Thursday, September 22, 2011

Another Tour Over

Well... THAT was a tour...!

I've been back home for a few days, trying to get used to sleeping in my own bed and struggling to figure out how I managed to exist without someone from Publicity leading me to and from destinations, ordering me food, arranging hotel rooms and cars... It's not easy, adjusting back into normality, especially after meeting thousands of readers, many of whom go strangely quiet when they finally get their book signed... Not all of them go quiet, however, but we'll get to that...

I flew to London on September 2nd, a Friday, and had dinner with my VERY lovely agent Michelle, where we talked about all manner of cool things- INCLUDING the kitchen that I'm planning on refitting. (See? Seriously cool things like that my kitchen. I live such an exciting life.)

Saturday morning, Publicity Girl Extraordinaire Tiffany picked me up from my hotel and we started a day of public signings in Brent Cross and Bromley. Oh dear GOD. People had been waiting for hours- the queue went on forever- and a certain number of Skulduggery fans were actually screaming. Then they descended on me with their mad, crazy babble. I sat there, stunned, as they babbled and yattered and chattered and gibbered. I was given an inflatable unicorn called Clarabelle, and I'm pretty sure I was proposed to.

That evening I flew to Edinburgh, and the next morning Publicity Girl Extraordinaire Mary picked me up and I did events in Perth and Stirling, both of which were amusingly manic.

On Monday, we were in Glasgow, and I did TWO 400 person events one after another... This is when my voice started to go, and by the time I turned up at Waterstones that evening, I was definitely starting to worry. My voice has never been a problem before, but then, every tour the queues get longer, and I chat and laugh with more people, so it was only a matter of time before I was talking constantly for 8 hours a day... My poor voice just wasn't prepared for it.

We finished up in Scotland on Tuesday and drove to Newcastle, and from there it all started to blur together. We were in Bolton next, then Sheffield and Boston, then Cambridge and St Albans, and I met so many Skulduggery readers who each had their own theories as to what's going to happen next, and their own opinions on what just happened in Death Bringer, and each and every one of them were unique oddballs who made me grin and chat more and lose my voice AGAIN...

And then suddenly it was Saturday, and I was in Muswell's Children's Bookshop, talking to my old English teacher who'd come along, and I was given a WONDERFUL cake by a couple of readers who'd made it themselves. And then- Bluewater. The legendary Bluewater, where the queues are longer than anywhere else. If there is one thing this tour has taught me is how to speed up while signing, and I was definitely signing faster here in order to make it to the airport for my flight... But I did it, and I hopped on the plane, came home, and the next day I was at the Mountains to the Sea Festival in Dun Laoghaire, meeting the coolest people and getting lots of hugs.

Then I had a few days off, and Publicity Girl Extraordinaire Sam came over, fresh from her wedding, to spend time with the TRUE love of her life- me. Over the next three days we did events and signings in Tallaght and Kildare, Liberty Hall and Swords, and finished with epic signings in Dundrum and Blanchardstown.

And now? Now I'm finished.

I must, at this moment, thank my Publicity Girls. Thank you very much Catrina, it was so good to meet you! Thank you Mary- a few years ago I changed your life when I introduced you to the glories of the Gilmore Girls, and now I think I have done it again by introducing you and your family to the classic Batman: The Animated Series. Sam, after a few days with me, I hope life with your new husband won't appear too drab by comparison. And last but not least, Tiffany. Tiffany has been around for a few years, but this is the first time she's ever come on one of my tours, and unfortunately it's also going to be the last, as she heads back home to America in a few weeks. Tiffany was a wonderful companion, completely overawed at my wit, which is understandable. I knew we were going to get on when I heard the Imperial March coming from her phone.

I just want to thank all of you who came to an event or a signing- it really gives me a thrill when someone says "Hi, I'm Sue, but you probably know me best as Raven Darkclaw from the blog/facebook/forums." So many of you guys identified yourselves to me and it was like meeting an old friend for the first time. The lovely thing about these tours is when the Publicity Girls say how much they love the people who come to get books signed. For some reason, they seem to think you guys are fantastic, and fun, and sweet, and smart, and hilarious and goodnatured. I try to explain that ALL of my Minions are this way, and you are. From the people who froze when they met me (which is ALWAYS amusing) to the people who just wouldn't stop talking, to the girls who were practically hyperventilating, you were all magnificent. I don't particularly like going away to stay at bad hotels for a week, but every single one of you make it all worthwhile.

And I know I missed huge chunks of Ireland and the UK, but hopefully we'll visit your area next time. Next year there'll be more tours to add on, and whatever else pops up. Whenever I get a request, I do take note of it, because I know there are passionate readers all over the world who just want a chance to meet their Golden God. All you folks in Singapore, and Australia and New Zealand, and all the requests I get from Sweden and Germany and Canada and Estonia, not to mention you Americans...!

I really hope that one of these days I'll be able to tour America, but I just want to say right here and now that I truly appreciate all your support. It's not easy for you guys- not least because only the first three books are officially available over there- so your support really does go above and beyond the call of duty. I hope to be able to do something nice for you sometime soon, in thanks. In fact, how many of you are actually out there? I know Kallista is American, and Skulgirl, and I think Mar Chu, but how many others?

American readers, let yourselves be known!

One more thing, before I head off. It's thanks to you guys that Death Bringer sold so well, so thank you for officially making Skulduggery Pleasant a NUMBER ONE Bestselling Series!

Now I have to go. I need to finish The End of the World in the next few days. I love my job.

3,660 comments:

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Valkyrie V. - Ivy said...

You haven't read the amazingly incredible Death Bringer? And I like writing Skulduggery fan fic... I think I'll do more :D

Valkyrie V. - Ivy said...

Do I sound like a proffessional writer?

Ann Marie said...

While I was waiting for DB, I found something else to be obsessed with, and I'm still kinda stuck there. XD It's good, really, cause when I do read DB, I won't have as long to wait for the next one as everyone else! Haha!

Valkyrie V. - Ivy said...

Because that would be interesting to know.

Ann Marie said...

Characterizations are great! Grammar could use a little fine-tuning, but it was very readable.

Valkyrie V. - Ivy said...

YOU BECAME OBSESSED WITH SOMETHING ELSE?!? HOW DARE YOU!!! (jk)

Ann Marie said...

Sorry. I'm poly-fandomish. :-D

Valkyrie V. - Ivy said...

Thanks! And I know about the spelling and re-wording, I go back and re-read it, checking for the mistakes, and I've caught them for the most part....

Valkyrie V. - Ivy said...

I was obsessed with the Nightmare Before Christmas with Jack Skellington and stuff before I read Skulduggery... I just go from one Skeleton to the other, I suppose.

Ann Marie said...

It helps to have another person beta - it's much harder for me to catch my own mistakes.

Well, skeletons are hot... wait, that doesn't sound right..

Valkyrie V. - Ivy said...

XD you're right. That doesn't sound right.

But me and my friends like to think of what would happen if it was Jack Skellington VS. Skulduggery Pleasant, then we realised that when Jack was singing about Halloween and Christmas and his loneliness etc, Skulduggery would throw a fireball and melt Jack's claymation head.

Ann Marie said...

*snicker* Um, poor Jack! But yeah, that would probably happen.

Valkyrie V. - Ivy said...

Hehe... There's a song on the movie soundtrack called poor Jack. Don't ask why I know that.

Valkyrie V. - Ivy said...

Awww... I have to go. Bye Ann Marie! Nice to meet you!

Ann Marie said...

ok, goodnight! Was fun talking to you.

Valkyrie V. - Ivy said...

Same to you! But now I must practise my cello...

amelie espirt ____the gummy bear assasin for the straight jacket said...

hey is anyone on still

~Acacia Volt~ said...

Ii am. But you see, I don’t know if that even counts- seeing as it’s about twelve hours later (If you’re on the same time as moi). :)

~Acacia Volt~ said...

Ah, no. I see that it’s only been an hour .___. fail.

~Acacia Volt~ said...

You know what? I think I’m going to keep on posting. Mainly because I feel like typing, but hey! I have something to say as well. I almost fainted today. I went for a walk after reading DB again… I must never do so again. I was feeling frail after reading then almost fainted atop a bridge over roaring traffic. Needless to say, it was worth it. :)

Today my fabulous friend and I were talking about cloning, (She, wanting to clone the Undertaker from Black Butler, and me, wanting to clone SP- naturally.) I realised that it would be impossible to clone Skul unless you use lots and lots of little magnets of different densities… either that, or make his clothes permanent… but he’s Skulduggery! He should be able to change suits- and hats ;D Sad, sad cloning. Technology needs to hurry up and evolve faster.

~Acacia Volt~ said...

I can’t believe that I didn’t say this before… but… Derek, I hope that your new kitchen will have an island bench. No kitchen is complete without an island bench! They are quite comfortable to sit on too.. but that’s not what they’re for.. D:

Mistical Future said...

hi peeps!!!
if anyone is there!

amelie espirt ____the gummy bear assasin for the straight jacket said...

hey anyone on and derek dont forget its my birthday tomorrow i hope you remember please do or ill be sad

Flame Phoenix (Fawkes)~roleplaying said...

Anyone crazy person on?

Vita Song said...

hello?

Unknown said...

is anyone here?

Venice Rain said...

tum te tum *sigh*

http://xat.com/AquilaFelis

We're on here people!

Niall, the Guy With a Boring Name. said...

Ven?
You still there?
...
Not sure how long I can stay for.

Venice Rain said...

NIALL!

nialll niall niall niall *hugs*

Niall, the Guy With a Boring Name. said...

YESSSSSSSSSSSSSS
*hugs*

Sorry I was so slow there. Was tweeting an RIP SteJo haiku, and Twitter doesn't like me.
But, yeah, hugs!

Venice Rain said...

*more hugs* ^^

Niall, the Guy With a Boring Name. said...

*more hugs back*
I tried to get on mobile xat, but iPod wasn't having it.
Also, just nerdgasmed at the 3D trailer for Mario Kart 7

Venice Rain said...

I'm drawing kals OC! *finally*



shes bad-ass.

Niall, the Guy With a Boring Name. said...

Balls.
GTG.
*hugs Kal, resists the urge to say that one thing he says to Ven*

Venice Rain said...

*actually just fell over clutching her heart*

Unknown said...

Hey. No ones here........

Noelle said...

I'm from America!!!!!

Noelle said...

Derek~
If possible, ONE DAY, you should go on tour to America. I mean, literally, a couple of my friends and i have planned to svae up all out money, so that when we have enough, we will all fly over to Dublin, just so that we can go to a book signing. I mean, literally, that's what we are going to do.
so yes, if you ever have the chance to go to America (cough Cincinnati, OH cough) then please please please do so, because we will all scream, faint, and make our way over to whatever bookstore it is that you would be doing the signings in.
Thank you.
~Adrasdos Dark

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Red Right Hand said...

South Australia. Just...please. I'm so lost D:

Ebony Law said...

IS ANYONE HERE? PLEASE? CORRECT BLOG?

Octa said...

NO.

Octa said...

INCOORECT BLOG.

Octa said...

BOTH POLITICALLY, ETHICALLY AND PERPENDUICULARLY.

Octa said...

Rage over.

Octa said...

Dinosaur.

Octa said...

Boop.

Mary Contrary said...

Definitely perpendicularly.

*agrees*

#ChaseForBook9

Mary Contrary said...

Oh, new page.

Well isn't that fun?

#ChaseForBook9

Mary Contrary said...

I dedicate to Octa, because, um, sorry about this. :P


*returns to the wreaking of chaos and things*

#ChaseForBook9

Mary Contrary said...

HEAR, HEAR.


#ChaseForBook9

Mary Contrary said...

SOrry.
I can't leave it on a '3'.

That's just wrong.

#ChaseForBook9

Mary Contrary said...

...

Now I feel bad.

#ChaseForBook9

Mary Contrary said...

Threes are just as lovely as the next number.

#ChaseForBook9

Mary Contrary said...

... I'll leave it at eight.
Because we're not quite at the release of book 9 yet.

Unless you're Forbidden Planet, in London.

But that was unfortunate.

*leaves ice cream*

#ChaseForBook9

Mary Contrary said...

... I worded that badly, actually.

The next number would be four.

Unless you're using a different sequence.

In which case anything goes.

Never mind.

Nine, now.

Oh well.

Easier for Octa. :P

Mary Contrary said...

*#ChaseForBook9

Dammit.

Rounded it off myself, now.

Oh well.

Fooled by my own mind...

*stalks off*

#ChaseForBook9

Noelle said...

See, I think I'm finally far back enough that no one will find this.

...
I'll be long gone when it finally does happen, this thing found.

Well- here it goes.

Admittedly, I will say that I failed again, but it was not for lack of effort.

The truth is, depression is a disease, just like cancer, or HIV, or malaria. And, also like these, depression can kill the carrier. It isn't because the carrier is weak, or is selfish, it is because the disease warps their mind to the extent that they can not think properly.

For example: I believe myself to be unattractive, unloved, overweight, worthless, and pathetic. Honestly, i believe this- and I know that logically, this is my depression speaking to me, but I can't get my emotions to surpass logic. I feel so terrible all the time- and the only reason I haven't hanged myself is because I'm afraid that dying will hurt.

I understand that this is a testament to my weakness, and that I'm a failure for doing this, but I just don't know what to do anymore. There are little voices in my head telling me to hurt myself and hurt others and I can't take this anymore.

I'm just done.

Niamhy Jay said...

Adra,
I know that you feel that you are not good enough. And I know to you might think that I am just saying these things, but I promise you, I'm not.
You are NOT worthless
You are NOT pathetic
You are NOT unattractive
You are NOT overweight
And you most certainly are loved.
I know that it may not seem like, depression is a dark thing that can cloud perspective and I know that it can be hard to see past and sometimes you might not even want to, but it is something that can be handled.
I'm not going to be one of those people that says depression can be cured because I know it can't, it's something you learn to handle but it can be handled. And when you learn how to handle it seems like such a smaller thing.
If you let yourself feel each emotion as it comes as opposed to letting it build up for example can help a great deal.
You are not weak, the fact that you can admit that there is something wrong only shows your strength, many go through it in denial and that can be worse.
I want you to talk to someone in real life and not just on a computer screen I know it can seem a scary thing and that it won't help but it might surprise you.

I want you to be okay Adra. I want you to be happy and to live a full and wonderful life and it is well within your reach. You are stronger than you give yourself credit for and I want you to know that. Like I said, I know it can be hard for you to believe me, because I'm just someone behind a computer screen but I guarantee there are many more that share my view.

Stay strong and don't be afraid to reach out and ask for help, there is absolutely nothing wrong with asking for someone to help you carry the load.
Take care of yourself Adra. Xx

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