Ask Amanda Palmer and Neil Gaiman discussion
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Ask Amanda and Neil here!
AFP & Neil! Wondering if you will be together for the book tour when it comes to Denver?
Beyond excited to meet Amanda or both of you!
Huge lover of your minds!
Ellie
Mod
I have one and the same question for both of you. How did you two exactly meet? And can you both describe the feeling of that and what it meant for you at that moment?
I admire you both as ar..."
We met in the flesh in the green room of New York Comic Con in April 2008 to talk about Neil writing the back cover text for WHO KILLED AMANDA PALMER? We liked each other, although Neil had a dog-delivered black eye and was very distracted, and did not think that Amanda was attractive at all, and Amanda was newly in love, and observed that Neil was not even vaguely her type.
Lightning did not strike.
I think we both vaguely thought we'd found a nice new acquaintance. The fact we didn't see each other again until August, when we started to talk and to like each other, suggests it didn't mean much to either of us at all...
Hello to my favourite two people I've never met!! I'm listening to your book, Amanda, whilst on. Train heading to a teacher librarian workshop in Sydney on a very hot Saturday. I was just punched in the stomach, metaphorically, by the idea that "you can't ask for something you don't know that you're missing" (from Neil about asking for hugs and comfort when sick). That's so relevant for me right now, in so many ways. Thank you for that. Thank you. xoxoMy question to both of you, since this is a Q&A thread, is this. If you could go back to any point in your life and give yourself a question to ask, what would it be? And who would you like to hear the answer from? I know perhaps just asking is probably enough though, right?
Hi Neil and Amanda. Love your work! You two both have new books out right now. I'm wondering how you're both feeling about the response each of you have received to your new work now that it is out in the world.
this goes to both of you (you know who you are);when are the two of you going to collaborate on a written piece in tandem, and would it ever be a deluxe book with music included?...
thanks, dynamic duo.
ps. use a brevity code if it compliments efficient use of symbols Here.
You guys are awesome!@Neil, I finished reading The Graveyard Book two weeks ago and I still feel and think of and dream of Bod almost every day.
Have you been haunted by characters this way aside from your own? If so, can you name a few?
Again, you guys are awesome!
Mod
Neil Gaiman, I see you all about social media and I think that's just wonderful. You seem to like it too. How long have you been an aut..."
I've been an author -- or at least, making a living from my words -- since 1983. No, I haven't always been successful. It happened very slowly over the years, a little bit at a time.
Dear Amanda and Neil, Hear are questions from my family :
BRIONY (age 12): How did you choose the artists, like for Swap my Dad for a Goldfish?
JACK (age 10): What character that you've written about is most like you and PS. I would not swap my Dad for a goldfish.
DAN (age 44, Dad): Amanda and Neil, what are the most important things to do in life?
KATIE age 45, Mum): thanks for your wonderful work, no questions!
Mod
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I think I'm too slow a writer these days to write a monthly comic. Better to just do one off projects...
Mod
I have grown up with your music and ethos from the beginning of The Dresden Dolls to now- I find your voice enchanting and you give me great comfort when I need it the most.
My qu..."
i've been a voracious reader all my life, and i loved writing short stories and poems and songs when i was a child, but i starting focusing more on songwriting and theater as i hit 15, 16, 17. i started a journal in about 1996 and have never traveled without one since - i've got a stack of them a mile high.
and i barely wrote anything but songs until the dresden dolls started touring in 2001, at which point i started blogging. having blogged for that long, i can look back and see that the voice of this book (the art of asking) is pretty much an extension of my blogging voice. in fact when i first sat down to write the first draft of this book, i started writing it
In my articulate, well-read, highly-education university voice, using capitals and all that...nonsense. Writing well. Using all manner of correct punctuation.
and then I realized that i wasn't writing like myself...because in all my years of blogging shit, i'd never written like that when i was trying to get am emotional point across. so i was just like: amanda, stop. you're not writing like you. you can go back and edit, and clean, and capitalize later. just write like you write on your blog. that's who you are.
and i did. it's also why the editing process was so agonizing. :)
Amanda and Neil,What are some time management tips you have for getting things done (i.e., writing)? Or what is the average day (of writing or just the average day) like?
Thanks!
Mod
1) Write.
2) Keep writing.
3) See 1 for more details...
4) When you finish, make it look like you knew what you were doing the whole time.
Good afternoon! A question for both of you: How do you like your coffee?
Mod
Thank you for being so engaging
This one particularly is more for Amanda- do you ever get tired of being so open? I know it's a massive part of your life, but does that ever drain..."
i'm honestly never more open than i want to be. i never feel compelled to share that which i'd rather keep to myself. but my thresholds and limits are, obviously, different from the person standing next to me. we all have different levels of intro/extroversion and i think i've found a pretty happy balance that works for me. the funny thing is: you have no idea how open i'm NOT being about certain things because, well, you know....i don't talk about them. and i don't go out of my way to talk about what i'm not talking about, if you get my drift.
Dear Neil and Amanda,This is mostly just a thank you. I went to the pre-release party for The Art of Asking as well as the signing at Porter Square Books. I've just moved to Boston, to get my MBA in Nonprofit Management at Brandeis. The entire experience was wonderful, but I felt nothing (except when you sang, Amanda. Then I fleetingly remembered feelings and the joy that comes with performing for no other reason than because you want to).
I've been struggling hard with anxiety since I moved here, but I realised that if I could spent the entire weekend with my boyfriend in Atlanta (long distance relationship - he's au pairing for a year before going back to England), then meet my favourite author and my favourite performer, have books signed by both of them, and be surrounded by their supportive, eccentric fanbase all night and still feel nothing? There's something wronger going on than I initially thought. So I've started seeking help. I might not have actually gotten around to it if it weren't for that experience.
So no question. Just thanks. Amanda, I'd love to meet up for coffee some time when you're in Boston, if you're amenable.
-Darcy
P.S. We have a mutual acquaintance. Alex Knight says hello, and is glad your sales are going well.
Hi Amanda, hi Mr Gaiman!I never know what to ask on things like this...but let's just roll with it.
Amanda, I'm halfway through your book and as a relatively new fan I'm slowly beginning to understand the fandom phenomenon and am impressed and thankfull that you still take time for your fans. Stumbling over your music shortly after your kickstarter helped me through a rough patch...on a lighter note: singing Map of Tasmania with a friend who I'd infected with the AFP-virus in a public buss to confused strangers while being drunk was also priceless...and even her boyfriend admitted that your concert in Berlin we three went to was the best he's ever been to. And it's high up on my list as well.
I always wondered what Trout heart replica is about?
And thank you for the song Lost, I always replay it when I miss the person I've lost to a far too early death.
Mr Gaiman, I haven't read all you books, far from it, but I loved the Graveyard book and The Ocean at the End of the Lane.
That's all. Love and hugs
Mod
Hear are questions from my family :
BRIONY (age 12): How did you choose the artists, like for Swap my Dad for a Goldfish?
JACK (age 10): What character that you've written about is most like you and PS. I would not swap my Dad for a goldfish.
DAN (age 44, Dad): Amanda and Neil, what are the most important things to do in life?
KATIE age 45, Mum): thanks for your wonderful work, no questions!"
Briony, I chose Dave McKean because he was my favourite artist, and my best friend, and I thought he'd enjoy drawing THE DAY I SWAPPED MY DAD FOR TWO GOLDFISH. I know lots more artists now, and I try to pick them based on who would make the prettiest book.
Jack -- the boy (although maybe not the man) in THE OCEAN AT THE END OF THE LANE is basically me aged 7.
Dan -- Amanda says the most important thing is to be compassionate to those around you.
I think the most important things to do is to love those who are around to be loved, do the things you enjoy as well as you can, and try to leave the world a more interesting place for you having been here.
Katie - thank you so much! And you are welcome.
Mod
A question for both of you: How do you like your coffee?"
neil only does TEA. he likes it english-y and with milk.
i've been a coffee fiend all my life and am into the cortado (or if you're australian: the strong flat white). strong espresso, that is, with a little bit of hot thick milk to cut it. no sugar unless the coffee is terrible. then the sugar works as a crutch.
Mod
A question for both of you: How do you like your coffee?"
I like my coffee in the form of tea, I'm afraid.
Amanda, I have more of a comment than a question and I'm sure you've heard it a million times before... but... thank you, thank you, thank you! Your music, social media blurbs, blog, and now phenomenal bool have saved me so many times. Like so many who deal with depression, it is hard to find people in the spotlight who are so open with their demon fighting. Your strength and weakness speaks to many of us and we thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Please never stop being amazing and keep it all coming!
Hello, Amanda and Neil! I was wondering, if you would...Top five books? And top five songs?
As a fellow artist I'd love this insight into two of my favourite artists! Thanks! I hope you guys have a wonderful day!
Mod
This is mostly just a thank you. I went to the pre-release party for The Art of Asking as well as the signing at Porter Square Books. I've just moved to Boston, to get my MBA..."
i just read this one aloud to neil. we both send you a hug in the hopes that it will make you feel something. and if i may be so bold as to make a suggestion: try a hot yoga practice. it breaks open the feels. something about the movement and the heat and the chest opening. if you're in boston, go to baptiste: http://www.baronbaptiste.com/ and try to catch a class with gregor, clare, emily or pilar. they;re all wonderful. (i even thank them in my book).
Hello to you both!Amanda, what was the most difficult part of your book to write? You've always been very open and raw but was there anything you could hardly get out?
Neil, will you be writing an episode for Doctor Who S9? Also, what did you think of Michelle Gomez as the Master?
Sevgiler~
-T
Neil wrote: "Christina wrote: "Good afternoon! A question for both of you: How do you like your coffee?"
I like my coffee in the form of tea, I'm afraid."
Then what is your favourite tea?
Mod
The first time I met your work, Neil, it was in 1985/1986 with Black Orchid and after with Sandman..."
I want to come back to Brazil so much! And I want to show Amanda Brazil, too. I was really hoping ti would happen this year, but it hasn't happened so far.
What a lovely thread to wake up to on a Saturday morning in Sydney. I can't wait to see you both again in Hobart in January. I'm hoping to add to my Amanda hug score (currently 3 - Sydney x 2 and NYC) and with any luck to actually meet Neil, having been a fan for so many years. A photo with the two of you would be even more exciting, so fingers crossed for that.Are there any particular books either of you would recommend to get a reluctant 14 year old reading?
Mod
This may go a bit deeply into your philosophies: what do you think of death (or Death) and, by contrast or by association, what do you think of life?
It's a pleasure to be ..."
I think Death is inevitable and incredibly natural. I think Life is a wonderful place to get a cup of tea, read a good book or cuddle your loved ones.
Amanda, I read your book in two days, in between my four month old daughter's feeds and nappy changes, alternately laughing, crying, and nodding enthusiastically. Thank you, thank you for writing it. I'm curious to know, has Neil learned how to better look after you when you're unwell, and have you learned to ask for the things?
Neil, I've devoured your work since I was young, and I continue to do so! I bought a copy of Good Omens from a little discount bookshop in Melbourne and was astonished to discover upon opening it up that it was signed by you! My question for you is, do you do sneaky signings for books going out to random places? I'm curious as to how this signed copy ended up a little $10 bookshop.
Thank you both so much for the joy you bring into my life.
Mod
My question is for Neil, but I would also love to hear Amanda's response if she has an opinion.
I love the creativity of the horror genre, in both literary and visual. A fine example of ..."
I don't really know. I think Sturgeon's Law applies to horror as much to everything else. He said "90% of science fiction is crap. But then, 90% of EVERYTHING is crap."
The trick is, as it always has been, finding the 10%.
Another question!Neil, after your visit to Jordan, are you planning on writing a story from Zaatari camp?
Mod
you know, sometimes you just gotta say aloud when you're feeling mocked or hurt. neil does this to me all the time when my teasing pushes him over the edge and i back off, apologize, and give him a hug. and sometimes it's the other way around...but i have to come right out and say it: "neil...you're hurting my feelings. i know you think it's funny but...ow."
i was recently on the phone with my sister and we were talking about my addiction to closure and how i keep insisting on asking for compassion and forgiveness from people who don't want to give it and she laughed and said "amanda, you're an attention-seeking-missile" and the comment really stung. so before i let myself get all pissy and defensive and angry at her, i just told her right then and there. i said: "alyson...ow. that hurt my feelings. i don't feel like i'm an attention-seeking-missile...i feel like i need closure from people. when you say that it drives me crazy and hurts my feelings." and she immediately backed up and the conversation took a hilarious turn, and now we have a new private joke: i'm a "compassion-seeking-missile". which is perfect, right? i'm still an idiot, but at least my intentions are good....
anyway. in the moment can really work wonders.
Mod
Neil, after your visit to Jordan, are you planning on writing a story from Zaatari camp?"
I can't get it out of my head, which usually means yes. I'd also love to film there.
Just a note - Amanda - I have given 8 of the 9 copies of your book to people I know. One of them I brought to the Seattle show this last tuesday. She didn't know who you were or anything about you. I gave her your book. She says she is changed. thank you.
that is all.
well, wait - keep writing. now that is all.
Mod
This is mostly just a thank you. I went to the pre-release party for The Art of Asking as well as the signing at Porter Square Books. I've just moved to Boston, to get my MBA..."
Ruby Wax is doing a show at the Oberon this week you might want to check out.
Do you two have plans on touring together again? Another Night with Neil Gaiman and Amanda Palmer? -Kat
Amanda, What do you prefer? Knitted hats or scarves? Solids or stripes? Do you or Neil wear beanies?
Ellie of Denver
Mod
Would you like to write a book with me?"
Not unless you can provide me with an extra year. And, preferably, an extra body or two. It's hard enough to find the time to write what I want to write...
Hi Neil and Amanda.Amanda, how much advice/criticisms did Neil give you on your book?
Neil, are you planning/wanting to do another "Doctor Who" story?
Regards.
Ross Munro
if you had to describe eachother in five words, what would they be?also, thank you to both of you! you inspire everyday!
Mod
@Amanda, I read somewhere wherein you talking about antidepressents killing any creative urge. Since I am currently going through this, what do suggest I do to become crea..."
this is a really dicey topic, because so many people do truly need meds to survive and/or balance out.
but i think there's a lot of answers to this...really seeing art as therapy can help. i've used songwriting as self-therapy since age 14 and it worked out for me. :) depending on your art form, you might consider really digging in and writing/painting ABOUT your depression, about your struggles, and making art directly out of the darkness. this art doesn't even need to be good, or shared, just MADE. sometimes that can be incredibly healing and liberating. just do the equivalent of splattering blood on the wall without having to paint a shape.
Hi! This is a question for both of you :-) Any advice for songwriting? Please say you have some good band names too (the more pretentious, the better)! Thank you! Love both of your books by the way. Xx
Neil, if you were unable to narrate your own audio-books, who would be your first choice to do so?
Neil, I love to see collaborations like Good Omens done with other talented authors. Is there an author that you haven't worked with yet that you aspire to collaborate with in the future?
Amanda,
Do you ever have time to just sit back and play your ukulele for pleasure anymore?
You're also one of my personal heroes. I was super bummed that I missed your stop in Portland, but it was rad to see that fellow fans had a blast and that you found the professional cuddling woman!
Mod
I have a very simple question for the both of you, and I hope the answer has some sort of interesting story as to why, though if not I would just like to know, what are each of..."
i really like stegosaureses, because they look so peaceful.
i just asked neil, and he likes those too, and specifically his professor steg in "fortunately, the milk".
(professor steg freaks me out a little. but i'm weird.)
Mod
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?
..."
Read EVERYTHING you can. Even stuff you don't like. Even things that make you feel uncomfortable. Read way outside your comfort zone.
Have things happen. Get your heart broken and skin your knees and do things you'd never normally do. Experience things. Talk to people you would never talk to, and learn their stories.
And write.
Hi Neil and Amanda! I'm such a fan of both of you.Neil, I grew up on the Shoshone-Paiute reservation in Fallon, Nevada and a member of that tribe. My mom is in charge of the tribal library there. I introduced your books to her and now she had included your books in the library so the whole tribal community can enjoy your books! I enjoyed reading the bits about Native Americans in American Gods. If you ever have questions about anything dark, mysterious or magical pertaining to Native Americans in Nevada let me know. :) I have tickets to see you in Park City, UT in April, 2015!
Okay, one more question for A and N.. What computer program/ device or method do you use to write? Neil, I read somewhere that you write on paper and then type it up..? Xx
Okay, one more question for A and N.. What computer program/ device or method do you use to write? Neil, I read somewhere that you write on paper and then type it up..? Xx
Ask Amanda Palmer and Neil Gaiman
Books mentioned in this topic
Hansel and Gretel (other topics)House of Leaves (other topics)
American Gods (other topics)
The Ocean at the End of the Lane (other topics)
For both of you:
How do you cultivate a community? Did you actively work to create your connections and friendships and fans, or was it simply your openness to serendipity? It seems like you both dedicate a lot of yourselves to your communities.