Harlan Ellison - Still Angry After All These Years

[ZodWallop]

Originally Posted by pwalker8

O. Henry wrote TV?

No, but Chekhov wrote plays. Close enough for government work

Originally Posted by pwalker8

He did seem to be unable to make the move to novels as they became more popular.

Neither did Raymond Carver.

And I'm not sure if John Cheever's books measure up to his stories.

[BenG]

Originally Posted by Rizla

I know he's written some good short stories, and some great TV, but I'm not aware of any great novels by him.

I wouldn't consider that a problem.

His non-fiction books of essays, criticism, and rantings are pretty good also.

[kennyc]

Originally Posted by BenG

I wouldn't consider that a problem.

His non-fiction books of essays, criticism, and rantings are pretty good also.

Exactly.

[BenG]

He also has a YouTube channel where you can watch his program Harlan Ellison's Watching, from the early days of the Sci-Fi Channel.

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?lis...vWAzA0M2xQn8jA

It can be amusing.

[RHWright]

Harlan has a reputation, to be sure. My experience with him stems from my bookstore days. This was back in '96. We had a signing scheduled with him to coincide with Edgeworks Vol 1, when he had to go in for bypass surgery. All other tour dates got cancelled, but, luckily, he was recovered enough that our date was not.

Big turn out and he was genial and friendly to all comers.

Even ended up going out to dinner with him and his friends afterward, where he regaled us with various tales.

Fast forward a few days. A mail ordered copy had been personalized incorrectly. Our store's PR person didn't want to deal with it. (She didn't get along with him, but then she was a bit of a rhymes with witch.) So I call and, if I recall correctly, talk to Susan (Harlan's wife) who checks with him and says, basically, come on up to the house and Harlan will sign a new book for this customer.

So I, with wife and <1 year-old daughter in tow (as I'm doing this on my day off), wind my way up the hills of Sherman Oaks/Tarzana to Harlan's house. Which, I have to say from what I saw, is pretty cool.

Even cooler is that he let himself be imposed on like this to make a fan happy. When he didn't have to. When he was still recovering from heart bypass surgery.

So, while there is no denying the reality that he's had some dust ups in his time, all I can say is that I experienced his graciousness and generosity.

[kennyc]

Originally Posted by RHWright

Harlan has a reputation, to be sure. My experience with him stems from my bookstore days. This was back in '96. We had a signing scheduled with him to coincide with Edgeworks Vol 1, when he had to go in for bypass surgery. All other tour dates got cancelled, but, luckily, he was recovered enough that our date was not.

Big turn out and he was genial and friendly to all comers.

Even ended up going out to dinner with him and his friends afterward, where he regaled us with various tales.

Fast forward a few days. A mail ordered copy had been personalized incorrectly. Our store's PR person didn't want to deal with it. (She didn't get along with him, but then she was a bit of a rhymes with witch.) So I call and, if I recall correctly, talk to Susan (Harlan's wife) who checks with him and says, basically, come on up to the house and Harlan will sign a new book for this customer.

So I, with wife and <1 year-old daughter in tow (as I'm doing this on my day off), wind my way up the hills of Sherman Oaks/Tarzana to Harlan's house. Which, I have to say from what I saw, is pretty cool.

Even cooler is that he let himself be imposed on like this to make a fan happy. When he didn't have to. When he was still recovering from heart bypass surgery.

So, while there is no denying the reality that he's had some dust ups in his time, all I can say is that I experienced his graciousness and generosity.

Thanks for that!

[Rizla]

Oh yeah, he's a hoot for sure. I was just reading how he grabbed Connie Wilis's boob at some convention. Outspoken and wild people amuse me. I'm team Harlan, but he should RELEASE THE ****ING BOOK ALREADY. Lol.

[Angst]

I have always enjoyed his short story: Along the Scenic Route. I wonder if he came up with the idea after being cut off in rush hour traffic.

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by RHWright

Harlan has a reputation, to be sure. My experience with him stems from my bookstore days. This was back in '96. We had a signing scheduled with him to coincide with Edgeworks Vol 1, when he had to go in for bypass surgery. All other tour dates got cancelled, but, luckily, he was recovered enough that our date was not.

Big turn out and he was genial and friendly to all comers.

Even ended up going out to dinner with him and his friends afterward, where he regaled us with various tales.

Fast forward a few days. A mail ordered copy had been personalized incorrectly. Our store's PR person didn't want to deal with it. (She didn't get along with him, but then she was a bit of a rhymes with witch.) So I call and, if I recall correctly, talk to Susan (Harlan's wife) who checks with him and says, basically, come on up to the house and Harlan will sign a new book for this customer.

So I, with wife and <1 year-old daughter in tow (as I'm doing this on my day off), wind my way up the hills of Sherman Oaks/Tarzana to Harlan's house. Which, I have to say from what I saw, is pretty cool.

Even cooler is that he let himself be imposed on like this to make a fan happy. When he didn't have to. When he was still recovering from heart bypass surgery.

So, while there is no denying the reality that he's had some dust ups in his time, all I can say is that I experienced his graciousness and generosity.

Sometimes when one is said to bear a grudge there is an element of it being unjust or unreasonable. If Mr. Ellison was bitter with some it seems it might be justified.

[kennyc]

Originally Posted by Angst

I have always enjoyed his short story: Along the Scenic Route. I wonder if he came up with the idea after being cut off in rush hour traffic.

I had not read that one, but just did. Love it. A Boy and his Dog has always been a favorite of mine.

[Apache]

Originally Posted by Angst

I have always enjoyed his short story: Along the Scenic Route. I wonder if he came up with the idea after being cut off in rush hour traffic.

Me too.
Apache

[Greg Anos]

My favs are The Deathbird, Paingod, and Deeper than The Darkness

[xg4bx]

He wrote I Have no Mouth and I Must Scream, he can be as cranky as he wants; that story is just that good.

[jgaiser]

Originally Posted by kennyc

I had not read that one, but just did. Love it. A Boy and his Dog has always been a favorite of mine.

Sitting on my desk at the moment is The Essential Ellison in paper (I wish it was available as an ebook) and it contains both the stories mentioned. I probably read them at one time but don't remember. I'll have to sit down and read both tonight