Since I do not exactly write a regular blog on www.sharonfiffer.com, I probably worry way too much about what I should, can, am expected to, or will-write--when asked to "guest-blog." This time, however, to circumvent the problem, I have decided not to wax poetic, ruminate, or explore a topic. Instead, as my heroine, Jane Wheel, might do (and does several times in Scary Stuff and all of the other books chronicling her adventures), I will offer you a practical list.

How To Enjoy a Writing Conference

1. Attend conferences where readers and writers meet. Don’t overdo conference-going or you will never find time to write, but once a year or every other year, take the plunge. (I just returned from Bouchercon 2009--—a fan-based mystery conference which, this year, was held in Indianapolis)

2. Don’t hide in your hotel room. (This year, instead of trying to work during the day--or compose questions for my upcoming panel--or read some of the many free books available for the taking, I attended several panels where writers discussed everything from character development to plotting, to setting to revision.)

3. Introduce yourself to readers. (Readers want to meet writers--and although writers are often shy creatures, they will find it gratifying to talk to someone who knows and loves one of their fictional characters)

4. Introduce yourself to other writers. (Again, writers are often shy creatures, but the work is so solitary that it becomes important, when you have the chance, to thank the people who have inspired you and also to encourage younger writers .

5. Be inspired. (Many writers feel it’s corny to become "fans" of other writers, but I found myself reenergized by listening to an interview with Michael Connelly and impressed with his generous gift of time and his honest answers about writing and balancing life and fiction.

If this sounds overly simplistic, I apologize, but assure you the words are heartfelt. I have attended six previous Bouchercon events and this past weekend, for the first time, I embraced my participation. I did not allow myself to get overly nervous about the panel I was asked to moderate. I did not quake in fear about whether we would have anyone attending. I did not feel I was missing something "over there" if I stayed "over here."

And does mingling with readers and writers make one a better writer? I think so. I had to answer questions about Jane Wheel and articulate some of her hopes and fears and plans and dreams--and that made me think through some upcoming writerly decisions in a new way. Listening, thinking, adopting a new approach?

Good stuff and as Jane Wheel might add, Scary Stuff, too. But scary in the best possible way--since writers always have to venture somewhere they’ve never been (Indianapolis?) in order to have a new story to tell.