it's hard for me to pick a chapter or page number, since i haven't bought the book yet -- that's why i'm driving up from the south bay area for the booksigning! but pick from the scary/dramatic or silly/funny ends of the spectrum for me, not the romantic/mushy stuff in the middle. ;)

Yay! I am coming.

Do the two Hooter's stories that you use to frame your whole reading. =^)

Wil,

Any plans in the works to do a signing out east, Like MI or OH.

New Orleans is in desperate need of an infusion of geekdom. If you could make it out here, I'd definately show up!

Anyone going to this event Please READ:

Your outlook on Wil will forever be changed if you go to this signing/reading. It will most likely inspire you, spark some creative thoughts, but most importantly, you'll realize that Wil is cooler than you realized. A man is more than the sum of his parts. Wil is no exception. Besides, he's a kickass public reader/speaker!

I've only met him twice personally (and he actually recognized my name which was totally cool), and each time, I get more inspired by him.

So if you plan on attending, it's going to be an event that you will not soon forget.

Regretfully, I can't make San Francisco trip to see you again Wil (I was in San Francisco when you were in Palm Springs). When there is another signing/reading in So Cal, you can count on me being there.

-Evin

Thanks, Evin, you're too kind. :)

Steve and Kevin: To get out East or down to New Orleans, my publisher would have to cover the travel and related expenses. Though all but one of my signings has been heavily attended, they don't seem to think there's any value in having me do in-stores. I was also recently informed by them that they're not going to actively promote or market Just A Geek any longer. That means I'm pretty much on my own from here on out, and since I can't afford to foot those expenses right now, my appearances will be limited to events like this, where someone else is covering travel and hotel.

In best Peter Griffin voice: "About Freakin' Time!"

Ever since I missed the DNA Lounge Barney fight, I've been kicking myself that I never got to see ya'. Damn right I'll be there.

I don't have the book on me at the moment, so can't pick one outright, but I'd like to go out on a limb and request maybe something not from the book, but a reading from the Odessa story.

Speaking of, since you'll be in the area, any chance you'll hit a poker room while up in NorCal? I'd recommend Sonoma Joe's up in Petaluma, about 40 minutes north of the city.

Finally a signing/reading in San Francisco! Hope to be there, but not sure. For that reason I won't vote, but I would be happy with anything. Oh Why did it have to be on a Friday??? (mope mope mope - that's my problem, not yours)

As long as you're doing instores in San Francisco, why not connect Books, Inc. (on Market St. Downtown) and/or A Clean Well-Lighted Place For Books?

Hope to see you!

Wil - My wife works at Barnes & Noble in Walnut Creek. Store is about 1/2 the size of the SF Borders, but if you'd be interested, I could ask them about hosting a signing. I know at Christmas that they had "Just A Geek" displayed.

Sometime soon they are supposed to have John Lithgow.

Hey Wil, Any chance you will be coming up to Santa Rosa area for a signing? I would go to the SF one, but that date is allready taken up in my book =/

-Steve

Hey Wil,

Awsome man...I tried to catch you in LA this summer, but was unable to make it over to the bookstore while I was on vacation. Now since you are coming to the Bay Area, I get to catch your reading up here. Just wanted to say how much I enjoy reading your site (along with both your books). Anyhoo, whatever you read is good with me. See you when you get up here.

-brad

Hi, I'm Melissa and I'm a LURKERholic on your site, but today I'm coming out of the closet to spread some honey your way! Come share in this special De-Lurking Day and do some of your own.

Wil, you've been watching way too much Futurama. I was expecting you to follow up the "Good news, everyone!" with a "you'll be making a delivery to the forbidden zone" or "I've taught the toaster how to love."

Great idea on the taking requests for the reading. Even though I'm not is NorCal, my vote would be the one of girl you never called who's number is on the Car Wars card (my books are at home and I don't remember the title).

My sister will be so bummed! She works at the Borders about 6 blocks away from there (yeah, there's another one that close), but her last day is the 11th, and then she's coming up to Seattle to visit me for a week. . . ah well: ships, night, passing.

Do you think you'll ever make it this far north?

I will try to make it. Thanks for making the Bay Area one of your stops.

*sniff sniff I wish I could come to CA to see you at your book signing.
Too bad you can't come up to Chicago.
Oh well, I still plan on telling every single soul I know about your book because it is awesome :)

Dang. I have to work the floor during your MWSF event. Be sure to be really loud so we can hear you all over Moscone, okay? Thanks.

i just ordered "just a geek" from amazon today...i hope to recieve it in time to offer some suggestions.

Man, you gotta hit the west coast....Philly style!

Oops, I meant Hit the East Coast philly style. Hehehe.

Ack! Finally you're in the Bay Area - on the night my stupid play opens! Hope you have a great turnout and lots of fun in our fair city.

SWEET! Not only are you reading in the Bay Area, but you're doing it on my day off.

I'm sure you're overwhelmed with invitations, but I'll add mine to the mix - I co-own a game store in Oakland called EndGame. We're 15 minutes from downtown SF via BART. Every Monday night (including the 10th) we run RPGA-sanctioned D&D. A bunch of the judges are WWdN fans. It'd be awesome if you were free to swing by & play, or even just say hi and check it out.

Cheers!

Finn

Hey Wil,

If I had even been thinking, I would have offered to have you do a JAG signing at my Game Store in Oakland while you were up. You could also have signed copies of Dungeon too! Sigh. We could still fit it in if you were interested...and I am sorry I didn't think of it sooner.

Hope to run into you while you are up in our neck of the woods!

Ha! One of my partners was thinking the same thing (and we aren't even working together today ;) See Finn's note from above, and again, hope to see you soon!

* wanders off to find FriendlyStalkerPants *

WoooHooo! Thanks for taking time out of your busy schedule to see the NorthBayers who can't get to MacWorld! I would like to humbly suggest William Farking Shatner as a possible choice for reading at Borders. I love that story! Thank you again for being there, and your website and books are awesome!

I second the vote for Philadelphia!
I know you've been here once... but that was when I was about 12 or 13! ;)

-Lisa

Excellent! Now I can get a personally signed copy of Dancing Barefoot since my bonehead party-buddy managed to get the last one when we saw you at Gnomedex.
Looking forward to another great reading either way! Hmm.. I wonder if you can get a GPS reading in downtown SF? Geocaching anybody?

So i guess it's too much to hope that you'll get over to the UK sometime then Wil? That's a damn shame, cos i've really enjoyed what i've heard of your readings, and think it would be a f&^kin cool treat to have you over on this side on the pond. And hell man, if you ever want to do it but need somewhere to crash, there's always a place here. Anyways, take care of yourself and have a kick ass reading at Borders!

S

Wil--

I've never been to one of your book signings/readings, but I am going to be trying to come up from the Peninsula to attend. Having never been to one before, I have to admit that the William Fucking Shatner story is the one that immediately leaps to my mind of one I'd love seeing you perform. I'm sure everyone asks you to do it, but can't hurt to ask, right?

I hope I can make it now!

Oh...and how about some of the Wesley Dialogues, that was some terrific writing :-)

Thanks!

i intend to attend.

I am so there!

Well, it turns out that we have a mole at Borders in Union Square. She made an introduction for me, and I am super excited to announce that I've been invited to their store for a reading and signing when I'm in town!

That's super cool, Wil. I've been reading your blog and lurking for some time, partly because I've been a Next Gen fan since it's creation, partly because I'm a Mac switcher and broadcaster (www.macradio.com, I think you were on Mac Help Radio last year? Maybe again this year, if you'd like :), and mostly because I have a friend who reads your blog that recommended to me some time ago that yours was definitely a blog to read (he was right :)

Anyway, since I will be down in SF for Macworld covering the event, I'll definitely be showing up for this, since I haven't heard you read before and have been told that I must, *must*, do so before I die!

something from the big vegas trip. after along night dealing with voices in your head(tm), you stumble into an early morning shower. When you come out of the bathroom, your wife is up and has ordered brekafast. Your amazed/delighted she is up, and that there is food already there, and she just says something like "the voices in your head (tm) woke me up". That was so funny I laughed out loud. The Hooter 'book ends' are great too.

I'm happy I forgot most of the book, now I can re-read it and enjoy it again. I got my signed ed. at the store in San Diego, but couldn't get there when you were there :(

JON

DRAT DRAT DRAT....if only it didn't cost 100 bucks to change a plane ticket....hey Wil, any chance you could swing by the airport in San Fran for a signing...just pull up to the curb, roll down the window, i'll hand you my Dancing Barefoot book, you sign it then drive off *G* (i'd have you sign my JAG but i had the guys at peppertree in PS have you autograph one for me and they were kind enough to mail it up here to me *big cheesy grin* drop me a line if you can do the sign and dash thing heheheheheh

How about the chapter that starts:

"I'd heard about this happening to other people, but never dreamed it would ahppen to me..."

I just finished your book Just A Geek and I absolutly loved it! It was very honest, funny and inspirational.
I gotta admit I never really watched Star Track:Next Generation all that much, but I have seen your movies Stand by Me(best movie ever made) and Toy Soliders.
I have always admired you as an actor, but I admire you even more now for writting your book. It takes courage and guts to take a risk and follow your heart like that, it is not easy.
So anyway you should be very proud of yourself :)

I just finished your book Just A Geek and I absolutly loved it! It was very honest, funny and inspirational.
I gotta admit I never really watched Star Track:Next Generation all that much, but I have seen your movies Stand by Me(best movie ever made) and Toy Soliders.
I have always admired you as an actor, but I admire you even more now for writting your book. It takes courage and guts to take a risk and follow your heart like that, it is not easy.
So anyway you should be very proud of yourself :)

oops sorry about the double post there
my computer is acting funny.

I am so there! Good, now I don't have to post that "when the heck are you coming to Northern California" comment that I've been meaning to post for some time. This one is much more fun. It sounds like you're going to be pretty popular... Any idea how early people are going to start lining up to see you? I just want to plan my evening properly... Anyway, I'm way stoked. I loaned my "Just a Geek" to an East Coast friend in August -- I may have to buy another one just so I can get you to sign it. Awesome!

Hey wil! I'm here in the east bay (richmond). I'll try and make it out to your signing. Be sure to wear a hawaiin t-shirt

I don't need to go that far to sign a geek ... I just need a pen and can sign myself!

Hey Wil,

Glad to hear you'll be back in the Bay Area. I will mos'def try to make the signing in the midst of the MacWorld madness (I'll be wandering the exhibit hall).

FYI, Jason Shellen is hosting a Blogger's Lunch on Tuesday:
http://www.shellen.com/2005/01/macworld-sf-2005-bloggers-lunch.asp

Should be a geekfest of great proportions!

I hope you can come to Seattle sometime. I also hope that the MacWorld preso will be taped/streamed. I am stuck in Seattle. :( If I could be there, I would love to hear the "WILLIAM FUCKING SHATNER" story, but I think that's in Dancing Barefoot? I think the Wesley Dialogues, SpongeBobVegasPant$ and All Good Things ... were my favorites and would be awesome to hear, if I could be there.

alas, I can't, but I hope someday you'll be here in Seattle! :)

that's totally rad.
I hope I can be there.
Do you have to buy the book from Borders to get is signed?
I've bought the book already, and I'd like to get it signed.

Wil, I just finished reading "Just A Geek" and I must say it's one of the best books I've ever read(for a lot of personal reasons). I can't exactly attend the Macworld Expo in CA, seeing how a.) I'm on the East Coast b.) College starts in a few days, and there's lots of little SNAFU's that need to be resolved; and c.) I spent the last money I had leftover from the holiday on "Just A Geek." However, if I were there, my favorite passage would be...(are you sure there isn't an online version I could pipe through grep?) on page xxv when you meet Tim O'Reilly, and your inner thoughts vs. your actual reaction, and when your brain gives you a reward for not geeking out too much. I think the inner geek in us can all relate, and I think it'd be hil-freakin-larious to hear you actually perform that. Any chances of getting an audiobook verison of this? (I already scanned the Apple Store, no luck.) Just my 0.02.
-TC

WIL,

I was just watching old DVD episodes of Star Trek from Netflix. I'm watching the "Justice" where I think you get arrested for stepping on some flowers and breaking something (haven't gotten that far yet).

I just had to say, O M G ! ! ! That girl talking to you about "playing ball" is HOT! How did you CONTROL YOURSELF!!! lol

I had to pause the episode to post this.
Good thing I did, since I see you'll be coming to my area.

I'd love to say hi. I was only a little boy when I started watching TNG and you/Wesley inspired me to be all I could be even as a child.

If you want someone hang out with while you're here, let me know.

Hope you READ THIS =)

Best,
Anthony

Borders is cool. You don't have to buy the book at the store to have it signed. Also, Borders leaves it up to the visiting authors as to whether they will sign "other stuff" besides their current book (as in DVDs, photos, star trek memorabilia, etc). I'm sure Wil will clue us in there. It's the same with photos. Up to the visiting author. Hope that's helpful!

My big brother says he will kick my butt overseas so I can make it, but I'm afraid to fly, plus that hurts!

I hope you have fun, Wil!

Hey Wil-
A while back you told me that you would probably be coming out to the East Coast- hopefully in NJ! Any news on that?
-Alicia
allywag67@aol.com
www.thewagband.com
P.S. I'm almost done Sean Astin's book "There and Back Again: an Actor's Tale" and I think if you haven't read it yet, you should. I know you know you're mentioned in it (even if your name is misspelled) but anyway, I think you'd enjoy it. He seems to have the same writing style that you do, and the way he speaks about his wife is exactly how you speak about yours. And when he talks about his insecurities (hey, we all have 'em!) he sounds like you do when you talk about yours. I just really think you should read it! :)

If only there was some way to get Wil to visit us here in New Zealand :\
It's a pretty hefty trip sadly, so somehow I doubt that it will be happening any time soon.

Curses, foiled again! I'm the director of guest relations for an anime convention in New Jersey, and I would personally break my budget to fly you out here for a signing/reading and help you get some signings/readings scheduled in New York. I can totally see you "playing" the Borders in Union Square, the one where I got my copy of Monstrous Regiment by Terry Pratchett signed. I'd even request the audition story where you run into Sean Astin and then flip out (mentally) at the casting directors and other hangers-on who don't seem to care that you're there to do an audition. The reason why I love that one is that it's full of so many emotions and I want to hear your voice go through everyone.

But alas, it's an anime convention and we recently heard from our attendees that though they do appreciate shows like Teen Titans and other anime-like shows on Cartoon Network, they'd rather have anime-related voice actors, artists and directors come to the show. The nerve of them! (Just kidding, random people who might be coming to Anime Next.)

Argh. When will I ever get to have a beer with you?

I hate living in Amish Country. I never get to see wil.

O'Reilly! Get him on a nationwide book tour!

oh man....... it would be the one friday night a month that i have a standing commitment. poop!

have fun, wil! i'll be there in spirit.

I can't be in SF for the reading, but I will make a suggestion for one of the passages to read: the one about trading your lame Death Star for the cool Landspeeder. When you read that at the Dallas Comic Con, I thought it was one of the best of the (admittedly few) readings of yours that I have seen.

Oh yeah, I think it sucks that O'Reilly is not going to be actively promoting your books. I'm sorry that they haven't taken off like you, and O'Reilly, and the rest of us hoped they would. But just you watch, sometime someone is going to give JAG or DB a glowing review that hits the mainstream media, and sales will get a boost. But even if they don't make the New York Times bestseller list, you should be very proud of JAG and of DB. The book selling business is undoubtedly just as tough as show business, and the fact that you have done as well as you have with your first two published books is one hell of an accomplishment, if you ask me.

When will you be in NY? Wanna do some improv while you're here?

Wil,
Someone on here named Alicia mentioned Sean Astin's book There and Back again, an Actor's tale. I have read that book and it is wonderful.
If you(or anyone else) hasn't read it, go read it! After reading both you and Sean's book you both have alot in common with each other both personal and career wise.
I also got meet Sean when he did his book signing here in Chicago, he is such a sweet guy :)
I think you two should do a project together, I dunno produce a movie, write a screen play, I dunno something because well that would just be very cool :)

Is there any chance that you may be coming to the east anytime, Wil? Like, let's say ... Lexington, Kentucky? Or, anywhere nearby would be nice, too ... I haven't checked the shelves at my local bookstores for either Dancing Barefoot or Just a Geek, but I'll do it this weekend! (If not this very afternoon!)

Whatever you do, please don't read the story about your great-aunt's house. I hate to stand in autograph lines while I'm all verklempt.

Can't wait to see you in SF! Bring rain gear- it's hella wet up here right now.

A little off the posted topic but great article in the Weekend Calendar section of the LA Times today. No offense but does everyone still really ask for Star Trek stuff?

Thanks for the writing.

The Alternatives
"Trek" wasn't his final frontier

Great Article in the Los Angeles Times Calendar Weekend section with picture.

You Rock, Wil Wheaton!

I have not got your book yet, but I marked my calendar, and love having signed books. I look forward to meeting you. I think it is so nice that you BLOG and share your thoughts with everyone.

Hi Wil,

When your book first came out, I posted a review on my library-tech blog, Librarian In Black. You can see the review at: http://librarianinblack.typepad.com/librarianinblack/2004/07/review_of_just_.html. Anyway, I will definitely be there at the book signing, and would love it if you would read some bits from chapter seven and chapter ten. You're awesome, librarians love you, and I look forward to meeting you in person!

I'm so glad you are finally making a trip to SF! Since I'll be working during your appearance at the MacWorld conference, I'm even happier that you'll be doing a book signing after I get off from work!

Regarding suggestions on readings, I read your book a long time ago, so I'm gonna have to get back to you on that one. Sorry. Looking forward to seeing you!

Wil*

I actually started to read your blog because someone gave me Just A Geek and I loved it!
Thanks for coming to SF. I'll see you there!

Hey Wil!
Sorry, I'll have to miss you in San Fran. A bit too far from home for me. Would you ever consider coming to Missouri, though? We hardly ever get any good actors/authors to come here...

Anybody have access to the L.A. Times for Thursday? In the Calendar section, there's a really cool article about Wil and his book. The unfortunate thing is that online you have to be a paid member. I'M not even a member for that section. But if you can get your hands on the Thursday newspaper, it's there. GREAT article!!!

Scott T

Oh dammit. My husband is travelling that week and there's no way my kids will let me drag them to SF on a Friday night (I live about 10 miles south). I could get a babysitter, but there are logistical problems involved with that. Such are the realities of us busy parents. Have a nice time up here in SF, Wil! Hope it's not too cold and rainy for ya! :-)

You should come to Ohio to read somewhere in a few years (I say a few years, because by then I can drive, lol!).

If you came to Maine then I would show up, but I can't show up on the 14th. I am too far away and can't afford it. I am sorry, but good luck with the readings.

I'm looking into it. Still no sign of you on the Borders web site.

I have to either convince my family that I'm not needed that night or bring them with. We'll see.

Your books on my list either way.

Wil,

The Twin Cities (Minneapolis/St. Paul) loves you (even if it is friggin' cold as a freezer). Come visit us and we'll show you our Minnesota nice!

Hey Wil!

The thing about being English is that we have this annoying tendancy to live in England:( However, long distance relationships do have their upsides; my girlfriend lives quite close to SF and hopefully she will be dropping by on my behalf!:)

Yay for my gorgeous girl!:):)

(ironically enough I finally recieved both your books in the mail today, so I havn't read them yet).

Hey, you can bring your kids to Borders! The event space happens to be right next to the children's department. The kiddies can sit and read Lemony Snicket and Shel Silverstein while you enjoy Wil.

FYI: The Borders in Union Square has half of a little pillar in front dedicated to you!!! I guess they have a guest coming in the day before you for a signing as well, so the front window is dedicated to him.

The inner geek in me just wanted to inform you...

I can't afford your book, I can hardly afford the gas from San Jose to San Francisco, but I want to meet the guy who inspired me as a kid. Might you happen to have some photos to be signed available? I couldn't find any to buy online from Paramount.

I'm going to resort to printing some TNG ones out from the net for you to sign (unless you're only signing your book...)

Anthony
(and my little bro Andrew)

Went to the Borders URL in the blog and did not see this on the schedule. Driving over from the Sacramento area and wanted to make sure that it's still on. Bringing a friend in a wheelchair. Anyone from SF have any advice on ease of getting in and out of Union Square via BART from Dublin with a wheelchair? Hopefully the store has copies of Dancing Barefoot available. Still laughing about the Live Aid story.

I just called the borders and they said they are still having it (Jan 14. 7pm) in case people are wondering. They haven't bothered to put anything on their site and their phone system's event calendar seems old (or extremely into the future), so don't go off of that. See yah there Wil!

I can't wait!

Can you read the one about the kid in the pie eating contest who throws up on everyone?

Will,

I hope it your event was a success! I'm a ways away to have even attempted such a trip, seeing as how I must travel to PR tomorrow. Good thing is your book Just A Geek arrived just in time, and it will be travel with me this weekend. It would have been great to have you sign it... maybe some other time.

Much success and best wishes to you and yours.

Sorry for misspelling your name, Wil; my fingers are faster than my brain. ;o)