I’ve been searching for days for a video with both of their speeches together – and now I’ve found it! 😀
Last week, Neil Gaiman presented Ursula K. Le Guin with the Medal for Distinguished Contribution to American Letters at the 2014 National Book Awards. Like Neil, Ursula is one of my favorite writers of all time, for both her poetic yet precise writing style and her thought-provoking ideas she explored through fantasy and science fiction. I also enjoyed Neil’s The Ocean At The End Of The Lane and plan to catch up on his earlier works.
What I love most about this video, though, are the speeches themselves. Neil is a fantastic speaker; he’s intelligent, thoughtful, and at times wonderfully funny. Ursula is also well-spoken in her own unique way. She’s like a force to be reckoned with: wise, witty, daringly insightful, and unabashedly honest. She’s not afraid to say what the publishing and writing industries truly need to hear.
What do you think about their speeches? Have you read any of Neil Gaiman’s or Ursula Le Guin’s works?
Sara Letourneau 
That’s so awesome! I’ve only read Gaiman’s Stardust. (and good Omens co written with Pratchett) But I liked them both. Ursula K. Le Guin is on my to read list. 🙂
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How was Stardust? That’s on my TBR list, along with a few other Gaiman titles.
Ooooooooh, if you’re ever looking for Le Guin recommendations, just let me know. I’ve read a number of her works, and I’ve loved each and every one of them. 🙂
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I think I’m going to start with Earthsea, but I always love recommendations. Stardust was really good! So it the movie. One of those rare movies that is different but as good as the book. (DeNero might have something to do with that)
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Love, love LOVE Ursula LeGuin:)) Neil Gaiman not so much… But he seems like a very nice chap and I enjoyed Good Omens.
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I’ve loved everything I’ve read so far by Ursula. I have a few of her science fiction books on my Christmas list, so I’ve got my fingers crossed.
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Lets see what of Gaiman’s have I read – Good Omens, American Gods (I think that’s the title) and I don’t remember if I’ve read anything else other then a few short stories in some anthologies. I haven’t read any of Ursula’s books which I totally should fix soon.
I agree Neil is a fabulous speaker!!
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What is Good Omens about? I don’t think that one’s on my TBR list, probably because I haven’t heard of it before. As for Ursula’s books, I’d be happy to offer recommendations if you’d like some!
Have you ever seen Neil’s “Make Good Art” speech at the 2012 University of the Arts commencement ceremony? It’s brilliant. 🙂
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