AWP is right around the corner

Annie Proux, 2014 keynote speaker at AWP. Photo from AWP website

In what will be my first trip to Seattle, I will head west for the annual conference of the Association of Writers and Writing Programs in a few weeks. The place that brought us Nirvana and got us hooked on expensive coffee is hosting upwards of 12,000 writers—yes, all in one place. It will be great to see old friends, catch up with folks I went to graduate school with, mentors from around the country who have led me through workshops, friends I’ve made at writing retreats, and I even get to see my agent. I’m hoping I’ll have a couple of copies of CEMENTVILLE, hot off the press to show off. I’ll definitely be toting some books by the authors who’ll be there, and looking to get some signed. Annie Proulx, Rachel Kushner, Ben Fountain, and so many more.