#575: Neil Gaiman — The Interview I've Waited 20 Years to Do (Repost)

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Feb 28, 2022

In this engaging conversation, bestselling author Neil Gaiman shares his journey from whimsical tales like 'Coraline' to profound reflections on mortality and creativity. He discusses the evolution of his writing process, the significance of writing instruments like fountain pens, and his emotional ties to adaptations of his work, including 'Good Omens'. Gaiman also reveals insights about collaboration in storytelling and the importance of legacy, weaving in heartfelt anecdotes about fellow author Terry Pratchett. A must-listen for any literary enthusiast!

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ANECDOTE

Fake Magazine, Real Lessons

At 15, Neil Gaiman started a fake magazine, "Metro," to interview his idols.
His interview with Roger Dean failed when the tape recorder stopped, teaching him the importance of backups.

ADVICE

The Writer's Rules

Create dedicated writing spaces with strict rules.
Allow yourself to do nothing or write, but avoid all other distractions.

ANECDOTE

Fountain Pen First Drafts

Neil Gaiman prefers writing first drafts in fountain pen, enjoying the process and tactile experience.
He uses different ink colors to track daily progress and emphasizes that first drafts are for the author only.

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Sandman

Sam Kieth

Mike Dringenberg

Malcolm Jones

Chris Bachalo

Neil Gaiman

This first volume of 'The Sandman' collects issues #1-20 and follows the story of Dream, also known as Morpheus, who is trapped by an occultist for 70 years. After his escape, Dream embarks on a quest to reclaim his lost objects of power, encountering characters like Lucifer, John Constantine, and an all-powerful madman. The series is a rich blend of modern and ancient mythology, seamlessly interweaving contemporary fiction, historical drama, and legend.

American Gods

Neil Gaiman

American Gods is a kaleidoscopic journey deep into myth and across an American landscape that is both eerily familiar and utterly alien. The story follows Shadow Moon, an ex-con who, upon his release from prison, finds his world turned upside down. His wife has been killed, and he is offered a job by the mysterious Mr. Wednesday, who is actually the Norse god Odin. Shadow becomes entangled in a battle between the old gods of myth and folklore and the new gods of technology, media, and money. The novel is a blend of mystery, satire, sex, horror, and poetic prose, taking the reader on a road trip across America to encounter a variety of unusual characters and roadside attractions. It explores themes of cultural identity, the power of myths, and the changing values of American society[1][2][5].

Coraline

Neil Gaiman

P. Craig Russell

Carol Isern

In 'Coraline', Neil Gaiman tells the story of Coraline Jones, a young girl who moves into a new apartment with her parents. She discovers a hidden door that leads to an alternate world where she meets her 'other' parents, who seem perfect at first but turn out to be sinister. Coraline must use her wit and resourcefulness to rescue her real parents and the souls of three ghost children trapped in this alternate world. The story is a blend of horror, fantasy, and adventure, highlighting Coraline's bravery and cleverness in the face of danger[1][2][4].

The 13 Clocks

James Thurber

In this enchanting tale, James Thurber tells the story of a wicked Duke who has frozen time in his castle, where thirteen clocks are stuck at ten minutes to five. The Duke's beautiful niece, Princess Saralinda, longs for freedom. A prince named Zorn of Zorna, disguised as a minstrel named Xingu, arrives to rescue her. With the help of the enigmatic Golux, Zorn must find a thousand jewels and restart the frozen clocks within 99 hours. The story is known for its unique cadenced style, complex wordplay, and blend of humor with darker themes of tyranny and isolation. Ultimately, the prince and the Golux succeed in their task, and justice is served when the Duke is punished for his evil deeds.

The 4-Hour Body

An Uncommon Guide to Rapid Fat-Loss, Incredible Sex, and Becoming Superhuman

Tim Ferriss

In 'The 4-Hour Body,' Tim Ferriss shares the results of over a decade of self-experimentation and research, involving hundreds of elite athletes, dozens of MDs, and thousands of hours of personal testing. The book covers more than 50 topics, including how to lose weight quickly, gain muscle without steroids, sleep less and perform better, and improve sexual health. Ferriss emphasizes the importance of finding the smallest changes that produce the biggest results, making it accessible for readers to achieve significant improvements in their physical health and performance.

The Books of Magic

Bolton, John

Neil Gaiman

In this four-issue graphic novel series, Neil Gaiman introduces Timothy Hunter, a young boy with the potential to become one of the greatest magicians of all time. Guided by a quartet of fallen mystics known as the 'Trench Coat Brigade' – John Constantine, the Phantom Stranger, Dr. Occult, and Mister E – Tim embarks on a journey through various magical realms. He learns about the history of magic, encounters mystical creatures, and visits parallel worlds and possible futures. Along the way, he must decide whether to embrace his destiny as a magician while facing threats from evil forces. The series is notable for its deep exploration of themes and its integration of various magical characters from the DC/Vertigo universe[1][3][4].

The Graveyard Book

Neil Gaiman

The Graveyard Book tells the story of Nobody 'Bod' Owens, a young boy who escapes his family's murderer, known as the man Jack, and finds refuge in a graveyard. There, he is adopted and raised by the ghostly residents, Mr. and Mrs. Owens, and protected by the mysterious caretaker Silas. As Bod grows up, he learns supernatural abilities and faces various dangers both within and outside the graveyard. The book follows Bod's adventures and his eventual transition into the world of the living, exploring themes of identity, family, and the intersection of life and death[1][2][4].

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Sir Michael Howard

Norse Mythology

Anna Llisterri

Neil Gaiman

In 'Norse Mythology', Neil Gaiman presents a novelistic arc of the Norse myths, starting with the creation of the world and the nine realms, and delving into the stories of gods such as Odin, Thor, and Loki. The book includes tales of natural phenomena, the theft of Thor's hammer, and the binding of Fenrir, all leading up to the final battle of Ragnarok. Gaiman's retelling maintains the original myths while infusing them with his characteristic wit and prose, making these ancient stories accessible and engaging for modern readers.

Good Omens

Grupo Record

Harry Potter Series

A Series of Seven Fantasy Novels

J.K. Rowling

The Harry Potter series chronicles the adventures of Harry Potter, a young wizard who discovers his magical heritage on his eleventh birthday. Along with his friends Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger, Harry navigates the magical world, attends Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, and confronts the dark wizard Lord Voldemort. The series spans seven years, each book set over the course of one school year, culminating in a final battle against Voldemort in the seventh book. The series explores themes of friendship, courage, and the struggle between good and evil, set against a richly detailed magical backdrop.

Discworld Series

A Comic Fantasy Series

Terry Pratchett

The Discworld series, written by Terry Pratchett, is a collection of 41 novels that parody and satirize various aspects of fantasy, science fiction, and real-world issues. The series is set on the Discworld, a flat planet carried through space by four giant elephants standing on the back of a cosmic turtle named Great A'Tuin. The books explore multiple story arcs, including those of the wizards of Unseen University, the witches of the Ramtops, the City Watch of Ankh-Morpork, and Death, among others. Each novel is largely standalone but often references other books in the series, making it possible to start reading from any point in the series[2][3][5].

Neverwhere

Neil Gaiman

Neverwhere is a captivating urban fantasy novel by Neil Gaiman. It follows Richard Mayhew, a young businessman whose life is turned upside down when he helps a mysterious girl named Door. As he delves into the world of London Below, Richard encounters a variety of fantastical beings and embarks on a perilous journey to uncover the truth behind Door's family's murder. Along the way, he transforms from an ordinary man into a more courageous and resourceful individual.

James Bond

Ian Fleming

The View From the Cheap Seats

Neil Gaiman

The View from the Cheap Seats is a captivating collection of over sixty nonfiction essays by Neil Gaiman, covering a wide range of subjects such as literature, art, music, and personal reflections. The book offers a glimpse into Gaiman's thoughts on storytelling, libraries, and the power of fiction, blending humor, introspection, and heartfelt stories.

Anansi Boys

Neil Gaiman

Anansi Boys follows Charles 'Fat Charlie' Nancy, whose life is disrupted by the arrival of his brother Spider, a demigod with magical powers. As Spider wreaks havoc on Charlie's life, Charlie must seek supernatural help to reclaim his identity and life. The novel explores themes of identity, family, and the power of storytelling.

Don't Panic

The Official Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy Companion

Neil Gaiman

This book serves as a tribute to Douglas Adams, exploring his life, works, and the evolution of 'The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy' across various media. It provides a behind-the-scenes look at Adams's creative process and his impact on humor and science fiction.

Annals of the Former World

John McPhee

Annals of the Former World is a collection of five books—Basin and Range, In Suspect Terrain, Rising from the Plains, Assembling California, and Crossing the Craton—that explore the geological history of North America. The book won the Pulitzer Prize for General Nonfiction in 1999. It is the culmination of two decades of research and travel across the continent with noted geologists.

The Jew of Malta

Christopher Marlowe

Ghastly Beyond Belief

Neil Gaiman

Kim Newman

Ghastly Beyond Belief is a compilation of quotes from science fiction, fantasy, and horror, edited by Neil Gaiman and Kim Newman. The book is divided into sections covering written material and film, highlighting both the absurd and the iconic lines from these genres. It includes commentary on the quotes, often humorous and satirical, making it a fun read for fans of speculative fiction.

The Complete Short Stories of Roald Dahl

Volumes One and Two

Roald Dahl

This collection includes many of Roald Dahl's most celebrated short stories, known for their macabre humor and unexpected endings. The stories are divided into two volumes, offering readers a wide range of his adult fiction.

Johnny and the Dead

Terry Pratchett

Albert Vitó i Godina

In 'Johnny and the Dead', Terry Pratchett tells the story of Johnny Maxwell, a 12-year-old boy who can see and talk to the spirits in his local cemetery. When the cemetery is threatened by a corporation planning to build offices, Johnny and his friends join forces with the ghosts to save their home. The novel explores themes of community, history, and the connection between the living and the dead.

The Ocean at the End of the Lane

Lluís Delgado

Mónica Faerna

Neil Gaiman

Oriol Hernández

Patrick Marcel

The Ocean at the End of the Lane is a novel that explores themes of identity, memory, and the power of stories. It follows a young boy who, with the help of his neighbors, the Hempstocks, must confront dark forces that threaten his family and his world. The story weaves together elements of fantasy, horror, and coming-of-age narratives.

Neil Gaiman — The Interview I've Waited 20 Years to Do | Brought to you by Athletic Greens all-in-one nutritional supplement and 5-Bullet Friday, my very own email newsletter.

Neil Gaiman (@neilhimself) is the bestselling author and creator of books, graphic novels, short stories, film and television for all ages, including Neverwhere, Coraline, The Graveyard Book, The Ocean at the End of the Lane, The View from the Cheap Seats and the Sandman series of graphic novels. His fiction has received Newbery and Carnegie Medals, and Hugo, Nebula, World Fantasy, Bram Stoker, and Will Eisner Awards, among many other awards and honors.

His novelistic retelling of Norse myths, Norse Mythology, has been a phenomenon, and an international bestseller, and won Gaiman his ninth Audie Award (for Best Narration by the Author).

Recently Gaiman wrote all six episodes of, and has been the full-time showrunner, for the BBC/Amazon Prime mini-series adaptation of Good Omens, based on the beloved 1990 book he co-wrote with Terry Pratchett.

Many of Gaiman’s books and comics have been adapted for film and television including Stardust (starring Robert De Niro and Michelle Pfeiffer), Coraline (an Academy Award nominee and the BAFTA winner for Best Animated Film), and How to Talk to Girls at Parties, a movie based on Gaiman’s short story. The television series Lucifer is based on characters created by Gaiman in Sandman. His 2001 novel, American Gods, is a critically acclaimed, Emmy-nominated TV series, now entering its second season.

In 2017, Neil Gaiman became a Goodwill Ambassador for UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency. Originally from England, he lives in the United States, where he is Professor in the Arts at Bard College.

Please enjoy!

This episode originally aired in 2019. You can find the show notes here: https://tim.blog/2019/03/28/neil-gaiman/

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How long has this interview been in the making? [09:37]

An early interview failure that Neil resolved to never repeat. [10:47]

On separating home life from work life and the writing habits of Maya Angelou and Ian Fleming. [15:55]

Neil’s biggest rule for writing. [20:16]

Neil’s process for writing first drafts. [23:35]

What Neil aims to accomplish with his second drafts. [25:49]

Something Neil noticed when he first started writing and editing with the use of computers. [26:28]

What notebooks does Neil prefer for writing first drafts? [29:13]

Fountain pens Neil has known and loved. [35:21]

How many book signings does it take to get to the bottom of a Pilot 823’s structural capacity? How about Neil’s signing hand? How many such pens given in sacrifice by Neil’s three-year-old will appease his house gods? [39:39]

Neil’s journey from manual typewriter to electric typewriter to computer to notebook, and the power of trivializing weighty endeavors — whether they’re writing novels or going for gold medals. [41:49]

How Coraline went from being an unpublishable labor of love for Neil’s children to an award-winning novella. [47:48]

Does Neil tend to work on multiple projects at once? [53:22]

Why does Neil take particular delight in writing introductions to other people’s work? [55:24]

At what time of day does Neil prefer to work, and has this changed over the years? [56:50]

Advice to aspiring novelists about finding a routine: The more you can be like Phil Connors in Groundhog Day, the better. [59:35]

The importance of understanding that just because we do something one way today doesn’t mean we’ll be doing it that way tomorrow. [1:01:28]

How a touching post on Neil’s blog (which I recommend everyone read) inspired me to adopt my own dog, Molly. [1:03:16]

What’s the genesis story of The Graveyard Book? [1:04:10]

Neil makes the case for giving the ensemble version of The Graveyard Book a listen. [1:15:29]

Who was Terry Pratchett, and how did he and Neil strike up a friendship? [1:16:24]

On working with Douglas Adams and the germ of the idea that became Neil and Terry’s collaboration, Good Omens. [1:20:12]

Neil shares his preposterous writing schedule from simultaneously working on Good Omens, Sandman, and The Books of Magic — something only someone very insane (or very young) could possibly handle. [1:23:08]

Why, after so many misfires trying to get Good Omens on the screen, we’ll finally see an uncompromising television adaptation soon. [1:24:30]

Where to find out more about Good Omens — the book and the series. [1:30:58]

What does Neil feel he learned most from his “apprenticeship” with Terry? [1:32:40]

How did Terry approach his own mortality when he learned he had Alzheimer’s disease? [1:34:45]

Before he passed away, Terry opened up a controversial dialogue around the right to die for people with terminal diseases like Alzheimer’s. What is Neil’s view? [1:38:14]

What would Terry think of the Good Omens series and its related fanfare? How might things have gone differently if he’d been directly involved in production? [1:39:50]

Time flies when you’re interviewing Neil Gaiman. (For the record, I hope to fly again sooner than later.) [1:45:09]

Parting thoughts. [1:46:03]

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