south of the pacific

there's one question i've been getting asked a lot lately that makes me cringe every time. so, how's the book going? it's like the writer's equivalent of so, how have you been?. it's a nothing question. i don't know how to respond to nothing questions. nothing questions are formed from words people say when they think a silence needs filling. nothing questions taste like styrofoam. nothing questions are a waste of time.

i know i'm carrying on, but this is my venting forum, so i'll let you know when i'm done. you see, i'm the kind of person who, if i'm having a bad day and someone asks me 'how are you', generally deflects with a 'yeah, you know'. or if i can't be bothered saying more than one word in response, i substiture with a long, drawn-out, high-pitched 'yeeeeah.' it generally gets a laugh and deflects the glaring fact that the question was mere filler and should never have been asked in the first place. i don't like smalltalk.

now, back to the point. how can i answer a question like 'how's the book going?'? here are some answers i may have already given, and some i wish i could (you decide which is which) -
- it's out there.
- yeah good.
- i don't know.
- it's selling so fast that it has its own aisle at borders.
- it's not even on the shelves at borders.
- hang on, i'll find out now for you.
- yeeeeah.
- what book?

i don't mean to sound unappreciative, i really am flattered that poeple want to know and feel compelled to ask me. but that's a question that i just can't answer.
on the other hand, i have been getting emails and comments left on my blogs from people who have read the book, and these i chrerish. apart from being specific (which really is the issue here, i guess), they feel more sincere. i am amazed that people are taking the time to do it. thank you!