Something Nicer

[ladysprite]

There's something truly wonderful about getting to meet a person you've admired and respected for years, and finding out that they're really friendly, thoughtful, and generally pleasant to be around.

Today the Cambridge Public Library hosted an opening-ceremonies event for World Book Night - a panel discussion with Neil Gaiman, Lisa Genova, and Vanessa Diffenbaugh. And I admit that, while I had never heard of either of the other authors, I am an enormous Gaiman fan. And between that and the fact that I'm giving out one of his books tomorrow for WBN (and the fact that I was working only 2 miles from the library), I figured I just *had* to go.

It was wonderful. All three authors were delightful to listen to, and I absolutely plan on looking up the other two and finding their books. And it was wonderful to be in a room full of other readers, and know that everyone else there - the authors as well as the audience - understood what it feels like to fall into a story and forget the rest of the world.

Plus... well, I'm a fangirl. And now my copy of 'Neverwhere' that my friends Eric gave me for my 23rd birthday has been autographed. And I need to give immense kudos to Mr. Gaiman for not just taking the time to chat personally with everyone in line (thankfully it was a small event), but for at least acting like he cared and treating each person like an individual. Instead of just sign-and-nod-and-move-on, I feel like I got a chance to actually meet him and be met. And it was awesome.

Yeah, I'm a little embarrassed at feeling like a goofy fan, but not enough to actually diminish my enjoyment. And I can't wait to go out and give out my books tomorrow....

Comments

[browngirl.livejournal.com]

I am really glad you made it there and that he was so gracious -- if anyone deserves to recieve such graciousness it's you. *beams*

[meranthi.livejournal.com]

I met him once at a previous event, and he was a true gentleman then as well. Even though the event was pretty large, and almost everyone was there to see him, and he was obviously very tired, he still took the time to say hi and look you in the eye. Truly a class act.

[gmkieran.livejournal.com]

A little personal confirmation of awesomeness never hurts! have fun tomorrow!!! :D

[vettecat.livejournal.com]

I've met him twice and came away with the impression that he was someone I'd like to hang out with. If he weren't, y'know, famous.

[alexx-kay.livejournal.com]

I still have fond memories of seeing him and Harlan Ellison at the same event, and Neil quietly saying to Harlan at one point something to the effect of "See, you don't *have* to be horrible to people."

[jducoeur]

Yeah -- as I was reading ladysprite's description, I was flashing back to that evening. My conclusion that night was that Peter David was interesting; Ellison was the most *deliberate* asshole I'd ever met; and that I really liked Gaiman.

(And would listen to him tell his own stories any time: he's the only author that I specifically seek out on audiobook when he's reading his own stuff. Besides the great voice, he *conveys* his tales as only a really great storyteller can...)

[lisagw.livejournal.com]

I've read two of Genova's books, Still Alice and Loving Anthony (which I just finished a few days ago, but already gave my sister to read, so apologies that I can't lend it to you!) Her works is very well researched from the technical standpoint, and the emotional life of her characters is wonderfully rich, as is her ability to write in very genuine, despite some difficult challenges (a narrator whose early onset Alzheimer's is progressing, for example).

[fractalgeek.livejournal.com]

I've met him a number of times, and he has always been lovely. At one event, at the British Library, they had a sharp cut-off, as he and Amanda had to leave for an international train. He worked the line for Amanda, making sure everyone had a hug and something signed, knowing that AFP wouldn't get through hers. Kudos.

[johnpalmer.livejournal.com]

Heh. Someday, may you hear a report of Neil Gaiman saying "oh, and I met this charming, wonderful woman, what's her name, Rebecca - damn, I'll never spell that last name right." (J/K - *I* am the one who keeps forgetting the spelling :-) ) "It was just a book signing, but her eyes shone - I hope she knew I appreciated hearing how much she loved my work."