The most memorable learning experiences are commonly found beyond the classroom. Setting this belief into action, ten Wilkinson students joined faculty and staff from the MFA in Creative Writing program to attend the 2026 Association of Writers & Writing Programs (AWP) Conference and Bookfair in Baltimore, Maryland. AWP is among the largest literary gatherings in North America, with this year’s conference boasting more than 10,500 attendees, 650 exhibitions, and more than 540 events at the Baltimore Convention Center and across the City of Baltimore. Students in the MFA and BFA in Creative Writing programs received complimentary registration waivers and fellowship payments from Wilkinson College to support their travel across the country, opening the door to unforgettable days beyond campus.

Outside of the Baltimore Convention Center, site of the 2026 AWP Annual Conference and Bookfair. Photo courtesy of Danielle Espiritu.

Finding Creative Clarity

One of the biggest draws of AWP is the sheer volume of knowledge shared by working writers. Regardless of your specific genre, being surrounded by people who care as deeply about words as you do is validating. Nick Cerofeci (’27 MFA in Creative Writing) shared, “If you go to AWP, you’ll most definitely feel the power of the literary community! You’ll walk away feeling inspired by all the great work your fellow writers and artists are doing to make their stories heard.”

Just as energizing as the conversations in hallways and bookfair aisles are the panels themselves. For many attendees, such as Irene Baghdasryan (’27 MFA in Creative Writing), these sessions offer moments of clarity and encouragement that linger long after the conference ends.

“Two phenomenal panels in particular left a mark on me: ‘Craft Across” Borders: Writers with Immigrant Roots Discuss Craft’ and ‘Writing Humor for an Online Audience with McSweeney’s Internet Tendency.’ My biggest takeaway was from the words of Cypriot PhD Professor, Joanna Eleftheriou, who encouraged ethnic writers to stick to their guns and deconstruct the workshop feedback they receive by viewing it from a postcolonial lens, rather than trying to fit into Western expectations. And the second panel simply convinced me that I ​should read work published by McSweeney’s more often because each short story is insanely sharp and funny (both in content and performance),” said Baghdasryan.

Demystifying the Industry and Banishing Imposter Syndrome

The inspiration at AWP extends far beyond creative craft. It’s also a masterclass in the business of publishing your works and joining the professional world of writing. Joining panels and navigating the massive book fair helps demystify what to do once the writing is done. David Prue (’27 MFA in Creative Writing) found that the conference offered a realistic view of the publishing industry.

“Between panels and conversations at the book fair, [AWP] provided a lot of clarity on potential publishing paths and the complications that are likely to arise along the way. I found it had great opportunities to build connections with indie publishers and literary magazines, which could potentially lead to milestones in my career,” said Prue. 

That kind of clarity around the publishing process can lead to a shift in identity. Upon making tangible connections with independent presses and magazines, the dreaded “imposter syndrome” may begin to fade. Armed with industry knowledge, the overwhelming world of publishing suddenly felt more welcoming to Cooper Wood (’26 BFA in Creative Writing).

“Attending AWP has transformed my place in the writing world. After all the priceless learning, networking, and connections, I feel like I’ve transitioned from another wannabe author into an actual upcoming novelist with a legitimate network. That gnawing feeling of not knowing what I’m up against with publishing has been replaced with an excited certainty for my future in writing. AWP has marked a massive step towards my career goals and dreams… Making and distributing business cards is the single best move you can make if you go,” said Wood.

The Big Picture: Community and Connection

With so much emphasis on networking and career milestones, it can be easy to put too much pressure on the AWP experience. Still, amidst the hustle of the book fair, the conference is really about finding your people and enjoying the journey. After all is said and done, Anna Acosta (’27 MFA in Creative Writing) believes that the best approach is a balanced one.

“I think AWP is definitely an experience to have at least once! It’s a really great way to see who’s at the bookfair, what publications you might be interested in that you’ve never heard of, and also just lets you engage with a writing community outside of school. I also found it to be a fun weekend to spend time with my cohort and get to know everyone a bit better, which is honestly something I really value. I would also add that it’s important not to go into it with unrealistic expectations. Just go to have a good time with an open mind,” said Acosta. 

This group of Chapman students encourages any and all writers to attend AWP at least once. Yes, you should go to learn about craft. Yes, you should absolutely bring those business cards. But most importantly, go engage with a community that understands what it means to be a writer.

(Pictured in header: Students tabling at the MFA in Creative Writing program’s booth at the 2026 AWP Conference and Bookfair. From left to right: Anna Acosta (‘27 MFA in Creative Writing), Nick Cerofeci (‘27 MFA in Creative Writing), and David Prue (‘27 MFA in Creative Writing). Photo courtesy of Danielle Espiritu).