Spring, Supermoon, AWP: Day Trip to Skagit, In-Depth on a Poem, and Surviving AWP Portland Part II: Last Minute Tips

Snow Geese in Flight with Mt Baker

Happy Spring and Supermoon! A Day Trip to Skagit Valley

Last week was rough – dental work, three specialist appointments, and a little under the weather. So Glenn decided to take me out to get my mind off health stuff and AWP and do some nature-watching up North in La Conner and Fir Island. Hundreds of snow geese, dozens of trumpeter swans making their signature calls, bald eagles, great blue herons, and seals. Nothing was blooming yet, but temperatures in the seventies made it feel like it was already spring. The last supermoon is happening tomorrow on the spring equinox. A good time for sky watching.

Behind the Poem

Thanks to Chris Rice Cooper for using interviews and photos to tell the backstory of the poem from Field Guide to the End of the World, “At the End of Time (Wish You Were Here).”

Kitten Sylvia with Lee Ann Roripaugh’s new book

I also got my review copy of Lee Ann Roripaugh’s Tsunami Vs. the Fukushima 50, which from a basic quick reading, seems terrific and definitely worth your dollars. Here’s my literary kitten Sylvia posing with the book. It basically hits all my must-haves:  persona poems, comic book characters, monsters, the environment, radiological pollution.

Glenn and I in the sun on St. Patrick’s Day

We had a low-key St. Patrick’s Day (I was a little under the weather) but Glenn and I managed to enjoy a little sunshine. One thing I really admire about Irish culture is how they treasure the written word: from Yeats to The Secret of Kells – a great time to do some reading (or watching.)

How Not to Panic at AWP Part II: Last Minute Tips for AWP Portland

So glad the last post on AWP tips was so useful to people! I thought I’d put up a few more last minute tips for AWP Portland. The weather report looks like normal Portland spring weather, mid-fifties and drizzle, so definitely pack things for that kind of weather. (Last time I said comfortable, weather-proof shoes and a jacket easy to throw on over your clothes or a travel umbrella; I reiterate these recommendations.) Ladies: Northwest fancy is a dress/tunic with leggings, boots, and a scarf. Men: can basically wear anything because techies. Toned-down but unique is the aesthetic out here (purple hair, little makeup, one interesting piece of jewelry.) Perfect manicures, high heels not required. I hope we’ll have some sun breaks so people can see how beautiful the Pacific Northwest can be, with its green gardens and volcanos. Crossing fingers!

• If you are nervous about talking to other people, remember that most of them are writers, and therefore also uncomfortable talking to other people! Offering others help is always a great place to start, so I like to make a little map in my head in case people ask me where things are, (and as a disabled person, I especially take note of quiet places, places to get a drink or snack, and accessible restrooms). Expressing genuine enthusiasm for other writers’ work is always pretty safe.
• The readings and panels are great, but know that you won’t be able to do all of them. Be a little picky. And allow enough time to get from one thing to another. If you need a break at your hotel, schedule that in – maybe twice a day. At least putting your feet up, getting away from the crowd, and having a drink or snack will make you feel much more sane and able to keep up with the zaniness of AWP.
• Look at the map for the bookfair in advance and note where the literary magazines and publishers you are interested in learning more about are located. This is a great opportunity to actually see what the literary community is producing! And if you’re thinking of sending your work to people, consider buying something they publish and reading it. Note styles, cover art, the voices they are interested in. And for goodness sake, and this is especially for women and the super-shy, introduce yourself to publishers. Nothing fancy, just say “hi” and what you admire (maybe a recent book you read) and relevant info about yourself if possible. If you are interested in volunteer opportunities, say so! Do not go up to every publisher and offer them a copy of your manuscript, but if the conversation goes well and they invite you to send something – your CV, your manuscript, or some work – make sure to jot down the name and place and send them something!
• Exchange cell phone numbers with friends you want to make sure you see. Make a coffee date to go “off campus” and catch up with an old friend and explore Portland. Catch up with that person from the East Coast you never get to see. (If you’re from the East Coast, of course, catch up with your West Coast peeps.)
• If you, like me, are nervous about performing in front of strangers, whether doing offsite readings or official panels, just remember it’s not just about you, it’s about what you’re giving others, whether your poems, or your advice or information that could be helpful. It’s so hard for me to not feel self-conscious these days – my MS has amplified the things to be self-conscious about now – walking, talking, remembering things/people’s names – but mostly people are too preoccupied by feeling self-conscious themselves to even notice the things you’re worried about. Putting people at ease is as important as anything else.
• I said this in my last post, but I’ll reiterate – Portland is weird but it’s a great city to explore. Not as pretty as Seattle, maybe, but full of great unique shops, restaurants (and food trucks,) gardens, Powell’s, VooDoo doughnuts, hipster-people-watching, coffee, and some beautiful parks. Get away from the conference and take in your surroundings when you can. Gluten-free, vegan, looking for a comic book shop or craft beers? Yep, yep, yep.
• Some practical advice: if you’re driving, feel free to load up on lit mags and new books all you want and just stuff them in the car. If you’re flying, make sure to leave some space in your luggage for new acquisitions or bring some packing materials and plan to ship stuff home from AWP from your hotel or a local UPS or post office. It might cost a little money but might beat schlepping 50 pounds of books through a couple of airports. I’ve done it many times! If you have food allergies, bring some non-perishable snacks that are safe or stop by a grocery store on the way in (again, easier with a car) and stock up on items pre-conference. (I also do this as I have 20 food allergies.) Here are some things I always forget to pack but might come in handy: allergy eye drops (all hotels make my eyes itchy), Benadryl (sleep/hay fever), Emergen-c packets (can’t hurt), Pepto Bismol (in case something doesn’t agree with you), extra lip balm because you always lose one, mini-hand-sanitizer, and maybe a little bottle of lavender essential oil (comes in handy for helping you sleep, putting in the shower for relaxing purposes, and making your hotel room smell less hotel-y. I also use this trick for hospital stays!)
• Remember why you’re there. What are your goals with this AWP? Are you seeking information about various MFA programs? Do you want to catch up with old friends, or make new friends? Are you looking to learn about publishing or teaching, find out more about the literary magazines in your area, or trying to get the word out about your new book? Maybe take a few minutes now to write down a couple of things you want to make sure you cover while you’re there – and if you can, while you’re there, write down a few impressions at night or first thing in the morning – in a mini-notebook you can review when you get home. It’s so easy to get caught up in the whirlwind and get overwhelmed that we forget why we go! (And writers are so grumpy about AWP sometimes – don’t do things that make you unhappy, people! Do the things you like, but if the bar isn’t your scene, (and I can’t drink alcohol, so it isn’t really mine) that’s fine! If you don’t like schmoozing at parties, don’t. If you’re terrible if you don’t get enough sleep, go to bed early. Yes, the crowds can be overwhelming, but it’s up to you to take time out if you start to feel overwhelmed. Especially for those of us with health issues, don’t beat yourself up for not doing more – you’re doing plenty!)  Prioritizing ahead of time the things you find most important/fun – and having a friend or loved one check in on how you’re doing – will help you have a better times and fewer regrets at AWP Portland!

Note: And if you want to say hi in person, my events are listed on the right side of this page, but once again: Thursday night reading at the Disability Consortium at the Courtyard Marriott 6-8 PM, Friday 2 PM-3PM book signing at the Two Sylvias Press Book at the bookfair, Friday night reading with Spoon River Poetry Review at Beulahland at 8 PM, Saturday panel on “Poetry and the Body” at 3 PM, Saturday night reading with Moon City Press at the White Owl Social Club and then I’m taking off! My books will be available at the bookfair at Moon City’s table, Two Sylvias Press’s table (especially if you’re looking for PR for Poets), and I’ll bring them to my readings too.