I fished myself out of bed on SONA day to take myself off to the ER of Medical City, the new hospital-slash-hotel, to check on the state of my never-ending cold and cough.
Hoping to see a cute doctor or 2 around the place, I got disappointed. My attending physician though told me that he doubted I had pneumonia since I "looked too good." He just gave me paracetamol and cough medicine prescriptions and told me to come back if I still wasn't recovered in 5 days.
I waited for a cab to take me to Metrowalk where I was supposed to meet Mylinda and as I hung around the driveway, the guard struck up a conversation and asked me "Ma'am, do you work out?"
At Metrowalk, I found a copy of the elusive pirated DVD set of Smallville Season 4 which I have gotten extremely addicted to.
Then I also texted the friend who had offered a consultancy project through a Friendster message the night before. We set a meeting for few days later, which could actually mean extra cash.
I had a nice Monday!
Sunday, July 31, 2005
Monday, July 25, 2005
Changes
There was a time a couple of years ago when me and my two best friends sat down for a "studio portrait" at a local Kameraworld, believing it to be one of our last photos as best friends in Manila. One of the trio was scheduled to leave for Hongkong for work, while the other planned to move to Holland to get married. As always, I was slated to stay.
Six months later, everyone was back in town as the work thing and the relationship thing didn't work out...and we had many more photos and adventures again. But after that period, it seemed like things had changed. Though we were close as ever, there was no longer a need to spend every minute together either in person or on the phone. We all had our own lives, and we were pretty different people, which actually made the friendship even richer.
Recently we had dinner at Nuvo (in the midst of my raging cold) and met Mylinda's fiance, their relationship a very inspiring product of her last visit to the United States to become a bridesmaid at a childhood's friend wedding. He was the best man. It happened so suddenly it seemed to be cause for worry for me, but the inspiring part was this time everything was perfect. From someone who's seen her experience so much crap from relationships through the years, she miraculously met and is going to marry her Mr. Right. The last time she and I were in Nuvo, we half-seriously thought of this happening to us, but never really thought it would happen so soon. That just goes to show you never know what fate has in store!
She's leaving for Philly this September, to get married and settle there. This time I think the change will be rather permanent. I used to think I couldn't imagine what it would be like when people close to me wouldn't be around anymore. But know I know although there may be changes in geography or in lifestlyle, relationships don't have to end...they just change, and its up to you to make it change for the better, to grow into something different and unique.
So very soon, i'll have an excuse to travel and visit her, which I think is going to be a lot of fun!
Kwon, Mylinda, Tricia and me.
Friday, July 22, 2005
Spread the love
Its 7th day anniversary of my virus. Happy week-sary! I have no idea why I haven't gotten significantly better after taking oodles of antibiotics and Tuseran Forte and extra virgin coconut oil (the home remedy system at work). Well at least the whole weak knees and fever faded as of last weekend, but my cough and colds continue to persist in the face of extreme medication. It could also be the late nights I insist on having, feeling as if I don't need rest at all (the Superman complex!).
Fabulously enough, I have also shared the wealth among numerous officemates who started coughing and sniffling soon as I looked in their direction. Ain't that great? That's how killer my virus is. I've been so blessed to be visited by one of the most powerful entities in the virus-which-cause-colds-and-cough world.
Thankfully its the weekend and I hope that I get enough vegetating time in to get over this. GMA has also cooperated by declaring a National Holiday so people can be enthralled by her State of the Nation Address. It must be her way of making up for the horrid tax she's imposed to curtail my shopping habits.
Have a good weekend and wish me a speedy recovery please!
****************************************
Check out a copy of HP Book 6 bought from Thailand. Oooh, a different cover! This copy belongs to the San Diegos, and I was quite entertained to open it and read that HP is also available in Welsh, Irish, Latin and Ancient Greek (gasp, say it isn't so!)
Saturday, July 16, 2005
In Bed with Harry
Crawled out of my sickbed today to grab a copy of this:
I prided myself on never getting sick (except for the occasional bout of ulcer) but I guess there's just so much a body can take. That must have been an amazingly strog virus that took me down with the flu because it got Gigi too considering we spent less than 2 hours breathing the same air.
At least being sick gives me time to read Harry Potter, and get much needed rest as well. Although I used to be such a TV addict, and a bookworm, I haven't found myself in bed with a book for some time now. Nice to go back to the good old days.
I prided myself on never getting sick (except for the occasional bout of ulcer) but I guess there's just so much a body can take. That must have been an amazingly strog virus that took me down with the flu because it got Gigi too considering we spent less than 2 hours breathing the same air.
At least being sick gives me time to read Harry Potter, and get much needed rest as well. Although I used to be such a TV addict, and a bookworm, I haven't found myself in bed with a book for some time now. Nice to go back to the good old days.
Friday, July 15, 2005
The State of our Nation
Crossing Buendia Avenue through the rallying throng, trying to get a cab to take me to Glorietta so I could have a nice lunch with a friend I hadn't seen in ages who was leaving for the U.S. (aren't they all?) told me much about my state in relation to the the state of my country.
As in...please let us get on with out lives. Please let us go on with a regular day at work. Aren't people just sick of "EDSA 1,2,3, to the nth power"? Has any change in government over the last 10 years changed anything? One thing is always certain with a power struggle--- the economy always takes a dive and many people bear the brunt of it. I've never been very political, but as someone who pays water, electric and grocery bills, it has me bothered.
But since we can do nothing but laugh, as individuals and as a nation, here's a hilarious piece I picked up from email.
Enjoy!
******************************
THE SHADOW CABINET
ECONOMIC TEAM - Susan's thrust will be to achieve an ECONOMIC MIRACLE that
the country missed in the 80's and 90's. Nobody is better equipped in
making this MIRACLE happen than Nora Aunor (Himala). As NEDA Secretary,
Sec. Aunor will not draw water from brooks of Kupang (Place of Himala), but
would make miracles happen by encouraging people to believe in themselves.
According to the future NEDA chief. "Tayo ang gumagawa ng Himala" She will
be assisted by Underscretary Madame Auring to guide the government in
taking the miraculous path.
Sec. Aunor will be supported by Sec. Pepe Pimentel (Finance) and Sec.
Roderick Paulate (Budget and Management). As Finance chief, Sec. Pimentel
is well aware of where the "Kwarta" is. And no matter how small revenue
collection will be, the public purse will be efficiently handled and kept
by Budget Secretary Paulate in his "Bayong" with Undersecretary Amy Perez.
Finally, the Team is completed by Trade and Industry by the tandem of Sec.
Mura and Undersecretary Mahal to make sure that the basic commodities are
priced right, neither expensive (Mahal) nor cheap (Mura).
SERVICES TEAM - True to his populist color, Susan will give more to those
who have less in life. Being allied with the GMA administration, MMDA Chair
Bayani Fernando will be replaced by another Bayani, New MMDA Chair Bayani
Agbayani. As such he will scrap the Odd-Even scheme and implement a simpler
"Ocho-Ocho" traffic program, i.e., no cars in Edsa from 8am to 8pm.
Agriculture Department will be headed by Sec. Vilma Santos to ensure that
food supply will be bountiful in all seasons in all regions.
Housing, being the cornerstone of the Susan Roces Administration, will be
given to an equally regal and competent person, HLURB Secretary Dolphy. As
such, he will ensure that the masses get their deserved homes either along
the riles (railroads) or airports. The middle class on the other hand will
be helped by Undersecretary Nova Villa.
The National Youth Commission will be headed by German Moreno so that he
can help develop the talents of the millions of Filipino Youth. He will be
assisted by Commissioners-At-Large Jojo Veloso and Alfie Lorenzo.
Social Welfare portfolio will be given to no less than Sec. Willie
Revillame. He will leave his show to prepare for government service. To
fund the welfare programs, the young Lucky Manzano will be appointed to the
PCSO and PAGCOR.
Finally, the Department of Health will be headed by Dr. Vicky Belo. The
projects in line are as follows: Oplan Alis Skin Disease, Tangal taba, and
Libreng Lipo sa Masa.
RESOURCES TEAM - Susan Roces' policy is the full development of our
resources for the benefit of the people.
Department of Energy will be headed by Sec. Gary Valenciano. No more PPA,
just pure energy.
The Environment portfolio will be given to Sec. Chin-Chin Gutierrez and
supported by Bureau of Forestry Director Rico J. Puno, Mines and
Geosciences Directress Gretchen Barreto, and Undersecretary Jimmy Bondoc.
DEFENSE AND LAW AND ORDER TEAM - Considering the lack of respect the
citizens have for the law of the law, Susan will implement the policy of
law without fear or favor.
The Defense Department will be given to Sec. Annabel Rama who is feared by
the devil himself. If she can handle Ernie Maceda, why not the generals of
the AFP. If she can defend Ruffa's integrity despite all her shenanigans,
what more the integrity of the national territory.
The Department of Interior will be headed by another fighter, Sec. Mystica
who is well aware of the workings of the police after figuring in weekly
brawls ever since she entered showbiz. She will be assited by PNP Chief
Paquito Diaz, an expert on mobs and thugs.
FOREIGN AFFAIRS TEAM - Susan will continue the current government's
constructive engagement. Among the members of the nation's new foreign
service are the following Ambassadors:
Africa Union - Susan Africa
Austria - Amy Austria
Brunei Darusalam - Cristina Gonzalez
Colombia - Ace Vergel
Germany - Baron Geisler
Israel - Dick Israel
Jordan - Jordan Herrera
Spain - Gerald Madrid
Romania - David Bunevacz
Russian Federation - Nanette Medved
Turkey - Ruffa Gutierrez-Bektas
United Kingdom - Princess Punzalan
United States - Angelica Jones
The Department of Foreign Affairs will be headed by Sec. Melanie Marquez
(Miss International) who is very experienced in "international"
relationships.
OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT - Lastly, to manage all the department secretaries,
a function of the Executive Secretary, no less than Exec. Sec. Lily
Monteverde will "manage" all of them to make sure that they work in line
with government policies. If Mother Lily can manage the whole Regal Family
(plus Regal Babies), what more the nation's Official Family. She will be
assisted by Presidential Management Staff Sec. Lolit Solis, another
"talent" manager. To complete the roster of palace officials, the
residential Spokesperson's job will be given not to Boy Abunda nor Cristy
Fermin as other have speculated, but to the reliable Sec. Rey Pumaloy
(Aminin!) to ensure that the government will not hide anything from the
public.
Kay SUSAN tayo !!!!
As in...please let us get on with out lives. Please let us go on with a regular day at work. Aren't people just sick of "EDSA 1,2,3, to the nth power"? Has any change in government over the last 10 years changed anything? One thing is always certain with a power struggle--- the economy always takes a dive and many people bear the brunt of it. I've never been very political, but as someone who pays water, electric and grocery bills, it has me bothered.
But since we can do nothing but laugh, as individuals and as a nation, here's a hilarious piece I picked up from email.
Enjoy!
******************************
THE SHADOW CABINET
ECONOMIC TEAM - Susan's thrust will be to achieve an ECONOMIC MIRACLE that
the country missed in the 80's and 90's. Nobody is better equipped in
making this MIRACLE happen than Nora Aunor (Himala). As NEDA Secretary,
Sec. Aunor will not draw water from brooks of Kupang (Place of Himala), but
would make miracles happen by encouraging people to believe in themselves.
According to the future NEDA chief. "Tayo ang gumagawa ng Himala" She will
be assisted by Underscretary Madame Auring to guide the government in
taking the miraculous path.
Sec. Aunor will be supported by Sec. Pepe Pimentel (Finance) and Sec.
Roderick Paulate (Budget and Management). As Finance chief, Sec. Pimentel
is well aware of where the "Kwarta" is. And no matter how small revenue
collection will be, the public purse will be efficiently handled and kept
by Budget Secretary Paulate in his "Bayong" with Undersecretary Amy Perez.
Finally, the Team is completed by Trade and Industry by the tandem of Sec.
Mura and Undersecretary Mahal to make sure that the basic commodities are
priced right, neither expensive (Mahal) nor cheap (Mura).
SERVICES TEAM - True to his populist color, Susan will give more to those
who have less in life. Being allied with the GMA administration, MMDA Chair
Bayani Fernando will be replaced by another Bayani, New MMDA Chair Bayani
Agbayani. As such he will scrap the Odd-Even scheme and implement a simpler
"Ocho-Ocho" traffic program, i.e., no cars in Edsa from 8am to 8pm.
Agriculture Department will be headed by Sec. Vilma Santos to ensure that
food supply will be bountiful in all seasons in all regions.
Housing, being the cornerstone of the Susan Roces Administration, will be
given to an equally regal and competent person, HLURB Secretary Dolphy. As
such, he will ensure that the masses get their deserved homes either along
the riles (railroads) or airports. The middle class on the other hand will
be helped by Undersecretary Nova Villa.
The National Youth Commission will be headed by German Moreno so that he
can help develop the talents of the millions of Filipino Youth. He will be
assisted by Commissioners-At-Large Jojo Veloso and Alfie Lorenzo.
Social Welfare portfolio will be given to no less than Sec. Willie
Revillame. He will leave his show to prepare for government service. To
fund the welfare programs, the young Lucky Manzano will be appointed to the
PCSO and PAGCOR.
Finally, the Department of Health will be headed by Dr. Vicky Belo. The
projects in line are as follows: Oplan Alis Skin Disease, Tangal taba, and
Libreng Lipo sa Masa.
RESOURCES TEAM - Susan Roces' policy is the full development of our
resources for the benefit of the people.
Department of Energy will be headed by Sec. Gary Valenciano. No more PPA,
just pure energy.
The Environment portfolio will be given to Sec. Chin-Chin Gutierrez and
supported by Bureau of Forestry Director Rico J. Puno, Mines and
Geosciences Directress Gretchen Barreto, and Undersecretary Jimmy Bondoc.
DEFENSE AND LAW AND ORDER TEAM - Considering the lack of respect the
citizens have for the law of the law, Susan will implement the policy of
law without fear or favor.
The Defense Department will be given to Sec. Annabel Rama who is feared by
the devil himself. If she can handle Ernie Maceda, why not the generals of
the AFP. If she can defend Ruffa's integrity despite all her shenanigans,
what more the integrity of the national territory.
The Department of Interior will be headed by another fighter, Sec. Mystica
who is well aware of the workings of the police after figuring in weekly
brawls ever since she entered showbiz. She will be assited by PNP Chief
Paquito Diaz, an expert on mobs and thugs.
FOREIGN AFFAIRS TEAM - Susan will continue the current government's
constructive engagement. Among the members of the nation's new foreign
service are the following Ambassadors:
Africa Union - Susan Africa
Austria - Amy Austria
Brunei Darusalam - Cristina Gonzalez
Colombia - Ace Vergel
Germany - Baron Geisler
Israel - Dick Israel
Jordan - Jordan Herrera
Spain - Gerald Madrid
Romania - David Bunevacz
Russian Federation - Nanette Medved
Turkey - Ruffa Gutierrez-Bektas
United Kingdom - Princess Punzalan
United States - Angelica Jones
The Department of Foreign Affairs will be headed by Sec. Melanie Marquez
(Miss International) who is very experienced in "international"
relationships.
OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT - Lastly, to manage all the department secretaries,
a function of the Executive Secretary, no less than Exec. Sec. Lily
Monteverde will "manage" all of them to make sure that they work in line
with government policies. If Mother Lily can manage the whole Regal Family
(plus Regal Babies), what more the nation's Official Family. She will be
assisted by Presidential Management Staff Sec. Lolit Solis, another
"talent" manager. To complete the roster of palace officials, the
residential Spokesperson's job will be given not to Boy Abunda nor Cristy
Fermin as other have speculated, but to the reliable Sec. Rey Pumaloy
(Aminin!) to ensure that the government will not hide anything from the
public.
Kay SUSAN tayo !!!!
Monday, July 11, 2005
Outside the Tent
Sheila's additional rules for book-signings of pop fiction authors:
1. Listen when the author says it's better to choose a favorite book because it's likely he won't be able to sign everything you bring him. I could've saved some cash had I had restrained myself from buying a hardbound "signing" copy of Fables and Reflections. In the end I just asked Neil to sign my old copy of Neverwhere and my brand new 2nd copy of Stardust.
2. Do not party the night before you're due to line up for a numbered pass. As it was I got #631 at 11:30am when I should've been in line at 8am to secure a number in the early 100s. But then luck was still on my side because some staffer of Fully Booked mistakenly released up to #750 when they were only supposed to issue out 500.
3. Bring a nice comfy chair, a pillow, cold drinks and a fan--- this holds true especially for book signings in Manila where it's damn hot!
4. Be very careful about picking up strays while in line...you never when it's someone you wish you could tune out.
5. It pays to be outspoken, and optimistic. I did get my book signed (at 1am) also because about 150 people gave up ahead of me.
It was quite an experience to wait 14 hours for the signature of one man. But this was Neil Gaiman, who I have to salute for having the stamina to sign books for 7 hours straight and remain extremely sweet and down to earth to the very end.
In between though, I was quite entertained by lunch, the Fantastic Four movie we stuck in between 12:30- 2:30 pm, a lot of sticks of cigarettes, checking out the sole cute guy there (sadly I already know he's kind of a snob), and playing catch-up with almost every geek in my generation who turned up for the event--- from the Ateneans, to the gaming industry crowd, to the Ad Agency people, to the rock bands, to the Cyber Journalists. A friend of mine who was totally uninterested in Neil but just went to accompany his girlfriend commented how I seemed to know everyone there. And I had to face the fact. I am a geek. A geek who has 2 books signed by Neil Gaiman. Weee!
The picture of success! Me and Neil, who can't even look up at the camera anymore as he's been blinded by flashes the whole day.
Here Neil's perspective on the event:
Saturday, July 09, 2005
In the Tent
posted by Neil 7/09/2005 12:54:00 PM
In the Philippines, the people are enthusiastic on a level that makes the Brazilians look reserved and polite. They shout very loudly when they're happy, too. There's a noise that a few thousand of the locals make when they all shout at once to let you know they're happy to see you that made me finally understand the idea of a wall of sound...
Apparently over 3000 people turned up to see me, although only 700 tickets guaranteeing you a signature were given out (and had all gone well before lunchtime). (Which I still don't quite understand as I was told it would be limited to 500. But there you go.) It began late, due to overrunning tv interviews, followed by Printer Hell, when I couldn't get something to print out on the hotel printer, so I had to read it on stage from the laptop -- which left me feeling I'd made the right choice in getting a laptop that weighs about 2lb. So the event began a little after 4:00pm. A short ANANSI BOYS reading, a short Q&A, and then I signed...
I stayed till everyone still there in the tent was done -- I finished signing for the last people in line, all of us more than somewhat shellshocked, around 1:25 am.
Goodnight.
*****************************************
In unrelated news, I will be floating on clouds for an indefinite period of time as I just recently met with my favorite actor P for a "business" opportunity (Many thanks Gil for setting this up). I have watched all this guy's movies and have even downloaded his MMS photo so I can blissfully sigh at his picture on my phone wallpaper as I drift off to sleep. Here's the funny part---- as I giddily stuck out my hand to greet him when I arrived at the restaurant for our meeting, he said, "Yes, we've met before." I thought this was a line ---- I mean how would I have forgotten meeting HIM! He kept on insisting and I was ready to blame it on my evil twin (yes that girl who keeps on going around looking exactly like me--- my mom and sis have seen her around). P was so bothered he kept on insisting that he remembered my name, my face, and my personality. Finally we figured it out --- he remembers me from high school! He used to visit our campus often and remembers seeing me around…he even knew I was the "class speaker" and a "top student" (yes kids I told you I was a geek). He started calling me "Classmate" after that, and at the end of our meeting, we made beso-beso.
Sigh. Imagine that.
1. Listen when the author says it's better to choose a favorite book because it's likely he won't be able to sign everything you bring him. I could've saved some cash had I had restrained myself from buying a hardbound "signing" copy of Fables and Reflections. In the end I just asked Neil to sign my old copy of Neverwhere and my brand new 2nd copy of Stardust.
2. Do not party the night before you're due to line up for a numbered pass. As it was I got #631 at 11:30am when I should've been in line at 8am to secure a number in the early 100s. But then luck was still on my side because some staffer of Fully Booked mistakenly released up to #750 when they were only supposed to issue out 500.
3. Bring a nice comfy chair, a pillow, cold drinks and a fan--- this holds true especially for book signings in Manila where it's damn hot!
4. Be very careful about picking up strays while in line...you never when it's someone you wish you could tune out.
5. It pays to be outspoken, and optimistic. I did get my book signed (at 1am) also because about 150 people gave up ahead of me.
It was quite an experience to wait 14 hours for the signature of one man. But this was Neil Gaiman, who I have to salute for having the stamina to sign books for 7 hours straight and remain extremely sweet and down to earth to the very end.
In between though, I was quite entertained by lunch, the Fantastic Four movie we stuck in between 12:30- 2:30 pm, a lot of sticks of cigarettes, checking out the sole cute guy there (sadly I already know he's kind of a snob), and playing catch-up with almost every geek in my generation who turned up for the event--- from the Ateneans, to the gaming industry crowd, to the Ad Agency people, to the rock bands, to the Cyber Journalists. A friend of mine who was totally uninterested in Neil but just went to accompany his girlfriend commented how I seemed to know everyone there. And I had to face the fact. I am a geek. A geek who has 2 books signed by Neil Gaiman. Weee!
The picture of success! Me and Neil, who can't even look up at the camera anymore as he's been blinded by flashes the whole day.
Here Neil's perspective on the event:
Saturday, July 09, 2005
In the Tent
posted by Neil 7/09/2005 12:54:00 PM
In the Philippines, the people are enthusiastic on a level that makes the Brazilians look reserved and polite. They shout very loudly when they're happy, too. There's a noise that a few thousand of the locals make when they all shout at once to let you know they're happy to see you that made me finally understand the idea of a wall of sound...
Apparently over 3000 people turned up to see me, although only 700 tickets guaranteeing you a signature were given out (and had all gone well before lunchtime). (Which I still don't quite understand as I was told it would be limited to 500. But there you go.) It began late, due to overrunning tv interviews, followed by Printer Hell, when I couldn't get something to print out on the hotel printer, so I had to read it on stage from the laptop -- which left me feeling I'd made the right choice in getting a laptop that weighs about 2lb. So the event began a little after 4:00pm. A short ANANSI BOYS reading, a short Q&A, and then I signed...
I stayed till everyone still there in the tent was done -- I finished signing for the last people in line, all of us more than somewhat shellshocked, around 1:25 am.
Goodnight.
*****************************************
In unrelated news, I will be floating on clouds for an indefinite period of time as I just recently met with my favorite actor P for a "business" opportunity (Many thanks Gil for setting this up). I have watched all this guy's movies and have even downloaded his MMS photo so I can blissfully sigh at his picture on my phone wallpaper as I drift off to sleep. Here's the funny part---- as I giddily stuck out my hand to greet him when I arrived at the restaurant for our meeting, he said, "Yes, we've met before." I thought this was a line ---- I mean how would I have forgotten meeting HIM! He kept on insisting and I was ready to blame it on my evil twin (yes that girl who keeps on going around looking exactly like me--- my mom and sis have seen her around). P was so bothered he kept on insisting that he remembered my name, my face, and my personality. Finally we figured it out --- he remembers me from high school! He used to visit our campus often and remembers seeing me around…he even knew I was the "class speaker" and a "top student" (yes kids I told you I was a geek). He started calling me "Classmate" after that, and at the end of our meeting, we made beso-beso.
Sigh. Imagine that.
Friday, July 08, 2005
Book Signing Tips from the Lord of Dreams
My first book signing tomorrow, and its with Neil Gaiman!
Advice for the clueless straight from the horse's mouth. Its also written in Neil's journal.
Gotta hand it to the guy, even his signing tips are fun to read.
1) It can be a good idea to call the store first and find out if they have any specific ground rules. Some do, some don't. Will they be handing out numbers? Will you have to buy a copy of American Gods from them in hardback to get prime place in the line or will it be first come first served? What about books you bought somewhere else? Can you bring your ferret?
2) Get there reasonably early if you can. I'll always try and make sure that anyone in line during the posted signing times gets stuff signed. At evening signings I'll always stay and make sure everyone goes away happy, but on this tour there will be several places where I'll need to go from a signing to another signing, so don't cut it fine.
3) You may own everything I've ever written. I'm very grateful. I'm probably not going to sign it all, so you had better simply pick out your favorite thing and bring that along.
4) As a rule, I tend to tell stores I'll sign 3 things people bring with them - plus any copies of the new book you buy (if you have six brothers or sisters and buy one each, I'll sign them all). But stores may have their own policies - and we may wind up changing the rules as we go in order to make sure that everyone gets stuff signed.
5) Eat first. I'm not kidding. If it's a night-time signing of the kind that can go on for a long time, bring sandwiches or something to nibble (some signings with numbers handed out may make it possible for you to go out and eat and come back. Or you may be first in line. But plan for a worst-case scenario of several hours of standing and shuffling your way slowly around a store). (If it's a daytime signing somewhere that a line may snake out of a store into the hot sun, bring something to drink. I always feel guilty when people pass out.)
6) You may be in that line for a while, so talk to the people around you. You never know, you could make a new friend. I've signed books for kids whose parents met in signing lines (although to the best of my knowledge none of them were actually conceived there). And while we're on the subject, bring something to read while waiting. Or buy something to read - you'll be in a bookshop, after all.
7) Don't worry. You won't say anything stupid. It'll be fine. My heart tends to go out to people who've stood in line for hours trying to think of the single brilliant witty erudite thing that they can say when they get to the front of the line, and when it finally happens they put their books in front of me and go blank, or make a complete mess of whatever they were trying to say. If you have anything you want to ask or say, just ask, or say it, and if you get a blank look from me it's probably because I'm slightly brain dead after signing several thousand things that day.
8) The only people who ever get short shrift from me are the people who turn up with tape recorders who try and tape interviews during signings. I won't do them - it's unfair on the other people in the line, and unfair on me (and I was as curt with the guy from the LA Times who tried it as I am to people who decide on the spur of the moment to try and tape something for their college paper). If you want to do an interview, ask the bookstore who you should talk to in order to set it up.
9) Take things out of plastic bags before you reach me. Firstly, it speeds things up. Secondly, I once ripped the back off a $200 comic taking it out of a plastic bag, when the back of the comic caught on the tape. The person who owned it was very sweet about it, but tears glistened in his eyes as I signed, and I could hear him wailing softly as he walked away.
10) Yes, I'll happily personalize the stuff I sign, to you, or to friends. If it's a birthday or wedding present, tell me.
11) Remember your name. Know how to spell it, even under pressure, such as being asked. [If you have a nice simple name, like Bob or Dave or Jennifer, don't be surprised if I ask you how to spell it. I've encountered too many Bhob's, Daev's and even, once, a Jeniffer to take any spelling for granted.]
12) No, I probably won't do a drawing for you, because there are 300 people behind you, and if I had to draw for everyone we'd be finishing at 4.00am – on the other hand, if you're prepared to wait patiently until the end, I may do it then, if my hand still works.
13) If it means a lot to you, yes, I'll sign your lunchbox/skin/guitar/leather jacket/wings - but if it's something strange you may want to make sure you have a pen that writes on strange surfaces legibly. I'll have lots of pens, but they may not write on feathers.
14) At the start of the tour the answer to "Doesn't your hand hurt?" Is "No." By the end of the tour, it's probably going to be "Yes."
15) Yes, you can take my picture, and yes, of course you can be in the photo, that's the point isn't it? There's always someone near the front of the line who will take your photo.
16) I do my best to read all the letters I'm given and not lose all the presents I'm given. Sometimes I'll read letters on the plane to the next place. But given the sheer volume of letters and gifts, you probably won't get a reply, unless you do. (On one previous tour I tried to write postcards to everyone who gave me something at the last stop on postcards at the next hotel. Never again.) If you're after a reply or to have me read something, you're much better off not giving it to me on a tour. Post it to me care of DreamHaven books in Minneapolis. (And although things people give me get posted back, on the last tour FedEx lost one box of notes and gifts, and on the tour before that hotel staff lost or stole another box. So smaller things I can put into a suitcase are going to be more popular than four-foot high paintings done on slabs of beech wood.)
17) No, I probably won't have dinner/a beer/sushi with you after the signing. If it's a daytime signing I'll be on my way to the next signing; and if it's an evening signing I'll be heading back to my hotel room because I'll be getting up at six a.m. to fly to the next city. If there actually is any spare time on the tour it will have been given to journalists, and if there's any time on top of that old friends will have started e-mailing me two or three months before the tour started to say "You'll be in the Paphlagonian Barnes and Noble on the 23rd. That's just a short yak-hop from my yurt. We must get together," and would have got themselves put on the schedule. (Still, it never hurts to ask.)
18) If you can't read what I wrote, just ask me. After a couple of hours of signing my handwriting can get pretty weird.
19) If I sign it in silver or gold, give it a minute or so to dry before putting it back in its bag or closing the cover, otherwise you'll soon have a gold or silver smudge and nothing more.
Advice for the clueless straight from the horse's mouth. Its also written in Neil's journal.
Gotta hand it to the guy, even his signing tips are fun to read.
1) It can be a good idea to call the store first and find out if they have any specific ground rules. Some do, some don't. Will they be handing out numbers? Will you have to buy a copy of American Gods from them in hardback to get prime place in the line or will it be first come first served? What about books you bought somewhere else? Can you bring your ferret?
2) Get there reasonably early if you can. I'll always try and make sure that anyone in line during the posted signing times gets stuff signed. At evening signings I'll always stay and make sure everyone goes away happy, but on this tour there will be several places where I'll need to go from a signing to another signing, so don't cut it fine.
3) You may own everything I've ever written. I'm very grateful. I'm probably not going to sign it all, so you had better simply pick out your favorite thing and bring that along.
4) As a rule, I tend to tell stores I'll sign 3 things people bring with them - plus any copies of the new book you buy (if you have six brothers or sisters and buy one each, I'll sign them all). But stores may have their own policies - and we may wind up changing the rules as we go in order to make sure that everyone gets stuff signed.
5) Eat first. I'm not kidding. If it's a night-time signing of the kind that can go on for a long time, bring sandwiches or something to nibble (some signings with numbers handed out may make it possible for you to go out and eat and come back. Or you may be first in line. But plan for a worst-case scenario of several hours of standing and shuffling your way slowly around a store). (If it's a daytime signing somewhere that a line may snake out of a store into the hot sun, bring something to drink. I always feel guilty when people pass out.)
6) You may be in that line for a while, so talk to the people around you. You never know, you could make a new friend. I've signed books for kids whose parents met in signing lines (although to the best of my knowledge none of them were actually conceived there). And while we're on the subject, bring something to read while waiting. Or buy something to read - you'll be in a bookshop, after all.
7) Don't worry. You won't say anything stupid. It'll be fine. My heart tends to go out to people who've stood in line for hours trying to think of the single brilliant witty erudite thing that they can say when they get to the front of the line, and when it finally happens they put their books in front of me and go blank, or make a complete mess of whatever they were trying to say. If you have anything you want to ask or say, just ask, or say it, and if you get a blank look from me it's probably because I'm slightly brain dead after signing several thousand things that day.
8) The only people who ever get short shrift from me are the people who turn up with tape recorders who try and tape interviews during signings. I won't do them - it's unfair on the other people in the line, and unfair on me (and I was as curt with the guy from the LA Times who tried it as I am to people who decide on the spur of the moment to try and tape something for their college paper). If you want to do an interview, ask the bookstore who you should talk to in order to set it up.
9) Take things out of plastic bags before you reach me. Firstly, it speeds things up. Secondly, I once ripped the back off a $200 comic taking it out of a plastic bag, when the back of the comic caught on the tape. The person who owned it was very sweet about it, but tears glistened in his eyes as I signed, and I could hear him wailing softly as he walked away.
10) Yes, I'll happily personalize the stuff I sign, to you, or to friends. If it's a birthday or wedding present, tell me.
11) Remember your name. Know how to spell it, even under pressure, such as being asked. [If you have a nice simple name, like Bob or Dave or Jennifer, don't be surprised if I ask you how to spell it. I've encountered too many Bhob's, Daev's and even, once, a Jeniffer to take any spelling for granted.]
12) No, I probably won't do a drawing for you, because there are 300 people behind you, and if I had to draw for everyone we'd be finishing at 4.00am – on the other hand, if you're prepared to wait patiently until the end, I may do it then, if my hand still works.
13) If it means a lot to you, yes, I'll sign your lunchbox/skin/guitar/leather jacket/wings - but if it's something strange you may want to make sure you have a pen that writes on strange surfaces legibly. I'll have lots of pens, but they may not write on feathers.
14) At the start of the tour the answer to "Doesn't your hand hurt?" Is "No." By the end of the tour, it's probably going to be "Yes."
15) Yes, you can take my picture, and yes, of course you can be in the photo, that's the point isn't it? There's always someone near the front of the line who will take your photo.
16) I do my best to read all the letters I'm given and not lose all the presents I'm given. Sometimes I'll read letters on the plane to the next place. But given the sheer volume of letters and gifts, you probably won't get a reply, unless you do. (On one previous tour I tried to write postcards to everyone who gave me something at the last stop on postcards at the next hotel. Never again.) If you're after a reply or to have me read something, you're much better off not giving it to me on a tour. Post it to me care of DreamHaven books in Minneapolis. (And although things people give me get posted back, on the last tour FedEx lost one box of notes and gifts, and on the tour before that hotel staff lost or stole another box. So smaller things I can put into a suitcase are going to be more popular than four-foot high paintings done on slabs of beech wood.)
17) No, I probably won't have dinner/a beer/sushi with you after the signing. If it's a daytime signing I'll be on my way to the next signing; and if it's an evening signing I'll be heading back to my hotel room because I'll be getting up at six a.m. to fly to the next city. If there actually is any spare time on the tour it will have been given to journalists, and if there's any time on top of that old friends will have started e-mailing me two or three months before the tour started to say "You'll be in the Paphlagonian Barnes and Noble on the 23rd. That's just a short yak-hop from my yurt. We must get together," and would have got themselves put on the schedule. (Still, it never hurts to ask.)
18) If you can't read what I wrote, just ask me. After a couple of hours of signing my handwriting can get pretty weird.
19) If I sign it in silver or gold, give it a minute or so to dry before putting it back in its bag or closing the cover, otherwise you'll soon have a gold or silver smudge and nothing more.
Tuesday, July 05, 2005
RPC Post-script
Ragnarok Philippine Championships, June 25-26, 2005, World Trade Center, Roxas Blvd., Manila
How can I not say something about the overwhelming experience of seeing 13,000 people troop to something you helped put together? To all those who made it possible, THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart.
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