A Decade of Writing

         As I sit with my laptop on the table, I think back to the days a decade ago when I started writing. Things really have changed since then. As I reflect, a young man steps up behind me to say, "Mr. Neilson, your Q and A will be starting in about half an hour, and then you'll have an autograph session. The hall looks packed again, just like yesterday."

         I turn to look at him as he talks. He reminds me a lot of myself maybe 15 years ago. Big SF fan, talking to someone in the business, but not self conscious about it. Unlike me, he actually asked the author guest here to look at a short story he wrote. I was glad to do it. He's good. In fact, he'll probably be where I am now in a few years. I gave him some advice and recommended a couple of good writing courses he might be interested in. "Thanks Mark. Just give me my cue and I'll be out there." Mark nodded with a grin and walked off. I've reveived a reputaion for being easy to work with. They all know, though, that I'm nearly always on my laptop during the day, writing away.

         It was a strange feeling the first time I went to one of these cons as a guest rather than a paid attendee. Being up on stage with actors from some of my favorite movies and TV shows was a thrill. Actually it still is, but now I actually feel like I'm bringing some of the people in instead of just being there as a courtesy. People actually want to talk about what I write. Okay, I still haven't accomplished my dream of being the first author to take the number one spot on the New York Bestseller's list with a Publish on Demand novel, but people are reading me on paper as well as on Writing.Com.

         Thinking about that reminds me, I should log on and check my email. It will be a little slimmer than usual since, I know, a few of my best friends out there are in the audience today. I can't wait to see them. Still, I dont't want let the mails build up too much. And there are some messages there. A few from people that weren't at the con wishing me well. A few about my last Flash Fiction posting. Some reviews and ratings. All par for the course. So, I read them, respond to most of them. That takes up the half hour so, out I go.

         And here I am, standing near a table with Claudia Christain and a new actor from the latest Star Trek incarnation. We greet each other and sit down when the time is right. I look out into the audience. Sure, I brought a lot fewer people into the hall than either of the other two, but it doesn't matter. I can see faces out there that I would recognize anywhere. I have people who were there to see me, not my bit of a TV show I represent.

         Looking around, I see them. Taking up the center of the front three rows. I know all their names, but I will always remember them by their handles on the site. Right in the center is 4 Provinces, who had been there right from the start, encouraging me. I probably wouldn't be here if it wasn't for her. And right next to her, there's Nanashi, another one who was there from the start. On her left is Moll, who, along with 4 P's has given me lots of research help. In behind them I can see Papillon and her daughter Rose. Two people always full of kindness and good words. Lively and Ricky's Granny are sitting off to the sides. And there is Becky, now a lawyer instead of going to law school. I still ask her about all my legal and police procedure questions. And there's Miblu, supportive and helpful as ever. The names and faces go on, and everyone is important to me.

         Mark came out to the center of the stage. "So, are there any questions?" Many hands rose. I know I have none. I'm where I want to be, where I belong.