Friday, July 29, 2011

George R.R. Martin Sighting


Have you read the latest edition from the “Fire and Ice” series, probably the bestselling fantasy novels in stores today? Or maybe you've gotten hooked on the new HBO series about the books entitled “A Game of Thrones?” Are you a longtime follower of the man they call “the American Tolkien” or have you recently joined the legions of his fandom?

I usually refrain from talking about my day job on my blog, but yesterday at lunch I noticed a man standing not ten feet away from me with a black cap and a fluffy white beard. I nearly did a double take when I recognized the man as George R.R. Martin himself eating lunch right by me! Needless to say me and those around buzzed with giddy excitement. The reclusive author came onto Google campus and did a book signing in Mountain View before stopping by our Google cafes for lunch.

His handlers weren't letting anyone near him, but it was cool to see “the American Tolkien” up close. Nonetheless, people lined up to see him and the crowds astonished me as I'd never seen that level of fame and fandom bestowed on an author before. You would have thought Brad Pitt or the President had stopped by.

It makes me curious as to other peoples' experiences upon seeing famous authors up close? Anyone ever caught a glimpse of one or heard one speak? Who's a famous author that you'd like to one day meet?


35 comments:

  1. Very cool. Though sometimes I think it's best not to meet our artistic/sports/entertainment heroes... since they can often disappoint as people.

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  2. my husband is loving the latest george r.r. martin book. i've never read them. most famous book signing for me was when muhammed ali signed a copy of the koran for me. (we also went to a magic show and he waited in my driveway while i ran into my house to grab something....the magic show makes it sound surreal but it's true).

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  3. I met India's famous Author Ruskin Bond and was charmed by his humility....he arrived at the book signing alone, only the publisher accompanied him. He was on time. He is in his mid to late seventies. I was floored by that man.

    Mark..there is an award for you on my blog.

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  4. I've never read anything by George R. R. Martin. How cool that you got to see him, though. :)

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  5. Very cool. Though sometimes I think it's best not to meet our artistic/sports/entertainment heroes... since they can often disappoint as people.

    My thoughts exactly!

    That's very cool about seeing R. R. Martin, having him at your work. I haven't seen any famous authors, but I did once kinda meet Ian Tracey.

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  6. This is really cool! I haven't read the books, but I'm completely hooked on the HBO series. I'm avoiding the books for now as I don't want to be spoiled for the series, I love it.

    I haven't seen any famous authors, maybe someday though!

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  7. Really? Is that what he looks like? I've never read anything by him but will have to check him out.

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  8. How fun for you to have gotten to see him. I couldn't get into the books, though my sons are all crazy about them. I'm more into Wheel of Time.

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  9. Ack! He's going to be at my local bookstore in two days! I don't even know if I'll be able to get in the door. It's going to be crazy.

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  10. That must have been amazing! Famous writers/poets make me feel like a teenage fangirl. It's so embarrassing.

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  11. How awesome! Hmm... Most famous author I've met... I'm going to have to go with Brandon Sanderson. I actually went took his college course twice (auditing). He's one of the nicest, most down to earth, genius, most helpful people I've ever met. I owe a lot to him.

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  12. That's awesome! We actually have a handful of famous authors in my area; I've spotted a few of them in various bookstores, though I've never introduced myself. There are many I'd love to meet, particularly those I communicate with via the Internet.

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  13. I had the opportunity to meet Kelley Armstrong at a conference here and she was really nice and down-to-earth. She actually inspired me enough to jump out there and write, and stop making excuses dealing with my children. I've only met one author I didn't like, but it did ruin my opinion of her books (I read one after meeting her, out of curiosity, so not sure if my view on an author could ruin one I really liked before then). I've found authors so encouraging and reassuring that I'm not sure the risk of disliking one/being disappointed would overshadow the positive aspects of meeting them.

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  14. Hello Mark:
    We have, over the years, been very fortunate to know a number of writers who have, to a lesser or greater degree, established themselves with a national if not international reputation. Those who we have known, and know, really well are as any one of us and do not display any particular characteristics to single them out. Thankfully, we feel. By the time we met Iris Murdoch she was, very sadly, already suffering with dementia and so proved to be an exception.

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  15. I read his books about 10 years ago. I stopped reading them when there was a long break between books. They were different, but great. I haven't read his latest installment.

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  16. Hektor - True, I suppose some can be disappointing, but it just depends what you're expecting.

    CLB - I bet you'll treasure that Kora forever:) If you haven't read the Fire and Ice series, def check it out.

    Rachna - It must have been a thrill to meet him. Also, thanks for the contest win on your blog:)

    Eagle - Def was cool, try the books...I guarantee you'll like them:)

    Karen W - That's still cool. But yes, good point:)

    Julie - Glad you like the HBO series. I kind of did the same thing with Lord of the Rings, but I suggest you read the stories as there's a lot more in there to enjoy:)

    Laila - Do check him out, you won't be disappointed:)

    Donna - I've been meaning to read Wheel of Time myself. Thanks for visiting my blog:)

    L.G. - Yup I bet it'll be crazy, but check it out if you can. Sounds like fun:)

    Lydia K. - That's okay, I'm kind of the same way. Can't help it I guess:)

    Peggy - That's so cool that you could audit author's classes. Wish I had that option in college.

    Paul - Very cool. Where do you live that you have so many authors nearby? Sounds like a great opportunity.

    Shanon - Always great when authors are down to earth:) Sounds like you've had a wide range of experiences meeting authors;)

    Jane/Lance - OMG, you met Iris Murdock! That's crazy cool. Pity she was suffering at the time, but that's quite an experience nonetheless.

    Lynda - True, way too much time between some editions if you ask me, but it's still an intriguing storyline:)

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