Have you ever been faced with the prospect of meeting someone you admire, respect or (in the case of Chris Hardwick) have an enormous superficial Geek crush on and realize you have no idea how to act or what to say? Yes, this person, whomever it may be, is just a person but he or she is someone, if you know what I mean.
Last summer, I had the privilege to meet one of my favorite authors, Maria V. Snyder. Maria’s books are fun and well written with engaging plots and characters you care about immediately. The best part for me is that we attended the same program at Seton Hill University giving me a personal connection, in a way.
While attending the annual In your Write Mind writing retreat I came in contact with her several times and, by the way, she was very nice over the course of the weekend. The first time we met I told her how wonderful her books are and that I’ve basically started the Minnesota chapter of her fan club since everyone I recommend the books to end up loving them. I was gushing but trying not to and in the end I felt awkward. Part of me wonders if I felt this way because I didn’t let my geek flag fly and nerd out to her about how much I loved her books.
Is there an age when gushing is no longer cute and instead seems desperate? As in, I have no life of my own so I emmerse myself in the world you created and meeting you is the penultimate moment in my so far pathetic life? Okay, maybe it’s not that dire, but the point has been made.
Which brings me to this: If I was a” known” individual, whether it be through film, TV, or novels, would I want a fan gushing over me?
Of course I would…but I also recognize that it might get old, which, is why I hold back, I think. Since I will be seeing Maria again and again at retreat, I’m guessing that will flush itself out.
But what do I do about Chris Hardwick?
Tomorrow night, my husband and I are going to the Acme Comedy Company in Minneapolis, MN to see Chris Hardwick perform. I admit, I have a HUGE geek crush on him. I think he’s adorable. If he comes out after the show to meet the pleebs, you can bet I’ll be there, camera in hand to have my picture taken with him.
Do I gush? Do I play it cool? What do I say? What do I do? Look at me, I’m all verklempt.
In the end I’ll probably say something bland and awkward since you’re never funny when you want to be. I’ll certainly post about it Friday–hopefully, with picture!