SHANNON MUIR’S THURSDAY THOUGHTS on THE PULP AND MYSTERY SHELF are observations from the site administrator on her writing life, or the industry at large. Anything Shannon Muir thinks about goes – check the blog on Thursdays!

This week, it’s her thoughts on hearing other authors speak.

One thing I really like is the chance to hear other authors speak, whether to a large group or in a more intimate setting. Each person’s path to how they got to doing what he or she writes is unique; no one can copy another’s path exactly. Yet, knowing other writers struggle and succeed, and what they face, reminds me as a fellow writer I am not alone.

I also personally believe that people who just read books and don’t write can benefit from listening to authors. They can come to better understand how the authors create the works they enjoy. It gives a chance to see that authors are often people just like they are, with other interests and activities besides just creating words. It also provides authors a way to learn more about the people that enjoy their works as well.

I’m trying to learn to do more of this myself, and taking advantage of the opportunities when they come. However, I’m still rather nervous in larger situations. I believe what I need is practice and time, and the more I do, the better I get.

Hope to maybe meet some of you someday.

Until next week…