Last week Nimrod’s Managing Editor Hachi Chuku and I attended the Association of Writers and Writing Programs (AWP) Conference in Los Angeles to represent TU’s beloved literary journal. Each year AWP brings together thousands of writers and hundreds of literary journals from across the country for a week of stimulating panels, inspiring offsite readings, and, most importantly, an enormous bookfair. Journal editors and book publishers gather at the fair to advertise their latest releases, invite submissions, and make connections. Hachi and I were proud to claim one of fair’s 700 tables and booths for Nimrod. We got to meet dozens of past contributors and hopeful submitters, but the highlight was watching writers and readers do double-takes as they passed by and stopped to praise our latest issue, masterfully designed by TU’s resident graphic genius, M. Wright. It was a privilege and a pleasure to represent the journal. As it approaches its 70th anniversary, Nimrod can celebrate its status as one of premier literary journals in the English-speaking world. Though tabling was great fun, Hachi and I also made invaluable connections as we circulated through the conference. I got to meet two editors of journals where my own work has recently been published, L’Esprit Literary Review and Poetry South. Additionally, I connected with an English professor who offered to conduct a free online workshop for our TU English graduate students, as well as with the poetry editor at my dream publication, Interdisciplinary Studies in Literature and the Environment. Hachi was no less successful. After enthusiastic conversations with West Trade Review and Poetry Magazine, one of the top publications in the country, they made a personal connection with the communications manager at Cave Canem, a literary organization centered on people in the African Diaspora. The conference was an invaluable networking experience for us both as editors and creative writers. Add delicious meals at LA’s historic Grand Central Market and other local eateries, and a beautiful stay at the equally historic Hotel Figueroa, and you get an unforgettable trip—all thanks to Nimrod, TU, and AWP.
