tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-80092928609423573.post517578459093668374..comments2024-03-04T06:43:16.561+00:00Comments on SHOTSMAG CONFIDENTIAL: Michael Crichton dies aged 66Mike Stotterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05337961000383588556noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-80092928609423573.post-78572369661344343612008-11-06T13:21:00.000+00:002008-11-06T13:21:00.000+00:00As I said at The Rap Sheet, this is just awful new...As I said at The Rap Sheet, this is just awful news -<BR/><BR/>This is just terrible news, really terrible news. I have followed Mr Crichton's work for many years and even have a UK first edition of THE ANDROMEDA STRAIN - a book that got me excited about science. In fact Crichton was one of the reasons that I studied science. He influenced the direction of my life.<BR/><BR/>I never got to meet him, and now curse at missing him last time he was in London when he came over to promote STATE OF FEAR. I had been invited by HarperCollins to a reception after a signing in the West End. Unfortunatley there was a major clash in my diary as Crichton was over only for the weekend. I had to miss the event, and now I will never have the chance to tell him how important his work was to me.<BR/><BR/>I also wanted to tell him this story.<BR/><BR/>There had been a gap in Crichton's publishing - due his movie work, then in either 1989 or 1990 my wife had a friend over the weekend and wanted me to take them to a huge mall that had opened in the area for a days shopping. <BR/><BR/>I cursed as I hated shopping, but on entry to the mall, I noticed a bookshop 'Dillons' and in a big window display was a stack of 'JURASSIC PARK' by Michael Crichton. I got so excited and bought the book and told my wife and her friend to take their time shopping as I was going back to the car to read. They laughed at my excitement as I was raving - A NEW MICHAEL CRICHTON NOVEL I roared running back to the car.<BR/><BR/>Anyway, 6 hours later my wife and friend came back to the car loaded with the clothes they bought. I was on the last chapter and told them to please get a coffee while I finshed my book.<BR/><BR/>When they returned, my wife sensed my excitement. I was raving that one of my favourite writers, and a main reason why I studied science at university had written the most amazing book. She asked me what it was about - when I told her the plot about the genetic cloning of dinosaurs, she replied in a statement that I often replay at dinner parties -<BR/><BR/>"Ali, that sounds such a stupid idea, you read such rubbish, that will never sell, in fact that's why your own writing is always rejected, you read and write such uncommercial tripe. What a stupid idea, genetic cloning of dinosaurs indeed, I expect to see the book in remainder bins within a month....."<BR/><BR/>The rest they say is history<BR/><BR/>Mr Crichton, a salute to you.<BR/><BR/>Your books, screenplays, films and of course your hieght made you a special man - You stood as tall in your writing as you did in your stature.<BR/><BR/>You will be missed by many, but from this scientist - you changed my life.<BR/><BR/><BR/>AliAli Karimhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00640079406581573368noreply@blogger.com