Gary Moskowitz
A long line of more than 200 people stretched onto the sidewalk
outside Mystery & Imagination bookshop Saturday.
All of them came to meet author Ray Bradbury, who visited the
Glendale bookstore to sign copies of his latest mystery novel, "Let's
All Kill Constance." Bradbury last appeared at the bookshop in
October 2002.
The 82-year-old author of such books as "Fahrenheit 451," "The
Martian Chronicles" and "Something Wicked This Way Comes" begins his
latest novel with the phrase "It was a dark and stormy night" outside
a bungalow in Venice, Calif.
"I don't write science fiction," Bradbury said. "I never have. My
stories are fantasy, and all of my characters fascinate me."
A white-haired, bespectacled Bradbury sat at a small, wood table,
dressed in a brown, plaid sport coat, collared shirt and tie.
Leftover crusts from a grilled-cheese sandwich sat on a plate beside
him as he signed hundreds of copies of his own books.
The longtime Los Angeles resident graciously took photos with fans
and spoke about writing, politics and economics.
"I starved for years," Bradbury said over the phone, prior to the
book signing. "It took me 20 years to write a good novel, and 25
years to write decent, one-act plays. Everything takes time, but you
have to embrace the process, not intellectualize everything too much
and have fun."
His concepts are never dated, Monterey Park resident and Bradbury
fan Erica Burns said.
"I had to be here today," said Burns, 36. "Some authors are easily
typecast, but not him. To me, his books are like classic literature."
Glendale resident Leo Campbell couldn't wait to give signed copies
of Bradbury books to his son as a birthday present.
"[Bradbury] is quick to catch your imagination and gets you right
into it," said Campbell, 72. "He keeps you guessing. And, [his books]
are always easy to read, even though things can get really
complicated."
Bookshop owner Malcolm Bell said readers of Bradbury's latest
story would notice some references to places in Glendale, circa 1960.
"We love to see him here at the store," Bell said. "He's such an
icon, and he's a great guy."
