There are only two worlds – your world, which is the real world, and other worlds, the fantasy. Worlds like this are worlds of the human imagination: their reality, or lack of reality, is not important. What is important is that they are there. these worlds provide an alternative. Provide an escape. Provide a threat. Provide a dream, and power; provide refuge, and pain. They give your world meaning. They do not exist; and thus they are all that matters.
- The Books of Magic by Neil Gaiman, 1990.
As most of you know, Neil Gaiman is the co-author with Terry Pratchett of a wonderful, dark and funny book called. Good Omens. He is also a world famous, award-winning writer in his own right. You can find his witty and interesting blog here.
His most recent book, a YA novel, is called The Graveyard Book, and I think it is one of his best. My husband, who first introduced me to The Sandman series, will tell you that some of his favorites by Mr. Gaiman are Neverwhere and Stardust, while I've given copies of Blueberry Girl to many women friends (1) and to every young daughter of every woman friend.
Like a lot of other people, we are eagerly looking forward to the premier this year of the Doctor Who episode written by Mr. Gaiman. Speaking of television, if you are currently watching the televised version of Game of Thrones, you will appreciate that I have a soft spot in my heart for Mr. Gaiman for writing a very forthright and honest blog essay called Entitlement Issues (also known in fandom as George Martin Is Not Your B*#%^).
As we speak, Good Omens is being adapted for television under the Direction of Terry Jones. Yes, *that* Terry Jones.
Doing the Happy Dance ...
Dj
Hat tip to The Great Geek Manual for the quote. Check out her post (with gorgeous photos) on the most beautiful libraries in the world.
Another hat tip to Emily (@foresthouse) for putting me on to GGM.
Endnotes:
(1) Neil Gaiman recently married singer and song writer Amanda Palmer. Quite a few of those same friends "went into black" at the news he was no longer single. Being Gaiman fans they were wearing black already so no one noticed.
Congrats to Mr. Gaiman and best wishes to the happy couple.
I'm looking forward to episode 4 of Doctor Who as well. I adore Neil Gaiman.
ReplyDeleteIf only we could convince Sir Terry to write an episode, but with his live/hate relationship with Doctor Who. Such a shame. At least I have episodes written by Douglas Adams, and this upcoming one from two of my favorite authors.