If you're a bookish Asian-American, AAWW is a wonderful, wonderful resource. It's a non-profit…read morededicated to Asian-American literary culture, with regular events and workshops at its physical location in addition to an active online publishing presence. It's the most prominent organization of its kind, and it acts as a global nerve center for Asian-American readers and writers. (Of course, AAWW isn't just for Asian-Americans--it's for anyone with an interest in Asian-American literature--but I appreciate having this space where Asian-American writing is pulled from the margins to smack dab front center. I mean I like white people plenty, but the publishing world just feels frustratingly, insuperably white sometimes.) I wish there were a location in L.A., but I was glad to have a chance to visit on a recent trip to New York. The place was spacious and charming, located in a little building in Chelsea. I didn't get to explore the whole thing, but apparently there were some offices in addition to a large central room set up for workshops and other events. I found out that at least two Asian-American writers I know in New York share an office--that should be illustrative, I guess. There were books everywhere, mostly by Asian-American authors. Really a dream of a book collection, and it made the space feel nice and homey. I'm a Korean-American mystery novelist, and I came to lead a workshop that addressed craft and publication as well as writing about identity and other serious themes through crime fiction. I was the teacher, so I guess my opinion is shit, but I thought it went well! The students were all on AAWW's listserv, writers at various points in their careers, with a keen dedication to fiction. I enjoyed being in the same room as them all, talking books and writing on a deep level. I haven't been to any other events, unfortunately, but I always see them pop up online and would go to so many if I lived in New York. Like every contemporary Asian-American writer I can think of has come through here at some point or another, to run workshops or do readings or participate in other curated events. I was thrilled to experience that rite of passage, and hope to visit AAWW again next time I'm in town.

The Asian American Writers Workshop, now celebrating its 20th year, is a wonderful organization…read morethat highlights and promotes all genres of literature by Asian American writers. It also provides a community and space for writers of all levels to convene, learn and hone their skills through their varied workshops - everything from poetry, non-fiction and comedy writing. I have attended many book launches and readings throughout the years, and am always impressed by the caliber of talent they showcase. I commend them for being able to host events year-round with a small staff that I'm sure is underpaid due to its not-for-profit status. This past Saturday I attended their first Pageturner Literary Festival. From 11am - 5pm, they hosted two panels every hour, with topics ranging from immigration to queer fiction to internment to representation of Asian Americans in today's culture. More than 40 writers were on hand for these readings and discussions, including David Henry Hwang, Ed Lin, Jennifer 8. Lee, and lastly, Pulitzer Prize winner, Jhumpa Lahiri. The breadth of topics covered, not to mention diversity of writers featured, was remarkable. For an inaugural festival, they really started off with a bang, and I look forward to what they have in store for next year. The day culminated in their annual Literary Awards, where they honored Lahiri (fiction), Sesshu Foster (poetry) and Leslie T. Chang (non-fiction). If you're interested in Asian American literature or perhaps want to take a workshop (even if you don't consider yourself a writer), I highly recommend checking out AAWW. The yearly membership is $45 and gives you discounts to their workshops, events and books in stock. They say that if you take two workshops, the membership fee pays for itself. If you're unsure about committing to a workshop, they'll allow you to attend the first class and give you a refund (less a fee for the first session) if you don't like it. At the very least, sign up for their e-newsletter to be alerted of their many upcoming events. In economic times like these, it's imperative that we continue to support the arts and our cultural communities.