sj

Dearest Optimus,(Do you prefer Optimus to Hildegunst? I've always wondered why your name was changed in translation, but no matter.)I haven't written a fan letter in a number of years, but having recently been given the opportunity to read your newest book (English translation drops November 8) before it is actually released, I felt moved to say something.  I wouldn't say that it's the Orm, no, I'm not that lucky - but I do count myself lucky to have read your Orm-filled words.Each time I pick up one of your books about Zamonia  (whether it's a tale of your own adventures or not), I find myself with a huge grin on my face the moment I start reading.I'm sure it's not difficult maintaining quality control on your work when first Mr Moers translates it from Zamonian into German, and then it's handed off AGAIN to Mr Brownjohn for the English translation, but I feel the need to commend all of  you for your work.I'd love to learn Zamonian so I could read your words as you intend them, but I can assure you that (on my end, anyway) your writing is just as charming having been translated twice.  I feel like my brain would explode (or that I'd never read anything else) were the full impact of your work to hit me.Bookholm truly has come alive in the mind of this reader.  In the movie that plays in my mind (complete with smell-o-vision, I'll have you know), I can see and hear each thing you describe so clearly.  I'm assuming this is due to your relationship with the Orm, but whatever it is - it's amazing.Thank you so much for everything you've allowed to be translated into English.  I understand you've written another book that so far has only been translated from Zamonian into German (I know it as Ensel und Krete, but I'm sure your title is delightful) and I eagerly await the day that book makes its way into English.  There are other books I've heard tell of that were written in the middle of your non-Ormfull period, and I can't say that I'm sorry I've missed Sandwich Making for Fun and Profit, or your mock criticisms of the plays of Aliesha Wimpersleake (which, I regret to tell you sounds quite dreadful) -  but if your most recent book is any indication, you are well on your way to providing us with many more delightful stories for years to come.I realize you're not likely to do anything with this letter, other than to either burn it with the rest or drip sandwich crumbs on it, but thank you so much for everything you've written and will continue to write.I eagerly await the day your next novel arrives.With much love and respect,sjps.  Attached you will find a photo of myself the day I received your latest work in my mailbox.(For those of you that haven't figured it out, this is a letter to the narrator of Walter Moers' Dreaming Books series.  Please see my post about City of Dreaming Books for further information, and follow along on the blog tour as we count down the days to its release.  Check in tomorrow with Anastasia at Birdbrain(ed) Book Blog for a review of Labyrinth of Dreaming Books.  Thanks to Tara at Book Sexy Review for hosting this tour, and thanks to the folks at Overlook Press for the ARC that has had me grinning like a loon since I received it.)