First of all, we all need to celebrate the fact that there is a thing called the Nerdy Book Club. The characters in Revenge of the Star Survivors would definitely be charter members of the Festus Middle School Chapter. 

Second, we need to celebrate author Kate Hannigan, who alerted me to the existence of the Nerdy Book Club. Kate – whom I knew in her previous life as a journalist – is the award-winning author of The Detective's Assistant, a wonderful book marred only by a complete absence of lasers and spaceships, but the heroine is so cool and smart that you won't really mind. 

And finally, we need to thank Kate for interviewing me for the Nerdy Book Club. Unlike Groucho Marx, I am happy to belong to a club that would have me as a member. This one, at least. 

One of the hard things about writing a book is that you have to spend a lot of time alone, wondering whether the story you are dreaming up will ever be read by anybody and, if so, whether they will like it at all. 

One of the nice things I about writing a book is that, after people start reading it, some of them let you know what they think. And sometimes, they are really nice about it.  

(Credit: Mei-chun Jau) 

That's a note from my new friend Trinidad. I had worked with his mom a few years ago, but I'd never actually met him. So when she sent me this photo of his letter, I was totally blown away. 

We decided we had to get together. So he stopped by to see me at the building where I work as a journalist. 

(Credit: Mei-chun Jau) 

It turns out he is not only a generous critic, he is a sharp-eyed reader as well: He noticed something about the cover that I had not. Which is -- the little astronaut there is wearing actual Moon Boots! 

 

Trinidad and I had a good conversation, wherein we discussed what Moon Boots were -- they apparently have not been worn hereabouts recently -- and other important subjects. 

I don't know whether I will be able to have lunch with every person who writes a nice note about my book -- at the current pace, it would not be a whole lot of lunches, but things could change, you know. But anyone reading this should know that if you've ever wondered whether the people who write your books actually care about what you think, the answer is: Yes. And they appreciate hearing from you.  And they are really happy to hear that you liked what you read. Thanks, Trinidad!
 

(Credit: Mei-chun Jau) 

As if I would post a link to anything else, right? Maybe I should. It might liven things up around here.

But if you would like to learn more about how Revenge of the Star Survivors came to be, the kind people at the Cynsations blog have posted an interview with me. Beam on over and check it out. The headline is: 


New Voice: Michael Merschel on Revenge of the Star Survivors .