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.

I’m happy to report that my short story “The Shaman’s Brother” is now appearing in MindFlights, an excellent online and print magazine that publishes short stories, poetry and essays which seek to illuminate spiritual truths.

(MindFlights has also contracted another story of mine, due to appear later this year.)