My publisher is not at AWP (which kind of sucks since my book just came out), and both the panels I was pitching weren't accepted, and I don't have a million friends that are going BUT I will be there and for the exact same reasons you mentioned. Hopefully, I'll make some new friends who feel the same way I do.
This is a wonderful post, and it gives me a twinge of regret that I won't be there (although tbh, I was already regretting the fact that I would miss this particular panel). The massive effort of going cross-country for AWP this year was simply not something I was willing to take on, though. For some background: https://bit.ly/AWP5YearsOn. I think my AWP days are likely over--but I'm cheering on anyone who wants to try to make it a better organization.
Thank you so much Erika. I know and appreciate that you have been working on this and other related issues for years. I am sorry that we won’t have a chance to meet at AWP but I hope our paths eventually cross.
Amy, on point in so many ways! You are not only a good literary citizen but a fearless and strong Jewish leader. So glad you were asked to speak! You will be amazing!
Here's the link to AWP https://awpwriter.org/, but I'm not sure if I would recommend it as a starter conference. We can discuss next time we speak, I promise to save a few mins for this topic :)
Bagels in the bathroom … I agree - not a pretty picture. Thank you Amy for standing up and using your voice to put an end to that image (eating in the restroom). 🙏🏻
I don’t know anyone there besides Sarah and Howard whom I’ve never met but support. I want to go as I’m only a few hours away and I can go for the day. How do we find out where the awesome Jewish panels are and when?
Hi Shelley! If you go on the AWP website, you can click the conference link and then the schedule link and you can see what’s happening each day. I know our Panel is Thurs aft, and there are at least two others on Fri, but check the website for details. Look forward to meeting you!
Amy, this is the best post of yours ever. I'm tearing up! When you and I had this very conversation you made me rethink my stance. The only thing standing in my way is fear. But after our conversation I took another look and decided on a middle ground: I'll be there on the Saturday. I think your panel is not on that day though, which is such a bummer. Changing my mind on the whole thing at such a late stage was just too expensive. I really really hope someone records it surreptitiously because I want to see every one of those speakers. Maybe even just audio on someone's phone?
Beautifully written Amy. It’s discouraging that so many creative fields have experienced an uptick in antisemitism. I have no doubt that you will excel at shining a light on the pain we are all dealing with. Yasher Koach.
kissy, kissy, hug, hug!! Thank you for sharing this, for speaking up, and for going. I had heard about what happened last year, and, having just come home from a meeting of invited Atlantic Canadians speaking to three MPs about antisemitism in Atlantic Canada (at which I said, after hearing SO much, "I don't know whether I feel better or worse..."), this post is most timely. We have to hang in there. Seconding the Maccabee note - mazel tov!
Thank you for representing at AWP. Hard to believe it’s been almost ten years since we attended the Hippocamp pre-conference collage essay workshop with Sarah Einstein! You have achieved so much. Mazel Tov. I look forward to receiving your book.
Antisemitism has grown in the literary (mainstream) world.
It’s enough of a challenge to find a voice as a writer, especially when the genre is personal essay or memoir. To find the courage… to write and to submit. And to face the potential for rejection.
But to fear appearing in public (both online & IRL) because a core part of someone’s identity is Jewish?
I hope your experience at AWP is rewarding. I’m sure you’ll make the most of it!
My publisher is not at AWP (which kind of sucks since my book just came out), and both the panels I was pitching weren't accepted, and I don't have a million friends that are going BUT I will be there and for the exact same reasons you mentioned. Hopefully, I'll make some new friends who feel the same way I do.
Oh that’s so great, let’s make plans!
Caroline I didn't know you were going! We just chat more ..
This is a wonderful post, and it gives me a twinge of regret that I won't be there (although tbh, I was already regretting the fact that I would miss this particular panel). The massive effort of going cross-country for AWP this year was simply not something I was willing to take on, though. For some background: https://bit.ly/AWP5YearsOn. I think my AWP days are likely over--but I'm cheering on anyone who wants to try to make it a better organization.
Thank you so much Erika. I know and appreciate that you have been working on this and other related issues for years. I am sorry that we won’t have a chance to meet at AWP but I hope our paths eventually cross.
Maccabees come in many different forms and you, my brave and amazing friend, are a Maccabee!
Oooh that’s a nice compliment! And I look great in chainmail 😂😂
I am grateful for your voice. Thank you. Who else is going to be on the panel with you and Sarah?
Thank you! I am grateful that I was invited! The other panelists are Elissa Wald, Howard Lovy and Jennifer Lang
Amy, on point in so many ways! You are not only a good literary citizen but a fearless and strong Jewish leader. So glad you were asked to speak! You will be amazing!
Thank you! Just writing the speaking notes took a lot out of me, it’s going to be hard but I’m up to it
I love this so much.
Thank you!!!!! Your opinion means the world!
Every voice counts. I’m glad yours are one of them. And, how can I sign up to go to the next conference?
Here's the link to AWP https://awpwriter.org/, but I'm not sure if I would recommend it as a starter conference. We can discuss next time we speak, I promise to save a few mins for this topic :)
Sounds good. I'l let you know what I'm looking for...
Thank you for representing! We need lots of Bagels at the Table!
hahah, yes, great slogan!
Bagels in the bathroom … I agree - not a pretty picture. Thank you Amy for standing up and using your voice to put an end to that image (eating in the restroom). 🙏🏻
Isn't it the worst!?
I don’t know anyone there besides Sarah and Howard whom I’ve never met but support. I want to go as I’m only a few hours away and I can go for the day. How do we find out where the awesome Jewish panels are and when?
Hi Shelley! If you go on the AWP website, you can click the conference link and then the schedule link and you can see what’s happening each day. I know our Panel is Thurs aft, and there are at least two others on Fri, but check the website for details. Look forward to meeting you!
Thanks Amy! It’s a super long document so I appreciate those call outs. I look forward to meeting you too!
Amy, this is the best post of yours ever. I'm tearing up! When you and I had this very conversation you made me rethink my stance. The only thing standing in my way is fear. But after our conversation I took another look and decided on a middle ground: I'll be there on the Saturday. I think your panel is not on that day though, which is such a bummer. Changing my mind on the whole thing at such a late stage was just too expensive. I really really hope someone records it surreptitiously because I want to see every one of those speakers. Maybe even just audio on someone's phone?
Thank you for your kind words! Our convo contributed to my thoughts on this matter…
Beautifully written Amy. It’s discouraging that so many creative fields have experienced an uptick in antisemitism. I have no doubt that you will excel at shining a light on the pain we are all dealing with. Yasher Koach.
Oy thank you, we need all the light we can get
kissy, kissy, hug, hug!! Thank you for sharing this, for speaking up, and for going. I had heard about what happened last year, and, having just come home from a meeting of invited Atlantic Canadians speaking to three MPs about antisemitism in Atlantic Canada (at which I said, after hearing SO much, "I don't know whether I feel better or worse..."), this post is most timely. We have to hang in there. Seconding the Maccabee note - mazel tov!
Oy, thanks Peggy for your kind words, and for your work on the same topic. We all need to support each other esp in these times.
Dear Amy:
Thank you for representing at AWP. Hard to believe it’s been almost ten years since we attended the Hippocamp pre-conference collage essay workshop with Sarah Einstein! You have achieved so much. Mazel Tov. I look forward to receiving your book.
Antisemitism has grown in the literary (mainstream) world.
It’s enough of a challenge to find a voice as a writer, especially when the genre is personal essay or memoir. To find the courage… to write and to submit. And to face the potential for rejection.
But to fear appearing in public (both online & IRL) because a core part of someone’s identity is Jewish?
I hope your experience at AWP is rewarding. I’m sure you’ll make the most of it!
Best,
Debra
Thank you Debra, I can't believe it either. Time has really flown. Let's hope Hippocamp makes a comeback.
New panels have been added since they first published the schedule?? I didn’t know that but that’s great!!
Yes. All the panels that say "Sponsored by the Jewish Book Council" were originally rejected.
Thank you for clarifying.
I don’t know if new panels were added, I’m a replacement panelist on an “old” panel