Stephen King Fans discussion

I'm enjoying 20th Century Ghost thus far. I did read 'Heart Shaped Box' I just thought it was OK.. I'm glad he's written another novel; 'HorNs' Sounds interesting & will probably pick up a copy.
Any 1 else out there care the chime in on Joe Hill?

Oh Yes!! I think I told you my most embarrassing moment: I've had an email correspondence with SK for years: a couple of years ago I wrote to him, raving about this wonderful new writer: Yes, you guessed it -- Joe Hill. I felt SOOOO stupid!! (But, as someone pointed out - at least I told him I loved Joe Hill!)

I really believe that J.H tried to keep his true identity a secret.. Joe Hill (pretty plain) Not sure what his given name is but he never gave a hint that his dad was thee Famous Writer... You gotta give him that.

I had started HSB before I learned who he was and I remember thinking at the time how similar his writing style was to SK's. I really enjoyed it. An amazing first novel! After I finished it I checked out his website and learned about 20thCG and read that too. Even better than HSB! After that I've read everything I could get my hands on. Really enjoying his "Locke & Key" graphic novel series...weird to start enjoying comics again at my age!

BTW, Bondama...you shouldn't be at all embarassed! Now if you'd said he was a terrible writer...well, yeah.

I liked HSB quite a bit. I want to read more of his stuff, but haven't had a chance to yet.

i thought HSB was a pretty good first novel. 20th Century Ghosts was what blew my away. I think that book called to me from across the bookstore, at a time when I was taking a break from horror and all things SK. I had just finished the DT series and needed to switch things up a bit. I picked it up not knowing who he was. I knew by the time i bought it though, family resemblance is pretty strong. By then, I'd already read "Best New Horror" which is such fun that I had to buy the book.

Rachel, I completely agree. "20th Century Ghosts" was waaay above excellent. The story that got to me the most was one that had absolutely NO horror or suspense. It was called "Better Than Home" - and it broke my heart.

I love "Voluntary Commital". Reminds me of a conversation I had with my dad about how one of my little sisters will go in the basement and do these immense art projects for hours and then take them apart :) "20th Century Ghosts" makes me cry, it's got some horror in it but at its core it's a sweet story.

Um, Locke & Key: Head Games came out a month or so ago, I think. I got it off B&N.com because Borders doesn't carry them in their stores. At least the 2 near me didn't. I recently upgraded all my Joe Hill collection to hardcover. Easy to do when you catch a new author :)

I own Heart Shaped Box, just haven't gotten around to reading it. I guess, from all the praise you guys are lavishing on it, I should move it up the old TBR.

I've only read HSB and I really liked it a lot. (I did think that Joe went a little overboard with the Trent Reznor references, but, hey, could be worse. Like Britney Spears or something.)

HSB is one of those books that has a feeling that lingers. When I think about that book, I feel like I did when I was reading it. I love books that I don't just remember, but can still feel. :)

Always... I love your avatar!

I have heart shaped box at home on my shelf, may pick that up next to read.

mainly a question for betsy-i'm having trouble getting onto Joe Hill's website today, are u?

I'm a huge Joe Hill fan! I've read Heart-Shaped Box, Twentieth Century Ghosts and am currently reading his upcoming book Horns, which I am sooo loving! I even have a rare short story that he wrote with his father in a book celebrating Richard Matheson. I can't remember the title offhand. I also have Locke & Key, but haven't read it yet. I'm also really excited that he will be coming to the bookstore that I work for in February....if anyone lives on Long Island come on by! :)

Rachel wrote: "mainly a question for betsy-i'm having trouble getting onto Joe Hill's website today, are u?"


Yeah...I finally got to the message board, but I never could get to the blog. I'm sure it will be fixed soon...it goes out like this periodically.

Kathy...very envious. I've been thinking about a road trip north for one of his signings for HORNS. How did you get a copy of it? Double jealous!! You'll love L&K!

I think the story he wrote with SK is "Throttle".

Kathy - OMG. When will he be there? I live in NE PA, so Long Island is doable for me if I plan ahead and get time off of work.

O_o I think I might pee myself if I get to meet him.

Is he doing a signing or a reading? Need to do anything in advance? Like camp out?

Okay, Becky, if you got to see him...I would die of excitement by association!!!!!!!

If I get to meet him and have something signed, I will try to get something for you too! :D

Well, I don't want you to come across as greedy, but maybe someone will take your picture and I'll feel lucky to see it. I really would. I'm going to keep my fingers crossed for you.

I think a little vacation might be in order if I were to find any of the dates of signings :)

Angie wrote: "Always... I love your avatar! "

Thank You...

I see he had another book published that's now sold-out and expensive to find elsewhere..
"Gunpowder"
Any one else get to read it?
Is it as good as they say?

Becky wrote: "Kathy - OMG. When will he be there? I live in NE PA, so Long Island is doable for me if I plan ahead and get time off of work.

O_o I think I might pee myself if I get to meet him.

Is he doi..."

He will be here, at the Book Revue in Huntington, NY (Long Island) on Friday 2/26. at 7pm. He will be speaking/reading and then signing. If you want to come, Becky, I would absolutely hook you up. Let me know. :)

I just can't wait! We got an advance, which is how I'm reading it now! I'm really enjoying it! :)

Why, oh why do ALL of the best writers, music --- Just plain BEST confine their travels, books tours, signings, etc. to the EAST coast?-- I may have a personal hatred of this state, but I'm allowed -- I live here!! I can guarantee you, tho, both SK and Joe Hill have many, many fans here who would just DIE to see/hear them -- and the thought of having a book signed by them - (she faints dead away!)

Kandice wrote: "Well, I don't want you to come across as greedy, but maybe someone will take your picture and I'll feel lucky to see it. I really would. I'm going to keep my fingers crossed for you."

Hey...she wouldn't seem greedy. I know of a couple of fans who took a hand truck of books (for fans who couldn't make it) to one of his earlier signings. All he asked is that they wait till all the single signees had their chance. He is a truly generous man!

And Rachel...there was a blog posting that Joe is going to be at River Run in NH on 2/16. They are wonderful booksellers and if you can't make it to the signing you can call ahead and order a signed and personalized copy and have it shipped. That's how I've gotten all my signed JH's...except for 20thCG, which I won from his website!

Always..."Gunpowder" is freaking great! I absolutely loved it and there is some talk that Joe will be revisiting that story with a sequel. If so, "Gunpowder" may again be available someday. Another good novella of his is "Thumbprint"...if you can find one.

This is so exciting. Thank you sooooo much for letting me know about this Kathy, and for the information. I might pee myself right now!

I have to wait until the Jan 1 to request time off for 2010 (which blows) but I've set a reminder for myself to do so. LOL

I will make a long weekend of it. Maybe Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday and then come back on Monday. I'm so glad that I get 5 weeks vacay each year. :D

5 weeks vacation, Becky?????

Yes. But any sick time comes out of that. :) Still, it's a pretty good deal, huh? If I stick it out here another 3 years, I'll get a 6th week.

I am very jealous! lol. Working at a local independent bookstore has its perks.....but thats definitely not one of them! lol

Yeah... anytime you want to trade, you let me know. :)

Becky, I will remind you on Dec 31st!!!! OMG I am so, so excited on your behalf!!!

Wish you could join us, Kandice! :)

Maybe I could get Jackie to go with me. I don't think she's a super fan, but she's not too far away... And then I could meet Kathy AND Jackie AND get my Joe Hill book signed... And maybe a picture...?

*faints*

The more the merrier!

If it was a do-able drive, I'm sure Jackie would go, even just to be with you. I can't believe how exciting the thought is.

Ok so Joe posted dates for his tour on his website and there is one in Pittsburgh on March 1. I could still request that day off from work ( and probably Tuesday). Pittsburgh is only like a 2 hour drive from Cleveland (yeah I know, 2 hours back too, whatever :D) Should I do it?

ACK!! Pittsburgh! My brother lives there. Oh jeez. Oh no, now I have options. Not good. What to do? What to do??

Here's the schedule:

2010 TOUR SCHEDULE:

February 16th (Tues) – PORTSMOUTH, NH • River Run Books. 7:00 PM.

February 17th (Wed) - MANCHESTER, NH • Barnes & Noble. 7:00 PM

February 18th (Thurs) – CONCORD, NH • Gibson’s Bookstore. 7:00 PM.

February 19th (Fri) – MILFORD, NH • Toadstool Bookshop. 6:30 PM.

February 21st (Sun) – SALEM, MA • Cornerstone Books. 3:00 PM.

February 22nd (Mon) – CAMBRIDGE, MA • Porter Square Books. 7:00 PM.

February 23rd (Tues) – SOUTH HADLEY, MA • Odyssey Bookshop. 7:00 PM.

February 24th (Wed) – NEW CANAAN, CT • New Canaan Library. 7:30 PM.

February 25th (Thurs) – NYC, NY • Barnes & Noble (82nd & Broadway). 7:00 PM.

February 26th (Fri) – HUNTINGTON, NY • Book Revue. 7:00 PM.

March 1st (Mon) – PITTSBURGH, PA • Joseph-Beth Booksellers. 7:00 PM. (with an inevitable unscheduled side trip to my personal mecca, the Monroeville Mall, where I’ll probably just wander around, you know, like all the other zombies)

March 2nd (Tues) – SEATTLE, WA • University Bookstore. 7:00 PM.

March 3rd (Wed) – PORTLAND, OR • Powell’s Books. 7:30 PM.

March 4th (Thurs) – SAN FRANCISCO, CA • Booksmith. 7:30 PM.

March 5th (Fri) – CORTE MADERA, CA • Book Passage. 7:00 PM.

March 8 (Mon) – EXETER, NH • Water Street Books. 7:00 PM.

March 9 (Tues) – SOUTH PORTLAND, ME • Borders. 7:00 PM.

March 10 (Wed) – BANGOR, ME • Borders. 6:00 PM.

I guess you're not coming to LI then, huh, Becky? Bummer! I understand but it would have been so much fun. :(

No, I think I still will. I've planned for it. Plus I might be meeting another GR friend in the city on Saturday.

:)

But if I go to Pittsburgh TOO, I could discreetly follow him around the mall. O_O :P

I can't really pass up the chance to meet two awesome GR friends AND Joe Hill in one trip. That would be... insane. LOL

I know what my brother looks like. LOL

*shuts up now*

I wish he was coming to SoCal so you'd have an excuse to see me:*(

I don't think I could afford to see him that far away! LOL

But I will get there someday... even if I have to hit up gramps for a plane ticket. :P

I'll walk over and butter ol' gramps up a bit!

LOL

I HATE LIVING IN A (RELATIVELY) SMALL TOWN!!