Here’s what I remember from Boskone.
Highlight: Buying a skein of yarn hand-dyed in beautiful shades of lilac, plum, and lavender without any idea what I would knit with it.
Not a highlight: Discovering that knitting with other knitters is so distracting that I had to undo all that knitting.
Interesting quantum of fact: The idea of species–of types of organisms with fixed boundaries–is creationist.
Things I learned from “How Not to Edit Yourself”:
- Alcohol is a writer’s crutch not because it makes you more creative, but because it shuts up the inner editor.
- If you can’t write, pretend you’re describing the story in detail to a trusted friend.
- Science fiction stories have long formed a dialogue with other SF stories. Find a story where you can see what’s wrong with it, and write your version. Sell it.
- Software tools: AutoCrit and Text Aloud.
- There is some editing you can’t do yourself.
Things I learned from “Write A Story Now!”:
- Flash isn’t a pomelo, it’s a kumquat.
- Think about the ending first.
- The conflict has to be really simple.
- Try using Write or Die to keep yourself moving.
Not a highlight: What I wrote during “Write A Story Now!”
Highlight: The Eye of Argon!
Writing Every Day 
Thanks so much for coming to the flashfic workshop, Pam!
I wasn’t thrilled with the specific story I wrote during the workshop, either, but I’ve been delighted by other flashfiction and nonfiction that I’ve written under the tyranny of the clock. It has a better risk-to-reward ratio than, say, a nickel slot machine.
Also, I’m curious about “Mars Needs Worms”. How’s that going?
You gave me the bravery to try again. Thanks!
As for “Mars Needs Worms,” I have a great title and a whole mess of notes. It’s composting.