How to Survive (and Thrive) Not Going to AWP Tampa

How to Survive (and Thrive) Not Going to AWP 2018

Perhaps you can’t afford it. Perhaps it’s too far away this year – after all, Tampa is the opposite corner of the country from some of us. Perhaps you just didn’t feel like going. Whatever the reason, here are a few things to cheer you up about NOT going to AWP 2018! (I am aware that my blog has been a little downbeat lately, so I thought I’d write a blog post that’s a little more cheery. Here you go!) I am a veteran of going to AWP and NOT going to AWP (I’ve been going on and off for twenty years!) so I can offer a few solaces for those of us not facing the circus this time around.

1. Well, they say AWP is all about networking and making connections. But you’re a writer – chances are, you’re an introvert who hates small talk and big crowds. In my case, I’m an extrovert who’s very susceptible to germs, needs a wheelchair to make it down long hallways (or a bookfair). and is not only allergic to a lot of foods, I can’t drink alcohol. So even with every wire of my sparkling personality turned on, it’s tough to make a good impression at a conference that revolves around often inaccessible venues and a ton of alcohol. So what to do instead? Write a sparkling fan letter to a writer you love. Write a sparkling cover letter and send your manuscript to that press you’ve been dreaming about. So what if you don’t spend time at a party with them? They probably won’t remember it anyway, because seriously, everyone at AWP is sleep-deprived or hammered. (Love you, AWP!)
2. One of the best parts of AWP, everyone agrees, is the bookfair. The chance to discover new literary magazines, small press publishers, or stumble upon the book that will change your life. But here’s a little secret: your university or indie bookstore is a great place to browse for lit mags and poetry books! Spend a little extra time poking through the magazine section, even at B&N, and I bet you’ll find something new. Spend a little money on a couple of poetry books either by people you’ve heard about or writer you love who have something new out. Order some books through the library. You can enjoy the exposure to new work from your own hometown. A staycation bookfair, as it were! (In Seattle, Boston, or Boulder, you could visit the local poetry-only bookstores and get your poetry high there.)
3. Get some extra sleep. Drink a green smoothie, or at least, eat some vegetables. Wash your hands. Put on a face mask. It’s still winter, after all, and flu season, so take this non-AWP time to restore whatever’s been missing from your health – whether that’s time outdoors, extra C, going to the doctor or dentist, or just plain taking some down time. Yeah. Those AWP-goers won’t be doing any of those things, I promise. By day three, they will be jealous of your extra sleep! Plus, no AWP flu!
4. Call a writer friend and get together to talk shop. Bonus points if it’s someone you haven’t talked to in a while, or someone who works in another genre who has tips to share you might not have heard elsewhere.
5. Go to a reading. It doesn’t have to be big and expensive – it can be at your local coffee shop. Dress up for it, go out for coffee afterwards, make it an evening event. Don’t you feel a warm glow from supporting your local writing community. Take some pictures and post them on social media. See? You are networking after all! Then send some work to a journal you’ve never sent to before. (You’ve already done the homework in Step 2!)

Bonus: Save up for next year’s AWP, because it’s in Portland, and Portland is cool but it can be pricey, especially if you 1. like food or 2. like books, or 3. like doing anything. Have to park. Stay in a hotel. And let’s face it, Portland is a way more hip city to visit than um, Tampa. (No offense, Tampa-ites, but just…I can’t think of a less literary city. No, I probably can. Give me some time.) Every time I go to Portland I come back thinking of the things I should probably be doing to be hipper, then not doing any of them. But hey, maybe you will decide now’s the time for that cool haircut/neon hair color/tattoo. Anyway, start that fund now. Put a few pennies in a jar. That’s what you’re saving by not going to Tampa. (PS I am also allergic to the sun, another reason why Tampa may not appeal to me in particular, and Portland does. Vampires love the Northwest for a reason! So if you like me hate the sun, whee, enjoy not being in Florida in March where it’s 80 degrees!)

PS: No awkward AWP moments, no AWP creepers (listen, it happens every year) and no AWP hangover! OK, that’s all the bonuses I can think of right now. But feel free to add yours in the comments! #AWPsurvivaltipsforthosewhoarentgoing

And for extra cheer, here are a few upbeat pictures! Cats in flowers! Pigs! And thankfully, finally, Glenn and I ditching the reno for a few minutes to bask in some sunshine!