Inkwell: Authors and Artists

    
Wow!! Oh so jealous of and excited for all of you who have made it to
the signings! Gonna sit here and twiddle my thumbs some more until my
book arrives... *grrrrrr* 

Dan Guy - Great fan boy story. Thanks for sharing! I think the tongue
tied factor is high for most of us... if anyone's been able to talk to
Neil coherently the first time you've met him, please raise your hand.
^_^; (I think I just said "thank you" a whole lot... ^_^;)

Mary - Yay!!!! *starts humming and probably won't be able to get the
theme out of her head tonight* So whadja think? *^O^* When you're a bit
less traumatized, do check out the movie. ^_- (Yes it's FABULOUS
too!!!)

-- Mimi, hugging her long weekend *woohoo!*
  

    
Michelle - How was the Death Guild fundraiser? The show I went to last
night went until 11:30, and there was a call for "just one drink" that
ended up with us closing the bar... so I didn't make it. (What does it
say about me that when given the choices of fire dancing and
Thunderdome, a hot tub of debauchery with the mostly female cast of
Trojan Women, and getting drinks with a few friends... I end up doing
the drinks with a few friends?)
I think I'm getting old.
  

    
I meant to mention that I stopped in the science-fiction store half a block
north of Modern Times bookstore on Valencia in San Francisco.  Big stand of
AG in the front, and someone has taken the time to cover all of them with
those tough clear mylar cover-protecting sleeves you get in libraries.
  

    
Okay. I just got back from the Cleveland signing. It was sort of a
bitter-sweet thing. The reading was wonderful, of course. He read a
chunk of the first chapter here as well. He had such a presence when he
walked up the the podium! Very overwhelming and fun. People asked very
silly questions at the Q&A, but he brought up the pumpkin story and
other funny things to talk about that made it great.
And then.
The signing.
We had gotten there two and a half hours early and we still ended up
in group three, so I had too much time to worry about passing out or
peeing (I was very proud of myself---I did neither) There were millions
of people there! I mean, I knew there were going to be a lot of people
but damn! I think even he was surprised at the masses. So we had to
write our names on post-it notes. When it was finally my turn. He
looked at the tag and I said "I'm Erynn from The Well." He looked at me
and said: "Well, you could have been someone getting the book signed
for Erynn...you never know." He didn't catch it. I think he thought I
said something else. I was screaming in my head. "NO! I said I'm Erynn
From THE WELL!" but I don't think anything actually came out. I managed
to utter "thank you" and was pushed along. My friends behind me talked
to him more and had funny witty things to say. They've only been fans
for like, two weeks. I was so jealous. My ex-roommate George asked him
to write something insulting. Neil laughed and wrote "Something rude
and insulting love, Neil" George was also getting a book signed for his
girlfriend and Neil said "Would you like me to write something
insulting to her too?" and George said "Sure go ahead" so he
wrote:"Actually, this isn't rude or insulting at all." 
I wish I had clever things to say. I wish he would have recignized the
spelling of my name or hear me. We got a group picture taken and
afterwards when I realized that he indeed didn't know who I was I ran
to my husband Jess who was further back in group four. I told Jess to
explain who he was and say something about The Well, and I would be
standing on the side lines so Neil could go "Oh It's you." So I waited.
When it came to be Jess' turn a very rude and insulting bitch in front
of him wouldn't stop talking....she talked and talked while Neil
signed Jess' book. He didn't even get to say hi. I could have killed
her. So then we left and ate. Everything happened so fast. Faster than
I expected. I should have spoken up. My voice has a tendencey to become
ten octaves higher when I'm nervous. Silly me. Anyway, it was fun and
I enjoyed it greatly...I just wish he would have heard the "Erynn from
the Well" part.  AH well. Next time, next time. 
Neil did look pretty beat. I think he said he only got a few hours of
sleep and ate bad hamburgers the night before. But even when he's beat,
he's still charming as ever.
Happy day:)
  

    
Would it make you feel any better if it turned out your friend George was
the 78th person to get him to write "something rude and insulting"?  Because
that's probable....

Yeah, when he passes through here in a couple of days I expect to get three
intelligible words out of him, after he's parceled out his remaining energy
for the fans.  Just as long as he doesn't make himself sick!
  

    
Erynn- Oh, I'm so sorry! But he was already exhausted at Lex
yesterday. They were late getting there, and there were already
hundreds of people ahead of me... times two sigs each, and pics, and
accepting gifts... I couldn't do it, and I don't know how he can,
either.
I had 2 books for other people, and the first post-it was for "Patty".
He looked up when I said "Hey, Neil, I'm going to be SO embarrassed if
you don't recognize me" and only looked confused. Then he said, "I'm
confused, you're not Patty!" 
After explaining the whole books for other people thing, I said,
"Neil, it's JANELL." So he said of course he knew that, and was sweet,
and it was all over so quickly.
He really does try, Erynn. It's doubtful he even has the energy to
hear what people are saying anymore, and weeks left to go on the
signings... 
  

    
Oh, is any one else having trouble getting to Neil's website? I keep
getting a "refused by the server" alert.
  

    
Martha - Which store are you turning up at then? I need to know where
to bring stuff for *you* to sign. :)

JaNell - I like your 'signing stuff for other people' better than
mine. I was being distracted by thingies (because we can be easily
distracted by each other). I set down the book. Neil asked if this copy
was for me and I nodded and smiled and said "uh huh" while paying
attention to the thingie mob on the sidelines. Took a full second to
realize what I had said and shouted "Wait! No! It's for ED!" and Neil
very nearly dropped the pen. Luckily he had only drawn the first letter
of "for" or "to", so the signature was completely saved. Still... I
should pay more attention.

Mimi - (Raised hand) But I don't really count, since when I'm *never*
altogether coherent when I'm not nervous. I think the first signing I
went to I just stood there for a bit, thinking I should say something,
but not knowing what. So I eventually blurted out a belated thank you
for something of mine he had signed earlier (long before I had ever met
him), and he remembered signing it, related the story of signing it,
and left me bouncing off to the car which I then nearly rolled over
someone with because I forgot it was a stick shift and stalled it on
Haight. <-- see, not coherent...

Erynn - It just means you'll have to go to another signing later and
try again. :)

Dan W - Ask me about the fundraiser in a few days when I'm more
recovered from it and not still cranky from not sleeping and then
freezing and then not sleeping again. On the bright side, I'm sure the
people who weren't working it had a blast all night.

squeaks, who discovered the perils of getting stuck in traffic driving
a 'mad max' boat... er, car <-- Cadillac = boat (to me).
  

    
Janell-I don't know how he does it either. I would be out of my
mind...I understand why he didn't know it was me. I'm just mad at
myself for not speaking up more.

Michelle- Yes, I will have to go to many more signings....after about
100, maybe I'll say something witty or interesting. 

I think NeilGaiman.com is having technical difficulties because to my
dismay, I'm getting the "web site not responding" thingy.

Okay...tired from all the excitment today. 
Nitey-nite!
  

    
Erynn, and All
I just e-mailed one of Neil's assistants about neilgaiman.com being
down... hopefully she can let them know, in case they haven't noticed,
which they should have by now. 
Maybe it's psychically linked to Neil, and is just exhausted...
  

    
Hello there.  I am an inconsistent lurker (thus this is by email), but
felt compelled to write after I realized that I'd very stupidly missed a
great opportunity during the Lexington signing.  JaNell, I was standing
directly behind you in the signing line.  I even watched you write your
name on the little post-it...but did it even occur to me that you were
THIS JaNell?  I can be amazingly thick sometimes.  I apologize.  I hadn't
lurked here before I went to the signing, or I might have been
prepared...but certainly I *could* have been a decent person and spoken
anyway!!!  I'm afraid I was feeling quite ill, though: I've been sickly
for over a year and I'm afraid it's turned me into a bit of a recluse.  
In fact, I'm amazed that I managed to take myself to Lexington (I live in
a nowhere-burg about 2 hours away), but the magnetic pull of Neil was far
too strong to be resisted.  Rather like a planet.  But *HOW* did they get
him to Lexington?  Does anyone know??
  
In any case, I should have been more friendly (would that have taken our
minds off of our feet??)--especially after I read that you'd recently had
nerve and muscle function tests recently...I've had a number of them, I
could have totally commiserated.  Ah me.  But your gift for Neil was
wonderful (especially now I've read the first bit of AG!!). This
foolishness on my part is the last straw, I think--I must be more social!!  
So I'm thinking about joining up here.  What does everyone think...is
there room for one overread hermit?

Thanks (and sorry!!), 
Rebecca
  

    
Re: Neil's exhaustion...I was *very* impressed at how Neil was holding
up...or at least at how good of an actor he is.  The reading was
smooth and perfect.  He answered questions he had been asked many times
before with grace and charm, and was pleasant and socialable.  If I
were doing a signing tour (okay, so I haven't written anything, but
bear with me) I would be cranky, mean, and half dead by this time. 
Congrats to Neil and his ability to act better than human on his
ceaseless tour.

Hehehe.  There was a girl at the signing that I found to be somewhat
annoying.  She asked me when I started reading Neil, and I told her it
was after Neverwhere had come out in paperback.  She wrinkled up her
nose, and said "Oh.  You're new." in such a way that indicated that
"new" somehow equaled not good enough to even sit behind her.  I just
told her that I had caught up rather quickly, and left it at that.  I
was further disapointed in her when she asked "Why did you stop writing
Sandman" during the Q&A.  It had seemed fairly obvious to me, seeing
as he had talked about it many times in many places.  While I certainly
didn't mind hearing Neil himself talk about it, it might have been fun
to hear about something new.  When it came to be her turn in the
signing, I saw her grab hold of Neil's face and bring her's towards it
with every intent of kissing him full on the lips, complete with
"mmmmmwaah" sounds. I was appaled.  It was one thing to perhaps try to
hug Neil, but to plop a kiss on his lips on your first meeting?  Those
are his lips, damnit.  Luckily, Neil quickly turned his face, and her
kiss landed right on his cheek.  She looked kind of embarrased.  I
thought it was a fitting end for her, and I was fully satisfied.  Thank
you, Neil, for quickly turning away.  And...if the girl at the signing
ends up reading this, I'm sorry I came away thinking so poorly of you.
 Perhaps you are a wonderful person who got caught up in the
Neil-meeting spirit.

I had so many things I wanted to say to Neil when I got to him.  I
wanted to tell him how my mom has been sick, and how I read Stardust
and Dream Hunters to her over and over in the emergency rooms and when
things were really bad...how much she loves being read to, and how his
words make her smile...and how much better she is doing.......instead I
couldn't think about anything but his new jacket, and so I told him I
liked it.  Ahhh!  Thankfully he didn't think it was too stupid of a
thing to say and just said "Yes, it's very nice, isn't it?" 

Just finished American Gods today.  I had been attempting to slowly
savor it, but it just became too hard.  I am SO blown away.  Wow.  Wow.
 I had been thinking up until the last four or so chapters that it was
very good, but not quite his best, and worried that maybe all the
fantastic reviews had me expecting too much...I should have known
better.  It is fantastic.  I wish I could talk about it here, but I
wish no spoilers upon anyone.

Angelina (who is still rather excited about yesterday's events.)  
  

    
One Last Thing:  Rebecca:  Always room for an overread hermit! 
Always!
  

    
Erynn, I'm a very bad planner-aheader.  I haven't even looked up the info to
remind myself where the heck Neil's going to be when--
  

    
Erynn-That's so sad about the signing. Im afraid I'm gonna be too
nervous to say anything to Neil. I was perhaps gonna say, "Remember me
from the Well? I posted like three times in March and have just now
reappeared. But I think the stories of Neil's exhaustion have convinced
me to just try to say something about how much I love his work. :}
wish me luck...

Angelina-Im glad that made you happy (about Death) Im trying to get a
website up in the next couple weeks and I'll put the picture up there. 
I can't believe that girl at your signing!  How could any *real* fan
ask about ending Sandman? Now I'm more determined to come up with a
good question to try to ask...And then the kiss!  I was
blushing-embarassed when I had my picture taken with Neil and I stepped
in a bit too close (he was sitting and I was standing) anyhow his head
sort of collided with my err, bust area. Oops! I was so nervous and
quite a clutz. I can't imagine doing anything like that on purpose let
alone kissing him!!!  Sheesh. That makes me mad and I wasn't even
there. 

Well, I'd write more, but I really am trying to finish the book before
I go to the signing tomorrow.  If any of you happen to make it to the
Seattle signing come introduce yourself! I have long blonde hair and
will be likely standing next to a guy with dark curly black hair and a
black leather jacket (and I don't mean Neil :) but my boyfriend)

--Blythe
  

    
Oh Erynn, I am sorry. I just didn`t hear you. 

Anyone else -- if we`re doing post-in notes, just write down "Martha
Soukup From The Well" (if your name happens to be Martha) on the
post-it, to make it easy for me...

Two days of catching what sleep I can in cars and planes and on
couches is done with -- and just fetched up in a real hotel in Seattle
where I actually get a night`s sleep.

Hand hurts a bit. Signed many many many books over the last few days.
Neilgaiman.com seems to be down right now -- I don`t think there`s
anyone who fixes these things on Sundays...

Washington Post review:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/style/books/A31265-2001Jun21.html

wish me luck, all of you...
  

    
Now they're all going to write "Martha Soukup From The Well," you know.

Sleep!  Sleep!  Sleep!
  

    
Neil...

Thanks you so veryveryvery much!  I just got home about an hour ago
from our Janet Evanovich reading & signing (our first and possibly the
best attended library event ever).  Your suggestions for those holding
a signing were invaluable!  We did the ticket for the signing idea (it
was a bit chaotic at the start and then when people realized they can
go back into the theater and sit down, it smoothed out the line &
crowd) and provided chocolate, tea & coffee.  For the most part, think
we had very happy readers and lots of books signed (we gave out over
300 tickets, think there were actually around 280 people who got books
signed and some of those had 5 or more).  It amazed me that she didn't
get hand cramps... just amazes me you folks go through for these
signings... wow!

Anyway... just wanted to say thank you again for your suggestions. 
Our program when smoothly and gave me practise in case you get to visit
Las Vegas for a reading/signing.  Did I mention we have a lovely 399
seat theater?!? ::grins::

Good luck with the rest of your tour!  Hope to get a signed copy of AG
when you're in Pasadena (after tonight I almost feel guilty to ask for
one).

Thank you so very much!

Suzanne
(who when she met Neil yonks ago managed not to go catatonic mode by
asking about Tori.  Hopefully it will be a bit better this time
around).
  

    
I continue to be incredibly jealous of all of you who are making it to
signings.

I finished AG and thoroughly enjoyed it (of course).  I think I'll
read it again this week, and try to take it slower this time.

I think Neil should read the bit with "I am Joe's Pancreas" at a
reading just to see how quickly he's asked whether or not it's a
reference/nod to _Fight Club_.
  

    
Rebecca- were you the lady I said something to, I forgot what, right
behind me, with the beautiful curly dark hair? I wish you had talked to
me more, I love talking to people. Are you the one who made the
comment on the 'tree shaped imprint'?
Anyway, they scootched over for ME, so I KNOW there's room for you... 

Later, I stood around and got to see Neil having his picture taken
with a baby... he's very playful with kids, apparently... but I was
disappointed they didn't ask him to sign the baby, I would have LOVED
to have seen that!
  

    <scribbled by billbill Mon 25 Jun 01 07:10>
  

    
Very tired, back at work after a whirlwind tour of Kentucky and
Ohio...
It was a Good Thing [tm] to be able to match a couple of faces to
names now. Hello JaNell, yes, I do indeed post every once in a while.
And I must say that having the Well to open up with made it mucho
easier to get myself introduced to Neil at the signing in Lexington.
...and I can't BELIEVE that I forgot my digital camera for the trip.
Realized it about halfway through Ohio. Grr.
Ah well, another week, another Neil convert among my friends. :)
  

    
Dan Guy- 

  You're definitely not the only one who feels envious of those making
it to the signings! I can't bring myself to pity myself too much as
there are lots of Neils fans who are willing to travel as long and far
as I would have to to attend one, but still knowing that I won't make
one is a big downer.

LOVE hearing everybodies stories though!

-Shawn
  

    
My pictures of Neil (along with me in my dancing costume, and make-up)
are getting developed as we speak!  Woohoo!

Finished the Book yesterday.  Drew it out as long as I could, but in
the end, I just couldn't help it.  What a fantastic, strange, wonderful
story.

Question, though; What the hell is Shadow's real name?  Anybody out
there figure it out (Neil said there are clues all over the place, and
you can get it if you try, and I did, but I didn't).

Besides that, everything wrapped up beautifully.  Neil's best yet? 
Dunno; they're all just so great.  It's like comparing, well, spiders
to buffalo, I think.

-Will, who will read it again, as soon as it's nicely digested.
  

    
I'm wondering, as far as crowds go, if it would be better to go to the
Pasadena reading as opposed to Book Soup.  Anyone have an opinion
about this?  

Neil, I'm glad you got some rest.  I'm glad things are going so well,
and most of all, I'm glad your book is so frickin good.  Thank you.

Does anyone have a remedy for water-clogged ears?  I swam too much
yesterday and now the world sounds like wool.