The Daily Bizarre

Book number twelve of the Dresden Files series came out this last Tuesday.  And, I must admit, the book is aptly named.

Jim Butcher was in Beaverton last night at Powell’s books for a book signing.   The event was a real treat (and my first book signing) and a great time was had by all.

There was around 300 people there, and it was the best behaved 300 people I’ve been around in a long time.  Everyone was genuinely friendly and excited to be there and see Jim.   We were near the back of the store and there were at least five rows of people behind us standing out in the mall looking into the store.

He spent an hour answering questions, and was most entertaining while doing so.  I know he’s probably answered these same questions a thousand times  but he certainly doesn’t show it.   He talked about the new book, his writing process in general and the new role-playing game that is coming out based on the Dresden Files universe.  The question about the role-playing spawned my favorite quote, here is my best recollection of the dialog:

Person in audience:  Will you play the new RP game when it comes out?
Jim:  No, I don’t think so.  I’d be the DM’s worst nightmare:  “No, you’re wrong!   I’m sure that’s the way it is and I’ll put it in the next book to prove it!”

He also mentioned the next Dresden book is tentatively titled, “Ghost Story” but did not give a publication date.  He also has a new book coming out this November which is a collection of most of his Dresden related short stories.

After the Q&A he lined up for his daily dose of writers/face cramp to sign books and take pictures.  Some people actually brought up boxes of books for him to sign.  I’m not sure if he actually signed ‘em all or if they were limited to the three they wanted to get signed the most (I was unable to hear the MC’s instructions at the time).

We were about 1/2 way through the queue and I must say that I never saw him rush anyone and he seemed genuienly interested in meeting them and signing their book each and every time.  If you’re wondering what’s on his shirt in the picture, it’s Latin.  According to Jim it reads “Long, long ago in a galaxy far, far away.”  Cute.

I did thank him for taking the time to come out and talk with us, and I also told him that his new hairstyle suits him (it used to be MUCH longer with a ponytail).  Close-cropped like that he looks almost respectable! 

My wife and I had a wonderful time, and I hope he continues to keep Powell’s on his whistle-stop tour for Dresden releases.