How to Survive a Dragon Attack
It’s Day Two of Robot Week, a celebration of all things Robots!
Welcome to the future, where robots are more than just machines—they can be our best friends! Ready to turn your metal companion into your new BFF? Here’s your guide to befriending a robot, inspired by the charming characters from TJ Klune’s In the Lives of Puppets.
Here’s our expert advice on surviving:
Step 1: Get to Know Your Bot
Just like humans, robots have their own backstories and personalities. Spend some time understanding your robot’s programming and quirks. For example:
Nurse Ratched: A fiercely protective yet slightly overbearing medical robot.
Rambo: An anxious and adorable vacuum robot with a heart of gold.
Hap: A mysterious and complex android with memory loss.
See? Robots can have personalities, too. Embrace them, quirks and all!
Step 2: Speak Their Language
Robots appreciate straightforward communication. Keep your commands clear and concise, just like Victor and his robot family communicate in Klune’s book. No need for fancy language—simplicity is key!
Some examples for you to noodle on:
“Engaging Empathy Protocol. That was very nice of you to say. You are wonderful. Disengaging Empathy Protocol. Idiot.”
“I am a lady, and I told you no. Learn to respect my boundaries. If you do not, your ending will not be swift nor without pain.”
“I am offended you consider me a kidnapper. I like to think it was more of an enthusiastic recruitment.”
“I would be impressed except I do not find idiocy impressive.”
“Please do not hold your applause. I need validation.”
Starting to get it?
Step 3: Be Patient and Persistent
Creating a bond with a robot takes time, okay? Look at Nurse Ratched! She is quite unconventional — like when offering painful medical procedures, but her intentions aren’t all that bad (though they may be threatening). Meanwhile, Rambo, a neurotic vacuum cleaner, seeks constant reassurance and affection. Vic learns that understanding and embracing these peculiarities, rather than resisting them, deepens their bonds.
So remember, whether it’s enduring Nurse Ratched’s overzealous health care or providing Rambo with the validation he craves, patience and persistence are your best tools for nurturing a lasting friendship with your robot!
You Did It!
And there you have it! These three steps will help you forge a wonderful and perhaps unexpectedly heartfelt friendship with the robots in your life, taking a leaf from the delightful interactions in TJ Klune’s In the Lives of Puppets.
We’re excited to share a specially curated playlist to celebrate the paperback release of Heartsong, the third book in TJ Klune’s beloved Green Creek Series! 
