tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8407679229975998493.post5992120728062964596..comments2024-03-18T04:00:19.569-06:00Comments on The Quivering Pen: Tales of an AWP Virgin; or, How I Survived the Conference Without Gnawing Off My Own HandDavid Abramshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06013514596973186440noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8407679229975998493.post-24729035364418261792016-04-20T14:32:33.800-06:002016-04-20T14:32:33.800-06:00I enjoyed reading this. I was a "virgin"...I enjoyed reading this. I was a "virgin" this year too. My experience was a bit different (at one point I considered writing an essay about what it is like to share space with 12,000 introverts and there were some interesting comparisons outside the conference center when the LA Kings fans showed up for a game at Staples next door) but I got luckier with the panels I chose and I had a great time connecting with people I'd only met virtually. Loved the bookfair. And I also, strangely, was happy to be without a "wingman" because this was a crowd where being on one's own seemed okay and I could flit from place to place pretty easily. I am very grateful to the war writers who, in addition to running excellent panels, were very kind and included me in an informal dinner one evening. That, and staying with friends next to the Last Bookstore, made the trip terrific. I'd love to hear more about the "Othered Spaces" panel - I couldn't make it there. I totally agree with you, Amanda, about not sticking around if a panel isn't working. One more thing: I don't have an MFA either and am not looking for one any more. I was told before going that this event was "not for me." While this is built around academic programs, I found lots there that I could use. Elizabeth Marrohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13102870789217425330noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8407679229975998493.post-7754321499432945432016-04-17T15:16:39.203-06:002016-04-17T15:16:39.203-06:00Way to go, Amanda! (I was passing through L.A. on ...Way to go, Amanda! (I was passing through L.A. on my way up to Portland, wondering if I should have scheduled the conference.) Thanks for sharing your experience.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07624996793836931718noreply@blogger.com