Jennifer Funk, Poetry 2016
I am not a writer in my 'real life.' I am known for my emails, sure, but day in and day out for the majority of my year, I am something other than a person fixated on the small nuances of the light coming through the back window or the way her lip curled when that man walked into the room or, you know, mortality and the state of the universe. One place that I am very much that strange woman either staring into space or talking too much is Wally Camp. For a small stretch of days, you too, can be the very most you that you are because you will be amongst the people that will talk with you about the light and the universe and prepositions and their hot take on Henry James. People, come. You are in need of this refreshment. I have drunk all the Kool Aid and I can tell you: it is delicious.
Faith Holsaert, Fiction 1982
I graduated in the first WW class. There were only three of us (the other two Christine Steckel and Fred Bruner). I had many Goddard-era connections, but most of my fabulous Wally compatriots are from the Alum Conference. And my favorite conferences of all have been at Mt. Holyoke.
Annie Kim, Poetry 2009
I started going to Wally Camp years ago as a recent MFA grad because I was feeling completely lost and needed the company of writer friends. I found that and more at my first Wally conference. I knew almost no one there, but everyone was so warm and generous that I immediately felt at home. Every conference since then has had its own little magic. Sometimes I hole up and do a ton of writing, sometimes I go to all the classes and just absorb. But what I love most are the random talks and walks, the nightly readings, the post-reading hangouts on the porch. If you've never been, make this the year to go--you won't regret it!
Tracy Youngblom, Poetry 2003
I waited 10 years after my graduation to attend my first alumni conference. I can't remember who or what finally convinced me to take the plunge and go, but I will never forget the feeling as I stepped onto the Mt. Holyoke campus: I was encircled by the community, which is as warm as it is smart. I felt like I belonged, was accepted and heard--me, a plain Minnesota girl! Every time I attend, I meet new people and greet old friends, sharing with all of them the experience of being writers together: teaching, learning, questioning. If you're on the fence, take a chance; you won't regret it.