Recapping AWP 2020 in San Antonio
I went into this year’s Association of Writers and Writing Programs (AWP) annual conference and book fair with a great amount of enthusiasm and excitement. But, in the days before the event, my excitement was replaced with confusion and anxiety regarding the current world health epidemic and the potential cancelation of the conference and book fair. Although the conference was not canceled, after the Mayor of San Antonio declared a state of disaster and public health emergency, numerous organizations decided not to attend. Arriving on the first day, it was easy to see the impact because the exhibit hall was spotted with empty booths and tables and the online program was peppered with the all-caps word “CANCELLED.”
Despite my initial disappointment, I had an enjoyable and productive time at the 2020 AWP conference and book fair. Being my first time in San Antonio, I enjoyed the mild air, the lovely art and architecture, and the long and revered history of the city. While at the book fair, I made countless new connections and received a lot of encouraging words from those supporting this new small press I call History Through Fiction. I also received a great deal of insight from attending panels and readings such as the Q&A with author Louise Erdrich and the business orientated discussion titled, “Innovative Partnerships: The Advantages of Publishing With a Small Press.” Finally, I picked up a multitude of flyers, cards, and pamphlets about potentially useful partnerships and resources.
I am incredibly grateful to my colleague and friend Glenn Beggin who spends his winters in Kerrville, Texas, and made the daily trip to San Antonio to help me at my table. I am also grateful to all the people and institutions that showed support for my work while encouraging others to seek me out through social media. Finally, I am grateful to my AirBnB host who made my stay comfortable, convenient, and affordable.
For all those who are new to our mailing list, thank you so much for joining. I have officially set November 17, 2020, as the launch date for Nancy Burkhalter’s upcoming book, The Education of Delhomme: Chopin, Sand, and La France. We are currently working on the final revisions and cover design for the novel. As for our other upcoming title—The Sky Worshippers—author F.M.Deemyad is hard at work making revisions before we move forward with the design process.
A statue of Teddy Roosevelt.
An ant’s eye view of The Tower of the Americas.
Two gentlemen seated and playing drums outside of the Alamo early one morning.
