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 .

Here is a thing you learn when you write a book: People are really nice. 

(c) Amy Gutierrez

For example, that most-excellent photo was taken by my friend Amy Guiterrez. She was one of the dozens of extremely kindhearted people who showed up to the first-ever public event for Revenge of the Star Survivors. 
 

Those people not only showed up, they actually bought the book. Sometimes multiple copies. And to my face, they said nice things. 

How did I reward them? Well, I made them listen to me talk for a long time. And then I made them look like dorks in public. Here's the view from where I stood: 

Another thing you learn when you write a book is that when you appear before a crowd of people and tell them to, say, re-enact a moment from the story and have them do a Star Survivors salute -- touch two fingers to your heart and then, thumb extended, hold your right hand up and point toward the stars  -- they will actually do it. 

I think this is awesome. I think they are awesome. Thanks, everyone! I hope it was as much fun for you as it was for me.