AWP in the Windy City

I leave for the AWP conference tomorrow morning and am very excited. It will be very hectic, as I have a full schedule of events to attend on Thursday, including our programs very own 35th Anniversary celebration. The WSU MFA creative writing program will host a reception at the Chicago Hilton on Thursday evening, as well as an alumni panel and reading on Saturday afternoon. Thursday afternoon will also be the tribute to Albert Goldbarth.

Besides my own program's events, I have highlighted many other panels and discussions, such as a reading by the Maconda Workshop established by my favorite author, Sandra Cisneros. Also, After Magical Realism: New Adventures in US Latino Literature.

Of course, the off-site events will be great, especially the "One Poem Festival" at the Jazz Showcase. Linda Rodgriguez, friend and co-founder of the Latino Writer's Collective of Kansas City, of which I am a member, will be one of the poets presenting.

I plan on meeting a lot of fellow writers, making new friends, and connecting in the writing world. And, having fun. Afterall, it's in my favorite city. I can't wait to have a slice of pizza and walk down Michigan Ave.