The Walking Dead’s Norman Reedus virtual book tour event

Norman Reedus’ book tour for his debut novel, The Ravaged, included several virtual events, allowing those unable to attend one of the live events to join in. I was lucky enough to sit in on the virtual event hosted by Mysterious Galaxy Books, located in San Deigo.

Fans could purchase a virtual ticket and a copy of his novel; a limited number of them were signed. Ticket holders could also submit questions for Reedus ahead of the event.

Reedus began by sharing that he had a book deal to write about his life, but he didn’t want to do that as he didn’t want to be beaten up, eluding to the fact that he has some good stories to tell that involve other people. Maybe someday we will get that book!

He had the idea for other fictional stories drawn from real-life events and experiences from his past. During the pandemic, he had a lot of downtime, which allowed him the freedom to write his first novel. The Ravaged tells three stories of the personal quests of Jack, Hunter and Anne, who, on their own journeys, learn lessons relative to their lives but their stories also see eerie parallels. The book is described as gritty, something Reedus stated he is drawn to. After he finished writing, he realized that all three stories feature characters who are running from or to something while finding a sense of family along the way.

One quote Reedus offered up spoke to the entire chat room:

“This is your life; what are you gonna fight for? What are you gonna run from?”

He shared about his time during the lockdown, where he was writing the book and recording his voice acting for Helluva Boss. He had made a recording space from a child’s teepee that he covered in blankets for soundproofing. He would record and then hop over to spend time writing and then back to recording again. Helluva Boss is a dark adult animated series in which Reedus played a demon named Striker and sang country songs.

Norman Reedus – second novel

He has already begun writing his second novel that will be similar to The Ravaged, with the different stories heading in a parallel direction. The audiobook for The Ravaged is read by Reedus, which is a treat for fans as he has a very pleasing voice.  For the second novel, he has an idea for the audiobook to be read by multiple people as a play. He even has people in mind for the parts.

He was very complimentary to the people he worked with at Blackstone Publishing, the company that published his book. He said they gave him creative freedom with the book and cover design, which is very unique with a surprise under the dust jacket. He also shared that working with Frank Bill was wonderful as he really enjoys partnerships and what comes from them.

When asked about what influences his work, he stated that all of the facets of what he does influence the other things he is involved in. He has worked on lighting, been behind the camera, acting, etc., and uses each one to hone his skills for the others.

It was a very intimate, in-depth interview discussing his new novel, The Ravaged, and how he used personal experiences and people he has met to create the stories contained in the book. He also included many other tidbits about his life and where he draws inspiration.

Highlights Reedus shared:

• The way The Walking Dead ends is heartbreaking.
• The spinoff will be different in a really great way and some surprises.
• Ride with Keanu will take place in Utah
• Big Bald Head Whiskey is coming.
• Working on a new photobook
• Paris Art Show

The interviewer asked about books that speak to his soul:

• The Master and Margarita Mikhail Bulgakov
• The Sneeches by Dr. Suess

The interviewer asked about literary influences:

• Leopold Von Sacher-Masoch
• Aldous Huxley

Reedus is a fascinating individual who prefers not to be idle, which is evident by all of the projects he is involved in. Sitting and listening to him talk for an hour about his book and his life was a significant change from interviews about his acting, which his fans know much about. He was in a hotel room and then on the balcony for the interview, and it was a casual conversation where he shared many different avenues of his life and creative processes.

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