Don't pity me. I'm no weirder than you.

It's been an interesting couple of weeks since my book released digitally.  I'm learning some things.

First, there's been the pleasant exchange of words from people who have already downloaded my book.  It's quite a strange thing to get used to, being the introvert I am.  People address me as I walk into an establishment, "Hey, I've downloaded your book and can't wait to read it!"

"Great! Thanks!" I say as I try my best to be polite.  But I'm not the most socially adept person in the world, not by a long shot, and I feel quite awkward and self-conscious when responding to fans or would-be fans.  I am muddling through the best I can though, and hope beyond hope that I don't inadvertently give anyone the impression that I'm not grateful for their support.  I am very grateful and humbled, I just don't verbalize that very well so please excuse this.

Second, when people find out that I have written a book, the inevitable questions are, "What kind of book is it?" and "What is your book about?"

It's difficult to trim hundreds of pages down into a verbally satisfying synopsis.  I have yet to master this skill.  Most of the time, I simply say, "It's science fiction."  I can automatically tell who the fellow nerds and geeks are as their eyes will light up at the prospect.

But then by the same token, I can tell who the "normal" people are.  They either have an amused look on their face or a look of pity.  Surely, as a writer of science fiction, I can't possibly be grounded in reality.  My poor kids must be up to their ears in Star Wars toys.

Wait... um, so maybe that isn't the best point for me to make.  Eh, can't really think of another point right now.

But hey, I'm sure you normal people out there have your own weird quirks.  I have yet to meet anyone who wasn't, in one way or another, weird.  But I don't really think of it as weird.  I think of it as unique and unique is fantastic.  Without the uniqueness of people, I wouldn't have anything to write about.  Science fiction or not, a story has to have the elements of humanity embedded within.  Quirkiness is a huge element of humanity.

So you may laugh at my weirdness all you want.  As long as you don't mind me laughing at yours. :)

Peace, love, and uniqueness,

Pamela