A former book reviewer and feature writer with Bookmarks Magazine, Palo Alto, California, resident Kevin Sharp has published his work in other outlets, including on 100 Word Story and Fiction Attic Press, as well. A member of several professional organizations, Kevin Sharp belongs to the Association of Writers and Writing Programs (AWP) and attends its conference.
AWP supports, advocates for, and provides resources to its almost 50,000 member writers. It also represents more than 550 university and college creative writing programs as well as 150 conferences and centers geared toward writers. Established in 1967, the nonprofit organization seeks to advance writing and encourage literary achievement.
In addition to conferences and other gatherings, AWP sponsors six annual awards for writers, including the:
* George Garrett Award. Named after a teacher, author, and editor, this award is given to an individual who has donated time, labor, and money to support other writers. Winners receive $2,000 as well as travel accommodations and registration to attend AWP’s annual conference.
* Small Press Publisher Award. Given to nonprofit presses and literary journals, this award acknowledges the role of these organizations in publishing creative work and introducing new authors. Winners receive $2,000 and a complimentary exhibit booth at the AWP conference.
* Kurt Brown Prizes. Previously known as the WC&C Scholarship Competition, this award is presented to emerging writers in fiction, creative nonfiction, and poetry. Kurt Brown founded WC&C, which hosts writers’ conferences and festivals. Winners receive $500 each to attend a conference, retreat, or festival.
