Do you know the answer? (book blog 6)

Every week this summer, I'm sharing something new about my book, Social Skills is Canceled, which will be released on July 30. I'm also sharing parts of the journey as it unfolds.

(Check out previous posts about the dedication, the preface, an excerpt, the cover, and the characters.)

I don't love social media in general, but I think Facebook groups are absolutely amazing. Any time I'm doing something new, I join every Facebook group that I can find about that thing. I usually end up leaving a lot of them because they aren't the best fit for me, but I always stick with the keepers. 

I try to be as helpful as possible in the groups I'm in. The 'give more than you take' mentality. There is always someone asking a question that I know the answer to, or at least have a thought about that I can share, if I look carefully enough. 

Not only are we all in different places in life, we all have different experiences and perspectives. That means that everyone knows things other people don't! Isn't that a cool thought?

I recently realized that I have started answering questions in writing and self-publishing groups.

Me. The person who just started writing a book in February. As in 5 months ago. The person whose book hasn't even published yet.

But despite my inexperience, I have learned so much on this journey that I am now in a position to help others, even if they are further ahead than I am. Even if they have been on the journey longer than I have.

You have this ability as well. You can help other people with all kinds of things, because there will always be people who don't know what you know!

In Social Skills is Canceled, all three main characters struggle with social skills. AND, all three main characters have things they can teach each other because they have different experiences and knowledge bases. 

This is how it works at Starfish Social Club, too. Each student knows things that others don't yet know, and each student struggles with things that others can do more easily. 

It makes for an amazing group dynamic when no one is the best or the worst! We all are where we are, able to help others and able to accept help from others.

Now get out there and help someone with what you know!

And now for this week's book sneak peak...

Here's an excerpt showcasing how the students in the book are able to help each other because they each have a different skillset and knowledge base.

Square took a deep breath and quietly said, “I can talk about the weekend.” 

“All right!” exclaimed Triangle. “Let's do this! I'll go first since I'm the best at conversations! This weekend I'm going to a comic book show with my dad and my brother.” 

Circle looked at him and smiled. Square was looking at the floor. 

“You guys!” exclaimed Triangle, looking at Circle, then Square, then Circle again. “You have to say something!” 

“Oh!” said Circle. “Let me think of something to say. Hmm….” There was a pause while Circle thought. "My favorite animal is a cat. What's yours?" 

Triangle groaned and fell back on the floor. His arms and legs were spread out like a star. 

"I think he wants you to say something about what he said," Square whispered to Circle. "He said he's going to a comic book show. Can you think of something you can say about that?" 

"Oh, okay. Well, I've never been to a comic book show.”  

“Circle, that was a great comment to make.” said Square. “You should remember that when you're talking. You have to say something to show people that you're listening and paying attention. If you say something random, people think you weren't listening to them.”  

“Okay!” exclaimed Circle excitedly. “I can do that!” Rock, rock. 

Triangle sat up. I'm supposed to be the one helping them! he thought. “Square, your turn. You have to say something, too.” 

Square took a deep breath. Very quietly he asked, “What's your favorite comic book?” 

“That's such an easy question!” Triangle shouted. “My favorite comic book is Night of the Secret Martians!”  

It was quiet again.  

They are talking about comic books. What can I say about comic books? Circle wondered. After a few moments, she thought of something. “Square, what's your favorite comic book?” Rock, rock. 

Square’s eyes lit up. “I love Hamster Hero. He is my favorite comic book character. My uncle gave me a Hamster Hero T-shirt for Christmas.” Tap, tap, tap. Talking about Hamster Hero was exciting!  

Then Square froze. What if they think Hamster Hero is dumb? Why did I say that?  

Triangle put his hands on his hips. “I thought we were talking about my weekend and my favorite comic book!” he said. His voice went up and down, like he was singing a song. 

“Sorry, Triangle.” Square lowered his head. He felt embarrassed. No one thought I said something dumb, but Triangle is upset about something else. I'm not sure I want to do this anymore. I can't seem to say anything right. 

“No, Triangle,” said Circle. “A conversation is about everybody, not just you. If you want Square to care about what you like, you have to show him that you care about what he likes, too." 

Square looked at Circle and immediately felt better. She doesn't think I did anything wrong, he noticed. 

“But what if I don't know anything about what the other person is talking about?” asked Triangle. “Or even worse, what if I don't care about what they're talking about?” 

“Hmmm,” said Circle, “that's a good question.”  

Square nodded in agreement. That IS a good question. 

They all sat quietly for a bit. No one knew the answer to that very good question. 

You can learn more about the book here: Social Skills is Canceled: A Story for Kids with Autism, ADHD, and Anxiety

 I'll see you again next week!

With love,

Steph 

PS. You can learn more about our school year groups (in person and via Zoom) and join the waiting list for August here: social groups

PPS. I'm having a Zoom book launch party!

I may be having in-person launch event scheduled in San Antonio, but I definitely will be having a Zoom launch party the day the book releases! I hope you can make it!

Also, I have one surprise coming that day and possibly a second one if I can pull it off! (My track record for pulling things off is pretty good, so I think I can make it happen. :) )