Midweek Notes from a Practicing Writer
Three quick items.
1. On my agenda: Over the past week I’ve finalized a number of upcoming events: panels, readings, and seminars. Check the “Events” page for details.
2. Speaking of events: One that I hadn’t planned attending—this year’s Association of Writers and Writing Programs (AWP) annual conference—has had a dramatic week, with discussions swirling around the organization’s decision to continue holding the conference (which was expected to draw many thousands of writers to San Antonio) and individual writers’ and presses’ decisions not to make the trip. In the wake of all of this, a number of efforts seem to be developing to “virtualize” conference elements, such as the popular Bookfair. See, for instance, tweets at the #VirtualAWPBookfair hashtag, and this collection of special deals.
3. ICYMI: The latest issue of The Practicing Writer went out to subscribers on Friday. This month’s feature article focuses on some tried-and-true, free-and-easy beginning book-promo tips. And of course, you’ll find the usual panoply of fee-free, paying opportunities listed within, too.

Erika I’m so excited to see you’ll be at the Montclair Literary Festival! And with my friend Michelle. Now I really need to find a way to get there (have a small surgery scheduled for the week before).
Oh, my goodness! I hope your surgery goes well, and I’ll look forward to meeting you!
Hi Erika,
A colleague has a teenage son who is writing a lot. Do you have poetry contests to recommend or can you direct me to resources you’d recommend for teens wanting to publish?
Thank you,
Temima
Good timing, Temima. Looks as though this guide (which I haven’t had a chance to look through thoroughly) has just been updated: https://www.newpages.com/writers-resources/young-writers-guide/young-writers-guide-to-contests.
Thank you so much, Erika!