Several Things

[selenak]

So, Neil Gaiman was also at the Frankfurt Book Fair. I knew that. And cursed my extremely tight schedule for not being able to drop by at the Heyne (= his German publisher) booth when he was there to get anything signed. Ah well, I probably would only have stammered and embarassed myself and said something like "Mr. Gaiman, Sir, I really like your work". Anyway, if you want to know his impressions, read his journal.. Also, who told the poor guy Germans didn't want their books signed after readings so that he was surprised by the 300 or so who did? To quote Quark on the Ferengi, we're a deeply misunderstood race.

With something called "marriage protection week" in the US and a row among the Anglicans about gay clergymen on our side of the Atlantic, it's time to ponder the attitude of various cultures and religions towards homosexuality again, throughout history. Which rozk does, very intelligently, here. One of the many great things about this post is that Roz doesn't go for the easy (and wrong) cliché of seeing the ancient world as some blissful haven of buggery.


Emma Thompson plays Sybil Trelawney in Prisoner of Azkaban? How come I only find out about this now? Ah yes, I was at the Book Fair. Anyway, it's great news.

On the fanfic side of things, I have to recommend several gems. Firstly, artaxastra did it again. The start of X-Men, from four points of view, here. Secondly, I already pimped this one, but it bears repeating since the author has just updated a great story about Connor post-Home. Co-starring the late Daniel Holtz, Lilah and Faith. And lastly, Kathy pointed me towards a wonderful Pirates of the Carribean story. It's Jack/Norrington eventually, but if you don't care for m/m slash, you can still give it a try and stick to the first part, which is strictly Jack'n' Norrington. (Looking at honorh here.) The dialogue sparkles, and the characterisation is superb. Of course, I can't guarantee you won't be drawn into reading the second part...

Comments

[scriva.livejournal.com]

A little bit late, but I hope you enjoyed the Book fair. I liked your comments a lot, and it reminded my of last year when I was there because I worked as a trainee editor. The ambience is so addictive, despite the weariness at the end of every day.

I hope you found time to take a break.
Have a nice day, and may inspiration be with you.

Thank you!

[selenak.livejournal.com]

I did enjoy the Book Fair, very much so, despite the exhaustion. As for a break... I'm afraid not, except for Sunday. Until early December, I've got a very busy schedule.

Gaiman at the Book Fair

[(Anonymous)]

I read about Neil Gaiman being at the Book Fair and thought of you. Then I read in his journal about his encounter with an interviewer who hadn't read his book and thought of you some more *g*.

Glad you liked the Jack/Norrington story. Every so often you can come across a story that without altering canon a bit can take you to places you haven't been convinced of before, and that story did that for me. I'm a Jack/Norrington fan now *g*.

Kathy

[twistingflame.livejournal.com]

Um, I'm going to risk looking lame here and ask you something. I've heard nothing but good about Neil Gaiman but I've never read anything by him. Is there somewhere in particular that I should start? I got a little overwhelmed when I looked on amazon.

Also, word to the rozk essay. It is quite excellent. And when I found out about Emma Thompson I couldn't help but laugh. I think she'll do an excellent job and I'm sure she'll have loads of fun doing it, but it's a lovely example of how knowing the right people, ie Kenneth Branaugh in this case, can at least get your foot in the door everywhere. Not that she's not a star in her own right, but coincidence much?

[artaxastra.livejournal.com]

Personally, I think Good Omens is a great place to start with Neil Gaiman! My favorite!

[twistingflame.livejournal.com]

Thanks!

Isn't it a pity...

[selenak.livejournal.com]

...that Lockhart and Trelawney have no scenes with each other?

Where to start on Gaiman: I did with the Sandman saga which is sublime but if you want to start with a single, self-contained novel, I'd go for American Gods. It's stunning.

Re: Isn't it a pity...

[twistingflame.livejournal.com]

Thanks so much re the book recs. I've just heard so much great stuff, but was completely lost on where to begin. Methinks this is a start for the birthday list.

And oh, wouldn't a Lockhart/Trelawny scene with Branaugh and Thompson be sublime. They'd have entirely too much fun doing it. I was just watching Much Ado About Nothing the other day, and oh, the chemistry.

BTW, your icon is gorgeous.