I attend my first Association of Writers & Writers Programs (AWP) Conference in D.C. for two days this past week. It was eye-opening, not only in terms of the information I gleaned from the five workshops I attended, but based on my observations of the scheduled workshops, the exhibitors, and the people. Despite the projected attendance of 12,000 people (which probably fell short due to travel restrictions in the Northeast), the conference felt like a gathering of friends who know each other. More than once walking through the halls, I’d see people recognize someone and rush to hug an old acquaintance or classmate. That sense also prevailed in the workshops when moderators and speakers alike made references to people and […]