An Evening In Which There Was Much Rejoicing
Yesterday I went to London for the Forbidden Planet mass-signing. I more than half-expected the event to be a mildly embarrassing experience but it was, in fact, totally cool - as can be seen from the picture of us below all looking extremely intelligent and impressive:
Tom Lloyd, Jaine Fenn, Jon Courtenay Grimwood, Joe Abercrombie, James Swallow, Suzanne McLeod, me, Mark Chadbourn, David Devereux (or, as I am now calling him, Multi-Talented Genius Party Man).
I signed a few books and met some lovely people. But I think everyone would agree that the highlight of it all was my Amazing Hat. And the Party Rings.
Just for clarification’s sake I want to make it absolutely clear that the reason I appear to be sticking my tongue out in the photo below isn’t because I’m having to concentrate really hard on the gargantuan task of signing my own name, but because it was very hot and dry in that book basement and I was sorely in need of my lipsil. Just so’s we all clear on that . . .
After that it was off to the Phoenix for the estimable David Devereux’s launch party in celebration of his new book Eagle Rising. Much rejoicing ensued . . . especially on my part when I was allowed to wear Dave’s flying jacket again. I think it is, quite possibly, the best jacket. In. The. World. So - many thanks to Dave, both for the invite to an awesome event, and for the loan of your ridiculously comfy jacket.
The only downside of the evening was that I was quite shocked, upset and distressed by a - quite frankly - absurd suggestion from Marcus Gipps that Dr Who is superior to Merlin. The whole table seemed to be with him on this (with the possible exception of Tequila Guy - about whom there was some confusion) but that doesn’t change the fact that he was sooooo wrong. But - this horrible mar on the evening aside - there was mostly just a lot of rejoicing.
Finally the staff tried to chuck us out of the Phoenix - but a sudden blizzard meant that we were all snowed in, trapped inside the pub for a total of five days, during which time we ran out of food and were forced to eat Joe Abercrombie. And there was much rejoicing.
Tags: Appearances, Events, Joe Abercrombie - Eating Of, Monty Python Reference
January 23rd, 2009 at 6:53 pm
Hmm…a Joe kebab.
So what did he taste like? Sheep? Chicken? Or more the taste of a succulent hog running free through the woods of Northumbria?
January 23rd, 2009 at 6:58 pm
Wilfred- She wouldn’t know what any of those taste like she’s a herbivore, so he prob just tasted like joe
Anyway the more important question is… Did you find out the info i wanted before you ate him? Otherwise you’ve doomed me to an eternity of not knowing!!
January 23rd, 2009 at 10:54 pm
It is a very cool hat. Great to meet you!
January 24th, 2009 at 10:43 am
A very fine hat indeed, Alex. Simon pointed out that there need to be more party rings at signings and I’m inclined to agree with him - I think a packet or two might have to go on the ‘signing essentials’ list along with the Sharpie, biro and tear gas.
Seriously, though, what does everyone think Joe tasted like? Apple crumble, obviously! I’ll get the junior chemistry set out and see if I can clone him or something given that (a) he was delicious and (b) Lou will probably want someone to babysit for her from time to time.
And thank you for coming - it’s never quite as good a party without you, and having you around for the late-night boozy ramblings was double-plus good.
January 24th, 2009 at 1:52 pm
You’re so right, Dave. He *did* taste like apple crumble.
And thank you for inviting me. It was an amazing night - as I would expect it to be if you’re there.
January 25th, 2009 at 6:55 pm
I photograph particularly badly. Evidence available in tongue-sticking-out photo.
January 26th, 2009 at 12:07 pm
Hi Chris. Well, at least you aren’t sticking out your tongue too! If we were both doing it, it would be quite difficult to explain. Great meeting you Thursday night, and hope you had a good time with me and t’other merry geeks