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The 2025 Association of Writers & Writing Programs () Conference & Bookfair March 26�29 in Los Angeles brought more than 12,000 writers, editors, educators and small presses together for panels, readings and a sprawling 1,000-booth event at the LA Convention Center. Whether by car or train, many Flagstaff writers found their way to the City of Angels for a devilish time

Among the tables, signings and off-site events, the presence of writers, editors and publishers from northern Arizona was quietly steady.

Flagstaff-based publisher Tolsun Books -- though currently on hiatus -- was represented at the book fair with Sarah M. Sala, who was on hand to sign copies of her collection "Devil’s Lake," and Erik Bitsui’s "Mosh Pit Etiquette" � a raw, new poetry collection. Bitsui also performed at Sick City Records, an off-site punk rock reading.

Rinky Dink Press� booth, haunted by Shawnte Orion, once again held down a corner of the book fair with its microchapbooks and indie spirit. Orion, one of the loudest champions of Flagstaff’s literary scene, brought microchapbooks by several regional authors and drew a steady stream of familiar faces, including board members of the Northern Arizona Book Festival. His works, including "The Existentialist Cookbook," also graced the table. The funky booth served as a kind of informal hangout for writers with Arizona connections.

Indigenous poets Amber McCrary and Kinsale Drake participated in multiple events, including off-site readings, and were frequently seen engaging with readers and other writers, as McCrary’s "Blue Corn Tongue" continues to reach new audiences, and Drake’s performances always bring a huge draw.

The NDN Book Club was also present at a ticketed event, which sold out, promoting Indigenous literature through community, zines and shared space.

Northern Arizona University’s Master of Fine Arts (MFA) program had alums and current students scattered throughout the conference. NAU alum Lydia Paar spoke on a panel for educators. Her new book, "The Entrance is the Exit," came out last year with UGA press. Molly Olguin, a former Flagstaff Arts and Leadership Academy (FALA) student, now published by Red Hen Press, was present for book signings and readings of her book "The Sea Gives Up the Dead."

Current MFA students added some levity to the long days by donning a plush goose � a quirky gesture of the “Silly Goose Writing Club� that made spotting them in the crowd easy. During the day, these students were managed by Ryan Drendel, creator of Flagstaff Bike Zine, but at night the MFA crew had the city at their fingertips.

Prescott poet Megan Merchant gave an evening reading at Prank Bar, one of the off-site venues hosting evening showcases. She read from "A Slow Indwelling," which is one of her many books.

From Palestinian poets to presses dedicated solely to the love of baseball, a wide range of literature was represented.

If you missed this year’s AWP, don’t worry � the kicks off this week, with four days of free readings, workshops and events across downtown Flagstaff happening April 10-13.

If you’re considering going next year, AWP 2026 will be in Baltimore � with volunteer opportunities available to help offset the cost. You can also attend virtually for a fraction of the cost. You don’t have to be a writer to attend � just someone interested in writing or reading.