Harlan Ellison dies at 84

[ChazInAz]

43. Ave atque vale.

I first met the man at Worldcon '69 in St. Louis, after reading his work for years. We actually hit it off fairly well, he introduced me to Robert Silverberg and Fritz Leiber.The three of them became tremendous influences on me both as a human being and as an artist. I attended one of the early science-fiction writer's workshops, cementing my friendship with Fritz and making me a virtual acolyte of Silverbob, who was one of the nicest men who ever pounded typewriter keys. Can't say that Harlan and I were ever friends, but I admired the hell out of him. My career as a writer was short and when I ran dry of things to say, I followed Harlan's advice to all writers in the position and stopped writing.
He was one of the most insanely brave persons I have ever known. He was exasperating and exhausting, and I treasure the memories of every minute I was in his presence.
His Jiminny Cricket and Mickey Mouse impersonations had to be heard to be believed!