Mary Biddinger asks what we think about continuing education for poets. I’ve often wondered about this question myself as I read the postcards and letters that tell me the XYZ Conference in Name-Your-Warm-Location with Big-Name-Poets as workshop leaders will inspire me and change my writing. I don’t doubt it will. However, what would really attract me is not a week-long conference somewhere but a small, to-the-point weekend or two weekdays with workshops and interactive sessions on craft. It’d also be nice to have time for a drink or two built in to the evening somewhere.

That’s all I want out of a conference. Is there such a thing out there already?

To answer Mary Biddinger’s question: Yes, I do think continuing education is useful. At the same time, I think it’s not viewed as ‘cool’ by many. Aimee Nezhukumatathil is an exception. She commented (on Mary’s blog) that she takes craft workshops even if she’s in them with her students and even if her students think she’s odd for being in the same class.