We have all been there. Our first huge writing conference. Where to begin? When? So many panels! So many parties! SO many writers! It is like attending Disneyland for the first time. Pretty much, you just gawk.
It is too easy to feel overwhelmed and that leads to immediate imposter syndrome. But… deep breaths. Find your center. Eat a candy.
The important thing is to remember that all conferences are for two things: to stay abreast of the newest ideas and to meet like-minded people.
First, you must determine who you are (or want to be) as a writer. Are you a first-time realistic novelist looking to self-promote? A wannabe best seller looking for writing tips? A memoirist specializing in the trans-wife experience who wants to be interviewed on podcasts? A poet who wants to know all the poetry publications looking for work? An editor seeking new clients? A writing teacher who wants to get informed about diversity in genre? Who are you? Who do you want to be?
Think about that in advance of the conference, then focus on panels and parties that will make the most of your AWP experience. Do this in five easy steps:
1) MEET PEOPLE. Bring a card — but only use it in case of emergencies. (You can get really cheap or even free ones by searching “business cards” on the Internet. On the card, list your writer name, your social media links and your email address. You don’t even…
