I Write Dead People

About to head out to Malice Domestic (tomorrow) - my 10th, if I count correctly. For several years, I attended as a fan, then moved to the area and was on the board of the organization. Then, a few years ago, I got published (my first short story!), then soon after, my first novel.

It's a VERY different experience attending a convention as a fan vs. as a published author. Even though I moderated panels for years, being up there and in the public view vastly changes how I act and what I do. Although, like most authors, on any given day, if I'm walking down the street, shopping at CVS or whatever, I'm less likely to get recognized than the Obama's new pup, at a convention, I'm in the spotlight. Not so much as the Guest of Honor and other VIP guests, but nevertheless, I'm wearing that name badge around my neck and people recognize me.

People I've never met walk up to me and tell me how they've enjoyed my books. Yes, a VERY cool thing indeed. But you know, there's a bit of a flip side, especially for those of us that, at heart, are introverts. The first few times this happened to me, my initial reaction was "you talking to me? and if so, why?" - more of a gut-based fear/discomfort reaction followed by a "no way he/she means *me*". It's really strange, in a good way, yet still, disconcerting...and I totally love hearing from fans. There's a part of me that still doesn't believe people I don't know read my work and like it.

I'm often exhausted after a con, even short ones. Unlike my days as a fan, where I was only "on" when I moderated a panel (usually only one), now, I'm on all the time. I can never forget that I'm there for the fans that attend. I'm there because of the fans--they buy my books, so my publisher keeps me and I can keep writing. Like I said, a whole different experience--but I wouldn't give it up for the world.

Hope to see some of you all at Malice Domestic! My panel is Saturday morning at 8:30. One of the best parts of the con: I get to see longtime friends again, plus the absolutely wonderful Nancy Pickard, who is a friend, a mentor and a fan, and this year's Malice Guest of Honor.

crossposted from LiveJournal

Quick drive by post as I rush off to salon for a pamper day.

Stop by Lori Devoti's blog today to read my contribution to her Full Moon of Werewolves series: Where Wolf? There. I discuss why the wolf/werewolves are so intriguing.  Plus, there's a prize! I've donated a copy of my first 2 books.

(side note: Lori is a fellow Juno/Pocket author. Her first book for the line, Amazon Ink, comes out in June.

xposted from LiveJournal

Didja miss me? OMG, I've been SOOO BUSY. With day job stuff and copy edits on BLOOD KIN, there has been no time to just sit and relax.

Major project got launched on Monday (which is the reason I exited MJ early - really miss you guys!!!) and we've been working late hours throughout the week for post launch stuff.

In the meantime, right before I left for Boston, the copyedits came. Not a ginormous amount of work, but since the book had to be rushed, there were some fixes needed, plus another chapter to be written. I spent most weeknights just skimming through the easy stuff (repeated words, awkward phrasing, clarifying bits), then last night, a 7 hour marathon to finish, as I wrote to the accompaniment of Queen and Sarah McLachlan.

At 3:37 ack emma, file done, spellchecked, emailed and backed up.

I.
AM.
DONE.

::collapses::

The only reason I'm actually up is that my body will not stay asleep past 9:30 a.m., no matter how hard I try. Oh well, there's always time for a nap later.

I'm going to spend my weekend watching movies (Slumdog Millionaire is waiting for me), catching up on my shows and reading. (new Harry Dresden hot on my Kindle!) It's raining, but I don't care, because I'm going to be a sloth.

Hope everyone is having a wonderful weekend, Passover, Easter, etc.

Oh, and, speaking of peeps...the annual diorama.

xposted from my blog