How can it be?

In just a couple of days, I'll be back in Chicago for the first time since I moved away in July 05. This makes the usual overload and hyperstress of AWP even more acute. I'm also transitioning into program director mode, though thankful I'm no longer chairing the Pedagogy Forum. Not that there's anything wrong with it, of course, but this time around I'm so happy not to have any on-site obligations other than the book fair.

As usual, I'm bringing a bunch of MFA students along, and for some this will be their first AWP. I remember how terrified I was my first time. It actually took me a few years to be brave enough to walk through the book fair (instead of lurching through) and to say hi to the editors. I was so self-conscious. Would the folks from Pleiades laugh at me for submitting to them every year? Would it be obnoxious if I introduced myself to the people from Indiana Review? What if I dropped my tote bag on the floor and everything spilled out?

Thankfully it gets easier every year, though I do tend to spill my bag at least once.

Please don't forget to stop by the Akron Series in Poetry table (422). All of our books will be discounted to $10, and we'll have giveaways of selected titles at lunchtime every day. We take checks and plastic, too, and if you'd rather not haul the books back we can have them sent (and get you the discount price). We are friendly and nice--don't be shy. I hear that Alison Pelegrin is going to have some fantastic swag to go with her book, too.

So, I managed to find a rather exciting dress for the diode/Anti- reading. I realize that there are quite a few events to choose from, but only one will have this particular dress (I hope). I'm just saying. The poetry will be spectacular, too.

diode and Anti- Offsite Reading & Reception

Bob Hicok * Mary Biddinger * Jake Adam York * Paul Guest * Noah Falck * Joshua Ware * Steven Schroeder * G.C. Waldrep * Patrick Lawler * Lee Ann Roripaugh * Brent Goodman * Adam Clay * Matt Guenette * Ada Limon

Date:	Friday, February 13, 2009
Time:	7:00pm - 10:00pm
Location:	Curtiss Hall, 10th Floor, Fine Arts Building
Street:	410 S. Michigan Ave
City:	Chicago, IL
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Tomorrow I should have some exciting news about the birth of Barn Owl Review #2. Stay tuned.