He's a sci-fi/fantasy writer (wrote 'Neverwhere' that was done on TV a while back I think, co-wrote 'Good Omens' with Terry Pratchett, most recently wrote 'American Gods – pretty good – and 'Anansi Boys', which I haven't read yet). But he also wrote a children's fantasy book called Coraline which I rather enjoyed. And every time I see your LJ name it makes me think of that book.