The Association of Writers and Writing Programs (AWP) 2018 writer’s conference and book fair will come to Tampa, Florida in March. The four-day event will be held at the Tampa Convention Center attracting writers, teachers, independent presses, and more.
More than 2,000 presenters, 550 literary readings, and panel discussions will be a featured component of the conference. Topics will range from fiction, nonfiction, poetry, teaching, and publishing. The book fair will highlight more than 800 independent presses.
Award-winning author George Saunders, whose works have been featured in the O. Henry Award finals, the Best American Short Stories series, and more will be the keynote speaker. Time magazine voted Saunders one of the 100 most influential people in the world in 2013.
Representatives from writing programs across the country will also be present to provide information about MFA programs, internship opportunities, and writing resources for both new and seasoned authors.
While the convention draws attendees from all across the country, AWP makes a point to include the hosting city’s literary scene into every conference. Many locals will be attending the conference as speakers — such as English and creative writing professors from the University of South Florida and the University of Tampa. Some of the panel discussions will include themes often associated with Florida writers and stories— for example, “The Frontier as a Trope in Florida Writing Past and Present” with Greg Byrd, Deborah Hall, Polly Buckingham, and Michael Trammell scheduled for Friday, March 9. A comprehensive conference schedule can be found here.
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