Let’s face it, there are some cool authors out there. Not only do they write awesome books, but they seem like they might be extremely fun to hang out with.
Which author do you most want to befriend?
I’ve been fortunate to actually become friendly with some writers I admire, but one author I would like to meet is China Miéville, in part because his books are amazing, in part because of interviews like this.
China, if you’re reading this, let’s go bowling sometime!
What about you?
Art: “Gute Freunde” – Hermann Kern
I'd have to say the author of the Jacob Wonder books. Reasons are because of his intellectual side which promises great converations and monologues. And secondly, and just as importantly, because I perceive him to have qualities and great judgement which would make for a long-lasting friendship.
Stephen King without a doubt.
You. Oh, wait. We're already friends, right?
Mira.
Seriously, I'm friends with most of the writers I admire, as I've found many "famous" writers are, in fact, human beings, and socially approachable.
But: Chuck Palahniuk, as I think he's cutting-edge experimental and brilliant. And Dave Eggers only because I've heard good things about him as a person.
I think it only natural that writers, like other artists, form some relationships with other artists, whether they be literary, visual, or even performance-based. In addition to writers, I count among my friends actors, producers, and a few errant doctors, mechanics, and painters and photographers.
If we could time travel, I'd just hang around at L'Rotund in Paris and wait to see who showed up. Or some how wrangle and invitation to the Steins' Saturday salon…
I think it is important to try and make contact with people you admire. Not in a stalking way, but as essentially an apprentice wanting to learn from masters. It's hard being in a vacuum, and even hermits occasionally need to emerge for food and light…
But as you can tell, I've never really had a problem approaching people. Getting them to not run in the opposite direction, however, has been problematic.
Neil Gaiman. He is witty, warm, and looks at life sideways. And our tastes in music and fiction are the same.
Neil Gaiman. He's witty, warm, and looks at life sideways. He and I also share similar tastes in music and fiction. I really hate proving I am not a robot as the words or numbers are usually twisted. This is my 3rd attempt at proving my humanity! 🙂
I'm always so sad that Gerald Durrell died before I could meet him. I'd have loved to go with him on some animal collecting expedition to Madagascar.
I get to meet a lot of real live writers, and I have to say that all the children's book writers I ever talked to were fabulous, fun and friendly. And quite a wild bunch when allowed to dance and drink at a hippie hop party.
Tamora Pierce, Neil Gaiman, and my friend KD Sarge (she's a new author who's wholly self-published but she rocks). Wish I could've gotten to meet David Eddings, Andre Norton, and Anne McCaffrey.
A dinner party is a great idea! Adriana Trigiani cooking, Nick Horny in charge of music, Jen Weiner making fun of the music, and David Sedaris telling everybody what they're doing wrong. I can't wait!
Terin, thanks. I'm blushing. And right back atcha. 🙂
For other authors:
Fiction: I'll leap on the J.K. Rowling bandwagon.
Non-fiction: I'd love to hang out with Jon Stewart.
Lionel Shriver!
Snooki
It would have to be Neil Gaiman. He's not only an amazingly creative person across so many outlets but he's also entertaining with a dry wit.
Umberto Eco.
After reading Travels with a Salmon *and* The Name of the Rose.
Definitely Umberto Eco.
William Gibson I'd say, the man is still really interesting and relevant. No one will ever beat the sprawl series for me…
Diana Gabaldon and Neil Gaiman!
I would love to hang out with Jim Butcher. From the interviews I've read he seems completely wacky and hilarious so it would make for a really awesome night.
Definitely Tim Dorsey! I think a trip around Florida with him would be most interesting.
Erin Morgenstern — I loved The Night Circus, and I am always stunned by her imagination.
I'd like to head out to a shooting range with Robert Crais and his Joe Pike character. The targets would preferably be real bad guys. Fire up the old .308, shoot a few rounds, then toss back a few beers.
Tahereh Mafi. So. Much.
Also, Charles Yu.
Definitely Lauren DeStefano. Various reasons including her writing and this vlog she posted about goodreads.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dj8MNOgR_gQ wait for the giant killer bee puppet at the end.
Dave Barry or Bill Bryson, I think, just to hang out.
There's an author we really like in our house, even though there are others who we also like and who have been around for ages–there is one YA and one children's author that we would simply LOVE to hang out with. And the winners are…. Drumroll please….
Beatrix Potter (so sad we'll obviously never be able to do that!)
and….
Nathan Bransford — As I've mentioned to you before, your stories are an absolute fave here and I know one little guy who would adore getting to know more about you and the world of Jacob Wonderbar!
The power of the blog!
I didn't know who China Mieville was before reading this article last week. I checked out the linked interview and his Wiki page, and today I bought one of his books (Scar) in Sydney, Australia.
Thanks for spreading the word Nathan!
You.