Um hi Gail, this is going to be a weird question but how do you feel if people give you gifts when they meet you? Specifically like stuff they made? It might sound strange but I know some folks who prefer not to be given things for various reasons. I'm not

I used to be a bit squidgy about it, more because I felt bad that people would go out of their way to make me things, or bring me things. I mean, it’s astounding that people read my comics, that’s the best present there is, so I never want people to feel anything more is remotely necessary.

But a pro friend told me that that was just being a cad, that if someone wanted to make you something or bring you something, that they did it not because they felt obligated but because they wanted to, it made them happy.

So, I am always moved by the thought but it is ABSOLUTELY just as nice when people just show up and say hello and let me know they are readers. I am pretty happy to meet readers, that’s the best part.

At the DC booth it’s kind of a running joke because people often bring me stuff, the staffers make fun of me because invariably I leave with a stack of gifts people have brought. I keep a lot of them right on my desk, in fact, things people have made or wanted me to have. I feel kind of like it gives me a bit of strength on bad days.

Man, that sounds corny. But it’s true, I also have lots of photos of readers who I have met at cons. It’s hard to be down when so many people are out there wishing you well and cheering you on.