Author and Publisher Unity: Join Pushcart Nominee William May and Finishing Line Press at AWP 2026

Poet William May will appear at the 2026 AWP Conference & Bookfair in Baltimore for a featured book signing in partnership with Finishing Line Press, celebrating his debut poetry chapbook, Blaze without Burning. He will also continue to celebrate the poem “Gone” from his book which is nominated for the prestigious Pushcart Prize Award.

William May – Book Signing
Friday, March 6, 2025 at 1:00 PM EST
AWP Bookfair
Baltimore Convention Center
Baltimore, Maryland

The Association of Writers & Writing Programs (AWP) Conference & Bookfair runs March 4-7 2026, bringing together writers, publishers, educators, and literary organizations from across the country. This will be May’s inaugural attendance and he will sign copies of Blaze without Burning on Friday afternoon March 4 during the Bookfair as part of Finishing Line Press’s official presence at the conference.

Blaze without Burning marks May’s debut poetry chapbook and has received best-seller status at Finishing Line Press. Finishing Line Press, an award-winning small press based in Georgetown, Kentucky, is known for championing debut and underrepresented poets.

Blaze without Burning is structured around paired “twin” poems that share titles while offering distinct perspectives, creating a layered examination of resilience, transformation, and human connection.

The AWP signing highlights a close collaboration between author and independent publisher, emphasizing a shared commitment to craft-driven poetry and emerging literary voices.William May is a graduate of Sarah Lawrence College and the University of North Carolina’s MFA program in creative writing. His work has appeared in SoFloPoJo, Chameleon Chimera: An Anthology of Florida Poets, and The Centifictionist. He is also the host of Argh! Not Another Podcast About Book Publishing, a five-star rated podcast on Podnews focused on independent publishing and literary culture.

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