And it all ended happily ever after

I like listening to Neil Gaiman talk, not just for what he says, but for the quality of his voice. His is one of those rare voices that are just meant to narrate. He reminded me a little of a read-a-along story book I had many moons ago, when I was even shorter than I am now. Whilst that was read by a woman, the intonations and inflections still seemed familiar. Of course, since that was the only read-a-long story book I had (it was Jack and The Beanstalk, strange that I still remember it after so long), it could be that all childrens stories are read in such a fashion. I wonder if it's a skill they teach. I'd quite like to learn to talk in the manner of a narrator of childrens books. Anyway, he read the entirety of "Wolves In The Wall", much to the audiences delight. It's a charming little story, which he neatly summed up as being similar in style to "The Day I Swapped My Dad For Two Goldfish" (don't go getting any ideas Fiona!) only creepier. I think my niece may be getting a copy for Christmas - I think I'll very much enjoy reading it to her.

It was a good evening all in all. Even the question session at the end managed to throw up some interesting questions and responses whilst avoiding the fawning adulation that I've witnessed before. Little facts cropped up, such as the time Neil visited Brian Henson's home in Hampstead and described it as "a strange house full of rotting muppets". That visit was related to a film written by Neil that is currently undergoing post production work called Mirrormask. It all sounds like a particularly bonkers project to produce a new film along the lines of Labyrinth or The Dark Crystal. Whilst the attempt isn't necessarily bonkers itself, the budget they're trying to do it with is - just $4million (a teeny tiny fraction of what it cost to make Labyrinth). Still, from what I heard today it sounds as though it's going to be a fascinating project.

I was tempted to stay at the end and queue so that I could not get something signed by Neil again. I already have several items that aren't signed by him, so I was tempted to add to my collection. However, when an announcer appeared at the end to ask everyone interesting in queuing to have things signed (or not as in my case), to line up in an orderly fashion she seemed a little perturbed by the ensuing stampede and by the time she'd gotten out what she had to say she pretty much added that it was too late. For me as well - I seem to have inherited whatever gene is responsible for ensuring that people queue in a dignified manner which means that when mass queueing chaos ensues I can usually be relied upon to find myself at the very end of whatever queue manages to form regardless of where I was previously standing. Whilst I did fail to get anything signed by Neil as a result, it was a little more impersonal than I'd hoped. I may have to try again next year...