Yet another recommendation came to me from my good friend Nate. Love Medicine by Louise Erdrich is a story about family, about Native American life on the reservation, about accepting those aspects of life we can't change and shouldering on through.
The book is structured more as a series interconnected of short stories rather than a novel with a small number of viewpoints. Many different characters get their point-of-view story throughout, and we see a broad swath of history through the lives of a couple different Chippewa families living in North Dakota.
A large part of the book centers on a love triangle between the characters Marie, Nector and Lulu. We see these characters from their teenage years falling in love, through to life in a retirement home, with all the difficultly and strife between. Along the way Erdrich gives us glimpses many other branches and tributaries of these Chippewa families, building for the reader a strong sense of the broader reservation community.
Erdrich's prose is incredibly lush and descriptive. Reading a bit about her, I wasn't surprised to find her background is in poetry. There is a lyrical sense to the book that verges on poetic. It is also a very conversational, hearkening back to the oral storytelling of Native American culture. That richness of imagery often contrasts with the world she's describing--the bleak, forsaken backwaters of North Dakota that the Chippewa are increasingly forced to by the government, away from their remembered homelands.
Yet again, I wouldn't have typically picked this book up on my own, but I'm extremely glad to have read it. Erdrich's going on my "to-read-all-of" list for sure.
Saturday, January 9, 2010
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Books: Ballistics
Ballistics by Billy Collins qualifies so far as the greatest departure from my normal reading. It's a poetry book. And I enjoyed it. Weird...
I haven't read any poetry since high school except the odd scrap in fantasy anthologies, and a couple by the esteemed Neil Gaiman. I think poetry has always baffled me. Most of the older material from school required effort to unpack and understand. You didn't read a poem, you analyzed it. While I enjoy reading that requires attention and mindfulness, those experiences were too much even for me.
But Collins has opened my eyes to the possibilities of poetry. His language, wit, and insight make it a pleasure to simply read.
Another big issue with poetry revolves around the subject matter--what's a poem about? There's a lot of history that makes me at least assume poetry must be about something deep and serious--the purpose of life, love and death. But Collins writes on all sorts of things, and even when he writes about those more "traditional" poetry topics, it's rarely what I expect.
Poetry itself is a common focus in what I've read from Collins so far. It's fascinating to read poems like "The Poems of Others," "January in Paris," "The Great American Poem," and "Ballistics" weighing in on the form itself (from "The Great American Poem"):
Often his language is starkly beautiful, lush without being too flowery, perfectly balanced (from "The First Night"):
But most of all I love his wit and playfulness. From "Adage" where he sculpts poetry from the cliched phrases, to "Tension" where he skewers the overuse of the adverb "suddenly," when Collins wants to be funny he's hilarious. This leads up to one of my favorite poems in the whole book "This Little Piggy Went to Market":
His mock seriousness as he dissects the famous children's rhyme had me in stitches, and made a fan of me if I wasn't already by that point in the book.
Ballistics is highly recommended. If you don't like poetry, haven't ever read it, don't know what it's about, give this book a try. You won't regret it.
I haven't read any poetry since high school except the odd scrap in fantasy anthologies, and a couple by the esteemed Neil Gaiman. I think poetry has always baffled me. Most of the older material from school required effort to unpack and understand. You didn't read a poem, you analyzed it. While I enjoy reading that requires attention and mindfulness, those experiences were too much even for me.
But Collins has opened my eyes to the possibilities of poetry. His language, wit, and insight make it a pleasure to simply read.
Another big issue with poetry revolves around the subject matter--what's a poem about? There's a lot of history that makes me at least assume poetry must be about something deep and serious--the purpose of life, love and death. But Collins writes on all sorts of things, and even when he writes about those more "traditional" poetry topics, it's rarely what I expect.
Poetry itself is a common focus in what I've read from Collins so far. It's fascinating to read poems like "The Poems of Others," "January in Paris," "The Great American Poem," and "Ballistics" weighing in on the form itself (from "The Great American Poem"):
But this is a poem, not a novel,His eye toward poetry has its lighter moments too (from "The Effort"):
and the only characters here are you and I,
alone in an imaginary room
which will disappear after a few more lines
Would anyone care to join me
in flicking a few pebbles in the direction
of teachers who are fond of asking the question:
"What is the poet trying to say?"
as if Thomas Hardy and Emily Dickinson
had struggled but ultimately failed in their efforts--
inarticulate wretches that they were,
biting their pens and staring out the window for a clue.
Yes, it seems that Whitman, Amy Lowell
and the rest could only try and fail,
but we in Mrs. Parker's third-period English class
here at Springfield High will succeed
Often his language is starkly beautiful, lush without being too flowery, perfectly balanced (from "The First Night"):
This is where language will stop,
the horse we have ridden all our lives
rearing up at the edge of a dizzying cliff.
But most of all I love his wit and playfulness. From "Adage" where he sculpts poetry from the cliched phrases, to "Tension" where he skewers the overuse of the adverb "suddenly," when Collins wants to be funny he's hilarious. This leads up to one of my favorite poems in the whole book "This Little Piggy Went to Market":
What always stopped me in my tracks was
the middle toe--this little piggy ate roast beef.
I mean I enjoy a roast beef sandwich
with lettuce and tomato and a dollop of horseradish,
but I cannot see a pig ordering that in a delicatessen.
His mock seriousness as he dissects the famous children's rhyme had me in stitches, and made a fan of me if I wasn't already by that point in the book.
Ballistics is highly recommended. If you don't like poetry, haven't ever read it, don't know what it's about, give this book a try. You won't regret it.
Monday, August 3, 2009
Books: All the Pretty Horses
From my good friend Nate, I got a recommendation to read All the Pretty Horses, by Cormac McCarthy. I've had intentions to read The Road by McCarthy, but I was only passingly aware of his prior work. Since The Road was 1) post-apocalyptic and 2) already on my list, I decided to give Nate's suggestion a try.
I am so glad I did. This has got to be one of the strongest books I've ever read in the construction of the language. It's set in the 1940's west, from Texas down into Mexico, and McCarthy paints such effective pictures of the stark, beautiful terrain. His wording is often short and simple, not flowery, but he strings them together into these long, loping sentences that carry you on and on. The economy of the language fits perfectly both with the physical surroundings and with the main characters--tough young men looking for ranching work.
The story is tightly built as well, with nothing wasted in it. It's an interesting read for me as a writer because much of the plot isn't at all surprising. In the hands of a less remarkable writer, it would even be cliched, telegraphed from miles off. But even though you know where elements are headed--a character from the first half will cause trouble later, things will sour in the seemingly good place they land--that knowledge doesn't get in the way of the story.
McCarthy is now firmly on my "read-everything-by-him" list, although I will hold off until the non-genre summer is passed to make room for other discoveries. If you have a book you're dying to have someone read, the one thing you'd recommend to anyone, lay it on me!
I am so glad I did. This has got to be one of the strongest books I've ever read in the construction of the language. It's set in the 1940's west, from Texas down into Mexico, and McCarthy paints such effective pictures of the stark, beautiful terrain. His wording is often short and simple, not flowery, but he strings them together into these long, loping sentences that carry you on and on. The economy of the language fits perfectly both with the physical surroundings and with the main characters--tough young men looking for ranching work.
The story is tightly built as well, with nothing wasted in it. It's an interesting read for me as a writer because much of the plot isn't at all surprising. In the hands of a less remarkable writer, it would even be cliched, telegraphed from miles off. But even though you know where elements are headed--a character from the first half will cause trouble later, things will sour in the seemingly good place they land--that knowledge doesn't get in the way of the story.
McCarthy is now firmly on my "read-everything-by-him" list, although I will hold off until the non-genre summer is passed to make room for other discoveries. If you have a book you're dying to have someone read, the one thing you'd recommend to anyone, lay it on me!
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Books: The Circumnavigators
With this summer's plan to read books outside my normal lists, I've decided to occasionally post some thoughts about what I'm reading as well. Per the advice of the excellent Justine Larbalestier, I'll only be writing the nice things--there's just no upside in ripping something I didn't happen to enjoy.
On that note, the first major book I've tackled was The Circumnavigators by Derek Wilson. As a pure history book--not even historical fiction--I probably never would have picked this up. While my appreciation of history has been growing, it's still difficult to locate books that aren't too dry and academic.
My friend Nathan put me onto The Circumnavigators, though, and this is definitely not one of those history books. The tales of how humanity learned to sail around the globe are varied and engaging. The book is packed with interesting details about the passages around the world. For instance, I never knew that if Magellan hadn't been killed in the South Pacific, they would likely never have continued on westward to complete the first circuit of the globe. Nor would I have believed a story in which crews of hundreds set off, but as few as seventeen men returned. However all of these things actually happened, and Wilson captures them in stunning detail.
If you have any interest in history or enjoy a good maritime tale, I'd definitely recommend The Circumnavigators.
On that note, the first major book I've tackled was The Circumnavigators by Derek Wilson. As a pure history book--not even historical fiction--I probably never would have picked this up. While my appreciation of history has been growing, it's still difficult to locate books that aren't too dry and academic.
My friend Nathan put me onto The Circumnavigators, though, and this is definitely not one of those history books. The tales of how humanity learned to sail around the globe are varied and engaging. The book is packed with interesting details about the passages around the world. For instance, I never knew that if Magellan hadn't been killed in the South Pacific, they would likely never have continued on westward to complete the first circuit of the globe. Nor would I have believed a story in which crews of hundreds set off, but as few as seventeen men returned. However all of these things actually happened, and Wilson captures them in stunning detail.
If you have any interest in history or enjoy a good maritime tale, I'd definitely recommend The Circumnavigators.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
The Non-Genre Summer Spectacular!
I love science fiction and fantasy. I grew up reading them, and they still have a lock on my attention and taste. There's nothing better than digging into a book that creates a world unlike our own.
Not to say that's all I read, but at times the genre dominates my reading list a bit too much. I know there's tons of other good stuff out there that I haven't given the time to find. To remedy the situation, I'm declaring this Jason's Non-Genre Summer Spectacular! (well, maybe that overstates it, but there you go.)
For the next three months, I will eschew science fiction, fantasy, mystery, westerns, horror... Non-fiction, literary or mainstream all the way! Classics or contemporary, as long as it doesn't have a rocket-ship on the cove it's all good.
If you have suggestions, drop a comment. What books have impressed, moved, dazzled or otherwise changed your life that I ought to read? Don't know how many I'll get to, but I'll keep on updating my reading list as I head on into non-speculative territory.
Not to say that's all I read, but at times the genre dominates my reading list a bit too much. I know there's tons of other good stuff out there that I haven't given the time to find. To remedy the situation, I'm declaring this Jason's Non-Genre Summer Spectacular! (well, maybe that overstates it, but there you go.)
For the next three months, I will eschew science fiction, fantasy, mystery, westerns, horror... Non-fiction, literary or mainstream all the way! Classics or contemporary, as long as it doesn't have a rocket-ship on the cove it's all good.
If you have suggestions, drop a comment. What books have impressed, moved, dazzled or otherwise changed your life that I ought to read? Don't know how many I'll get to, but I'll keep on updating my reading list as I head on into non-speculative territory.
One more rough draft in the bag
It's done!
Well, the rough draft of the new novel anyway. I've been working in fits and starts (for various reasons) since last February, and finally it's sitting happily on my hard drive in its entirety (and on the backup drive, and the online backup, and the backup backup FTP site). Just getting it typed up has taken a couple months since concerted computer time is sometimes harder to come by than time with a notebook at the table.
So how did it go? It's been long enough since I completed any other rough draft, I honestly can't compare much. In all that editing between I must have mistakenly deleted those rough draft completion scenes. Hmmm.
But I do feel like this draft gives me a lot to work with. I'm feeling solid on the plot, and have gotten to know the characters much better than has happened in previous books. All the time I spent outlining and thoughtfully laying out the chapters--both up front and as I went along--paid off.
But by the time I hit the last third, I also knew massive revisions will be in the works. The first big target is the world-building. The world in my head is strange, the magic elements pervasive throughout the everyday lives of the characters. On the page, it's ended up much more sedate, so I'm going to have to fix that. Not sure how yet, but unless the world in the book takes on a lot more texture, it won't possibly fly.
For all my friends reading the blog (hi you two!) the real question is, "Can I read it?" The unfortunate answer is "No." I'm normally not shy about spreading my work, but things are still too undone. I'd end up with lots of comments about the gaps I'm already painfully aware of. I'd rather hear what folks think when I've got something I'm happy with on the table.
Next up is letting it marinate for a couple months. I'm going to get some short fiction down on paper, not least to shake loose the book from my brain. I'll pick it up again after my birthday in September, and we'll see where it goes from there.
Well, the rough draft of the new novel anyway. I've been working in fits and starts (for various reasons) since last February, and finally it's sitting happily on my hard drive in its entirety (and on the backup drive, and the online backup, and the backup backup FTP site). Just getting it typed up has taken a couple months since concerted computer time is sometimes harder to come by than time with a notebook at the table.
So how did it go? It's been long enough since I completed any other rough draft, I honestly can't compare much. In all that editing between I must have mistakenly deleted those rough draft completion scenes. Hmmm.
But I do feel like this draft gives me a lot to work with. I'm feeling solid on the plot, and have gotten to know the characters much better than has happened in previous books. All the time I spent outlining and thoughtfully laying out the chapters--both up front and as I went along--paid off.
But by the time I hit the last third, I also knew massive revisions will be in the works. The first big target is the world-building. The world in my head is strange, the magic elements pervasive throughout the everyday lives of the characters. On the page, it's ended up much more sedate, so I'm going to have to fix that. Not sure how yet, but unless the world in the book takes on a lot more texture, it won't possibly fly.
For all my friends reading the blog (hi you two!) the real question is, "Can I read it?" The unfortunate answer is "No." I'm normally not shy about spreading my work, but things are still too undone. I'd end up with lots of comments about the gaps I'm already painfully aware of. I'd rather hear what folks think when I've got something I'm happy with on the table.
Next up is letting it marinate for a couple months. I'm going to get some short fiction down on paper, not least to shake loose the book from my brain. I'll pick it up again after my birthday in September, and we'll see where it goes from there.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Finishing is hard
With the recent time alone and many snatched moments here and there, I'm drawing into the last couple rough draft chapters of the new book. This is fantastic, since I wasn't expecting to get this much done in the first year of our beautiful daughter's life.
It's weird, though, because as I conclude each of the three POV characters' chapters, I'm feeling a bit of hesitation that I doffed a long time ago in the book. I realized earlier that if I agonize about getting everything "right," I'll never get it done and it still won't be perfect. Since then I have managed to put aside concerns about the quality of the rough draft in favor of getting it done.
But oddly these last few chapters there's that sneaking sense that I need to nail it. Which is strange, since endings are among the harder parts to get right. Beginnings may be the only harder thing. That and middles. Well, I guess it's all hard and expecting anything to drip flawless from my pen is unreasonable.
Besides, it's not as if anyone will see this first handwritten scribble anyway. There's a full round of typing and polishing between me and anyone having the chance to critique. So why am I worrying when I should be writing? Why am I not writing now? Oh right, because it's time for bed.
It's weird, though, because as I conclude each of the three POV characters' chapters, I'm feeling a bit of hesitation that I doffed a long time ago in the book. I realized earlier that if I agonize about getting everything "right," I'll never get it done and it still won't be perfect. Since then I have managed to put aside concerns about the quality of the rough draft in favor of getting it done.
But oddly these last few chapters there's that sneaking sense that I need to nail it. Which is strange, since endings are among the harder parts to get right. Beginnings may be the only harder thing. That and middles. Well, I guess it's all hard and expecting anything to drip flawless from my pen is unreasonable.
Besides, it's not as if anyone will see this first handwritten scribble anyway. There's a full round of typing and polishing between me and anyone having the chance to critique. So why am I worrying when I should be writing? Why am I not writing now? Oh right, because it's time for bed.
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Happy Pi Day!
For the mathematically inclined and other varieties of nerds, dorks and geeks, happy Pi day!
It's a year old, but I realized I never posted the surprise that Amber gave me last Pi day. So here it is for all to enjoy... the Pi pie.
It was rhubarb, and ultra delicious, as always. If we can get the gumption up, this year is looking like a nice apple + blackberry.
Who says math isn't tasty?
It's a year old, but I realized I never posted the surprise that Amber gave me last Pi day. So here it is for all to enjoy... the Pi pie.
It was rhubarb, and ultra delicious, as always. If we can get the gumption up, this year is looking like a nice apple + blackberry.
Who says math isn't tasty?
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
The Sprint
So my beloved wife and daughter are gone for the next week. You all know what that means... writing time!
Now I just need to keep from getting distracted by TV, Wii (must... avoid... unfair practicing at... Mariokart), reading (except gobbling up Watchmen in preparation for the movie), catching up on blogs, twittering, Facebook, tinkering with my website, messing about with photos, reorganizing the office, purging old records from the file cabinet.
Should be a piece of cake. Wish me luck!
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Coraline Premiere
Thinking about it still brings a smile to my face--a couple weeks ago Amber and I attended the world premiere of Coraline. Hold on tight, because this is going to be long, tedious, and possibly only interesting to me...
For those that don't know, the book (and by extension the movie) has a special place in our hearts. I mean, we named our daughter Coraline. Neil Gaiman is one of my favorite authors, so I was already jazzed about another of his books hitting the big screen. But when we heard that the premiere was happening in Portland, well, we couldn't resist.
Amber showed up at the box office the day they started selling tickets and snagged ours. Not surprisingly, within a couple hours things were sold out.
Amber showed up at the box office the day they started selling tickets and snagged ours. Not surprisingly, within a couple hours things were sold out.
Red Carpet
Lots of anticipation leading up to the event, especially when Gaiman tweeted that he would be "sign, hug and wave" to whoever was there. In light of that tweet, we took off earlier than planned, heading downtown to the Schnitz. A big crowd clustered around the entrance to the red carpet, which we quickly circled around to get inside.
And there they all were--Neil Gaiman, Henry Selick, Dakota Fanning, Teri Hatcher. We were back a ways, but it looked exactly like you'd expect of a red carpet. Lights flashed constantly. Reporters clustered in tight, holding boom mikes, lights, and cameras aloft for the shot. While I sincerely believe Gaiman meant what he twittered, security had other plans, constantly asking folks to keep the area nearby clear.
Now, in Three Glorious Dimensions
While I was aware that Coraline was coming in 3D, it hadn't really occurred to me that the premiere would be in that format. Huge excitement then, seeing the piles of glasses in sealed plastic bags by the entryways.
Our seats were a little close in and off-center but not enough to spoil things. My neck got slightly sore, but other matters submerged any pain once the film was done.
Speeches led the way--Phil and Travis Knight, Henry Selick, Governor Kulongoski. Travis especially was hilarious as he described stop-motion animators saying, "When you get down to it we are a bunch of oddball nomadic mole people who play with dolls for a living."
The lights dimmed, and finally the show began.
More 3D!
This was my first 3D movie, and they got the film off to an excellent start. Initial shots with the various company names had 3D borders with multiple layers. Fairly tame, but they clearly popped out in a way that you just don't see on a 2D movie.
The opening sequence begins with a doll being unstitched, and a needle swings out at you. It's the type of trick that 3D is made for. I grinned like an idiot when I saw that.
But the 3D in Coraline wasn't just a trick or gimmick. After those initial shots, it integrated into the look of the film remarkably well. I've read comments about Selick wanting it to draw you in rather than stick things out at you. For me, it accomplished that fantastically.
If you can see it in 3D (probably only for the next week!) get to the theater right away.
The Movie Itself
I always enter film adaptations with trepidation. Books are my first love, and I hate to see my favorite works turned unrecognizable up on the screen.
No worries here, though. Selick did a marvelous job of capturing the spirit of the book, both in the appearance of the peculiar characters and places, and in the tone of the storytelling. I'm not going to go all spoilery in case you haven't read the book (go read it now!), but it held up for me.
As you'd expect, there were changes made for the film version though. Two of the largest were in the setting and the addition of another character. The book took place in an old English house, while the film was set in Oregon near Ashland. While I loved the English tone of Gaiman's book, the overcast, gloomy rain of our beautiful home state fit the story well.
Adding a major character is a more troubling prospect, but Selick and crew pulled it off. In many ways, this seemed like one of those changes translating a book to film. On the page, Coraline spends lots of time, especially in the early going, alone as she explores her surroundings. While a book gives inner monologue, those long stretches of just Coraline wouldn't have worked as well on screen. Giving her another character provided more interaction, more dynamic scenes, and ultimately a more fulfilling experience.
Overall, this was one of my favorite films in a long time. The animation is stunningly beautiful and original. It doesn't look like anything else I've ever seen. Here's hoping that Laika reaps a huge harvest so they can go on creating more films like this!
No worries here, though. Selick did a marvelous job of capturing the spirit of the book, both in the appearance of the peculiar characters and places, and in the tone of the storytelling. I'm not going to go all spoilery in case you haven't read the book (go read it now!), but it held up for me.
As you'd expect, there were changes made for the film version though. Two of the largest were in the setting and the addition of another character. The book took place in an old English house, while the film was set in Oregon near Ashland. While I loved the English tone of Gaiman's book, the overcast, gloomy rain of our beautiful home state fit the story well.
Adding a major character is a more troubling prospect, but Selick and crew pulled it off. In many ways, this seemed like one of those changes translating a book to film. On the page, Coraline spends lots of time, especially in the early going, alone as she explores her surroundings. While a book gives inner monologue, those long stretches of just Coraline wouldn't have worked as well on screen. Giving her another character provided more interaction, more dynamic scenes, and ultimately a more fulfilling experience.
Overall, this was one of my favorite films in a long time. The animation is stunningly beautiful and original. It doesn't look like anything else I've ever seen. Here's hoping that Laika reaps a huge harvest so they can go on creating more films like this!
After-Party
One of the biggest surprises we learned after getting the tickets was that they included admission to the after party. It was already a thrill to attend a movie premiere, but the after party too? I was floating the whole afternoon after Amber told me that.
The "tickets" for the party were gorgeous metal keys like one featured prominently in the film. They were also used extensively in the marketing Wieden-Kennedy did for the movie. I'd seen pictures of them on Gaiman's blog, but never thought I'd actually get one.
The path from the Schnitz over to the Portland Art Museum, site of the party, was lined with paper bags glowing with small candles. There's a few great shots of it over on Kitty's Neverwear blog. We joined the huge line streaming in.
The room was packed. Colored lights gave everything a flashy, festive atmosphere. Servers with food pour into the room constantly. In the entryway, we saw Henry Selick talking with some people. Rather than interrupt, we calmly went past, although Amber brushed against him to make her way. It was so strange to be there next to a well-known director. It just didn't seem real.
Around the edges of the room were displays showing off many of the props from the movie. Some of the artists were present too. Seeing those drove home how much work making the movie must have been--the models were intricate and all handmade. We were especially impressed by Anthea Chrome who knit Coraline's sweater and gloves... with thread. I have no idea how she doesn't go blind.
We circled the room a couple times, looking at the exhibits, enjoying the atmosphere, but mostly looking for the man himself--Neil Gaiman. Up near the entry were a couple VIP areas, but we didn't see him there as we passed. Since we had a babysitter and it was getting late, we were getting ready to leave. Amber decided to take one last look, and she spotted him.
For a moment we hesitated. Was it acceptable to talk with him, or would it be an imposition?While we dithered around, someone else walked right up with a book, and Gaiman gladly signed it. We took that as a sign and got in line.
Amber pulled our copy of Coraline out of her bag, and we asked if he'd sign it. He asked who it was to, and we told him for our daughter Coraline. The look of genuine surprise and enjoyment that lit up his face was awesome. If it was possible, he became even more friendly as we showed him a picture. I'm sure this isn't the first Coraline he's heard of, but he acted as if it might have been. Above the title on the first page he wrote "For the real" Coraline, and then proceeded to draw a splendid little rat before signing his name.
We chatted briefly, telling him how much we love his work. He acted almost bashful. He's commented before on his blog that it seems slightly absurd he gets to make things up for a living. You really got the sense that's how he feels about it--just very lucky to be able to do what he does. Other folks were waiting then, so we thanked him profusely and floated away. The whole way home we both couldn't move the smiles from our lips.
On the way out they had little chocolate beetles to take with. It'll make sense once you've seen the film.
The "tickets" for the party were gorgeous metal keys like one featured prominently in the film. They were also used extensively in the marketing Wieden-Kennedy did for the movie. I'd seen pictures of them on Gaiman's blog, but never thought I'd actually get one.
The path from the Schnitz over to the Portland Art Museum, site of the party, was lined with paper bags glowing with small candles. There's a few great shots of it over on Kitty's Neverwear blog. We joined the huge line streaming in.
The room was packed. Colored lights gave everything a flashy, festive atmosphere. Servers with food pour into the room constantly. In the entryway, we saw Henry Selick talking with some people. Rather than interrupt, we calmly went past, although Amber brushed against him to make her way. It was so strange to be there next to a well-known director. It just didn't seem real.
Around the edges of the room were displays showing off many of the props from the movie. Some of the artists were present too. Seeing those drove home how much work making the movie must have been--the models were intricate and all handmade. We were especially impressed by Anthea Chrome who knit Coraline's sweater and gloves... with thread. I have no idea how she doesn't go blind.
We circled the room a couple times, looking at the exhibits, enjoying the atmosphere, but mostly looking for the man himself--Neil Gaiman. Up near the entry were a couple VIP areas, but we didn't see him there as we passed. Since we had a babysitter and it was getting late, we were getting ready to leave. Amber decided to take one last look, and she spotted him.
For a moment we hesitated. Was it acceptable to talk with him, or would it be an imposition?While we dithered around, someone else walked right up with a book, and Gaiman gladly signed it. We took that as a sign and got in line.
Amber pulled our copy of Coraline out of her bag, and we asked if he'd sign it. He asked who it was to, and we told him for our daughter Coraline. The look of genuine surprise and enjoyment that lit up his face was awesome. If it was possible, he became even more friendly as we showed him a picture. I'm sure this isn't the first Coraline he's heard of, but he acted as if it might have been. Above the title on the first page he wrote "For the real" Coraline, and then proceeded to draw a splendid little rat before signing his name.
We chatted briefly, telling him how much we love his work. He acted almost bashful. He's commented before on his blog that it seems slightly absurd he gets to make things up for a living. You really got the sense that's how he feels about it--just very lucky to be able to do what he does. Other folks were waiting then, so we thanked him profusely and floated away. The whole way home we both couldn't move the smiles from our lips.
On the way out they had little chocolate beetles to take with. It'll make sense once you've seen the film.
A Twittering Postscript
When we got home, Amber suggested that I send Neil a note on Twitter thanking him for the signing. I jotted off this:
Here's the whole haul. What a fantastic night.
When we got home, Amber suggested that I send Neil a note on Twitter thanking him for the signing. I jotted off this:
"The real Coraline" saw the rat you drew and said "za-zoo." Thanks for making our evening go from great to spectacular.Didn't expect any specific response, but the next day I got a notification email that @neilhimself was following me on Twitter. Now when I tweet about my lunch or the build breaking, one of my heroes might see it pop up on his computer screen. Cool.
Here's the whole haul. What a fantastic night.
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