Windy city-bound today

I’m off to the Windy City today for the Association of Writers and Writing Programs’ (AWP) 2012 Annual Conference and Book Fair. This year’s conference includes a variety of readings from published authors, a keynote address by author Margaret Atwood (pictured at right,) and a plethora of educational sessions. There are so many options to choose from, I’m having a hard time deciding which to do. But here’s a quick-list of a few sessions I’m hoping to hit today:

Now That’s a Novel Idea: Marketability (Gasp!) and Creative Writing Programs
Your Family Stories: Research, Writing, and Representation
The Wired Writing Classroom: The Marriage of Technology and Teaching
Out There and In Here: Creative Writing in the Real World
What to Know Before Starting Your PhD
The First Book of Poetry: Five Poets Speak about the Path from Poem to Manuscript to Publication
Finding the Time – And Money! – to Write
Various Readings

Now these are just a few of the options I am looking at for today. Several of them overlap, so there’s no way I’ll hit them all. It will be interesting to see how much logistical issues play into my decisions. But hopefully I’ll get to as many sessions as possible so I can report back to you here!

It’s my understanding that the conference is all sold out, so it’s too late for you to attend the sessions at this point. But, if you’re in the neighborhood Saturday, come by Chicago’s Palmer House Hilton and check out the book fair, which is open to the public that day. I’ll be volunteering at the Mount Mary College booth for a few hours Saturday morning as well, so you can stop by and say hey while you’re there.

My school, Mount Mary College, is an AWP member. Mount Mary professional writing students like myself may also join the AWP at no cost. If you are currently a student in a writing program, check with your department to find out if you can join the AWP for free. There are LOTS of great benefits for AWP members. If your writing program is not yet a member, talk them into joining!

Will you be at the convention this year? If so, what are you most excited about?

~Mandy Webster