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. Donβt 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--βa
fan-based
mystery conference which, this year, was held in Indianapolis)
2. Donβt 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 itβs 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
theyβve never been (Indianapolis?) in order to have a new story to tell.
I think putting yourself out there is a good thing. Meeting and greeting is what fans like and I'm sure it helps authors to learn a little more about their fan base. I'm looking forward to reading your latest novel, "Scary Stuff"
(Theresa Buckholtz 1:15pm October 21, 2009)
"Scary Stuff" sounds like a book I'd like to read since I can relate to the "antique picker"...I tend to be the same way...besides, I like the book cover...:> As far as your article on the recent Writing Conference you attended, I think it's great you have an author (M. Connelly) that you look up to...same as us readers! I agree with Theresa B's comment...."meeting & greeting is what fans like" and I'm always impressed how giving most writers are with their fans. Keep up the good work!
(Cecilia Huddleston 2:26pm October 21, 2009)
If writers are shy so are many of their readers. I think that it would be very satisfying for both for them to meet. As a reader I have many questions (probably too many) that I would love to ask. "Scary Stuff" sounds like a perfect Halloween read.
(Rosemary Krejsa 8:02pm October 21, 2009)
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)
Thank you for adding this. I went to RWA's reader night and was totally overwhelmed. I'm not a fanboy and I was a feeling a bit awkward about going up to the authors I had read. The weird part was that they thanked *me* for being a reader.
The cover of your book is adorable!
(V Scott 8:37pm October 21, 2009)
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