Each year, the Association of Writers & Writing Programs (a.k.a. AWP) holds a huge conference in a different city. This year the AWP Conference takes place in Washington, D.C. from Feb 2-5. As usual, BOA will be there selling books, meeting people, and soaking up the creative energy generated by having thousands of writers and publishers in the same place. If you're attending AWP, please visit the BOA tables: B31 and B32 Many of our authors will be on discussion panels and involved with readings and talks about journals, creative writing programs, etc. Here are a few BOA-specific highlights to mark on your To-Do list: Table Signings (whereby authors sit at our BOA tables, sign books, and chat with you) THURS – FEB 3: Craig Morgan Teicher signs Cradle Book: Fables & Stories – 11AM Sean Thomas Dougherty signs Sasha Sings the Laundry on the Line – 2PM  FRIDAY – FEB 4: Anne Germanacos signs In the Time of the Girls – 11AM Wyn Cooper signs Chaos is the New Calm- 2PM  SATURDAY – FEB 5: Jeanne Marie Beaumont signs Burning of the Three Fires – 11AM Barbara Jane Reyes signs Diwata - 2 PM Tribute to Lucille Clifton On Saturday, February 5th, 10:30-11:45AM there will be panel called: Lucille's Gifts: A Tribute to Lucille Clifton, Poet and Teacher. The panel will be held in the Delaware Street Room. Here is a description of the tribute: S124. Lucille’s Gifts: A Tribute to Lucille Clifton, Poet and Teacher. (KC Culver, Michael S. Glaser, Theresa Sotto, Jayme McLellan, Lauri Watkins) This panel will pay tribute to Lucille Clifton, not only as an author of international importance, but also as mentor and colleague. Lucille enjoyed a long career sharing her light with faculty, undergraduates, and graduates. Participants will discuss her compelling presence, her teaching and writing methods, and her influence on us as students, teachers, and human beings. We will also explore how her aesthetic influenced us as writers. Hope to see you at the conference! [caption id="attachment_1159" align="aligncenter" width="411" caption="Lucille Clifton signing Blessing the Boats (photo by Robb Cohen)"][/caption]