Okay, quick, what do you think of when I say… science-fiction fan?
We all know the stereotpyes: a socially awkward but very smart nerd, with pocket protector, high waters, a fast computer, but no girlfriend; an unemployed 30-year-old playing video games in his parents’ basement; nutty 40-year-olds who show up at conventions dressed as Klingons. Certainly, nobody cool.
Most women I know read mainstream, or chick lit, or mystery, but decidedly not science fiction. Or fantasy either, for that matter. So, what’s a woman sf fan to do? Keep it under wraps? You bet. Call it by another name? That too. Live a lie? Yes! Because, you see, we are supposed to be interested in other things. You know: shoe shopping, going out with the girls, having complicated relationships. The peer pressure is terrible!
All of this brings me to a story. My daughter works in a restaurant. An older waitress said that her husband, former English major that he is, has been writing a book for ten years. The book is literary fiction, and it’s all about his experiences growing up. The waitress thinks this is a boring subject – who wants to read about that? she says.
To which Daughter says: My mom’s writing a book, too.
Oh? says Waitress. What’s your mother writing about?
And Daughter says, Killer satellites.
Ahem.
Yep, it seems I am a female nerd. Okay, so I’ll own the name, and with good humor.
But only when it slips. Otherwise, I’m just a regular woman.
And in case you’re wondering, the answer is no; you won’t find find a pair of Spock ears anywhere in my house.
