Thursday, September 17, 2009

A Mind is a Terrible Thing to Waste

I'm not saying I've wasted mine, but I'm certainly going to be rewrapping it more carefully every time I put it back in the fridge from now on. At the end of last week, I had an unpleasant little episode that landed me in hospital for the day. It was, in all likelihood, related to a mild pre-existing condition called Nocturnal Epilepsy, but it wasn't very nice. Well, it wasn't very nice for Nik, I didn't know much about it. In fact, that was probably the most distressing part of it from my point of view: short term memory loss and a general befuddlement as to what was actually going on.

Anyway, I'm fine now. I feel fine. My brain works... as much as it ever did. I fully intend to be getting on with all the things I should be getting on with (and yes, that includes making sure these novels and comics come out on time). However, I've been told to take it easy for a little while, and not to do anything that might exacerbate the condition. I can foresee having all sorts of tests and examinations in the near future as nice doctors make sure I'm flight-worthy.

The principal upshot of all of this is that it will effect some of the public appearances planned over the next three months. I'm not really supposed to travel at all, but I'm not going to sit on my arse. I will have to limit the events I do, somewhat. That will mean flying to Scotland for the Edinburgh/Glasgow/Falkirk signings, rather than driving up country, which means, I'm very sorry to say, Gateshead and Leeds will have to wait until I can make it up to them for a properly dedicated visit. It also means that my face-time at GamesDay has been rationed. I'm especially disappointed about this, because I love the annual opportunity to meet and chat with as many BL readers as possible. There's always next year, and Black Library day in the spring! I'll also see if I can devise some cunning and inventive ways of making it up to anyone who missed out.

For the time being, please check the BL website and Facebook page for revised details of GamesDay and the signing tour of the north as they relate to me. I'll try to post these new details here, too, as soon as I have them.

To sum up, I'm fine. I may simply have worked a little bit too hard. Prospero Burns, and everything else that's lined up, is still very much on-course. I simply need to take a little constitutional rest or risk the tuts of Doctors and the wrath of Nik. Normal service will be resumed as soon as possible. The Emperor Protects.

62 comments:

Uncle Truth said...

Zing

Uncle Truth said...

Sorry for the single word comment. I've just always really wanted to do that and thought I might miss my chance if I spewed out war and peace via the medium of the keyboard. Know what I mean?

Right:

Now to actually read your post...

Uncle Truth said...

Ok, so I finally get a zing and choose the one blog topic on here for which such levity is wholly inappropriate. I'm incredibly sorry for coming across like such an insensitive tool Dan. I genuinely didn't read the post before I commented, sorry mate!

I hope you're feeling better soon. I think that any of your fans in their right mind would agree that your health is more important than busting a gut to meet your deadlines.

Now you just have to find one of your fans in their right mind and you're laughing. Incidentally, there's a 'flying pig watching' gala in Narnia this weekend...

Anonymous said...

Hi Ginger,

We read your first two comments, and laughed our heads off, realising how crappy you'd probably feel after reading the post, so, no harm done, and a little bit of guilt on our part for taking the mickey.

You're more than forgiven.

Nik

BTW Dan really is fine.

Uncle Truth said...

I SHOULDA' KNOWN!!! WHY I OUGHTA...

etc...

Xhalax said...

Makes me look forward to Black Library Live! all the more now. Though I'm now wondering if I should keep my costume til February now as I was planning in going to Games Day as Elodie.....but it seems kinda pointless now.

I knew actually having a Games Day costume was a bad omen.

Anyway, I'll keep my eyes and ears open for if/when you're coming up to the north east and start looking forward to BL Live! instead.

Get better soon and good rest (and sorry for whining so much).

*slinks off to mope*

David Wright said...

I think it's safe to say that your health and general well being comes first in these situations Dan.
Speaking from personal experience the worst thing to do is think that you can carry on regardless so take the time and a delay here or there won't hurt anyone.

Cheers,

Dave

Cor said...

Get well soon Dan, hope to see you in the North sometime in the near future :)

Godzigla said...

Sir.

Please rest yourself and follow those orders from the medical world, as frustrating as that might be.

You have to look no further than to the loss of Douglas Adams to know we are all human, and to deprive us once again of another craftsman such as yourself would indeed be needless.

Be well, and take care.

AZ

Jonathan Green said...

Take care of yourself, sir. Seriously. You had everyone worried there for a minute.

sovietspace said...

I have to agree with the rest, do take it easy - I derive far far to much enjoyment from your work for you to go off hurting yourself!

You have my best wishes, I hope I will be able to hog a little of the time you have at Games Day!

Conor

Ian said...

Hope you feel better Dan. I have to admit to also knowing how too much work/stress can affect our physiology for the worse. Getting rest and following a routine will improve things considerably! All the best to you sir.

Xhalax said...

Mr. Green - You're right there. I always enjoy the 'new blog' messages but rarely except bad news. Needless to say I was shocked when I read the blog but I'm uplifted by the response too.

I guess sometimes I forget that Dan Abnett is a human being rather than a writing machine.

River said...

Through Chaos comes knowledge, I think this has been a learning experience, perhaps it's time you change sides to join the Dark Gods of the Warp.

Seriously though glad your doing better, and I hope things work out. Screw deadlines your health is more important. Take care, and may the Raven God Bless you. LOL!.

sredni vashtar said...

oy vey. take it easy, young man.

personally, i've always considered deadlines more as helpful suggestions, made in the spirit of friendly co-operation... but then, a few people have expressed a suspicion that this interpretation may have something to do with why nobody ever seems to give me any money. so possibly take that advice with a pinch of salt, too.

sredni vashtar said...

anyways, ladies and suspiciously effeminate gentlemen: are we gonna try organising a Blog Character meetup / photo-op at Games Day this year, or are we really all just too bookish and antisocial?

Anonymous said...

sredni vashtar - please e-mail this site.

Nik

Xhalax said...

Sredni Vashtar - if you see me, come over and say Hi and introduce yourself and if I get the chance I'll be happy to chat.

Same goes to everyone else. I'll be the blonde girl in the green dress.

Carl Woodrow said...

Fear not Dan, for we shall return the missing portion once we have finished probing it. You shall be none the wiser! (Actually, not entirely sure that is appropriate either sorry).
Seriously though, rest up, take it easy and stop scaring Nik. There's a good chap.
As someone who suffered something similar (actually in A&E, can I pick the right place or what?), it is a bit of a shock, especially to those around you. But often its a rarety and doesn't happen aga.....

Terry said...

Glad to hear that you're on the mend, Dan! Thanks for the update. :)

kwh said...

At fifty-seven I have had my share of these life thingies and I wish you a quick recovery; however, I am reminded of a poem by the Australian poet Les Murray called "Post Mortem" about a little "life thingy" he experienced in Nottingham (odd). Anyway, he ends the poem with these lines: "Being a sound modern physique/is liking owning an apartment in Venice." Nevertheless, your fans are now bombarding you with health rays so you should mend quickly. Best Regards, Keith

Xhalax said...

Makes sure you have a 2b pencil and all the right protractors and rulers for all you examinations Mr. Abnett. And will they let you take a calculator on with you or will it be a case of using a scrap bit of paper and you have to show all your working out?

TheSGC said...

Uh oh. Hang in there, Red Leader. We're not through reading your materials.

Anonymous said...

Dan, the main thing is your health. We will see you when we see you. We will be excited just to say hello to you and thank you for entertaining us for so long. You will smile and thanks us, maybe sign something.
What is really important is you are okay not only to keep astounding us with your flair for writing (I'd call it a gift but that seems to hookey), but also to be a simply great dad and husband.
Be well for them then get better for us. We miss you here in Glen Burnie and I hope you feel right as rain soon.
"Smoke me a Kipper, I'll be back for Breakfast"
Matthew Boles---

Anonymous said...

Hi Dan,

Never posted a message here before but heard about what happened through The Great Crusade forum from Laurie (Shroudfilm).

Glad you are on the mend - you are one of favourite authors along side David Gemmell.

So looking forward to Prospero Burns.

Take care of yourself.

A fellow Maidstonite,

Dave

Will Wright said...

Wow Dan that really sucks.
I feel for Nik my family is going through somethimg similar with my Sister in Law.
When that happens it is scary as hell.
They don't know whats causing it but it is not a tumor thank God.
Please,Please,Please take it easy. we will all still be here when you are better.
Best wishes
Will

frieslander said...

Hi Dan,
Glad your feeling better and it's nothing to terrible.
Your not the only good writer for BL, but it would be a serious body blow to the institution.
Davi

Matthew Churchill said...

Hi Dan,

I'm sure Nik has already passed on my wishes, but here's mine again for a healthier noggin.

I know we're the worst culprits for pestering you for a new Gaunt or a new Inquisition book or a new Dredd but your work-rate has been phenomenal and I've thought for a while that you owe more time to yourself to take things easy.

Be good to see you at Games Day, and I hope you stay well.

Best,
Matthew

HiWayRobry said...

Dan,
Allow me to add well-wishes on top of those being heaped upon you from all your fans and friends. Taking care of yourself takes precendence over entertaining us, and we want you around for another millenia writing stories to help us forget our mundanity!
Be well and be safe.

Anonymous said...

Hi Dan + Family,

After all the joy I’ve gotten out of your books and comics you deserve to be lying back on a lounger in the shade on a tropical beach, drinking mojitos, with DJs like Rob Da Bank playing ambient tunes in the background and stay there until you can give the sun a round of applause as it sets. Now that’s proper chillin.

Think positive thoughts and take care.

Tom

Abby Ryder said...

Oh hells man, sorry to hear that. :( You look after yourself now, lots of warm baths and tea and rest!

Anonymous said...

Hi Mr. Abnett:
I to have never posted a message here before, but the news about your health was worring.

Please take a break, relax and enjoy the family, it is the best recipe for a quick healing!!

Be well, and take care!
Best wishes from Buenos Aires Argentina!
Marcelo Touza Varela
PS: apologies for my awfull english ( i can read pretty wel but writhing it is not my thing)

sredni vashtar said...

Xhalax: "I'll be the blonde girl in the green dress."

you know my first thought upon reading that was "well jeez that doesn't really narrow it down much, there are lots of blonde girls in green dresses around"... but then i realised, "oh yeah, duh: GAMES DAY"

Rob Rath said...

Oh dear, Dan.

I'm not saying anything that hasn't been said before, and I'm sure you're bright enough not to need the advice, but please take time to rest. We would much rather have a healthy Dan Abnett than two to three Dan Abnett books a year. (We'd settle for one, promise!)

Nik, best wishes. I know you're taking good care of our man Dan, just make sure to take care of yourself too.

Sredni:

A reader gathering sounds awesome. Wish I could be there. (I'll mail you a picture of my face on a popsicle stick. You can pass it around and take turns being Rob.) One day I'll make it to a Games Day...

Primary Iterator said...

Hi Dan,

Sorry to hear about the episode; just wanted to post to say I hope you (and Nik--must have been scary!) are ok.

Hurrah for the Hussar said...

''Quit worrying about your health. It'll go away'' - Robert Orben

Not the most uplifting quote but one that someone I spent several years at uni with (in a similar situation) used to quote often. She always took it very seriously and made sure we did too.

Ok serious bit over-really hope you BOTH are ok, Nik almost more cos those things used to scare my hair off no matter how many times they happened and Dan as it’s scary not to know what it was and not the fun alcohol induced short term loss we enjoy.

Sending you both BIG love-be well!

Xhalax said...

Sredni vashtar - if someone else turns up in a dress like mine I'll be rather dismayed since the character I'm turning up as is somewhat obscure right now.

But as I said, if you find me, come and say Hi and introduce yourself.

Anonymous said...

Hey Dan; it's the warp, I tell ya.

Rest up matey, get well soon.

Jim.

Dragunov said...

Take it easy and best wishes for a speedy recovery!!

D

Dawfydd said...

Good to hear your taking things easy Dan, I know from personal experience (on both sides) how distressing these episodes can be.

Take things easy and if all else fails, more clones :)

sredni vashtar said...

aight, well, the best way to do these things is if everyone who's interested agrees to try being in the same place at the same time. and since i'm not planning on bringing any mistletoe, it needs to be a pre-existing position in the hall that's easy to find and identify.

... does anyone know how many banners BL are bringing this year? :P

Anonymous said...

Sredni et al - I'm pretty sure there's going to be a massive poster of Dan, if that's any help.

Nik

Bastiaan vergoossen said...

I wish you all the best.

Hopefully everything goes fine now.

And indeed, remember : the emperor protects !

Al said...

Get well soon Dan! :P

Xhalax said...

Sredni vashtar - If all else fails there's always the Space Marine. I know the Warseer members always meet there.

However, I will probably be unable to attend any such meeting as Games Day keeps me busy all day, though no longer dizzy with the new format, which is why I always make myself as distinctive as possible to stand out so people can find me and say "Hi"

Black Library is a harsh mistress!

Jonathan Green said...

sredni vashtar said...
'i've always considered deadlines more as helpful suggestions.'

That's certainly how I see them. If they were good intentions, I'd be half way to Hell by now!

Mark said...

Just heard about this and just wanted to say Get well soon Dan. You have given me and countless others, endless hours of enjoyment from your writings.

lordy said...

Just like to echo the words of previous posters, get well soon Dan.

Uncle Truth said...

Xhalax - not to take away from the seriousness of this post, (As I've already managed that quite successfull with my first two posts) but were you dressed as an inquisitor at the last Games Day?

Tom

sredni vashtar said...

Nik: a giant poster of Dan is, in itself, the perfect solution to so many of this world's problems... but not least where to find people at Games Day.

Xhalax said...

Ginger - Nope. This will be the first time I've turned up to Games Day in proper costume.

But don't they say that "laughter is the best medicine, unless it's a rash then you're best off with oinment"?

Big said...

The Emperor Protects.....G.W.S.
Stephen ,Claire and Family.

Ren said...

Glad to hear you're feeling better. My family loves your work, so please take care. Now, finish Prospero Burns for us Yanks across the giant lake. And just think of the wonderful credo that ye Knights of Python on your side of the world spoke unto us,
"I'm not dead yet, I'm feeling better!"

Anonymous said...

Get well soon Dan!

Unknown said...

Rest up my friend, you deserve it!

Unknown said...

I hope you feel better soon! I'd rather not see you at events and have you be healthy than stressing out your brain over it.

Keith Smyth said...

Dan I'm so sorry to hear that you've had to go through this terrible ordeal. I hope you and Nik are ok. Take care of that brain!! It's too valuable to loose!!

Myk Prince said...

Dan, as an aspiring writer and a HUGE fan of your work I say... take it easy. Though I imagine you have heard that a lot and you can't really have missed it up until now!

Thanks for all the great writing and my best wishes go to you and your family.

Myk Prince said...

p.s. "Do you want to live forever?"

Stephen said...

Sorry to hear about you being unwell, Dan. First time commenter, but I'm a huge fan of your 2000AD work (Kingdom in particular being the best new strip in a decade), and while I'd normally encourage you to write twice as much for us as you do, right now I'll settle for you taking it easy. Give those little grey cells a breather, ta least until you're ready to get whet again.

Mardroid said...

I'm glad you're better now, take it easy.
I'm enjoying your work on Kingdom at the moment!

Positive Oldhammer chap said...

Mr. Abnett, I was sobered to hear of your misadventure and of course I hope that you feel better for a period of rest. I don't think any fans of your works would disagree with me when I say that if it will help your health we will all happily wait longer for the results. Given the formidable quantity of engaging literature you have produced in the last few years I do not think we could reasonably ask for more. I doubt anyone would dispute, for example, that the 'Abnett canon' has really helped give definition to the concepts of the Imperial Guard and the Inquisition - areas which previously were oddly unclear and far less evocative. Simply put, I don't think you need to worry about fan reaction if you need to slow down - you havealready contributed so much.