Harlan Ellison's "Pay The Writer"

This morning, I revisited the late, great writer Harlan Ellison.

It is hard to believe that it will be seven years since his passing this coming June 28. 

Every writer should view this clip on YouTube, "Harlan Ellison -- Pay the Writer".  He is spot on in his comments. It was "a memorable (and timely) rant from the... feature documentary on Harlan Ellison, "Dreams With Sharp Teeth"."

Here's the video: 

He had been criticized as being abrasive and argumentative during his life. Maybe so, but much of what he said rang definitely true. 

Harlan Ellison Suffers Stroke

Harry Knowles of Ain't It Cool news Tweeted that "speculative fiction" writer Harlan Ellison has suffered a stroke. Others had Tweeted that Ellison's stroke occurred on Thursday.

His most recent Tweet said:

Information Limitations

Above, the Godzilla statue in Hibiya in 2001. Photo by Richard Pusateri.

On occasion, I receive requests for information on different things that can be found in The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan.

I created the guide for those who want to visit Japan and see attractions, landmarks and locations pertaining to or featured in kaiju eiga movies during the past sixty years. A lot of time and work went into the guide to make it easier for those who want to make such a trip.

While I try to be helpful to people who have questions, I do have to set limits on what information I will provide for free without being rude or a dick about it.

Generally, if the information requested is already in the travel guide, then get the travel guide and your question(s) will be answered. It is that simple. You can't expect to waltz into a clothing store, ask for free clothes and waltz out with them, can you? [You should see the YouTube video of Harlan Ellison's "Pay The Writer" to get a fuller understanding of where I'm coming from.]

So, if someone has a question that is already in The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan, I will politely refer them to here for the print edition or here for the Amazon Kindle ebook edition.

If your question pertains to something that is not covered in the guide, then I would be happy to do my best to answer your question (provided I know the answer).

"Ailing" Harlan Ellison To Appear At MadCon

Love him or hate him, there is one thing that Harlan Ellison will always be remembered for (besides his literate scripts): his outspoken fight for writers' rights.

It has been revealed that Ellison is ailing and that this upcoming appearance this weekend at MadCon will be his last and it will be his "good-bye" to fans.

The Daily Page.com reports:

Due to his failing health, there had been some doubt about whether Ellison would show up in person or participate in panels, readings and other events by telephone from his home in Sherman Oaks, Calif. But at press time he affirmed he was coming. He is also adamant that MadCon will be the final convention he ever attends, in any fashion.

"The truth of what's going on here is that I'm dying," says Ellison, by phone. "I'm like the Wicked Witch of the West -- I'm melting. I began to sense it back in January. By that time, I had agreed to do the convention. And I said, I can make it. I can make it.'"

Ellison's scripts over the years certainly raised the bar on science-fiction (he prefers "speculative fiction") writing that others only can hope to aspire to. His battles with Hollywood studios over pay, residuals and other rights writers are entitled to are legendary. Losing Ellison's voice would be a tough blow.

I hope that his health rallies and he's able to continue for many years to come.

To read the full article, go here.