So AWP was completely awesome. I went to some really good panels and despite a little sleep deprevation (both Thursday and Friday night and oh Saturday too) I had a lot of fun.
Though here was the thing- so many people! I was immdiately inspired and intimidated. There were so many of us - writers/publishers et al.- it was like creativity was just something you could pluck out of the air. I even ended up writing a few things while I was there. Glad I brought my lap top.
But then the rational side kicks in- all these people want to get published or get a job in exactly what you are trying to do. Not that I like this choice of word, but it perhaps explains the feeling the best - competition. How am I going to stand out amongst all of them?
I felt both challenged to become a better writer, a more dutiful submitter, and just a hint of hopelessness.
I found out I could be adjunct teaching right now, which I can't tell you what a relief and a scare that is.
I found out about fellowships- which are amazing and I am personally glad more people didn't show up to this panel(it lessons the competition -ugh)
Most importantly I enjoyed my overall experience and I met some people. I showed my book to a publisher, I shook hands with an editor I'm submitting to this week, I tracked down an auhtor/editor in cheif at a Meet& Greet reception and had him sign my book.
These acts of sociably agressive behavior were spread out and honestly I didn't know if I could take much more of, wooh.
Then on Saturday night I stopped at the Arist cafe to get a little valentine treat for me and Michelle. The lady behind the counter asked where I was from. I told her originally from southern Illinois, going to school in Baltimore, and here for the conference.
She got this big smile on her face and said, sweet as sugar, "Oh! You're a writer!" She seemed so pleased by this fact that I couldn't help to be to. I smiled all the way back to my hotel. It was the first time someone had addressed me as such, with a smile, without a question about my "real job." And called me one without me explaining no less.
It felt akward and it felt good.
And I think that sums up the AWP conference, actually.
Though here was the thing- so many people! I was immdiately inspired and intimidated. There were so many of us - writers/publishers et al.- it was like creativity was just something you could pluck out of the air. I even ended up writing a few things while I was there. Glad I brought my lap top.
But then the rational side kicks in- all these people want to get published or get a job in exactly what you are trying to do. Not that I like this choice of word, but it perhaps explains the feeling the best - competition. How am I going to stand out amongst all of them?
I felt both challenged to become a better writer, a more dutiful submitter, and just a hint of hopelessness.
I found out I could be adjunct teaching right now, which I can't tell you what a relief and a scare that is.
I found out about fellowships- which are amazing and I am personally glad more people didn't show up to this panel(it lessons the competition -ugh)
Most importantly I enjoyed my overall experience and I met some people. I showed my book to a publisher, I shook hands with an editor I'm submitting to this week, I tracked down an auhtor/editor in cheif at a Meet& Greet reception and had him sign my book.
These acts of sociably agressive behavior were spread out and honestly I didn't know if I could take much more of, wooh.
Then on Saturday night I stopped at the Arist cafe to get a little valentine treat for me and Michelle. The lady behind the counter asked where I was from. I told her originally from southern Illinois, going to school in Baltimore, and here for the conference.
She got this big smile on her face and said, sweet as sugar, "Oh! You're a writer!" She seemed so pleased by this fact that I couldn't help to be to. I smiled all the way back to my hotel. It was the first time someone had addressed me as such, with a smile, without a question about my "real job." And called me one without me explaining no less.
It felt akward and it felt good.
And I think that sums up the AWP conference, actually.
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