Radio Free AWP coincided with the annual conference, February 2-6, 2011, of the Association of Writers & Writing Programs, which supports more than “34,000 writers at over 500 member colleges & universities and 100 writers' conferences & centers.” In 2011 the conference was held in Washington, DC, home of Inside Higher Ed, and some 8,000 creative writers and teachers attended more than 350 readings, lectures, panels, and book signings, as well as a bookfair with 500 publishers represented.

Radio Free AWP was conceived, organized and curated by Inside Higher Ed's Oronte Churm, who wanted to use the opportunity to connect writers and readers, wherever they are. It’s true pirate radio, internet-style, with some of Churm's literary friends and friends-of-friends generously donating their words and time for your listening pleasure. The readings and discussions archived here range widely, from a short story recorded professionally in the studio of some guy named Ira who evidently has an interest in American lives, to a self-produced audio essay recorded on location in Africa, to what sounds like a writer who's broken into your kitchen late at night to drink your bourbon and pet your dog, and when you discover him there he tells you a crazy-funny tale about the Russian mob stealing a river.

Enjoy, and thank you for listening!

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