Since publication is integral to staying afloat in the creative writing field, much of my connection to the creative writing world happens through researching publications through online databases and resources. I learn more about fellow writers and aspects of writing and publishing through Poets & Writers magazine and website. Their website allows me to participate in forums and access databases of contests and publications. To understand which magazines are currently most popular and to learn about brand new publications, I often go to duotrope.com. Here I can also discern which magazines to which I should send work.

Like Robert, a conference I plan to attend as long as I can afford going is the AWP conference. This conference is the largest meet-up of writers all over the country. There are hundreds of seminars and speakers and nearly thousands of literary magazine, MFA program, and publishing house booths. This conference is essential for the creative writer who wants to make use of every possible resource to publishing, gaining further education, and making connections with writers, agents, and publishing houses/magazines.

The fact that I joined an MFA program allows me connections to the creative writing world. Attending readings by visiting writers is one way that the MFA program at Virginia Tech allows me to connect with the writing world beyond Virginia Tech, and allows me to spend time outside of the classroom getting to know professors and fellow students. Taking advantage of workshops these visiting writers typically offer for Virginia Tech MFA students has especially enriched my work, my knowledge of publishing, as well as my feelings of connectedness to published writers.