Neal Barrett Jr. R.I.P.

As was reported late last night by Joe Lansdale and Locus, multi-genre author Neal Barrett Jr. passed away yesterday. A legend in the field, and oft referred to as a “writer’s writer”, Barrett wrote novels, comic books, short stories, and screenplays in the horror, mystery/suspense, fantasy, science-fiction, and western genres. His books included The Hereafter Gang, Dead Dog Blues, Interstate Dreams, A Different Vintage, and series such as Aldair, Wiley Moss, and Finn, the Lizard Master. He also wrote under nearly a dozen pseudonyms, including Victor Appleton II, Steve Atley, and Franklin W. Dixon. His influence and mentoring of writers such as Joe R. Lansdale, Lewis Shiner, and Howard Waldrop should also be noted. There’s a very good remembrance of him here  and a comment thread here on Joe’s FB page.