My first convention experience was a Worldcon, Torcon II in 1973. Through that experience I later met Don D'Ammassa, a fellow Rhode Islander, and many other fans, and for several years enjoyed some rich fannish activity that gradually tapered off. My subsequent convention attendance is sparse. But lately I feel that all my past work represents a mere apprenticeship. Hopefully my favorite story has yet to be written.
Some writers see themselves as their own ideal audience.
Not to be solipsistic, but the only assertion of any certainty that I feel I can make is that I definitely enjoy my stuff. Therefore, I continue to write with an audience of one in mind. Your style changes quite a bit from story to story, sometimes from novel to novel. Sometimes you even affectionately borrow other writers' styles, as in Lost Pages . What elements, themes, etc.