I Want to be Neil Gaiman's Copy Editor, Whisky Trench Riders, and A Wrinkle in Time

Very exciting when you discover a new author and a whole new world of fandom. New for me, I mean. Yes I'm still gushing over Neil Gaiman. What can I say? He's been creating since around the time I was born, and I'm only just exploring his works now. Time is a funny thing. He should know; he's been in the TARDIS:

Have you?

Oh yes, about the copy editing. It's one thing I really enjoy. Neil says (I expect the blog will be full of that for the next little while. Neil says. Yes.):

"...And on, and on, for six hundred and fifty pages. And if all this seems pedantic, on the copy editor's part or on mine... well, yes. That's the point. He's paid not to see the wood for the trees. Actually he's paid to look up at the wood now and again, but mostly to keep track of all the leaves, and especially to make sure that Missy Gunther on page 253 isn't Missie Gunther when she returns on page 400."

Well, I'm a she, but we'll make do. I love keeping track of the leaves. In fact, it's more than that. It's an instinct to keep track of the leaves. Other people hear symphonies in their heads. I notice misplaced apostrophes and character eye colour changes.

A penultimate Neil thing. I hearby announce and proclaim and declaim that should Neil Gaiman ever embark on a tour for anything and he or his publishers or publicists overlook Montreal (as so many often do. We are cooler than Toronto, you know), then I will... I will do as Neil says:

"If there's anyone else out there who wants to hold a "The bastard isn't coming to [Anchorage/KansasCity/Orlando/NewOrleans etc] -- but we're going to have a party anyway" event, drop a line to Jack Womack."

I will host this thing. I'll find someplace, don't worry. A bookstore or a pub. Or a park or a sushi place. There will be books and drinks and Neil. (No promises on the latter.)

A final Neil thing: If you have read American Gods, but want one more paragraph, "about a garage in San Clemente with box after box of rare, strange and beautiful books in it rotting away" hie thee to Neil's journal.

The other day I mentioned Feast of Fiction, which I found out about from Jamie (aka Mithril Wisdom), and we were all blabbing about lembas - not only have they done lembas, but they brought in Montreal's own Epic Meal Time for the recipe! Which explains, completely, the bacon strips.

It's not food, but another literary thing I've always wanted is... well, I've always wanted to be able to kythe. 2012 marks the 50th anniversary of the publication of A Wrinkle In Time.


"When she completed the book in early 1960, it was rejected by at least 26 publishers, because it was, in L'Engle's words, 'too different', and 'because it deals overtly with the problem of evil, and it was too difficult for children, and was it a children's or an adults' book, anyhow?'" (wikipedia)

ROW80 news: I'm about two chapters away from finishing all the paper edits on Rome, Rhymes and Risk. Then I've got to make a list of all the missing scenes/bridges and draft them. Very excited - here's an excuse to buy a new notebook and have lattes in the mornings!

Also got my second rejection for Out of the Water. Two out of Five. Will send out another five queries this week...

Inspiration comes from the Whisky Trench Riders' second album, Underneath the Tavern Sign, which is available for FREE download. First album still for sale at only 10$. Ask me!

Comments

Anonymous said…
I'd love to be a reader for Neil Gaiman. That would be some spectacular advanced reading. I've loved his work since I was introduced to him with AMERICAN GODS. Spectacular book.
Lauri said…
I'm a huge Gaiman fan too! Have you watched his fairy tale instruction video? or the Blueberry Girl one? Both are lovely. My favorite books are Neverwhere and Stardust. And thanks for the link to the Feast of Fiction - what an amazing idea!
Jayne said…
Aw it's fantastic to be that excited about an author! Neil Gaiman is a fab writer. I first got into his work via the artist Dave McKean, who collaborated with Neil on a number of graphic novels - the first one I found was The Tragical Comedy or Comical Tragedy of Mr. Punch. Amazing. If you haven't already found it, do seek it out!
Michael Di Gesu said…
HI, Deniz,


HOW on earth can they forget how FANTABULOUS Montreal is for a book signing stop.

Congrats on your ROW 80 news! Oh, how I wish I can join you for a bowl of latte... Montreal makes them THE BEST!
Robin M said…
Another Gaiman fan here. Have a great week!
Old Kitty said…
Neil Gaiman (totally fab and wonderful though he is) is very very very LUCKY to have you to ensure Montreal will have a great time in his honour! And he will come!! He will! Yay!

You GO GIRRRL!!

Take care
x
Suzanne Lilly said…
Yup, gotta love Neil Gaiman's writing. I love it because it's all so original and different. Like L'Engle's book in 1960. That was an interesting tidbit to learn about. Congrats on your ROWing!
Trisha said…
I still haven't discovered Neil Gaiman. But I've been intending to for so many years now!! LOL.
Vicki Tremper said…
I've only read Neil Gaiman's children's book (Coraline and The Graveyard Book), but I loved loved loved them and would love to go to a Neil Gaiman event in my town, but it probably isn't big enough. If he comes to Montreal, email me ASAP! I'm only 2-1/2 hours away.
Nas said…
Hi Deniz,

Congrats on your ROW 80 news! Neil Gaiman? Wow!
Wendy Jane said…
Sounds like you're had a rather exciting time as of late. Congrats on that and the Row80 progress. Keep up the great work!
Zan Marie said…
Congrats on Rome, Rhymes, and Risk! (BTW, I'm thrilled you liked my "R" word. ;-D )
Talli Roland said…
A Wrinkle in Time! Gosh, that brings back memories. I loved that book.
J.L. Campbell said…
Haven't read anything by Gaiman yet. Awful of me, I know. Hope you get some good news on one of the queries you have out.
I've read a few of Neil Gaiman's works and they are all great so far.
Good luck with your queries.
alberta ross said…
I haven't read him yet but have him on one of my book group challenges for this year so will soon be able to join in his praises I hope - like excited and your post excited - now I'm smiling also - thanks
Misha Gerrick said…
Hehehe I still have to read Neil Gaiman. Really want to do it, but haven't gotten around to him yet.

:-)
I'm a big fan of Neil Gaiman. I loved The Graveyard Book and liked Coraline. American Gods was so different from anything I've read.

A Wrinkle in Time is still pretty unique.

I really enjoyed this post.
Deniz Bevan said…
I'm with you, Joshua - I'd read a couple of his short stories, but it's American Gods that's really gotten me going.

I haven't watched those yet, Lauri! As soon as I read them, I will. I've got Neverwhere and Stardust coming up - now I'm reading Fragile Things.

Thanks, Jayne, I'm adding that one to the wishlist.

Thanks, Michael! I'll have a latte for you tomorrow morning :-)

Thanks so much, Kitty! Hope I can make it happen!

Thanks Suzanne and Robin!

Add him to the list, Trisha. And enjoy :-)

Yay, Vicki, you're first on the guest list!

Thanks Nas and Wendy!

I love my title, Zan Marie. It fits so well, thank you!

Me too, Talli. Going to reread it again soon.

Add him to your list, Joy and Misha! I can't believe I waited this long.

Thank you, Lynda.

Can't wait to see what you think, alberta.

Thanks so much, Theresa. I can't wait to read Coraline and The Graveyard Book.