We're both blogging about nerd-related topics today. I'm over at her place, talking about nerd conventions. Meanwhile, she's here today to talk about how much nerds rule!
The floor is yours, Stephanie!
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Thank you for having me today, Shelley!
Since the first time I saw the Internet, I’ve questioned the use of the term “nerd.” After all, the guys behind the technology we use every day are the same ones who were playing video games on their Commodore 64s in the 80s. We made fun of those guys then. Today…
We still make fun of them? Really?
Shows like The Big Bang Theory have tried to make a mockery out of super-smart people who lack any social sensibilities whatsoever. Sheldon and his team of physicist buddies dress up in superhero costumes, hang out at comic book stores, and spend way too much time on online role-playing games. In other words, typical “nerd” behavior.
But when you break it down, nerds are merely people who are passionate about their hobbies. The only difference is, a passionate interest in video games gets someone labeled a nerd, but a passionate interest in sports doesn’t. What’s the difference?
Both nerds and sports fans set their lives aside for events related to their hobbies.
Both nerds and sports fans dress in costume for events.
Both nerds and sports fans spend an excessive amount of time talking about their hobbies.
Of course, without the social skills necessary to make it into the top social cliques in school, nerds will likely always be seen as outcasts…until they graduate. At that point, they go on to excel in college, land top jobs, make six figures, and serve as presidents and CEOs of the companies that power the products you use every day.
Perhaps books like Shelley’s are the key to changing all that. Once kids start to realize nerds are a lot cooler than they seem on the surface, they might try to get to know them. They might realize nerds are much more interesting than they ever realized. Even if those nerds are their own dads.
Yes! As a nerd, I definitely hope that people will start to see that nerds aren't so different from non-nerds after all. Thanks, Stephanie!
Here's more about Stephanie's latest book (which I will be reading very soon -- can't wait! I loved her first book!):
Mia is used to feeling overlooked: her perfect older sister gets all the attention at home, and the popular clique at school are basically experts at ignoring her. So when it’s time for the annual Student Council chocolate rose sale, Mia is prepared to feel even worse. Because even though anyone can buy and send roses to their crushes and friends, the same (popular) people always end up with roses while everyone else gets left out.
Except a twist of fate puts Mia in charge of selling the roses this year—and that means things are going to change. With a little creativity, Mia makes sure the kids who usually leave empty-handed suddenly find themselves the object of someone’s affection. But her scheme starts to unravel when she realizes that being a secret matchmaker isn’t easy—and neither is being in the spotlight.
Stephanie is the author of 30 Days of No Gossip and 25 Roses, both with Aladdin M!x. When she isn’t crafting fiction, she writes for a variety of online websites on the topics of business, technology, and her favorite subject of all—fashion. She lives in Nashville with her husband, a sales executive.
Find Stephanie and her books here:
Buy (Autographed)
Buy (Amazon)
Website
Blog
24 comments:
Thank you for having me today, Shelley! I had so much fun writing this (and reading your book!).
What a cool thing to do, swap blog post. You girls are super cool.
I always thought that nerds were super smart people who didn't care for to fit in with the norm as they are alway busy in their head.
I would think that Einstein was a nerd. A pretty cool old man if you ask me....
Stephanie, you're one of a kind.
I think that you do so much to help other writers in your category of writing. You're awesome.
Hugs,
JB
Aww, thank you, Julia!
There's always been a negative connotation with the word "nerd," which I hate. I'm a nerd and a proud one! What's wrong with being passionate about something? NOTHING! :D That said, I do like the Big Bang Theory even though it portrays/plays on stereotypes because at least they make some of the "nerds" relatable.
I have never understood sports fans - how they get completely crazy and riled up, how they talk nonstop to anyone who will listen about their team. To me, that's worse than a "nerd" discussing their hobby, because at least I can relate on some level to things like Harry Potter, games or books. But sports? Eh.
I think it goes back to high school...but it's funny how those stereotypes remain long after the "nerd" has become the CEO of a major tech company and the "cool guy" runs the 7-Eleven down the street. Somehow you go back to your high school reunion and the 7-Eleven guy is STILL the hero... I find it fascinating how quickly you can fall back into those roles when you're around people from your youth.
Stephanie - It's great to have you here! Thanks for a fun post! And thank you SO much for your kind words about my book!
Julia - I can agree about nerds having a lot going on in their heads. At least that's my personal experience, as a nerd. :)
Julie - I'm a proud nerd, too, and I think (like Stephanie said) there isn't much difference between a stereotypical nerd and a non-nerdy person who is passionate about something.
Tiana - I'm really not into sports, so I can never join in the conversation when people talk about their favorite team. But I try to remember that there are plenty of things (books, for instance) that I'm into that other people don't get. :)
Stephanie - So true. Sometimes high school status still sticks in people's minds.
Gosh, I consider myself a history nerd and a sports fan. Not sure I should admit that.
I'm all for nerds at my sea. As I'm either a nerd or just plain crazy
TBM - That's really cool that you're a big fan of two things that are generally pretty different. I wonder if some history nerds can be as extreme as sports fans?
Pat - I can relate -- I'm probably both!
Maybe we're all "nerds" for something. I'd say I'm a book nerd! And if binge-watching TV shows on Netflix is a nerd-label-worthy activity, I'd say I definitely qualify on that count.
Great guest post, Stephanie! I agree, it really isn't fair that sports are an acceptable thing to geek-out over, while anything nerdy is looked down upon. People should be free to enjoy whatever makes them happy, without getting ridiculed for it!
Heather - Yup, I completely agree!
I agree! Many of us can relate to being judged for being avid readers when we were in school. That can label you as a "nerd," too...but look what it brings. Great books like Shelley's!
I'm cheering this post! Yay! Nerds are cool. I still get teased about it, but I'm okay with that now. I'm a proud geek. :) And every nerd should be proud too.
For any who haven't read 25 Roses, it is awesome. I loved it.
What a fun blog swap! I love how Stephanie points out that we all have hobbies we are passionate about and some people think certain hobbies are cooler than others (like sports). People who are often considered nerds are the people we need to thank for some of my favorite things- like books, technology, and lots more. :)
Awesome job, Stephanie!
25 Roses is excellent!
~Jess
Thank you guys! Yeah, I think most of us can relate because we have that same passion for reading and books. And we're cool!
Nerds are cool. I never understood how some people aren't passionate about at least one thing.
Christine - I'm a proud geek, too!
Sandra - Yay, I can't wait to read it!
Jess - You're right, the people we call nerds are the brains behind some really great things!
Cherie - Me too. It's normal to be passionate about things!
Excellent guest post! I guess I take the term "nerd" to mean "passionate" these days. Someone can be a football nerd or a video game nerd - either one is just as nerdy as the other.
Tyrean - I agree about the term "nerd". I don't think it's a bad thing at all!
I agree. "Nerd" is only a bad word when we make it that. I tell people I'm a nerd/geek when it comes to my iPhone all the time. I say it proudly!
I am a proud nerd as well, I loved this post! And I agree, Shelley's book may start changing things :)
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