Ask Amanda and Neil here!

[John]

@ Neil First I would like to say thank you for all the years of great reading material. I have been a fan since Violent Cases with Dave McKean in 1987. I was just curious.. have you and Amanda ever considered doing a book together, and also how much does she influence what you write or what type of personality, phrases, etc you place on any of the characters you create for your stories?

Thanks, John

[Aimee]

Hello Amanda and Neil!

I have a question for each of you:

Amanda, I have incredible respect for your work as an artist, and your activism as human being. With regards to the art of asking, what is the hardest question that you have ever had to ask? OR What's the hardest question you've ever had to answer?

Neil: I finished reading Hansel and Gretel as soon as I received my pre-order, and I loved how you were inspired by the art to tell your version of the story. Which classic fairy tale is your favorite and would you consider doing another re-imagination?

Thank you both again, so much!

Aimee

[Rachael]

@Neil,
While I'm sure writing and editing and life in general must take up most of your time, I wonder:
What books are you most looking forward to reading/how do you find books you will read next?

[Rebecca]

Thank you so much for taking the time to answer our questions.

When did the two of you know you were in love?

[Bishonen]

Amanda P, how do you like being Mrs. Neil Gaiman?

Neil G., how do you like being Mr. Amanda Palmer?

I mean these questions in the vein of how is it to be married to someone who is more famous than you are.

[Qooze]

Neil, I have been to several of your readings over the years and love the way you read to an audience. I have just begun reading my work in public and was wondering if you had any advice on the subject. I I'm also curious if doing readings has changed anything about the way you write?

[Nate]

Hello Neil,

I am a huge fan of your work, both in prose and comics. Every time I pick up one of your works, you blow my damn mind.

I'm currently pursuing a degree in Creative Writing. As a writer, how do you keep yourself motivated and pushing forward? Do you ever feel insecurities about your works?

Thank you for taking the time to talk with us.

[Alex (Pucksandpaperbacks)]

Hi Amanda & Neil!

My question is for Neil. Neil, is there any author you would co-write with? If so, who would it be?

Thanks for writing!

[Justin]

Hi Amanda,

Have you ever considered expanding some of the concepts behind your song lyrics into full-blown writing projects? And if so, are there any prime contenders?

You pack so much brilliant storytelling into a handful of stanzas. It's hard not to want a novel's worth!

Thanks and congrats on TAoA,
Justin

[B-zee]

Hi, Neil.
Despite my love for all your books that I've read, I found out that most of the main characters were dark and not-really-lovable. It's hard to sympathize with characters like Fat Charlie Nancy or Richard Mayhew, did you realize that? If so, why did you make them like that? (no complaining, just wondering)
However, I love Shadow, don't know exactly why (though I have some theories). Is there any chance I can read more about him? A sequel maybe?

Hi, Amanda.
Congratulations for your first book. I'm a fan of your husband, do I need another reason to read your book?

Thanks.

[Nat]

Hello!

Questions for both Neil and Amanda:
Neil: How was it like to edit something someone else wrote? Was it easier because it was your wife who wrote it, or harder?
Would you ever consider doing a crossover between Fat Charlie and Shadow?

Amanda: Beside the deadline, what was the hardest thing to do about writing this book? Is there something that scares you about putting your first book out into the world? Would you say it's similar to putting an album out there or completely different?

[Marie]

To both writers: is there a subject you would never touch, why?
To Neil Gaiman: Thank you for so many good reads and the wonderful Babylon 5 episode "The Day of the Dead".

[Edgars]

Mr. Gaiman, my girlfriend is planing on writing her BA paper on the subject of translating The Sandman Vol. 1 (from English into Latvian), but before she has even started, we were speculating that it would be practically impossible to achieve a sufficient translation because of all the references to mythology and culture that might be lost in translation, or might simply be unknown to the Latvian demographic. Could you share your thoughts on this?

[Radu]

This is to Neil Gaiman:

Recently I've read some of your books and I liked them a lot. I've noticed that an important part in your fantasy is darkness- not the darkness of the "bad guys" alone, but a darkness which is present everywhere - like the (symbolic) worm in the foot of the protagonist, in The Ocean at the End of the Lane. Can you please talk about this predisposition - if so - of yours?

[John]

Hi Amanda and Neil!

I have a question for both of you:

Amanda:How do you feel about Twilight series?Tell the truth!

Neil:Is it important to be ambitious during writing a long-long book?

[Trillian]

To Neil, do you have preference towards adult or children's literature? The Graveyard Book is an ultimate favorite of mine. Was thrilled to share it with the children at my day care.

To Amanda, one you are amazing, and now my question; You are very much a believer in asking and one shall receive, in juxtaposition with Sheryl Sandberg's how can asking for more in and outside the work place help women get they need and want?

Thank you, you are both amazing.

Trillian :)

[Olivia]

Hello Amanda and Neil!
My question is for Neil: Are you excited about The Graveyard Book becoming a film? I sure am!

[Derek]

Hello to both of you. Thank you for talking with us. I'm wondering: throughout your careers, has there been a single work or project that you've created that has caused you to feel anxious or uncertain about your audience's response? Something that you put out there that you just had no idea how people would react to it (I'm thinking more of your fanbases here and not necessarily critics and reviewers and such)?

[Eve]

These questions are for Neil:

How do you handle the social demands of touring? How do you find time and space for recharge and self-care? How do you navigate the asymmetrical relationships with people who have read your work and feel a deep connection to you, but who are themselves blank slates to you? Are you able to set boundaries with fans while offering the level of engagement so many of them expect, and if so, how? Do you ever just hit a wall in terms of your ability to engage, and if so, how do you deal with it?

And for both of you:

Have you ever suffered from imposter syndrome? And if so, have you dealt with it, or do you still experience it? If you've dealt with it, how?

[Melanie]

Hi Neil and Amanda! I have seen you both in person at different times and both experiences were memorable and meaningful. My book favorites, "Ocean at the End of Lane" and "Good Omens". My song favorites “In my Mind” and “Good Day”. So many times I hear people say "I can't draw, I can't sing, I can't write". Do you think everyone has the ability to be creative?

[Freya]

Hey Neil!(:
I (sadly) only read The Ocean At the End of the Lane.
I was wondering, what are your inspirations? :-)

[Kitti]

Hi Amanda,

What was the hardest question to ask so far in your life?

I would like to add that you're my idol and I'm so glad we finally met in Budapest last year ON A BOAT.

Hugs and kisses,

Kitti

[Julio]

Hi Amanda and Neil!!

Amanda: Has your relationship with Neil inspired you to explore writing fiction at all?

Neil: As a librarian I've been very appreciative of your support of libraries and librarians! Thank you! I've been a fan and admirer since The Sandman first hit the scene...are there any plans to collect Sandman : Overture into a deluxe hardcover or (ideally!) an Absolute Edition?

Thank you both for your art and creativity and all that your share with your fans and the world!

[Christine]

@ Neil -- What made you choose Hansel and Gretel, as opposed to other Grimm tales?

I am a huge fan of Grimm and you! Can't wait to read this book!

Thank you Amanda & Neil for this interaction :)

[Mo]

For both Neil and Amanda: What are some novels you think writers could benefit from reading and why?

[Laura]

Hello Neil and Amanda! nice seeing you here answering questions!
So...!

Mr. Neil Gaiman which one do you prefer to do most, writing for adults or for children? Why?

Ms. Amanda Palmer as a composer writing probably comes to you easily, but how much different was the experience of writing a book as opposed to writing songs? Do you prefer one over the other? What was the part you like the most about writing a book?

Thank you so much! I hope you enjoy this as much as your fans! :)

[Beth]

Neil - Any chance Bod and Silas will return in another book? Not a sequel, I hate sequels, but a new story where they are prominent characters?

[نگار]

@Neil
Hi Neil!
I write screenplays for the young adults. I adore the dark fantastical atmosphere you create. could you please give me recommendations on how to create such atmosphere in my works so that it is genuine and not artificial, so that it is believable and not merely an imitation. I don't want to merely use a dozen of elements that contribute to such atmosphere without any genuine taste in it.
Thank you

[Jessica]

Neil, I have noticed that many of your works start off seemingly normal and veer (sometimes gradually, sometimes suddenly) into the strange and fantastic. I was wondering if this is intentional or not. Or rather, if this is for the reader's benefit or your own.

[Katherine]

Hello, dear Neil and Amanda! You are both gorgeous at what you do - thank you so much for that...

My questions are such:
1) What is Neil's favourite song by Amanda, and Amanda's favourite book/comic book/short story by Neil?

2) How do you manage to be so talented in such different fields of art? Does it require some extra effort?

3) And do you consider a possibility of writing a book together? Fiction/non-fiction - it doesn't really matter, but still it would've been great, I think...

Thank you so much for what you do again! Good luck!

[Péter]

Hi Amanda & Neil!

My question for Neil is 'Are you planning to write a Doctor Who novel or another short story (Nothing O'clock was great)?'
And my question for Amanda is 'How much influence do you have on each others work?'

Thanks for the opportunity and just keep making good art!

Péter

[Heather]

Neil, you've written with other authors over the years and produced some amazing work. Does collaborating come naturally to you? Is there anyone else you'd like to work with?

Amanda, I know a lot of musicians who've grown sick of some of their songs because they play them so much. Do you have a song you just hate to play?

[Illiya]

Hey Neil, what advice would you like to give to newbies who are trying to string their words into a book?

Dear Amanda, what do you say to yourself before a performance?

You both are pretty awesome! :)

[Emma]

Hello Neil. Greetings from Norway. :)

I love your books. The stories you tell always blows my mind. I think "The Ocean at the End of the Lane" is my favourite, but it's hard to choose. (Unfortunately) I haven't read all of your books, but I'm working on it. To be honest I don’t always recommend your books because I don't really want to share them with anyone. Selfish I know, fortunately I'm not the only one who does such things. At least I hope I’m not the only one.

Anyway, my questions for you are:

What is something someone said that changed your way of thinking forever?

What is a topic you could go on for hours about without getting tired of it?

What quote gives you chills every time you hear or read it?


Thank you very much.

[Angya]

Hello, Neil and Amanda
A question to both: do you remember the first time you realized you were actually writing something real, not just pushing yourself to put words to paper to get through the writers block/fear/mediocrity? When was that and how did it feel?
Greetings and thank you for doing what you do as well as you do!

[Hope]

Hi Neil and Amanda!

Neil, I notice that heroes in your novels are typically an average guy who feels he has little to offer the world and believes himself beneath the notice of anyone special. I know authors frequently reveal themselves in their characters. Does the reader get a glimpse of Neil Gaiman at all in these unlikely but lovable heroes?

[Giovanna]

Dear Neil,
I always notice how you use dark and sometimes wicked elements in children's books. How do you make it work? Do you think about the reader's age when deciding what would fit better in a book? I know some people avoid certain themes depending on the target readers, but I admire how you can keep your style and still engage in children's and young adult literature so well. Is that a hard thing to do? Have you always wanted to write for children?
Thank you!

[Neil]

When asked "I want to be an author when I grow up. Am I insane" Neil gave the excellent response "Yes. Growing up is highly over rated. Just be an author." As you both seem to have avoided the worst horrors that growing up can inflict what would be your advice in avoiding it?

[Marna]

Hello.
These questions are directed to Neil Gaiman.
How did you get the idea to write Coraline? I mean it was so good!
Where did you get your inspiration from? Is anything from the book written from a true event?
And also for the book: The Ocean at The End of The Lane. How could you remember how a child thinks? or the way they think about things?
I als have a question concerning all f the books. Where do you get inspiration from? how did you become such an known author? How did you start? And at what age?
I'm looking forward to your reply.

[Jaimie]

So many good questions already! I can't wait to read your answers! I have two questions for Neil.

1.) What are you working on now, if anything, and do you have any idea when you're next adult novel will happen?

2.) And a little backstory to my second question. Two or three years ago at the San Diego Comic-Con I went to your panel about the new Sandman comics and afterwards I was waiting outside for my friend. All of a sudden there you are walking very fast with two handler-ish people. Feeling no need to chase you as I've met you before during the Anansi Boys book tour years before, I just yelled, "Hi Neil!" That stopped you for a split second as you turned to me and yelled "Hi!" Then you were off! One second later came a small mob I could only guess were chasing you. So it was my fault if they got to you and tore you limb from limb and ate your brain to gain the power of your storytelling genius... Or maybe they just wanted something signed. Going to conventions like this it's inevitable that people have crazy stories. So what's your craziest convention story?

[Kaitlyn]

Hello, Mr. Gaiman!

Let me begin by saying that I've been a huge fan of your work ever since I read Coraline in 6th grade and you're without a doubt one of my favorite authors. I've even made my mother somewhat of an admirer with one of your more recent publications, The Ocean at the End of the Lane, which we both found poignant and superb.

Anyway, enough of my fangirl-ish babbling. Here's my question: What advice do you have for a college-bound, soon-to-be high school graduate with aspirations of being a writer?

[Dustin]

What's your favorite comic(s) on the shelves right now? Mine is Harbinger.

[Caitlin]

Firstly I would like to say thank you to both of you! Your work always delves into all the possibilities (and impossibilities) humans can encounter in this world. Humanity is such a dark, horrific, amazing, and awe-inspiring phenomenon, and you both capture this conundrum beautifully.

I just finished reading Neil's "The Last Temptation," and reading the introduction about collaborating with Alice Cooper got me to thinking (which finally leads me to my question). Would the two of you ever consider a similar collaboration for "Evelyn Evelyn"? And possibly get Dave McKean to help out with a graphic novelization and/or movie? The album is flawless and Neil's writing is outstanding and Dave's art is terrifying in the best of ways. I'm not any sort of expert (other than being an avid reader and music-listener), but I think it would be all sorts of awesome.

[Samantha]

Hello Neil and Amanda, my name is Samantha Bryce.
I have a great deal of respect for you both as artists and masters of your craft.

@Amanda, I can understand how worrying (especially about other people and what they think) can become overwhelming. What was your starting platform for your novel? Also, what would be your words of advice to an aspiring author?

@Neil, you have transitioned through many different areas of writing, how was that for you, which is your favorite, and what would you say comes easiest to you? Also, what would be your words of advice to an aspiring author?

Thank you! :D

[Emperatriz]

Dear Amanda and Neil,

This might be similar to previous questions, but just to cover all the bases!
What are your greatests inspirations to write? Do you draw from other mediums (visual art, movies, folklore)?

Neil, what is the hardest thing about being in a creative profession? Have you always wanted to write? If you could be anything else, what would you be?

Thank you!

[Lauren]

My question is for Amanda; how does your approach to writing a book differ from your approach to writing a song? Are there any similarities?

Thanks very much!

[Lis - The Indigo Quill]

@Neil I cannot even begin to express how much I LOVE your work!

And I'm sorry, but I just have to ask: Will you be coming back as one of the writers for Doctor Who next season? If so, have you considered Strax as an assistant? Even for one day?? ;)

[Jordan]

@Neil: Your body of work (from Sandman to American Gods to Good Omens and everything in between) shows a deep understanding of not only Christian mythology but that of a number of other pantheons/religions as well. This has caused me to wonder what your personal religious background has been. Would you care to elaborate on this?

[Alexia]

Hello Amanda and Neil! How exciting to get to chat with both of you, as you are two incredibly brilliant people that I have mad respect for. I'm a huge fan of Neil and had the pleasure of meeting him in Ann Arbor last year. Amanda, your TED talk is something I cherish and can't wait to watch with my children when they're a bit older and can really process it.

I am just fascinated by artists and creators and how their relationships work (my husband is an electronic musician and I'm a writer/filmmaker). So my question for each of you is this:

What is something your partner does that excites and inspires you creatively? What is something your partner does that leaves you completely void of inspiration and full of frustration?

[Nikos]

Amanda, I just finished reading the book which is a true gift that will never leave me. Having been reading your blogs for a decade now, I know a lot of things didn't make the final cut, but I'm sure might be part of the abandoned chapters pile. Do you plan to do anything with the things you wrote but never made it to the final draft?