here are my key takeaways from my own experience. 

1. Because there is so much going on, the schedule is overwhelming. Be selective about what panels and events you attend because you’ll want to go to everything. Don’t, trust me, I tried, and I only became a ball of stress. Print out your schedule and take time for lunch.
2. AWP is a great place to network. The book-fair is at the heart of the conference because there are all kinds of editors, agents, and presses around. Put a human face to these online names. Talk to them, maybe even give out a business card or two. Writers really do want to connect to other writers! 
3. You will run into many different types of people in unexpected places. On the plane to Kansas City, I was sitting next to a panelist and we split a taxi fare, it was wild. Be open to new experiences, especially as someone just starting out. 
4. Go to panels that you know nothing about, or that fit your special niche interests. If some of the panelists use the audience as an indulgent mechanism for self promotion or pandering, don’t waste your time, there are many other options. Other panels will be very useful, giving you the real low-down on obscure topics such as publishing, publicists, and agents. 
5. AWP is all about being around a community of writers with fellow interests! It was amazing to be around people who loved the same things I did. In connection to this, also be ready to be asked about who you are as a writer. I couldn’t believe how many people asked me about what I did, what MFA program I attended, what I was working on, the works. This is the time to define yourself, and that is a good thing. 
6. I felt much younger at AWP than I thought I would. I was definitely a small fish in a big pond. Everyone was at a different level/ spot in their writing life. Some came without an MFA or a book, others were seasoned academics with at least one book out, others were like me, it all depends! It might seem intimidating, but AWP will show you how much you have on the ball. 
7. The writing world isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. It was rumored that there were approximately 14,000 writers in Kansas City MO. We aren’t completely irrelevant yet!

Overall, just take it all in arms wide and have fun! It is a three day opportunity to immerse yourself in what you love to do, which doesn’t come around every day. 

Until next time, 

Lena N. Gemmer