AWP. I can’t believe it’s finally here. Even as I write this, I’m sitting at the airport awaiting to board and have an adventure at the Association of Writers and Writing Programs.

For those who don’t know, AWP is an organization that is, well, for folks who like to write and teach writing. Each year they have a convention in some exotic place like Boston or Chicago and host panels by members of the organization that range from awesome way to write things to starting literary magazines to how to teach writing classes to what the heck to do after your MFA.

Last time, I HATED it. Hated everything about it except the train ride to get there. Too many people, no one talks to anyone and the pizza was OVER PRICED. But I realized that the conference isn’t your normal conference where folks network over many wines. That happens too, though. The conference is really about you, what you want to get out of it and how the panels can help you with your writing journey.

So this time, I’m looking forward to it. In fact, I’ve created a list of things I’m looking forward to. Wanna hear it, here it go!

5.) Seattle

This year, the convention is in Seattle. I went to grad school at the west coast campus of Goddard College so I am so use to flying in and out of SeaTac. We’re old friends that airport and me. And I love Seattle. Everything about it. If it weren’t for the dreary days…

4.) Reunion time

My grad school doesn’t have reunions every 10 years, so this is the closest I’m going to get. I am so looking forward to seeing my amazing, accomplished, and awesome (How’s that for style?) alumni. We’ve been talking for the past couple of months and although not everyone is going to the conference, most live in the Seattle area and for sure they’ll be stopping by the unofficial events of AWP.

3.) More reunion

I’m a sorority girl, did I ever tell you that? There’s a chapter of my sorority there and those women are a freakin’ BLAST. Can’t wait to see them.

2.) The actual panels

Okay, AWP you’ve out done yourself. There are more panels than there is time to see them. Pacing will be important. I may enlist a couple of friends in some tag teaming.

A couple of panels I’m looking forward to are actually about the teaching of writing. And then there’s this dude Sherman Alexie doing a reading….

1.) The book fair

Folks, it’s only February and I’ve already busted my book budget for the year. All. Ready. So, usually on the last day, folks at the book fair are giving away their stuff — literally and figuratively. And of course all the swag. I love swag. I’m a simple girl with simple needs.