Underwood Library in Fayette, where I had a great author talk with a wonderful group of people April 5. I love it!

Along with the lilac buds, the ticks and the visitors from away, one thing is sure about the warmer months in Maine — a Maine Crime Writer will have an event somewhere near you.

It’s a reality of the 21st century that people don’t go to things the way they used to. Yes, there is so much vying for your attention nowadays. It’s not like the old days, when we only had three TV channels, no smart phones and parents went out and did grownup things instead of hovering around their kids every waking moment until the child turns 18. Going to the local library to hear an writer talk just seems so… 20th century.

But you know what? You might enjoy it. Whether it’s someone whose books you’ve read or someone you’ve never heard of, you’ll be entertained, learn something new, and maybe be introduced to a writer or books that will enrich your life. At the very least, you’ll be supporting a local product.

Don’t feel like you’ll be pressured to buy books — you won’t. But you can if you want to. No one will force you to ask questions or talk, either. You can just do you, whatever works.

From the writer side of things, I never say no to a library. If it weren’t for libraries, particularly my childhood one, Lithgow, in Augusta, I probably wouldn’t be a mystery writer, or any kind of fiction writer. I’m always astounded at how hard librarians work, how committed they are to bringing good programing and events to their town. In many cases, the library events are the only show in town. I’m happy to get up there and talk whether two people show up or 30 do. It’s the least I can do.

On top of it, I love talking about writing and my books. It’s even more fun when people have read one or more of them, and have questions and discussion points. But if you haven’t read any of them and have never heard of me, don’t worry. I don’t expect everyone there to have. I roll with it.

Maine Crime Writer Kate Flora at our shared table at the Brunswick Second Friday art walk in August last year. We’ll be there on second Fridays this year, too!

It’s even more fun when a group of us writers get together for a Making a Mystery event. The audience gets to participate, and they have fun too.

No matter what I’m doing, I always get a little buzz of excitement seeing my name on the sign out front, or on a library’s social media post. That’s me! I’m a writer!

Are you more of a shopper? We’ll also be at craft fairs, art walks, bookstore signings, book festivals, and more. Stop by and say hi. Even at these you don’t have to buy anything (though, of course, you can if you want to!). We love to talk to you. Even when it’s about how you don’t have time to read, don’t like to read, hate mysteries, or want to discuss (in depth) some other writer that you like or the book you want to write someday. Just as long as you take a bookmark before you go.

Wondering how to find us? We often list our events in the weekend update on this blog. You can also check out your library’s website, the website of your favorite writer, or even Google “author event near me.”

If you want to find me to argue about all this and tell me why it’s just not possible to seek out a local author (or two or three) between now and when the snow flies again, I’m happy to do it. Check out my website, maureenmilliken.com, where I have an events list. Come and find me. I’ll be there.