Favorite Harlan Ellison Rant
Well, I’m sure you’ve heard of the sad sad news. One of the most respected SF writers, screenwriters and editors of mostly speculative fiction Harlan Ellison has died.
The news of Ellison’s death at the age of 84 were confirmed by a family friend on Twitter, but no cause of death was given to the public.
Susan Ellison has asked me to announce the passing of writer Harlan Ellison, in his sleep, earlier today. “For a brief time I was here, and for a brief time, I mattered.”—HE, 1934-2018. Arrangements for a celebration of his life are pending.
— Christine Valada (@mcvalada) June 28, 2018
Among Ellison’s highly influential and very popular novels and novellas are 1969’s post-apocalyptic A Boy and His Dog (made into a 1975 cult film starring a young Don Johnson) and among Ellison’s Hollywood work was the screenplay for the non-sci-fi The Oscar, starring Stephen Boyd.
Ellison wrote for such TV shows like The Flying Nun, Route 66, The Outer Limits, Star Trek and The Alfred Hitchcock Hour and during his long and lustrous career as a writer won numerous awards including multiple Hugos, Nebulas and Edgars.
But one favorite thing about the memory of Harlan Ellison is not just his passion for writing, but the passion of getting paid for that writing. You see, he treated writing like any other job, and demanded to be compensated for his work. I just had to share his brilliant rant that is also my favorite from him.
How every writer needs to get paid. As a writer myself, I’m beginning to realize this slowly but surely, and I refuse to write for free. I used to, but not anymore. And Mr. Ellison helped me realize that sooner. Thanks you for that Harlan Ellison and may you rest in peace. You will be missed.
