I'm due for a vacation and I heart California. I'm wondering, for those of you planning on going to AWP or who have been in the past, what do you hope to get out of it? Me, I've got a collection that's been 80% complete for several years, and I can safely say I'm at the point where I'd like to start meeting people in publishing, but I'm not sure about what exactly someone in my position would get up to at an event like this..
I helped work the LR booth last year, and was able to attend a couple of panels. It is, like most things, what you make of it. I wasn't trying to find an agent/publisher so I can't speak to that, but it is a giant celebration of writing and writers. The convention itself isn't the best place to make connections, but everyone is throwing readings and parties and once you find out about them, and get out to them, it's a more casual, fun atmosphere where you can get to know people.
Renee is right. The parties and readings are where it's at.
Was it fun?