Tayari's Blog: To AWP, or not to AWP
Posted by TayariJones on January 16, 2008 12:06 PM
Filed under
The Writing Life
I recently got an email from a blog community member with one line: Should I go to AWP? My answer: It depends.
"AWP" is the annual meeting of the Associated Writing Programs and this year it is in NYC and it is sold out. So, any answer I give is probably for next year.
I went to my first AWP back in 1997, when I was a graduate student at The University of Georgia. While I was there, I struck up a friendship with Jewell Parker Rhodes who offered me the chance to be her protege at Arizona State University. A month later, I was driving across the country to start a new life.
So, this would make it seem that my answer is YES! GO TO AWP.
But not so fast. I think the question is what you hope to gain. AWP is a good place for finding out a little more about the business of writing and teaching writing. You are not likely to meet an agent, but you may meet someone who runs a really cool small press. If you are a "literary" writer or poet, you may make connections that can lead to invitations to give paid readings at universities.
Some people complain that AWP is to cliquey. I cant say this is exactly false. You will see lots of people squealing "Oh my God!" while hugging enthusiastically. Your first time out, you may feel like a gate-crasher at a family reunion. But folks are generally pretty nice, particularly at the bar.
AWP also gives you a chance to meet the directors of various MFA programs, pick up brochures, meet students in the programs and ask them real candid questions. (Talk to them at the bar, after 10pm, and you'll get the truth!)
The diversity factor can be an issue, but I am happy to report that AWP has come a long way since it was jokingly referred to as "All White Poets." There are many panels discussing the issues that affect writers of color, and you will often find writers of colors on panels that have little to do with ethnicity. (imagine that!)
One real drawback is the matter of cost. By the time you pay to register, get your plane fare, and hotel-- this little venture can easily run you in the area of $1000. That's about how much it costs to be a bridesmaid. (Ask me how I know.) I wouldn't recommend that you go into debt to attend AWP, but if you have the cash (or outside funding), I'd say go ahead.
Okay. Those are my thoughts. I've got to scram. I'm headed to the Key West Literary Seminars tomorrow!!
(Here's a link to the pictures I took at last year's conference.)
![[divider]](http://www.tayarijones.com/images/divider.jpg)
There are 2 comments on "To AWP, or not to AWP". If you'd like to leave a comment, click here to jump down to the comments entry form.
Comment #1, by Lauren Cerand ![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.tayarijones.com/blog/nav-commenters.gif)
Great points-- also for those within driving/train/Chinatown bus distance of NYC, it's worth noting that AWP is open to the public on Saturday Feb 2!
January 16, 2008 03:46 PM
Comment #2, by Michael Fischer
I've attended the last two AWP's, and enjoyed myself. I'm pretty much a horrible, awkward, and clumsy "networker" and "schmoozer," so I just sit in the back of the room and listen to panelists, and hang out at the book fair (and bar) in between panels. I was lucky to be in an MFA program that funded my trip for two of my last three visits.
As for this year, I understand that NYC is the "publishing capital" of the world, but the trip really isn't accessible for a lot of folks this year because of the $$$, so I'm not attending this year. However, it's good to hear that AWP is open to the public on 2/2. In years' past, I thought it was a a bit silly that the book fair was only open to registered conference folks. You'd think it would benefit vendors if their journals and books were "open to the public"?!?!
All that aside, I wish I were attending this year. I plan on attending next year's conference in Chicago.
January 16, 2008 06:38 PM