Monday, November 23, 2009

The doctor will see you now.

“Oh, really?” said the specialist. “An author, eh?” and so began an enthusiastic ten minute chat about the merits of Dan Brown, which was all very nice and cordial, except I was sitting there, waiting anxiously to get the results of my MRI and find out if I had terminal Brain Death Lurgy or Sudden Cerebral Splat Out The Ears Syndrome, or whatever.

So I was a little tense and braced, and a ten minute chat about the relative merits of D. Brown Esq was not high on my list marked ‘to do’. Maybe, I suddenly thought, this is his way of relaxing me so he can Break It To Me Gently. Oh god...

Turns out, I have epilepsy. I ‘just’ have epilepsy. No family history, no explanation of why I have suddenly developed it, but I know what’s going on now, and, without making light of the condition in any way, it seems like a pretty good result, considering where the Dan Brown chat could have been leading.

Can I just thank you all for your messages of support and encouragement here and on Twitter and Facebook etc. You guys...

As many of you have mentioned, it’s now been revealed that I wrote the screenplay for the 40K animated movie 'Ultramarines' (http://ultramarinesthemovie.com/). I’ve been itching to let the cat out of the bag about this, and I’m properly excited it’s now been officially announced. Lots of you already have questions, and I’ll be answering them here and on the official site as we go along. But be patient! I’ll bring you the first update on the production as soon as they un-cuff me and let me out of this cupboard marked ‘secret movie stuff’.

Seeing as we’re getting all link-happy, I would like to point you to Nathan Long’s spiffy new website (www.sabrepunk.com), and also to an interesting dialogue I had with Mark Charan Newton, which Mark ran as a guest on Jeff Vandermeer’s blog (http://www.jeffvandermeer.com/2009/11/11/genre-fiction-and-tie-in-fiction-–-a-conversation-between-mark-charan-newton-and-dan-abnett/). As the link suggests, it’s a chat about tie-in fiction, which some of you might find thought-provoking.

One of the questions I got asked by the specialist was “do you ever experience deja vu?” Do I? Not again! I get deja vu a lot (along with its close kinfolk Astonishing Coincidence, Synchronicity, Morphic Resonance and Jamais Vu). What that means for my head, I don’t know, but it segues me neatly to the last thing I wanted to mention. About twenty five years ago, as an undergraduate, I went with several of my friends to a Lloyd Cole and the Commotions gig. We liked them very much, and we liked the show very much too, especially the endearing fact that they played some of their best numbers more than once (“because we don’t know that many songs yet” Mr Cole offered by way of an explanation).

One of my best friends - we’ll call him Duffy, because that’s his name - decided, for reasons he later came to regret, not to come to the gig. He was kicking himself for missing it within days, if not hours, of the concert.

Last week, he emailed me (he lives in a distant part of the world now). He wanted to tell me that he had finally got the chance to go to a Lloyd Cole concert (no more Commotions these days), and had enjoyed it hugely. After the interval, Mr Cole had played one of his most famous songs, but because some of the audience had been late back from the bar, and had missed it, he played it again. Then he said, “I haven’t played a song twice in one concert since 1984. Back then it was because I didn’t know many songs”). He was referring, you see, to the actual concert that I had been to, and which Duffy had missed, and now Duffy and been there when he said-

I’m sure you get it. Nice and synchronous though, right?

76 comments:

Big said...

ZING....hope you got my last message!

Anonymous said...

Big - No harm done. Never any harm done when it's you. And mine's a black Bentley, thanks.

Nik

Will Wright said...

Well I guess every hereditary condition has to start somewhere.
Like you said it could of been alot worse.
Can you let on to what age bracket the movie is being geared for,what rating they are shooting for?
I am glad you got the gig so I know the movie will be top notch now.

Dju said...

"It’s a chat about tie-in fiction, which some of you might find thought-provoking"

It is.
Not to mention my being very happy about your brain not being about to implode.

Jonathan Green said...

Phew! That's a relief - I think. Anyway, glad to hear your brain won't be dribbling out of your ears any time soon. ;-)

Xhalax said...

I find it rather odd that you should have a conversation with someone about Dan Brown Mr. Abnett.

Why?

I've only ever read about 20 or so pages of a Dan Brown book. It was Demons and Angels and I read it while I was on holiday in Egypt. I'd spent the first three days reading (through the main part of the day as that was when we were travelling as we were on a cruise on the Nile) and one of the people we had become friendly with had suggested I give it a try as I enjoyed reading.

So he lent me Demons and Angels....everyone on the boat seemed to be reading either that or The Da Vinci code.

But the real crux of the story is what book I finished before I tried reading said book......and the novel I had finished (I had to stop reading it in the sun as the heat was starting to melt the binding) was.....First And Only by Dan Abnett.

On a different note, I'm glad that everything is sorted out and that both you, Nik and your family know exactly what's what and things can progress from there.

But it might be worth carrying a bottle or bucket around with you just in case your brain does fall out....that way when you catch it, they can get a funnel and ladle in back in.

Boom said...

Hey...Mr. Abnett...Since you wrote the screen play and all...maybe you could get me a part as an extra(that is if it's live action). I'm 6'6", fit, and have been told many a time that I have the build of a space marine for sure haha, jk...but seriously :). Anyways, glad to hear that it is nothing more serious although that does still suck.

Xhalax said...

Boom - Aren't you a little short for a Space Marine?

Sorry...couldn't let that one slide.

sredni vashtar said...

oy. Dan Brown. now reading that WILL make your brain dribble out your ears.

(also oy: epilepsy. obviously relieved it's not anything worse, but still... not exactly top of one's xmas list, either. take care).

Big said...

Boom.....get in line dude! the que for a live action starts here.....just a shame this ones animated lol.
I think we got Matt down as an Inquisitor, Xhalax down as a Fenrisian...stolen as a baby trained as an Ordos Assasin, Me as ....well Me probably,(Hopefully something Big) then you Boom as a Space Marine!
Sredni you gettin in on this action?! wheres Lordy at i know he'll wanna be a bad guy ! what about the rest of you guys ? what parts would you play? and why?

Xhalax said...

A member of the Officio Assassinorum? Not a 40K career I ever pondered myself in.

I think I could live with that....but whch Officio?

Matthew Churchill said...

Oh yes, Big. It's the Holy Inquisition for me. They have all the best clothes.

Glad you're feeling better about the health issues, Dan. Keep taking them purple pills.

M

Chilon said...

Good news for your health Dan. It's nothing important compared to what it could be.

Phillip said...

The Doctor was trying to put you at your ease, epic fail! The Doctor now gets -10 to Diplomacy checks.

I'm sorry to hear about the epilepsy. I know you were worrying about far worse but it's still pretty rough. Your Doctor should have been able to give you a cause for the development of the condition and you might have to ask him when you next visit. I wish you the very best of luck in learning to deal with it. It is largely controllable with medication but I suspect that's scant comfort. I really do wish you all the best.

On a lighter note, I was really chuffed when I heard that you wrote the script for the movie! It promises to be awesome!

Unknown said...

Glad to hear that you have a diagnosis. Still it does change ones life some, but when compared to other diagnosis that it could have been. . .

Just wanted to wish you good health and hope that you can manage the Epilepsy.

also just wanted to let you know that I now have my mom reading your books and she is enjoying the 40k universe thanks to you...

Phil Brennan said...

Glad to hear you're not in danger of defenestrating your own pia mater through your ear holes.

I am looking forwards to reading more about the animated Ultramarines movie - although I still think they should do a live action of the Eisenhorn trilogy, but then, I am biased. I think if we got the CCG crew that worked on Lord of the Rings to do the FX we could pull it all off.

As for Dan Brown, I have never read any of his works and have no intention of doing so in the near future. He is probably very good, if you're into his genre, but it's not my cup of char.

Now I have a long wait for the next Horus Heresy novel.

Oh yeah, while we're on the theme of what 40K career path we would all take, I would go for Thorian Inquisitor myself. The clothes, the gear, the resources, the power... *drools*

I wonder what 40K career path you would take....

Edward Kaye said...

Yay! I'm glad to know that it's nothing too serious. Though the Dan Brown conversation sound painful enough!

Ed

Anonymous said...

Dan,

At least now you know what's been bothering you and you can seek the right treatment. Stay well!

How does writing a screenplay compare to writing novels and comics?

somethingonthestaff

Anonymous said...

Just wanted to add my best wishes to you and your family.

And also, was really, really overjoyed to see that you were the writer on Ultramarines! I know that this will be great now!

Dragunov

lordy said...

*is here*

I'm touched you think of me like that Big, but what makes you think I should play a baddie? I'm like the nicest guy ever.

Or something. Honest. :P

Nathan said...

Hey Dan!

Thanks very much for the mention and the link! I've been thinking about labeling Triumff as Sabrepunk, just so I can get somebody interested in the word.

I'm glad you've got "What it is" sorted out. I hope "What to do about it" goes as smoothly - er - with less Dan Brown.

JayStar said...

Dan, very good to hear that it isn't "more" serious than epilepsy.

You might care to know that there have been a great many famous/successful people throughout history who had epilepsy. For example Julius Ceaser.

Anyway glad things are good...

Now when are you going to get writing [fill in the gap] just kidding ;-)

CMDante said...

Thanks Dan for guaranteeing for me that the new movie will be well worth watching!

Glad your doing better and that it was nothing "serious" (by which I mean directly life threatening - epilepsy isn't cool but at least it doesn't massively affect your life).

Looking forward to seeing more info about the movie.

sredni vashtar said...

Big: if we're casting, i'd probably make a good rogue trader. i have the dress sense, the questionable allegiance, the bullshitology, and (most importantly) the preposterous scraggly goatee.

JayStar said...

Actually thinking about it Julius Ceaser got stabbed to death by a load of blokes including his best mate! Let's hope it doesn't come to that! You better get writing another Ghost novel to keep them calm ha ha!

Anonymous said...

To be a bit random.. is there a reason I can't seem to find Triumff: Her Majesty's Hero In the US? Is it not out here or something?

Anonymous said...

Anonymous - release date for Triumff US is spring. Sorry. You can probably get a copy on Amazon etc.

Nik

cor said...

Sad to hear about the epilepsy but as most people have said it could have been alot worse, on the Dan Brown debate i did read the da vinci code just to see what all the fuss was about and actually managed to get through it, i mean it was enjoyable enough nonscense but not deserving of all the attention it got.

On the question of 40k careers ive always fancied myself as a sanctioned psyker serving the inquisition, prefferably of the pyrokine variety think its the arsonist in me :)

If not that then probably your average imperial guardsmen theres something about the portrayl of the grunt that appeals to me like in band of brothers etc.

Will Wright said...

The 40k version of my carrier is an Engineseer working on the equipment that hooks up to the pyskers in the Astronomicon.
(Verizon Phone Tech).

Unknown said...

Mr. Abnett, I am a fan of your work (obviously since I'm lurking on your site).

I know many people, including my father, who live with epilepsy. As you noted, that's a far better diagnosis than other issues it could possibly be.

Best of luck with the Ultramarines writing, production process, sales, etc.
Take good care of yourself!

Ant said...

Hey Dan,
Very happy and relieved for you and your family that you now know what's going on with yer noggin. Keep healthy, and all the best.
Ant

Symeon said...

Mr. Abnett,

Sorry that you have anything at all wrong, but very pleased it wasn't "worse".

Have greatly enjoyed your take on the written word. Thank you.

Big said...

Its the Wulfen in him coming to the surface , hes stirred the Beast in the ID, which is bringing on his Runic powers 100 fold!

Rob Rath said...

Nathan:

I keep thinking of Triumff as "Swashpunk" but that's just me.

Dan:

Glad to hear the diagnosis is nailed down. It's certainly not fantastic, but could be worse. (Which, coincidentally, also describes Dan Brown's writing.)

frieslander said...

Good to hear your not "going" any where any time soon, and I do hope your new found epilepsy dosn't become worse than an annoyance.

40k carriers: I've always felt a plenetary govener would suit me. You don't realy need an prior qualifications, and between the Administratum, the Ecclestacy and the Adeptus Arbites/Magistratum the planet virtualy runs it's self. So long as there are no invasions.
What's that? The populace have been infiltrated by cultists, the Word Bearers are butchering the populace and thing that should not be are breaking through the fabric of reality?
Noooooooo!!!!

Anonymous said...

Actually, Witchy for a Look said...

Dan, glad to hear you've identified the malaise; it's the 'not knowing and worrying about it' phase that's the real goblin.

Just purchased Blood Pact on amazon the same day as finding out that the Borders store in my town is closing down. If they had stocked Blood Pact then i would have... well anyway

Some vampire teeth: V-V

Anonymous said...

Hello Mr Abnett, my name is Dan Brown. You may have heard of me from such works of fiction as 'Angels and Demons' and 'Women's own'.

I heard recently from a good friend of mine at the hospital that you were interested in collaborating with me? That would be super.

I'm also unaccountably glad to heard that you're not going to go 'Edbang' like a big Ork weirdboy.

Anyway - from one Dan to another - take care,

Dan Brown
(P.S. "One day gingers will rule the earth!!!!")

SD4 said...

Epilepsy? Crap.

So, I guess I shouldn't show up to the next signing with my strobe-light setup then.

Damnit, Dan, way to go screwing up my costume theme. I was going as Cherubael, too.

*pouts*

SD4 said...

I've been working my abs for almost a year now, all for nothing.

$470usd worth of rubber bondage gear, piercings and assorted religious sigils ALL DOWN THE TUBE!

YOU BETTER DO THE BEQUIN TRILOGY OR I'LL FIRE A CAPTAIN POWER JET-GUN AT YOU AND TURN YOUR BRAIN INTO A GODDAMN ETCH-A-SKETCH.

Seriously I'm really glad it wasn't something more serious.
Enjoy your dilantin. Get back to work.

sredni vashtar said...

gingers: collaborating with Dan Brown on a work of literature is like celebrating Rosh Hashanah with Hitler.

Uncle Truth said...

Sredni, I have a reply from my friend, Dan Brown. You have incensed him so much that he didn't even get his Mum to help him write it! Message is as follows:

Deer Shrednee. That is nott nyss. Eye fink yoo r beeing oaverly kritikul ov meye litturayree talintz.

Eye hav rittin a bestest sellin books an evereefink. wot hav yoo roat, exksept a wittee reetort to meye hartfelt offer of Klabarayshun wiff Dan Abnit?

Eye allsoa feel that yoor yoos ov the holoakost too hylite the inkongrooity ov mee beein assoshayted wiff ryting iz in poor tayst, an unnessssarilee glib in lyt ov this apauling trajjidee.

yoorz,

Dan Broun, ayjd 45 yeerz

Pee ess, pleez bee mi frend. I am a ded good ryter.

frieslander said...

Dose that last comment mean that Dan Brown is infact a Orc/Space Ork?

Uncle Truth said...

Sir, that is an insult to the literacy aspiration of space orks everywhere and as an Ork fan I strongly urge you to retract it...

...YA ZOGGER!

WWAAAAAAAAGGGHHHHHH!!!!

(etc...)

Xhalax said...

I know there has been many other, much more important things going on Mr. Abnett but I was wondering, after have a discussion with my mum about Nik and you (she hopes you're ok and get all sorted) and we got to wondering if there's been any activity with the Hussar of late?

HiWayRobry said...

Dan,
I would like to add my sympathies and well-wishes to those already enumerated on this blog. I'm happy that it was a (relatively) good prognosis and that you shouldn't be affected too much.
Stay well and best wishes to you and Nik.

And as to what character I would be. Why Larkin, of course. Because I'm a bit 'Mad'.

frieslander said...

Ok, I take it back, Space Ork's can be good writers if the want and the sooner the Odd Boyz known as Ritting Boyz are taken seriously the better.
Now please Gingers, put the power klaw down and step out of the mega armour.
(also even though I don't douch hobby wise these days I am also an Ork fan, and can't wait for there apperance in the next Imperial Armour book :) )

Big said...

Talking of the next imperial armour book it features , The RavenGuard chapter to.If you remeber the RavenGuard fought alongside the Ghosts...yeh really!
Dan metioned he would like to write about a founding chapter in 40 kand they were my first thought!
very "Special Forces!" and "Sneaky Beaky" excuse the pun there right up his street, and or thw White Scars...the Great Khans now that would be something wouldnt it!

frieslander said...

Big,
Um, when did the Raven Guard fight along side the Ghost?
Your right about them and the White Scars. Two of the more interesting chapters who haven't been done yet.
Also if Dan were to do White Scars than he could bring in the Dark Eldar as they are essentualy old enemys (didn't the Primarch of the White Scars end up going down one of their Web Way Portals and never retern). Dan did say in on of the interviews he did that the Eldar are one of his favourite 40k aliens which was why they keep croping up in his work. Perfect excuse to explore the other side of the equasion.

Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Uncle Truth said...

Hmmm... I don't think too many folk on here are going to be into Chinese porn, but thanks anyway anonymous.

I think...

Uncle Truth said...

My apologies. It may well be Japanese.

I'm no expert.

cor said...

hey speak for yourself gingers ;)

frieslander said...

or what is written may well be Korian, Vietnamise, Cambodian, Laosian, Thai, etc

Big said...

Saying its "Asian" is probably a good bet.

Uncle Truth said...

Yeah, I'll go along with Big on this one. Taxonomy fail notwithstanding.

Wherever the H-e-double hockey sticks it comes from, what matters is that it objectifies women and I heard a bird on the south bank show say that it was unnatural and painful, (although they may have been referring to something else) and generally considered to be a very bad thing indeed.

So there!

cor - I'm not allowed to speak on behalf of other people. My wife says it's something to do with the Geneva convention and I tend to listen to her, cos she's dead smart and has a law degree and everything.

Anonymous said...

Apparently the time has come for me to learn how to delete posts.

Watch this space.

Nik

Anonymous said...

Job done.

Nik

Rob Rath said...

Congrats, the blog officially gets enough hits to attract international spambots.

Now you know you've really arrived!

Big, Gingers, et al: If I remember correctly, it was Japanese.

Anonymous said...

Hi Mr Abnett and the rest of you that rreas mr Abnetts blog.

Well me i am just a nobody.
A 24 year old swede that got my hands on a book.

Brodhers Of The Snake.
So my quesion is simpel and you probebly get this question 100 times bifor but what heppend to our beloved Brodher Sgt Priad and the Damocles?? Will Brodher Dyognes fight 1 moore time and will Brodher Andromak get is beloved Plasma whapon back???.

So simpel will the tail of the snakes live on?? Will it be a 2 book?? Well i do know the Snakes live on in my Heart and as the tip of the spear in my Warhammer Space Marine Army.

Long Live the snakes.
And thx for a so good book it is the best i have read in all my life.

Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Uncle Truth said...

Thanks Rob and hi Swedish bloke!

Nik, it would appear that - as of 5.40am - your work is not done!

This time I know better than to follow the link on my work email, (in school). Apologies if it is a website about women's rights and the senseless proliferation of online spamming campaigns,
which - knowing my luck - it will probably turn out to be.

lordy said...

Damnit Ginger, why do you do this to us? :P

Uncle Truth said...

Lordy me old China teacup young fella me lad, I'm doing it for all those poor [Japanese/Chinese/Thai/Korean/Vietnamese/ Cambodian/ Laosian/Thai/of Eastern, or indeed Southeast Asian descent] birds who have been victimised into sitting about in the buff for the enjoyment of whichever cheeky monkey is turning this blog into a [Japanese/Chinese/Thai/Korean/Vietnamese/ Cambodian/ Laosian/Thai/of Eastern, or indeed Southeast Asian descent] porn search engine.

If you ask me, it's that Graham McNeil bloke that wrote Storm of Iron. I never did trust him...

Unknown said...

Dan, Nik, Girls. You just made my Christmas. Thankyou so much :D

Big said...

Nearly that time again people, you know peace and good will to all men ,hope youve all been good and that your wishlists are long and exspensive! just remember Chrimbo is about more than presents..........its about Dan reading us the first chapter of Propero Burns on Youtube!

Xhalax said...

Big - Now that would be a tease! I big Space Wolf shaped tease.

Bob Dole said...

Awesome looking forward to the ultramarines movie even more now.
Btw i just finished reading Blood Pact and i love it can't wait until the next one:).

Benjamin said...

Good new,
Like to read more of your book before you going to explore the galaxy.

Anonymous said...

Hi all the Swede Guy is back just droping in to check if any word abaut the Iron Snakes have been said guess not ;(.

And also whisw you all a Happy X-mass and a good new year.

Stay Safe Stay Frosty gretings from Sweden.
P.s Sorry for bad spelling.

Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
frieslander said...

My god, it's bloody back! Will nothing stop these bloody porn blog spamers?

Uncle Truth said...

What we should do is spam all the porn blogs with links to the black library website. That'll show em!!

cor said...

enjoying the interview you and Andy did with comic geek speak, nvr been into comics that much i have a few hellblazer trade paperbacks and 30 days of night as i enjoyed the films based on them but im tempted to give nova and guardians of the galaxy a chance.

frieslander said...

Gingers, that is a superb idea. If only we could see the look on there faces when its done LOL

Anonymous said...

My best wishes of good health to you. I am glad it is a manageable illness, and that you at least have the peace of mind that it is not a catachan face hugger.

Thank you for all that you do, and keep up the good work.

Karl said...

Been a big fan of you since the Eisenhorn series, just wanted to wish you all the best on coping with the illness and hope that life returns to some sort of normality for you!