Like many writers, I have a *fan club*. No, not that kind of fan club. That kind of fan club. That’s right – a selective groups of stalker(s) in the great state of Pennsylvania. To be honest, I’m not even sure it’s more than one stalker, or if it’s just one person with a multitude of personalities. I’ve been vaguely introduced to three so far (people or personalities, not sure which).
Now the interesting bit about stalkers is they first start out by courting a relationship with you. Basically, in the first person’s case, by attempting to impose communication and a “relationship” with me. Not a romantic relationship mind you. No – just friendship. When I didn’t completely open myself up and let this person into my life, he became verbally abusive by insisting I’d cursed him. That was an outright paranoid, delusional fantasy. Not to mention offensive as hell. At that point I insisted we cut off all communication.
Then I received an e-mail from said person’s “brother” who apologized for the first person’s behavior and asked if I’d reconsider contact with the first person. I thanked the “brother” for the apology, but again stated no interest in further contact. And finally, I was contacted by a “woman” in PA who didn’t get an order from Lulu. So I went ahead and took care of Lulu’s screw up and sent the woman a couple books free of charge (which she had sent to Maryland). Next thing I know she’s complimenting my work (in a way that sounds strangely like the first guy and his initial complimentary e-mails) and in the next breath she’s suddenly making pot shots at me much like the first guy.
I guess having obsessive fans is all part of being a writer, but that’s messed up. So far I’ve started a file on this craziness and if it escalates or continues, I’ll turn it over to the proper authorities and at least make a report. And if it gets worse and conventional means don’t work I will take additional measures as necessary. Of course that’s never my first resort. I do have methods of distraction and deflection at my disposal that I can try first. 😉