 Last year we were privileged to participate in SMOL Fair, a free and virtual bookfair/conference. For many of us, the main conference is AWP, but the major gripe about AWP is the cost. In fact, we've only been to one AWP because the cost is so steep. You're all but guaranteed to walk away in the red (but the EXPOSURE!). But that's just for presses. What about writers and readers who want to get involved in book/writing conferences but can't afford the registration, the travel, etc.??? There just shouldn't be a paywall to great literature. To conversations with some of the quirkiest and brightest minds in the world.
But with the pandemic, a new issue arose: health. Attending AWP amidst a pandemic is the ultimate example of an 'at your own risk' situation. The 2022 AWP is offering virtual events this year, but they are still charging upwards of $215 for roughly 60 prerecorded events and some virtual live events. As a team, we decided that we wouldn't be attending the 2022 AWP Conference (even though our team isn't attending this year, a cohort of our writers is hosting a bookfair table under our name) as many of us have immunocompromised family members, young children, or are just not ready to be in an indoor space with so many people. And, to be frank, we really wanted be involved in the SMOL Fair again. So when the coordinators of SMOL Fair emailed us, we were thrilled. Last year we had a blast and were so grateful to have a bookfair/conference that was virtual. A virtual conference allows those can't, or don't want to, attend an in-person event to participate in the booky things of life. SMOL Fair is an alternative, virtual book fair that will be 'live' from March 19-26, 2022. This year Brian Evenson will be the keynote speaker. Not to mention, plenty of presses are getting involved and events will be happening through the week. Moreover, there will be giveaways! We have a page dedicated to SMOL Fair that will keep you up-to-date on our events and our giveaways. Visit our page and be sure to visit the SMOL Fair website too. You can keep informed here: https://www.unsolicitedpress.com/smolfair2022.html Comments are closed.
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