You Know You’re A Sci-Fi Fan When…

1. You Can Name At Least A Dozen Alien Species — Clawdite, Kryptonian, Medusan, Klingon, Technet, Krillitane, Pyronite, Na’vi, Korugarian, Draenei, Ewok, Zerg. I gave my list, now it’s your turn!
2. The New Star Wars Trailer Has 20 Million Views And You Wonder If Half Were Yours — Insert latest Sci-fi film into the equation and we could all probably testify to watching them on repeat at least a few times. Part of the attraction of Sci-fi is the wonder of what will happen. Movie trailers provide us with a lot of wonder and are often better than the film itself!
3. You Read Dune Annually — I’ll readily admit to reading Dune as often as I can. This classic piece of Sci-fi literature is just right to digest annually, or however frequently your appetite desires. For authors like myself, there may be no greater inspiration.
4. You Have a Slight Hoarding Problem with Marvel or DC Comics — Let’s face it. Most Sci-fi fans have at least a small collection of comic paraphernalia. Our parents and spouses may have asked us to throw it out, but there’s always a hidden drawer somewhere that’s beginning to overflow. It’s hard to pass up that incredible set of magnetic Green Lantern toys — especially when they have moving parts and googly eyes!
5. You Suspect Your Neighbor Has a Faraday Cage in His Basement to Hide His Robotic Research — Why, yes, my neighbor is a mad scientist. I know it’s true because I’ve seen him repeatedly enter the exterior basement doors with odd shaped boxes while checking to see if anyone is watching. Plus, he knows an awful lot about mechanical engineering to simply be a grocer.
6. You Know What “Arcology” Is — And if you don’t, you looked it up just now only to realize you did know what it was, but had never seen it spelled out before. Those Lego kits were not just toys, they were preparation for futuristic city planners. And it’s a good thing too, because life as we know it is about. to. end.

What To Do About It…

The list above reflects several common habits and traits of science fiction fanatics. If you felt that 5 or more of these items apply to you, then you’re surely a Sci-fi fan.

We’re different, and that’s ok. Greet me with the Vulcan hand sign and I’ll likely return the gesture. It’s fun to meet others with similar interests. The Sci-fi jargon gives our conversations a little whim and seasoning.

Like any other special hobby or interest, there will be times when it may be best to leave the light saber at home. However, if you’re looking for a community to express yourself, there are several fabulous options:

• Online blogs, forums, and social sites. Check out my recent post on the best Sci-fi blogs for a few places to start.
• Comic Con. This annual convention focuses on all things comic and cartoon related. And since the world of animation has no limits, that naturally includes many Sci-fi elements. Plan to visit Comic Con in San Diego for an incredible experience of meeting other fans, authors and artists, and costumed characters.
• Book and movie clubs. Browse the post-it boards at the back of your favorite coffee shop or bookstore to see if there are any reading of film clubs in your area.
• Alien abduction. It’s bound to happen to the best of us, and when it does there will be plenty of other abductees to exchange experiences.

Did you enjoy this article? Share with a fellow Sci-fi fan for a few good laughs and head over to my website, www.leifericksonwriting.com to pick up some new sci-fi to read today!