omg september is my *favorite*

[holli]

Today I met Neil Gaiman! Oh god, what a wonderful, wonderful man he is. He did a reading from Anansi Boys, and then took questions-- for those who were wondering, the devil tomato has been made into salsa and he's joined a black-socks-of-the-month club. He also told a very funny story about trying to get the Good Omens movie made, in which he explained that the studio people he worked with "were like someone who ordered a pizza, and when the pizza comes they say 'what's this? It's round and flat and covered in cheese and tomatoey stuff.' And then they say things like 'well, we hear people like skateboards, so maybe we should put a skateboard on the pizza?' And it was at that point that Terry said 'sod off, I've got books to write.' And he did." Or something similar. jynx got to ask him a question as well, about the weirdest thing he's ever been given by a fan.

We got our numbers early, and were in the second batch of fifty to be called, so we didn't have to wait long before getting into the signing line. Before that, though, I got to meet people dressed up as Delirium, Destiny, Death, and also Door, all of whose costumes were very impressive, especially the 5'10" Delirium in five-inch platform boots.

And then, while we were in line to get our books signed, they called the winner of the raffle-- they'd given out raffle tickets to everyone who bought a copy of Anansi Boys at the signing. And, believe it or not, paula_kelley won! She was looking at her ticket as they called the number, going, "oh, ha ha, I have the number they're calling-- wait. You guys, I think I just *won*." And she had. She won a gorgeous and impressive Dream statue, which Neil signed and personalized for her. I got my copy of Neverwhere signed, and also 1602 #5, because that's the one with tiny cartoon Neil. I managed to stutter out something about how I had written a review of Coraline when I was sixteen, for Bookslut, and he'd said nice things about it, "which was the best thing in, pretty much, ever," and he said "oh, yeah, I posted about it on the blog, didn't I?" and shook my hand, and I *about died*, y'all. Oh my god. I'm *still* giddy.

This is just-- last weekend was Baltimore Comic-Con, which was fun, and Ren Fest, which was even *more* fun-- I got garb! omg! --And this Saturday was Ren Fest *again*, and even better, because I *went* in garb, and today was just-- omg. Next weekend is the big Crafty Bastards craft show at Western Market, and Oktoberfest at Ren Fest on Sunday. Several people have sworn to get me drunk. I'm wondering if this weekend can be topped, and suspecting it might be possible. But only just, because he shook my *hand*, you guys. I may swoon.

Comments

[minim_calibre]

::envy::

I remember your bookslut review mention in the blog! I was so proud of you!

Wasn't that the same year he also mentioned Jilli and Gothic Miss Manners? It was like he was namedropping all the cool people.

[(Anonymous)]

I didn't know you were at the Baltimore Con! You should have mentioned it earlier, you would have been more than welcome to the big bash on Saturday night. It was pretty much every creator, big or small in stature, hanging out at the Marriott bar. Tons of fun, even if you're a non-drinker like me! If you go next year, let me know!

[bervda.livejournal.com]

Duh, that's my reply. For the record.

[holli.livejournal.com]

Oh, wow, if I'd known I would have talked the people I drove up with into staying longer. Well, maybe next year.

[bervda.livejournal.com]

Indeed, next year is bound to happen eventually. Or something.