The Fanlit staff often discusses various dubious topics amongst ourselves via e-mail. A recent questionable discussion was one I could not contain to the confines of my inbox. I had to share it with our readers. We were discussing which fantasy authors we’d like to sit and have a beer with.
At first glance you might think that’s an easy question, and you immediately think of your favorite author. However, is your favorite author truly the one you would most enjoy having a pint or four with? I love Jim Butcher more than what is healthy, but I’m not convinced he would be my optimal choice for alcohol-induced camaraderie. I’m quite certain I’d have to choose Joe Abercrombie or Jesse Bullington. How fun would a conversation with those two be? Especially after being encouraged by a few strong stouts.
So dear reader, which author would you love to sit and have drinks with? Maybe you have already done that and you have a tale to share. Either way we’d like to hear about it. As usual we’ll randomly pick a commenter to chose a book from our stacks.
Hmmm. Neil Gaiman, because I mean, well, geez!
John Crowley–one of the most inventive writers out there.
Laini Taylor–bright and funny, and probably knows all the good Portland pubs.
Anyone who sell a lot of books. Means they are more likely to pay for the beer… ;)
Seriously though it is a really tough question. Just because you like someone’s books you mean that you will get along. Most people like flatter however, I’m guessing that goes for authors to. Joe Abercrombie might be fun but as long as he does not behave as any of his characters. Brandon Sanderson is a non-drinking mormon so that might not be an ideal drinking partner, but it would certainly be interesting. China Miéville would be very high on my list as well…
I would like a big round table, lots of beer and a perhaps ten authors I like. That would be more like it…
Yeah, Marion, I can’t argue with Laini Taylor, especially if she knows of any places as cool as the Poison Kitchen. Nor Neil Gaiman, who’s a writing god and terribly handsome, and I hope he would bring his talented wife and beautiful dogs along too. Seanan McGuire, because I think she and I would have a lot in common, except she can sing and I can’t, so someone would need to keep me away from the karaoke machine. Skyler White, because I’ve done two interviews with her and we never seemed to run out of awesome conversational tangents, and Leanna Renee Hieber for the same reason. Elizabeth Donald because I have had drinks with her and it was fun, though I have vague memories of pontificating endlessly about how much my hometown sucks.
I’d like to have a mojito with Jack Vance. He is blind and I don’t know if he can still hear, but that’s okay because I’d just listen to him. I’ve read a bit about his life and I know he would have some interesting stories to tell!
China Mieville intimidates me! I’d go to a lecture of his, or buy him beers while I demured sipped club soda or something–the only way I’d come close to leveling the playing field. Crowley is in the same category for me but he seems kind of humble.
I think Lilith St Crow or C.E. Murphy would be my pick. I think either one would be fun to spend some time with.
Justin- I’m glad to see you look at this from the drinking angle too. I take my drinking serious and I only want to maximize the experience with good company. (also as long as I’m not drinking alone, I don’t have a problem. LOL)
Joe Abercrombie is my 1st choice by a land-slide, didn’t even have to think about it.
Andy Remic, comes in 2nd. I couldn’t even get through Kell’s Legend, but from his interview in the back of that book, I could just tell, that we’d hit-it-off.
Third choice is a little tougher. If I was a single-man, I would say J. V. Jones because not only am I huge fan of her books, she’s pretty, and she grew-up around her father’s pub. So she is bound to have the same cozy feeling in a bar that I do. But since I’m not single, I guess maybe Richard K. Morgan…Ah heck with it, its all just dreamin’ anyways; J. V. Jones is my number 3. No scratch that, she’s now 1st choice, Joe and Andy just got moved down my list, but I’m sure they would both understand. ;)
Steven Brust (ideally after a Cats Laughing gig)
Terry Pratchett (I met him a few times at signings, and would love to buy him a pint)
Lev Grossman (love his novels, and I’d just like to pick his brain!)
Ah, hell, right after I hit “submit” I saw Greg’s comment and now I have to add Richard K. Morgan, just because I think we’d get along well, based on his books and from what I’ve seen on his blog, although we might end up all dark and cynical after a few.
Patrick Rothfuss! If I still lived in Wisconsin, I’d have a better chance at that. He seems to go to the pub a lot. I think Lauren Beukes would also be fun to chat with over a beverage. She’s into so many different projects.
@Stefan- I get pretty cynical myself. I find cynicism quite funny. Maybe you and I need to pound back a few. :)
Strange that my top three choices would force me to a pub in the U.K., but I’d love to sit down for a few pints with Alan Moore, Neil Gaiman, or Susanna Clarke; if forced to only imbibe on my side of the pond in the U.S., pencil me in for drinks with Charles de Lint or Connie Willis, please.
John Scalzi, as his blog and his books make me like him a lot. Though funny as a choice as neither he nor I drink alcohol.
Another fun option: Sherman Alexie! I saw him at the National Book Festival two months ago, and damn, he’s awesome in person. I wish I had had a chance to talk to him then.
Not so much a beer, but I’d definitely love to have a meal with Mercedes Lackey. She’s one of my favourite authors, and her books never fail to cheer me up if I’m feeling low, or even just role-playing in the worlds she’s created. I’d love to be able to sit down with her and talk to her and tell her what an inspiration she’s been to me.
I totally disagree, Jim Butcher would be the ideal drinking buddy. The man has created two of my all-time favorite characters ever. I heard J.V. Jones at a convention and she was the amazingly nice and cheerful person, she probably already has many many standing drink offers :)
Charlie Stross or Peter Watts. Decisions, decisions.
Peter so he and I could geek out about neurology and commiserate about humanity seemingly wired to make bad choices.
Charlie because it would be funnier than hell, and he and I could geek out over computers, space, society, etc.
I think I’ll go with Peter Watts and hope I could get a peek at his new manuscript. Plus, I could visit Canada and get an FBI file for associating with a known felon.
joe57, if you live in the USA, you win a book of your choice from our stacks. Please contact me (Tim) with your choice and a US address.