Welcome, and what this blog is...

During Spring 2008, creative writing students from Community College of Philadelphia attended the AWP (Association of Writers and Writing Programs) Conference in New York, supported by a college Mini-Grant. Students were asked to keep a journal of their time there, so what you have here are their thoughts and reflections on this crash course into the world of literary arts. At the conference, the students not only attended lectures and workshops, they also navigated a networking scene of more than 8,000 attendees, which ranged from venerable literary lions to pretentious wannabes, as well as every gradation in between. Hopefully the sage advice they received will help them avoid pitfalls and on the path of becoming published writers. One thing's for sure... they now know the hard work they're in for!

Mr. Kelly McQuain, Associate Professor
English 285: Portfolio Development
Certificate Program in Creative Writing
Community College of Philadelphia

Wednesday, February 6, 2008

Getting started...& Kelly's thoughts on AWP

2/6/2008


To get started with posting information on this blog, use the tools on the toolbar in the upper right corner. See something called NEW POST? Well, in a minute, click on it. When you do, it will open up a new message window, which is where you will post information. Each of you should create a NEW POST with a title like "Kelly's thoughts on AWP" so we will know whose page is whose. Once inside the message window, you can also add photos. To add photos, there is an icon that looks like a tiny square photograph. Click on it to add a photo. That's how I added this picture of me. You can use the icon to add a picture of YOU at AWP!


Later on, if you want to write an additional entry, you can simply click on add a comment and post it under your initial entry. Other people can also comment on your initial posting. You can also edit your NEW POST later on--at least I think you can (I could do so). But it may take some playing around with the various functions to get the hang of it! Experiment. If you worry you will lose something you have written, compose it in Word and cut and paste it in to the Message Window.

And remember, the message window for Postings allows you to save as a DRAFT or to go ahead and PUBLISH POST to the blog. So be sure you select the one you want.

The only way you will really screw up is if you don't try, so give it a shot!

If you are wondering WHAT to write about in terms of AWP, how about starting with your MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT?

What Was Your Most Memorable Moment? Describe it for us! Was it someone you met, something you attended, or something you discovered? Let us know!!! Also, be sure to date and sign your postings so we can all better keep track of who wrote what and when!

--Kelly McQuain, 2/6/2008

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