I've intended to write about the reading at Butler. Randy, Nick, my mom, and I went to the reading and had a fantastic time.
I have been listening to different videos on Youtube for Gaiman and have been tremendously impressed by his presentation. Not only does he write well, but also he sells himself well; he is funny, engaging, interesting, and accessible. He tells stories about being a writer and appeals to his audience. At times, I felt like he was speaking to an audience of writers, not just readers, which seemed clever. I suspect many of his readers are hopeful writers.
Anyway, during his reading at Butler, he read short stories--nothing of his novels. I liked this. I'm certain that he could have read from his novels, but not everyone would have been able to engage with all of his novels, so reading his short stories pulled everyone into the tales, and we could experience each of those stories.
Here is a story, not one that he read that night, but one that I listened to recently. This story is suspenseful, and the tension does not disappoint--although the ending is a little sad. And yes, I have cats and love them dearly.
Here is "The Price" by Neil Gaiman.