Something to talk about

I've heard it from several people now - if I'm going to use their forum to talk about my book, I've got to do something more than just an "infomercial." I've got to do something more substantial than just stand up there and say, "Hi, buy my book."

Works for me. I'm a terrible pitchman. I don't like it when I have to sit through a sales pitch like that, and I sure don't want to inflict that on anyone else.

So what do I talk about, then? With Lunar Pioneers, I do have some options. One reason I wrote the book was because I think science fiction doesn't do enough to get kids interested in real science - Buzz Aldrin made a similar comment just recently. Another topic I might be able to talk has to do with my being more of a historical fiction writer - I like the idea Jane Yolen talked about once, of showing kids that history is a "living and continuous process." Since Lunar Pioneers is set in the reader's future, but touches on the reader's past, I feel like I'd have something to say about that, too.

Any other ideas?

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