Note from the publisher:
Ray Bradbury is a busy man, and doesn't make many personal appearances. We'll keep you updated on the appearances page of the site (http://www.raybradbury.com/appearances.html). Also be sure to check back here for any late-breaking Bradbury news.

So, here's the info on Ray's Halloween book signing. Hope you can make it!
Thursday, October 31 - Pasadena
VROMAN'S BOOK STORE - book signing
695 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91101
Tel: 626-449-5320

Book signing tonight:
http://www.thedesertsun.com/news/stories2004/entertainm...20040602213616.shtml

That is the same place I first met Ray, when he autographed my Stories of Ray Bradbury collection in 1980. Kind of cool. I had gotten there early and purchased the book. Bradbury is a hero of mine and has been since 9th grade. I was carrying the book around, browsing, as they had not even set up a table yet. He approached me from behind, and asked if I was there to see Ray. I said I was and turned around, and it was Ray. He autographed my book so I didn't even have to wait in line. I have only seen him twice since, but he is very kind and gracious. Plus, well, he's a pretty danged good writer, huh?

Thanks for sharing your great memory, Mr. Dark. He is an American original, a man for all seasons. Here is a write-up and a terrific photo of RB from the noir fest:
http://www.thedesertsun.com/news/stories2004/entertainm...20040604012833.shtml

"Lyons said Bradbury started him as a mystery writer when he hated the genre. He said, "This man has given of his time and contributed more than all of us."
From the article in the Desert Sun, linked above.

This is part of what I love about Bradbury. He has touched -- in a positive way -- so many thousands of lives. His writing is the direct influence, but he touches lives one-on-one in a way that many famous persons don't.

He is genuine and kind, though bruisingly forthright and pretty intolerant of "evil". He operates his life in good faith, and I think that's what he expects in others.

As a side note, I met Ansel Adams at that same bookstore when his unbelievable book, "Yosemite and the Range of Light" came out. I enjoy photography and did not have money for the book, ($75.00 back then was a ton of money), but went to meet him anyway. I talked with him and told him my "sad" story of poverty. He saw that I had my camera, and invited me to photograph him as he signed autographs of his book. Like Bradbury, a very, very gracious and talented man.


[This message has been edited by Mr. Dark (edited 06-05-2004).]