Saying Goodbye to an Old Friend…One Last Time

I’ve been asked to contribute to a Harlan Ellison “tribute” SF anthology. This is…intimidating.

You see, Harlan was the last of the Great Old Ones I worshipped as a teenager, before I ever sold anything. His clarity of prose and fearlessness of voice were a beacon, and his rock-star personae in public speaking triggered my “I want THAT!!” instincts like no other.

At one point he was the most honored living SF/Fantasist, and in my mind, deserved every bit of that. I never, ever expected to be...