The Most Asked

A week or so ago, I went to dinner with some friends, one of which I only see once a year. After the initial catching up, he asked the inevitable question.

"What's your book about?"

I really don't like this question. Yet it is the one most asked.

And now you are going, "Woah Chels, YOU ask this question!"

Why, yes, yes I do and then I open up the cover and read the little synopsis and decide whether or not I want to read it. I understand the question; I understand why it is asked. But I hate it.

And here's why.

When people ask this question are they wanting to know the events/characters/plot or do they want to know what the book is about?

Because it's often after I read I book that I realize that what it is about and what is in the inside of the cover are two different things.

My book is about the the bond of brotherhood, of friendship no matter what happens. But that's not what my friend wanted to know. Nope, he wanted to know what happens in the book, so as to decide whether or not it would be interesting or not.

In that case my answer is: Well, two boys go sailing around on the ocean searching for Book of Merlin, and along the way discover secrets about themselves.

(They of course wanted more details, but I told them they would have to wait till it's published)

I guess what really bothers me about the whole "What's it about?" question is that most of the time I feel like people are pushing me. (I hate being pushed. It kicks my stubborn into gear and then I'm a pain in the butt to everyone involved) I don't know exactly what my book is about because I haven't finished writing it yet! It could change from one page to the next. My only concern is getting my thoughts onto paper, writing the story as I go. 

(Now I realize that this is my writing style and does not work nor apply to everyone. But I honestly think it is because I write this way that I have such a problem with people asking what my stories are about)