Tayari's Blog: Shaking Hands and Kissing Babies

Posted by TayariJones on February 7, 2009 08:58 AM
Filed under The Writing Life

It's that time of year again. The annual meeting of the Assocaited Writing Programs, AWP for short. When I asked a good friend what her plans were for this year's AWP, she said, "The usual: shaking hands and kissing babies." We got a good laugh out of that because AWP reallly is about making connections. (Here's a link an earlier post: To AWP or not to AWP.)

This year, AWP is in Chicago from February 11-15. I've got my ticket, hotel, outfits, etc., but for some reason I don't have that sparkle that I normally have when I'm in the final stretch. Maybe it's just because I am tired from my crazy travel schedule, or maybe it's the dreary weather. Last year, AWP happened to coincide with some crazy personal drama, so it's possible that I am having a flashback. But I really think it's because this year, the hustlers seem even more intense than usual.

My facebook account has been overrun with people sending me "invitations" to their AWP events. Don't get me wrong, it's nice to be thought of, but I feel like I am being schmoozed before I have even arrived. When we arrive at AWP, we'll all be given a program letting us know what's happening when. That's invitation enough for me. If a person is inviting me to, say, a cocktail party, well that's another matter entirely.

I suspect that the economic crisis is going to make this year's meeting a little more frantic than usual. It's always pretty expensive to go, but this time it's going to be more a sacrifice and folks are going to be trying to get their money's worth. Also, universities are cutting back on their budgets for readings, etc. so the competition to be included on the roster just got that much more intense.

A friend of mine was sort of sneering at literary writers, alledging that they think they are too "cute" to hustle, unlike commerical writers who eill do anything to promote their word. I could only chuckle in response. Obviously, he has never been to AWP.

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There are 1 comments on "Shaking Hands and Kissing Babies". If you'd like to leave a comment, click here to jump down to the comments entry form.

Comment #1, by andilit [TypeKey Profile Page]

Oh, if only we didn't have to hustle - wouldn't that be nice? To be appreciated for talent - what a concept. Alas, not in this world.
Do enjoy AWP if you can - especially those cocktail parties.

February 7, 2009 09:04 AM

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