Friday, August 10, 2012

NZ

New Zealand, eh? Lovely country, full of lunatics...

I arrived on Tuesday, checked into my hotel and met up with a friend who's living over here. By nine that night, every time my eyes closed I was in serious danger of falling asleep right there and then. Only the fact that my luggage had been misplaced somewhere between Dublin and Auckland kept me from turning in early. It's not exactly a nice feeling, wondering if you're ever going to see your luggage again. You start thinking about all the clothes you packed, about the toothbrush, about the phone charger you might never see again...

I went to bed, then was woken at 2 AM by reception- my luggage had arrived. They delivered it to my room and I wept manly tears of joy. Or, y'know, I shrugged and mumbled a thank you and went back to bed. Whichever.

It's now Friday night, and tomorrow is my last day in New Zealand. It's been astonishingly good so far. Every school I've been to has been great- really enthusiastic people, ready to have a laugh. Two schools even did a welcoming Haka-type thing, which was awesomely cool.

The public signings have been great too. This afternoon I did one in the Children's Bookshop in Christchurch, where I met a load of readers, including Jordan, a girl who had kept me updated about her status after the recent earthquakes. It's always nice to meet people I only know online, and she had many, MANY questions to ask.

Tomorrow is my last day in NZ, and so the first chunk of my tour will be over. I've really enjoyed my few days here- this was a great way to kick off the tour.

EDIT:

I've just read over what I've just written, and it's all so sickeningly POSITIVE and nice. Bah humbug! There needs to be some grouchy stuff in here in order to be genuine- so I'll just say that I STILL haven't been able to see Katie Taylor winning the gold in boxing, and I am NOT happy about that. I can't even find it on YouTube.

Bah YouTube! Bah!

Every single Irish Minion knows who Katie Taylor is, and they're as proud of her as I am. What a girl.

4,833 comments:

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Niamhy Jay said...

*raises glass to dedication*
Hear hear!!

Cat said...

Argued BACK!
That IS The BULLIED against the BULLY.

Random Comments said...

he did the action, and i didn't stand there to be "killed." I should apologize to the "burglar/killer" for not letting him kill me and steal my possessions? I'm sorry to say that that does not make sense.

Noelle said...

When did trucks come into this?

Nixion Strange said...

Cat, your making arguments that have nothing to do with what I'm saying! No truck as thrown, no bully punched someone. There was two people arguing

Nixion Strange said...

There's a big difference between killing someone and arguing. You argued with him

Random Comments said...

I didn't "punch" him, I told him to leave him alone and got my friends to help me tell him to lay off.

Random Comments said...

Nixion, you said"If I just go and decide to kill someone, ruining his and others lives, according to you, I wouldn't even apologise" and" I'll just go and run over someone, but never apologise." we're continuing the metaphor to show the problem with your logic.

Cat said...

Yes.
You said that if you ran over someone, say,
in a car
i say go for it
if he hit you with a truck

If someone calls you a joke
and that you should'hope on your little My Little Pony over there and flap your way back Incorrectland?'
talk back, that represents the bully,
and calling him a hypocrite is punching him in the nose.

Nixion Strange said...

There was no punching! That has nothing to do with what happened!

You and him argued. Simple as that. And two people argue, not one. So there should be an apology

Nixion Strange said...

I was arguing with Cat's logic to not apologise, not metophoring the argument

Cat said...

And you brought up killing...
'If I just go and decide to kill someone, ruining his and others lives, according to you, I wouldn't even apologise'

Noelle said...

Can't we all just please drop it???

I'm completely confused to what it going on

Random Comments said...

there was an arguer, and the one who said "leave me alone"

Cat said...

I have to leave soon. if we're just argueing, i dont even really mind.

Anger. Pettiness...
seems such a silly emotion, but ill cling to it like anything...

Nixion Strange said...

Yes, but you didn't stop the argument, did you Random? It kept going until he left.

Random Comments said...

so I should apologize for being bullied over 100 comments?

Nixion Strange said...

You should apologise for arguing for over 100 comments

Random Comments said...

Cat, if someone runs over you, you shouldn't run over there family. however, you should keep them from running you over.

Nixion Strange said...

But there is a differnce between runnign over someone and arguing! Stop trying to say they're the same thing

Cat said...

Exactly. you didnt run over anyone's family, but you wouldnt be run over.

Random Comments said...

I'm sorry, so what should I have done as he CYBER-BULLIED me? "Oh, thank you for insulting me and making ridiculous claims while doing what you claim I am doing? and please, have a cookie?"

Nixion Strange said...

There's almost no similarites between those senarios Random

Random Comments said...

We aren't! You brought it up, Nixion!

Nixion Strange said...

You should have stoped the argument

Noelle said...

210 comments later...

Nixion Strange said...

I was arguing with Cat about a different thing!

Cat said...

You said that, Nixion.

I'll just go and run over someone, but never apologise. Hmm?

Im sorry for argueing with you, i really am, but im not sorry for holding to my point.

Random Comments said...

if you are referring to the comment directly above yours, that is what he did, is that how I should have acted?

Cat said...

I was saying that he brought running over someone first.

Nixion Strange said...

No, not the one directly above mine.

Random Comments said...

which is what happened. please, answer the question.

Nixion Strange said...

Cat, I was bring it up against your argument you shouldn't apologise unless you mean it. Different argument!

Nixion Strange said...

I already said Random. You should have stoped the argument

Cat said...

Apologizing when you dont mean it is a slap in the face.

Random Comments said...

And how would I do that as he repeatedly insults me and interrupts with criticism of my comments?

Cat said...

Its a freaking Lie!!

Random Comments said...

And now I must go to bed.

Nixion Strange said...

*is trying not to yell*

Cat, no offense, but I'm just going to ignore you for a moment

Random, you can ignore him, change the subject, admit that your grammer may be wrong. You can do a lot of things

Niamhy Jay said...

*looks up from book again and arches an eyebrow*

Still going on about it?

Nixion Strange said...

You know what? I'm giving up. You're obviously just going to ignore me. I give up
Do whatever you want

Noelle said...

Unfortunately, NJ

Cat said...

I dont know what you've been saying.
And I'm not going to look.
But no one is going to change
there mind.
So there is no point here.
I might not change mine, either,
but im not saying it again.
This is not what i want to remember
when i leave next week.

Cat said...

You were right, some, Nixion. Everyone was,
But everyone was wrong, too.


THey would not listen
they did not know how
perhaps they'll listen
now

And how you tried to set them free...

Cat said...

Everyone was wrong, even me.

Cat said...

So... The Empress? NJ Maverick?
You guys... get bored and leave?

Nixion Strange said...

Sorry, sisters friends just texted me for some reason

Cat said...

Probably to either communicate or...
what's the word...

Zanida Laufeydottir Queen of Asgard (Zafira Kerias) said...

NJ probably went to bed probably it is 4am just about for her and well...Adra well her internet sucks

Matex Von Darkhour - マテクス said...

Well.

Nixion Strange said...

Hello young Matex

Matex Von Darkhour - マテクス said...

And how old are you?

Cat said...

I am Sorry to Nixion. Because Fighting with you... over anything...
its more than that, though.
Im ashamed of it.
I am So sorry.
That's why I dont talk to people.
Because
I'll laugh and
ill oke
and ill tell people that it's okay
but who am i to tell?
because inside, Im a rotten person
with a temper
and a stubborness
and i cant
even
i cant

Nixion Strange said...

15 suka!

Matex Von Darkhour - マテクス said...

We are all 'rotten' people.
Don't worry too much about that

Nixion Strange said...

It's fine Cat

Breakfast. brb

Matex Von Darkhour - マテクス said...

sucker?

Matex Von Darkhour - マテクス said...

Oh and to your last comment before I left Nixion, im not that new here haha, ive been around from the moment Derek posted the first blog entry :)

Zanida Laufeydottir Queen of Asgard (Zafira Kerias) said...

*explodes Kiwiland*

Nixion Strange said...

Yes, but can you sing Matex?

Cat said...

After Sunday, I won't be on for a week...

Cat said...

See you all tomorrow, maybe

Anonymous said...

Derek come to australia derek come to australia

Derek come to australia derek come to australia

Derek come to australia derek come to australia

Derek come to australia derek come to australia

Derek come to australia derek come to australia

Derek come to australia derek come to australia

Matex Von Darkhour - マテクス said...

What has singing got to do with age or rotten people?...

Matex Von Darkhour - マテクス said...

Bye cat!

Zanida Laufeydottir Queen of Asgard (Zafira Kerias) said...

good nnight

Nixion Strange said...

Bye Cat!

Bye Zaf!

Hi Misssorrows!


Besides, I'm a regular, so I still get a higher ranking

Matex Von Darkhour - マテクス said...

aaaaand that has nothing to do with singing? besides im still older? not that i care, its really not about being superior.

Nixion Strange said...

No it isn't
*is secretly superior*
Kidding!

But you said yesterday you were 14...

Matex Von Darkhour - マテクス said...

haha and no i didnt?

Nixion Strange said...

Damn it someone else. I was dead tired last night
So how old are you? Amd how come if you've been here since first post your profile only says semptember?

Matex Von Darkhour - マテクス said...

Well your profile only says since March this year.

But for me it says that because that's when I linked my google account to blogger, and im 16 turning 17 this year, haha, born in the same year as Valkyrie, growing up with her :P

Nixion Strange said...

Yeah, I had another one, but the email for that one got stuffed up so I had to make a new account. I've been on longer than march

Matex Von Darkhour - マテクス said...

I know :)

Matex Von Darkhour - マテクス said...

This place is dead now u_u where is everyone else?!

Nixion Strange said...

Yeah, it was surprisingly active last night
Mostly it's like this

Nixion Strange said...

Wait... you know?

Illustria (GNoire) said...

Oh how I love the conversations on here o//u//o
Hello everyone c:

Nixion Strange said...

Hi Gwyneth!

Matex Von Darkhour - マテクス said...

Oh I know that youv been on longer than March haha, I don't follow every comment because that would comsume way too much time, but I am aware of the regulars so yes I know that March2012 is totally wrong.
Hey Gwyneth :)

Illustria (GNoire) said...

Hi Nix! :D
And hi Matex! c:

Miss Cain; The Aussie Ninja Stalker said...

Luggage
always getting lost
not that I have lost MY luggage, but hey, it does happen

anywho, I WILL BE AT THE AQUINAS SIGNING WITH KINGDOM OF THE WICKED, A POSTER MY SISTER DREW FOR ME THAT I WANT YOU TO SIGN AND IM THINKING OF OTHER STUFF RIGHT NOW

OH, AND MY FRIEND WILL BE THERE WITH ME :P

be prepared Derek, be prepared...

Nixion Strange said...

.... STALKER!

Nixion Strange said...

Hi Miss!

Matex Von Darkhour - マテクス said...

I'm only stalking Derek :P

Nixion Strange said...

And the most awesome of the minions?

Miss Cain; The Aussie Ninja Stalker said...

...AND

i get to write a review on Derek in school for the newsletter im doing

its gonna be epic C:

Matex Von Darkhour - マテクス said...

Nah just taking note of who comments on Derek's stuff haha.
This is getting annoying, the comments should be in real time so we dont have to keep hitting refesh all the time.
Someone re-write this in PHP

Illustria (GNoire) said...

I really wish I could go to these kind of book signings and things...
-sigh- The life of us Ameriminions :c

Miss Cain; The Aussie Ninja Stalker said...

has anyone been to a medievil fair or something like that??

Matex Von Darkhour - マテクス said...

Oh, you too Gwyneth? D:

Nixion Strange said...

Yeah, a lot of people left the blog for chat. I think one of the reasons was because they wanted real time talk

Matex Von Darkhour - マテクス said...

Any chat in particular?

Illustria (GNoire) said...

Yes, sadly. Its so far awayyy ~ D:

Nixion Strange said...

Yeah, but they keep it a secret.

Matex Von Darkhour - マテクス said...

Yesterday we were discussin having a world summit haha :)

Matex Von Darkhour - マテクス said...

"they"
So even you don't know? That doesnt even make sense, why disapear and keep it from everyone else?

Nixion Strange said...

I know, because I went on the chat a few times to see what was going non. I tried to get them to come back, but no, they're stubborn. I managed to get 2 though. One's kinda a regular, one's just come on 3 times

It's a long story why they keep it secret

Matex Von Darkhour - マテクス said...

What a sad story. Losers.

Nixion Strange said...

Well, they oringally left for reasons they won't say. Then they went to a different place that they keep secret because of these two people
It used to be their chat, the old one. But they banned people for no reason, stoped people from changing pics stuff like that. So they left, and went to a secret place. Most of them are alright

Matex Von Darkhour - マテクス said...

I think I managed to understand that though it was quite convaluted.
So they basically went somewhere secret to keep away from mean people?

Nixion Strange said...

Pretty much

Matex Von Darkhour - マテクス said...

Then that is still a sad story and there's still some losers involved, just not as many as I thought.
Still, with a bit more knowledge I could turn this place into instant chat without having to go to a different site altogether... That would be a fun challenge :)

Nixion Strange said...

If you had access to the blog, yes. But only Derek does

Matex Von Darkhour - マテクス said...

Nah, there's other ways.
I think you would have to contact blogger / google to do it, but then again it'd be possible to do it without them, I think.

But I'm not very good with web code, not yet anyway haha

Nixion Strange said...

But Kal, you can't deny that a lot of people who go on the chat never come here. I've met a lot of them

Miss Cain; The Aussie Ninja Stalker said...

hi Kal!

Matex Von Darkhour - マテクス said...

Oh, yes I know that, at first I took it to mean that you were all being secretive, and i said losers.

But Nixion explained and yeah I get it, just saying that whoever they were trying to hide from don't sound very nice.

I don't have any problem with the people leaving to use another chat, I am fully aware of demands that are made. That's exactly why I don't comment on here regularly, believe me, I know full well what it's like >_<

Sorry I came across as offensive to anyone who left to use a chat site haha

Matex Von Darkhour - マテクス said...

Sorry IF i came across as offensive**

Because I was not refering to those people, dont worry :)

Miss Cain; The Aussie Ninja Stalker said...

got to go now

bye guys!

Nixion Strange said...

Bye Miss!

Helena Ember Sky said...

Hello! Rainbows...

Nixion Strange said...

Hi Hel!

Matex Von Darkhour - マテクス said...

HEY HELENA :D

Helena Ember Sky said...

Hey Nix! Hey Matex! How do you guys do?

Matex Von Darkhour - マテクス said...

Pretty good!
Any word on whether or not your coming to see Derek?

Helena Ember Sky said...

That was a really stupid way of saying how do you do.

Nixion Strange said...

Kal can't comment for some reason, so she emailed me

She said that she's not offended by anything you said Matex. She thinks that yes people should come on more. And she's bussy writing
Also, banana leaf. That was from me

Helena Ember Sky said...

No actually. It's really unfortunate. I need to talk to my aunt. She's Melbourne (most of my family is) and she'a an editor. She has a big network of friends.

Helena Ember Sky said...

*in

Matex Von Darkhour - マテクス said...

Fairenough then, but she can still see our comments right?
Hey Kal :) ;P

Matex Von Darkhour - マテクス said...

Aww :( Goodluck!

Helena Ember Sky said...

HELLO KAL!






Rainbows... *shivers*

Helena Ember Sky said...

Wait. Was that goodluck for me? Thank you!

Matex Von Darkhour - マテクス said...

Yes it was for you Helena, sounds like you might need it :)

Helena Ember Sky said...

*groans* I really do. Thank you.

Matex Von Darkhour - マテクス said...

haha :)
Is there anyone else on the blog apart from us three who will be there???

Helena Ember Sky said...

Kal, your comment showed for a second, though, when I refreshed, it was gone.

Nixion Strange said...

Kal went to bed

Mayan said...

hello!
Heres the interview from breakfast : http://news.msn.co.nz/video.aspx?videoid=fa9b4b91-5d3a-466c-a662-de2f13e2db59

Nixion Strange said...

Hi Maya!

Seen it

Helena Ember Sky said...

Hey Romana. I know Nix.

Laila N Mysis said...

Oh, it's just not fair! We won't get to see him because the tickets booked out Dx Even after MY MOTHER said yes, and she next-to-never says yes! I think I'm going to go weep some manly tears of devestation...

Helena Ember Sky said...

Oh, poor you Laila! *pats back*

Nixion Strange said...

I Laila!

Yeah, I know. I managed to get in. You're from Melbouren, right?

Matex Von Darkhour - マテクス said...

Hey Laila :)
Where were you trying to go see him?

Mayan said...

BTW Nixion I asked Derek if Serpine was Michael Jackson. He did not ACTUALLY give me a sraight answer though.

Nixion Strange said...

I here a but Maya

Helena Ember Sky said...

Romana! You're right! I hadn't thought of that.

Mayan said...

But he said one day my brain will grow :)

Nixion Strange said...

... I think that's answer enough

Helena Ember Sky said...

Haha, also, I think Serpine was more handsome than Michael Jackson.

Matex Von Darkhour - マテクス said...

How is Serpine michael jackson, im obviously missing something...

Mayan said...

@Matex They both wear a glove.
@Nixion I will not give in!!!!!

Nixion Strange said...

He's not Matex

Matex Von Darkhour - マテクス said...

Ah, I see. hmm, i think that is a bit far fetched but ok haha :)

Mayan said...

Soooooooo who is he then???

Nixion Strange said...

Serpine is Serpine. That question makes no sense

Matex Von Darkhour - マテクス said...

EXACTO

Matex Von Darkhour - マテクス said...

A day late! A buck short, im writing the report, on losing and failing....

Helena Ember Sky said...

I have to go... I don't want to go. Good bye!

Nixion Strange said...

Bye Helena!

Matex Von Darkhour - マテクス said...

Goodbye Helena :( Come back soon :3

Mayan said...

I so jealous
Derek Landy tried to bite my sister.
Don't ask... actually do :)

Mayan said...

Bye Helena!

Valkyrie V. - Ivy said...

Derek tried to bite your sister...? LUCKY!

Mayan said...

Cos she said she hadn't actually read many of them and was just here to support her sister (me!) so said he didn't mind and said to take a photo. She was a bit scared so he said "come closer I won't bite!" So she came closer. Then 1 second before the camera flashed he turned towards her and pretended to try to bite her. She was kinda scared and fell over (she was kneeling) and screamed a little. The golden god laughed.

The Death Bringer said...

omg i just met u derek and u r amazun!

Nixion Strange said...

Hey Death!

Mayan said...

kiwi-a-go-go-land!
HIGHFIVE!

Zaztheninja79 said...

I met our Golden God yesterday! Best day ever!

Mayan said...

What signing did you go to Death?

Nixion Strange said...

Hi Zaz!

The Death Bringer said...

omg derek i <3 u :)))))

Mayan said...

Hi Death and Zaz!

MissyNiamh said...

Hey, I'm going to see you on Brisbane tomorrow mr Landy. I am extremely looking forward to it and I am extremely happy that I can see you because originally I couldn't. When you first piste the dates I knew I couldn't go in Sydney where I live becuase I was busy but I have contacts in brisbane and I was the first to get tickets. I was just wondering of A) hugs are encourged, B) are you actually talking to us at Riverbend and would I be able to have a hug if hugs are encouraged. Anyway, if hugs aren't encouraged I will understand :( (maybe.)
From Niamh.

AnnmarieClayre said...

amazing to see you Derek had to wait only an hour which was good it was totally worth but i have to wait tomorrow to read the book cause my mums reading it now :(

Nixion Strange said...

Hi Annmarie!

Mayan said...

Hello Ann Marie. Everybodys just popping momenterialy.

Selena Gasp said...

Hey, for anyone who read my comment before, ummmm just forget. I kinda just- um just forget it.

Selena Gasp said...

I had fun today, meeting Derek. That's it.

Nixion Strange said...

Hi Selena!

Selena Gasp said...

My brother is watching yo gabba gabba
0_0

Mayan said...

Hi Selena!

Unknown said...

Dear Derek,

I am a huge fan of your skulduggery Pleasant books. I know it is a bit cheeky, but I am writing on the off chance that you would be able to visit my school when you are in central Auckland, New Zealand in Auckland this year. Anytime would be great but lunchtime (12.25pm-1.00pm)would be perfect!

There are lots of fans at my school (Auckland Grammar School) who would love to meet you.

Yours sincerely

Floyd Fernandez

Selena Gasp said...

Hi Nix, when are you meeting the Golden God??? He is cool, when he takes a pic with you, he says: Elbow on table, he is pretty epic :)

Selena Gasp said...

Hi Maya

Nixion Strange said...

I haven't got a camera for a pic...

Mayan said...

Hi Floyd!
@Selena what did DL say to you??
I have your school email... what a stalker am I...

Selena Gasp said...

Oh poop, I am almost out of battery

Mayan said...

Get Battery! GO Selena!
More Jepic then the olympics :)

Selena Gasp said...

@ Nix,you don't need a camera, anything will do, a phone a ipad - anything that takes a picture


@ Maya, : Hi Selena, how are you? do want a picture? Elbow on table, look mysterious, any questions or comments? Okay, bye!
That's it.

Mayan said...

I have Derek Landy nails...
Fun with nail polish...

Nixion Strange said...

I don't have anything Selena

Selena Gasp said...

I am getting a charger, right now...
And for the school email you type up anyone's name and there email will come up. I don't that's a good idea.

Mayan said...

Did you have any questions/comments?

Selena Gasp said...

At all! Hmmm, are you going with anyone?

Nixion Strange said...

My mum, why?

Selena Gasp said...

No. I probably should have said something, ah well. I got a pic, and two books signed, that's good enough for me!

Selena Gasp said...

Second. Meh.

Mayan said...

Sister, friend and I were trying to inhale his accent... It did not work.

Selena Gasp said...

Oh because they might have something that you could use.

Selena Gasp said...

Inhale????

Mayan said...

The dalmation lamb is so cute.

Selena Gasp said...

Now my brother is watching Bubble Guppys. My gosh, its weird. I have to watch him.

Mayan said...

Cos irish accents are so much cooler then kiwi ones.

Selena Gasp said...

Um. Dalmation lamb? Maya, you odd :)

Selena Gasp said...

Yeah, they are. Mehhhh

Mayan said...

http://www.dorkazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/dalmation-lamb.jpg

Selena Gasp said...

Oh my gosh, BUBBLE GUPPY'S IS THE WORST!!!!!!!!! ARGHHH!!!

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