#AWP18 (or, the Association of Writers and Writing Programs) is upon us! And just in time for some much needed sun, no less. But how do you tackle a daunting schedule and make sure you’re checking all the boxes? Fret not. At least as far as Stillhouse Press and its friends are concerned, we’ve got a few suggestions to ensure this year’s conference is an engaging, networking, and inspiration success.
Can't afford AWP? Don't buy into the hype? Happen to be stumbling around Tampa? Check out Whale Prom, the anti-AWP , where you can find our very own Bryan Borland, author of DIG and fellow small press publisher for Sibling Rivalry Press.
Whale prom is free and open to all AND, if that’s not enticement enough, you can get your hands on an early release of Bryan’s forthcoming collection, Tourist, inspired by his book tour for Stillhouse Press’ 2016 poetry title, DIG.
Catch Bryan and his partner in crime, Seth Pennington, at the Sibling Rivalry happy hour and have him sign your book!
Happy Everything Hour, Sponsored by Sibling Rivalry Press
Red Star Rock Bar
Thursday, March 8, 2018
5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
THURSDAY
Beyond Queues and Fees: Poetry Books Outside the Contest Model
Are you a poet looking to get your collection published? Then this panel’s for you. Join former Stillhouse poetry editor and current art director, Douglas Luman, and several other talented editors for a fascinating discussion on how to circumvent the classic contest submissions model (and associated fees!), in favor of a more sustainable and inclusive approach.
Grand Salon B, Marriott Waterside, Second Floor
Thursday, March 8, 2018
9:00 a.m. to 10:15 a.m.
Writing Resistance: LGBTQ Writing as a Platform for Change
With the safety and lives of LGBTQ individuals at stake now more than ever, the call for politically driven writing is even more urgent. Hear friend of Stillhouse, Seth Fischer and fellow LGBTQ writers discuss the importance of using their writing as a platform for activism and change.
Grand Salon D, Marriott Waterside, Second Floor
Thursday, March 8, 2018
10:30 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.
Sound and Fury: Understanding Voice in Fiction
As a press in search of voice-driven works, we’re especially excited for this panel, which considers where voice comes from, and how to use it to play with narration, point of view, and style.
Grand Salon C, Marriott Waterside, Second Floor
Thursday, March 8, 2018
12:00 p.m. to 1:15 p.m.
Superconductors: Poets & Essayists Channeling Science
Catch Generation Space co-author, Anna Leahy’s panel on the connections between science and the literary arts. This panel discussion explores how key historical moments in science have helped shape the literary landscape of these writers’ lives. BONUS: Pick up a copy of Generation Space at the book fair and have Anna sign it!
Room 24, Tampa Convention Center, First Floor
Thursday, March 8, 2018
3:00 p.m. to 4:15 p.m.
GMU Creative Writing Programs & Stillhouse Press Host AWP 2018
Join Stillhouse Press and George Mason’s Creative Writing Programs for drinks and light bites, and catch our very own Dan Tomasulo, author of the forthcoming memoir, American Snake Pit, read from his new book!
Bernini of Ybor
Thursday, March 8, 2018
5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
#AWP18 Keynote Address by George Saunders
Love George Saunders? Yeah, that’s a dumb question. Who doesn’t? Hear him read and discuss his work in this keynote address.
Ballroom A & B, Tampa Convention Center, First Floor
Thursday, March 8, 2018
8:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
FRIDAY
Strong Medicine: The Poetry of Addiction
The “milk of paradise” can lead to masterworks, while addiction deserts ambition and destroys lives. In this panel, five award-winning poets—including a few of our absolute favorites—explore the swerve from inspiration to ruination from different perspectives and diverse writing styles.
Ballroom A, Tampa Convention Center, First Floor
Friday, March 9, 2018
10:30 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.
Yoga for Writers
GET LOOSE! Stretch those limbs, clear out those toxins, and take a few [much needed & very deep] breaths with a mid-conference yogi sesh. We’ll see you there.
Room 10, Tampa Convention Center, First Floor
Friday, March 9, 2018
9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
Challenges and Triumphs: Underrepresented Voices in Publishing
Diversity is key. At Stillhouse Press, we feel that it’s the work of small presses to represent ALL voices, all sexual orientations and identities, genders, and races. Come here these agents, editors, and authors discuss the challenges they face as part of communities underrepresented within the publishing industry, their approaches to overcoming these obstacles, and what we can do to foster diversity and inclusivity among both readers and publishing professionals.
Grand Salon C, Marriott Waterside, Second Floor
Friday, March 9, 2018
1:30 p.m. to 2:45 p.m.
SATURDAY
This Is Scary and Here We Go: Fear in the Driver’s Seat
For many in the literary community, these are terrifying times. But when fear strikes, we must write through it. Catch one of our favorite writers—and former Stillhouse fiction contest judge, whose 2016 pick debuts this fall!—Porochista Khakpour and a panel of epic women discuss how fear both holds them back and drives them forward, despite and sometimes because of it.
Room 5 & 6, Tampa Convention Center, First Floor
Saturday, March 10, 2018
12:00 p.m. to 1:15 p.m.
Writing the Pain: Memoirists on Tackling Stories of Trauma
Writing about traumatic experiences does not repair them. However, re-entering those memories, pulling them apart, and putting them back together can transform them into something meaningful, perhaps even beautiful, for both writer and reader. Hear George Mason’s very own Kyoko Mori and others discuss loss, illness, grief, or family dysfunction in poetry and prose.
Ballroom A, Tampa Convention Center, First Floor
Saturday, March 10, 2018
1:30 p.m. to 2:45 p.m.
Passing Into Pages: A Tribute to James Salter
If there’s one thing the last George Mason Professor Alan Cheuse instilled in his students (and there were many), it was a fervent love for James Salter. “Life,” Salter wrote, “passes into pages if it passes into anything.” Celebrate the brilliant short story and novel writer’s life at this panel, which includes George Mason’s very own, Tim Denevi.
Florida Salon 1, 2, & 3, Marriott Waterside, Second Floor
Saturday, March 10, 2018
4:30 pm to 5:45 pm
