Adventures in the Dream Trade

The first third of this book is mainly introductions to other writers' books (which means I now have an even longer to-read list, because when Gaiman loves a book, he makes you want to love it too). But the largest and best section is the blog he kept just after writing American Gods, and it's very cool to read about the processes a writer goes through after he types 'the end' on his manuscript. From revising, to author photographs, to signing thousands of books, and touring - it answers all the questions you maybe never knew you had about the life of a writer.

This book is very handy for the Neil Gaiman fan who doesn't want to collect every scrap that has his name on it; it does that for you! Various introductions, miscellaneous poems, and the American Gods web log are all compiled here so that we don't have to try to find it! It's interesting to see Neil's conversational tones and to get a glimpse of what he really finds worthwhile.

A fascinating look at writing from a writer's perspective. While there are a few poems and stories, the book centers around essays, introductions, and a vast excerpt from his blog during his proofing/touring for American Gods. I found him witty, erudite, and always in a good humor about life. Most of all, on nearly every page I learned something new and interesting, about writing, publishing, traveling, or best of all, the many authors Gaiman knows. Far too many things I would like to mention than I ever can, but you can see for yourself: NeilGaiman.com, click on journal. All of the archives are there still, if you care to peruse.what I found most interesting is that Gaiman, who admitted that he couldn't keep a journal and kept saying that it would only be going until the tour was over and the rest of the site was up, was thoroughly hooked by the end. ^_- He's still going very strong, and in fact, the entries are longer and more frequent than in the first few months.I think Gaiman fascinates me so much because he keeps his wry outlook on everything around him, even when rushed and tired. I love storytellers, and he always finds a story to tell, always something (and when signing things for hundreds of fans, interesting is the word of the day) to relate for us, often strange and wonderous. He isn't the great explainer, like Asimov, but everything he touches seems steeped in history and mystery, and he can remind you of the magic and wonder in the world. Like his garden. ^_^ (Look in the blog for August 5 and September 2)

I'd love to read a weblog about Neil writing American Gods. How did he forge all those sources into a new story that feels true? But this is a weblog about an author going on tour. Honestly, who cares? Neil's a genius, but this is not what he's a genius for. Stick with the stories. Skip the blog.