The Association of Writers and Writing Programs (AWP) annual conference proved again to be a whirlwind of readings, panels, bookfair exhibits, reunions, and get-togethers. This year’s gathering in Minneapolis witnessed a turnout of over 12,000 writers of all backgrounds and standings. Among them were WVU’s own professors, Cheat River Review editorial staff, MFA candidates, undergraduate English majors, and alumni.

MFA students Emily Denton and Megan Fahey

WVU’s booth for the bookfair highlighted both Cheat River Review and our MFA program. Current MFA candidates acted as booth participants, fielding questions and handing out goodies to conference attendees. This year, Cheat River Review gave out coasters, pens, and postcards. 2014-2015 poetry editor Xin Tian Koh said, “AWP was, as always, an overwhelming experience, but it was great to meet fellow journal editors, friends, and lovely random writers.” Xin Tian also served on the panel “Microaggressions in the Workshop.”

MFA students Megan Fahey and Elizabeth Leo

The three-day conference also consisted of panels and readings by WVU faculty. Program director Mary Ann Samyn read as part of Oberlin Press’ “Oracles and Appetites: Three Decades of the FIELD Poetry Prize.” Department chair James Harms served on the panel “Where We Begin to Revise the Poem.” Third-year MFA Patric Nuttall found this panel particularly useful for his role as an instructor. “The panel was awesome,” Patric said. “(Panelist) Erica Dawson’s concept of remix as revision gave me a new way to teach revision to students.” Other faculty, such as Professor Mark Brazaitis, participated in book signings.

Flyer for Mary Ann Samyn’s Reading

The WVU English Department also hosted a dinner at Mexican restaurant Masa. Seventeen total students and faculty spent a lovely evening chatting between delicious mouthfuls. Gail Galloway Adams, retired WVU English professor and friend to the department, was also in attendance with her quick wit and wonderful passion.

Dinner at Masa

Mark Brazaitis and Gail Galloway Adams

Despite capricious weather, AWP 2015 in Minneapolis was a positive experience. First-year MFA Kelsey Liebenson-Morse said, “The environment is stimulating and invigorating. To be surrounded by so many like-minded people is truly inspirational.”