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

Comments

[Mandy]

We might be distant cousins just for the fact that Cuba is a small island with only 11 million people on it and my surname is also Lima. Then again, maybe not. Either way, you're a great writer! Keep writing!

[TheLima]

Mandy - we're probably related. According to my late father, most of the Limas from Cuba are family.

Glad you enjoy my writing. I just signed a contract for my 4th Blood Lines book, so will be working on that soon.

Cheers!
Maria