My hero….
13 October 2013
Filed under Book Reviews
Tags: Fortunately the Milk, Neil Gaiman, Neverwhere, The Marquis de Carabas, The Sandman
Neil Gaiman – what a legend! I already was prepared to adore him from afar loving virtually everything that he writes but following today he’s gone even further up the adoration ladder, in fact he’s beyond the ladder (there’s a book title in there somewhere!)
Anyway, this weekend has just become officially awesome. I went this afternoon to see a reading of Fortunately the Milk by Neil Gaiman, whilst I admit that this book is not aimed at me I was so looking forward to going and seeing Gaiman and he certainly doesn’t disappoint. I had no idea what to expect as I’ve never been to a reading before! But we were treated to a short introduction followed by a reading of the first two or three chapters of FtM, Q&A and then what turned into a mega book signing!
Basically he’s a great narrator. Plus he tells such wonderful little stories about where he came up with the inspiration for some of his stories together with answering questions with real warmth and feeling, relating previous experiences and basically simply charming the audience. On top of this he doesn’t rush through the signings – he makes everyone’s dedication personal and unique, takes time for photos and draws little characters galore! Okay, it was a long wait in queue but he was still there signing away when I left and chatting easily with people – like I said a hero!
So, I learned that:
- next year (don’t know the release date) there will be six more Sandman novels, one released every two months, prequels to the original Sandman and giving the story of Morpheus, before his capture – and why he was so easily caught (sorry, Gaiman gave a much more eloquent description of this than I just did!
- There are going to be a series of novels (I think 3?) in which we will again be able to read about the Marquis de Carabas – can’t wait for those – and more about London Below – particular mention to the Shepherds of Shepherds Bush was made
- I’m sorry but I’ve forgotten any other news because my brain went to mush.
- and, I didn’t ask any questions because I was just too nervous – I so wanted to ask about The Ocean at the End of the Lane but I just totally wimped out
A photo of my signed book and a question – would it be silly to sleep with this book underneath my pillow! (Probably more uncomfortable than silly)
The conclusion: Gaiman = gushing, fangirlyness. Plus he’s completely spoiled me now for any future book readings!
Books and travelling with Lynn 
Brilliant!! I do love that book. So glad it was a good event – sad I couldn’t make both!
I know – you would have loved it and I would have loved your event but what can you do! Think I could become addicted to book readings – this afternoon was so good! Even waiting in queue – let’s face it you’re just surrounded by like minded people so colour me happy!
Lynn 😀
I will have to look into his work, Lynn!! Thanks for the tip!! How fun for you!
Hey, it’s a pity you weren’t there – I’m sure your pics would have been great. I took a couple but they didn’t turn out well unfortunately (I’m such an amateur)
Lynn 😀
I’m glad to hear you had such a great time. I really should read more by Gaiman but after being disappointed by Stardust I have not braved any other novel of his (on his own anyway).
He’s not for everyone I suppose. I just love his sense of humour and his incredible imagination. You read Good Omens didn’t you? He was telling a funny story tonight about Pratchett and their time together spent writing the book. He was just really good fun – which is difficult when you’re standing up on a stage and the only one doing the talking!
Lynn 😀
I did read Good Omens and really enjoy it but wasn’t sure if that was mainly because I love Pratchett so much.
I felt like I could distinguish in that book which author was responsible for certain bits – not all – but a few. It was nice to hear him speak about Pratchett.
Lynn 😀
Marquis de Carabas books!!! I’m dying here, he’s my favourite!
Gaiman is soo nice. I have had Season of Mists, Dream Hunters and Stardust signed by him, on the three times he has visited Finland, many years ago.
I was sort of star struck to be honest. I didn’t even know what to say when I went up with my book but he was really cool and just took it and drew a picture. Plus, he was like diving off the stage to sign books for people who couldn’t get up there. He just seemed really ‘normal’ and yet far from it at the same time.
Yes – was well pleased to hear there would be more of the Marquis – he’s my favourite too!
Lynn 😀
Oooh! I’m jealous. Also super excited about the Marquis de Carabas novels.
I know – I never expected him to give us news of what he’s planning next so it was excellent! I’m pretty certain that he said there would be three books – although whether they’re all about the Marquis I don’t know. I should have kept notes I think because we were told what the name of the series was but I’m struggling to remember, other than writing about the Marguis and Shepherd’s Bush and I’m sure the series had the word ‘rogue’ in there – but I could have just made that bit up!
Lynn 😀
That’s great!!!! Where was he? Lucky you! 🙂
It was great, thanks and made even more so for being part of the Manchester Literary Festival so just a half hour journey for me. I definitely consider myself lucky.
Lynn 😀
oh that’s great! 🙂
Thanks, it was a pretty excellent day out to say the least.
Lynn 😀
I’m so jealous!
It was pretty awesome. I think I could become addicted to meeting favourite authors!
Lynn 😀
yay for more Marquis de Carabas novels! i feel a little silly afterwards, but I love that feeling of being Starstruck. Gaiman has got to know by now that he’s a total rockstar, so it’s nice that he’s just a normal guy.
I thought he was lovely and so good to listen to – not to mention very natural and funny! Clearly I have a little author crush!
Yes, I was like a giddy school girl – couldn’t even bring myself to ask a question – my voice would have just gone, I know it. And, I was so nervous beforehand – what that’s all about I don’t know, it’s not like I was on the stage after all. It was great though and I could become addicted to meeting my favourite authors – need Lynch to come to the UK now!
Lynn 😀
yup, that’s a schoolgirl crush alright . . . and I should know! and oh, the addiction to meeting your favorite authors? it is a real thing, and the only cure is, well, meeting more favorite authors! 😀 Get Gollancz to bring Mr. Lynch to your side of the pond!
Oh my god, more Sandman AND the Marquis? 😀
I’m so glad you got to meet him! And I love the fact that he takes his time book-signing. He doesn’t have to, but it just makes me like him a thousand times more than I already do to know that he does. 🙂
I know – and agree completely. It was such a good day and yes, I think I also like him a thousand times more now.
Lynn 😀
Did you say three Marquis de Carabas novels? Oh wow, oh wow, oh wow! So glad you went (and insanely jealous)! That’s awesome. And I love his signature.
Well, whether all three are about the Marquis I don’t know – but I know at least one is and I’m certain he said there would be three books altogether! I really hope that that’s right – I should have taken notes. But he defo said the Marquis and visiting the Shepherd’s of Shepherd’s Bush so I was really excited.
Lynn 😀
What a great event to be a part of! And thanks for the news!
I have yet to read Sandman…enjoyed Neverwhere…not so keen on Good Omens (made it only halfway through and stopped).
I recently saw an autographed copy of The Ocean at the End of the Lane (which I loved, btw) at a bookstore here in Bangkok. It said there were only 1,000 signed copies of the book and this was number 58 if I’m not mistaken. I didn’t like the signature though, just a scribble – it seemed impersonal, cold somehow, so I didn’t buy it. But he drew a picture on your book, now what’s very nice!
He personalised everyone’s signatures and dedications and took time out to let them have pictures. Yes, it meant the wait was longer but it was well worth it and the thing is his time spent there was longer than anyone’s elses after all because at the end of the day he had to stay for the last one!
Lynn 😀
That signed book is so damn awesome! Plus more Sandman is always a good thing!
I know – and I haven’t read all the Sandman novels yet so I was thinking I need to catch up – but actually I don’t because they’re going to be prequels. It’s all good.
Lynn 😀
Wow, that sounds fab. It’s nice that he takes the time to really connect with people, rather than just being a signature production line.
As a Gaiman, please help me. Of his books i have only read American Gods. I really enjoyed it, and want to read more of his work, but… where should i start?
Well, most people seem to enjoy his Graveyard Book. I’m not sure if the audience for this is much younger but it is a good book (his inspiration for the story was the Jungle book and you pick that up when you’re reading). Neverwhere is also a really good book with London Below – which is a great concept. Stardust and Coraline have both been made into films which you might have seen?? I love the Coraline film – probably even more than the book. It’s so creepy in parts and also so visually pleasing. I haven’t read American Gods yet so I’m not sure what to compare that too – is it a bit of a dark novel? Good Omens is another popular novel – I wasn’t a massive fan of that one although I thought it started off well. It’s a joint work with Pratchett and has a lot of humour. It was interesting to hear him talk about the collaboration and how it came about.
Lynn 😀
[…] experiences from his childhood. I absolutely loved your fangirl post about Neil Gaiman! ”My Hero” And that’s so cool he drew in your autographed copy! If your life could be summed […]