Black Writers Weekend
My thoughts on the Conference
It was my first time attending Black Writer’s Weekend. Another opportunity for Black writers in all genres to come together, network, and learn from each other. Held in the world-class city of Atlanta, it was going to be a double treat for me. Unfortunately, the treats were few and far between.
Black Writer’s Weekend is the brainchild of Tamika Newhouse, a writer, and mother, who wanted to create a space for Black writers to gather. And while I’m all for our people coming together and learning from each other, the execution of the conference needed some work.
I’m all for Black Writer’s Weekend becoming a huge venue, attracting writers from all across the country. However, my experience was not the best. And as I spoke to other attendees, they shared my concerns and added stories of their own.
Let’s start with what worked at BWW:
- Speakers
BWW had many men and women come out to discuss their lives, their work, and what they're doing next,
2. Venues
Check-in at Constellations was good. It had rooms and refreshments were served. The library down the street was a great place to hold sessions.
3. Attendees
I had the opportunity to meet other writers and share knowledge. I met some authors like Terry McMillian, Tia Williams, and Kimberly Jones.
What needs to be improved:
- Internet Access
No one could give me the WIFI password at Constellations or at the library.
Wine Shoe was part of the Lit Crawl. Parlor Den didn’t provide WIFI info.
In a technology-driven society, attendees need access to WIFI.
Was there internet at the venue for the AAMBC?
2. Venues
Too far apart. I wasn’t sure what was the point of changing location every day. If it were to support Black-owned businesses that could have been a bigger draw for potential attendees.
There were no maps or directions provided for attendees. A lot of attendees were directed to go online but often online info changed.
For the AAMBC literary awards, the highlight of the weekend, the AC shut down. People were all dressed up and sweating in their clothing. Terry McMillian, 70, deserved better than a sweaty, oversized room. All the nominees, award-winners, and attendees deserved better.
3. Volunteers
When I asked questions, they didn’t know anything which I found disconcerting. Was there any training for the volunteer staff?
How to Improve Upon Black Writer’s Weekend
- Fundraising
Reach out to partners and sponsors to acquire monetary donations for future conferences
Apply for art and writing grants from the City of Atlanta's Art Council
Apply for funding as a woman-owned business
Solicit funds from past attendees and awards nominees
2. Partnerships
There are three major universities in the downtown area — Emory, Georgia State, and Georgia Tech. Reach out to those schools to see if they’d be willing to support the conference.
Speak to hotels in the area to see if they’d support the conference. In addition, the hotel could offer a special rate for attendees coming from out of town.
For example, I stayed at the Hilton Atlanta, which had tons of meeting rooms and conference areas. Plus, there was a nice ballroom which would have been perfect for the AAMBC event.
You can also speak to Amazon, KDP, and Harlequin to ask for monetary support. These organizations have deep pockets.
3. Venues:
Again, the conference should be held in one central area
The venues should be easy to access by car or public transportation
There needs to be ample free parking and/or reasonable parking rates.
Allos workshops are to be offered in a different time format to allow attendees sufficient time to get to the workshop.
Make sure speakers for the workshops know exactly where they need to be and what time to be there.
Give attendees better options as to which workshops to attend.
4. Workshops:
There needs to be a separation of genres for attendees.
It would make many attendees feel like their needs were being met.
Some attendees were poets, playwrights, novelists, and some just beginning their writing journeys. There can be an intro to writing, writing the first draft of your novel, an intro to character development, etc.
If there is more of an emphasis on planning and logistics, Black Writer’s Weekend and the AAMBC Literary Awards can rival the Hurston/Wright Awards and the NAACP Image Awards.
It will take time, but the foundation is there. The foundation just needs a stronger structure.
