Most writers are introverts. We live in the worlds we create in our heads and are quite happy there. But sometimes, we need to leave and actually go out to meet people. Real people; not the characters in our heads. I’m very selective when it comes to book signings.

Movies and TV always portray writers with long lines of fans waiting for a chance to get their favorite author to sign their books. And for some of us this is true. I remember the lines when I took my son to get a book signed by R L Stein. For the rest of us, we stand by ourselves and try to talk to people who avoid making eye contact.

But there are exceptions.

And one of those places is Phoenix Comicon. What helps is most of these are my people. We love the same shows, the same movies, we get lost in a world other than the one we are born into. It is so easy to talk to folks when you share interests, and if they happen to read what I write that’s just a cherry on top. Bonus is that many are introverts as well and knowing we speak a the same language helps us connect.

I’ve met quite a few folks there that have later become online friends. I meet other authors of whom I’m a fan and who later became friends. I’ve met artistic folks galore. I’ve even ridden down the escalator behind Claudia Black, held the door open for me by John Barrowman and didn’t dissolve into a psycho fan-girl. Rooms are crowded to capacity, hallways are jammed between appearances and lectures, lines at concessions are long. But everyone I’ve met has been welcoming and accepting.

Which to my little introverted heart is why I keep signing my books there despite having near panic attacks at the thought of four days of knowing I need to reach out to people and talk to them.

So if you’re going, stop by and see us at table AA412.  We’ll be happy to talk about our favorite fandoms, and if you think you’re a real character there’s something special for you.