I was at NoirCon in sunny Palm Springs, California. I was not expecting this place where I planned to read, present, and watch stories about dastardly deeds to be so fresh and lovely.

Feral women– and make no mistake, Helena is a feral woman – are often women who make up their own rules. They have their own sense of justice. And the unhinged behavior, the absolute certainty that they are right in their actions, and their willingness to fight for their survival at all cost makes them dangerous beings of wonder.

Bouchercon is the World Mystery Convention, and like other conventions, it's a gathering ground for superfans. How can an introvert survive the convention landscape? I have some tips.