TERRIFIC TEAM-UP IMAGE: THE UNSEEN & THE CHILDREN

 

MARION ZIMMER BRADLEY: END OF STORY

I got into another heated argument, prompted by a discussion on pretentious, science-fiction literature and their authors. This led to Marion Zimmer Bradley, an overrated scribe (and at least in one noted instance, a presumed plagiarist) who after her death was exposed as an upper-echelon child molester. This, in turn, led to mention of her repressible spouse, fanzine-culture "king" and (alas) Star Trek, fan-fiction dabbler, Walter Breen, who also violated children and even served prison time for his despicable deeds. It should be noted that, in most people's estimation, Bradley deserved the same fate as her spouse, but eschewed it, while continuing to torment her daughter, Moira Greyland, for the span of nine agonizing years.  

The person who defended Bradley (and to a lesser degree, Breen) exalted her as a significant, science-fiction/fantasy figure, who promoted vital, feminist and counter-culture causes. My response was (and will remain) "big deal." None of that eclipses her sins. 

I don't care how the defense is spun. Bradley deserves no veneration or forgiveness. Her horrid husband deserves none. (It's good that he died in prison.) If anything, the two deserve eternal vilification, and even that isn't strong enough a penalty.  

I do believe that Jake from PulpMortem sums up the Bradley affair quite well and includes a review of one of her overblown novels. I've inserted the video below.

BTW: My opponent (before dashing off in a huff) concluded her Bradley defense by calling me "narrow-minded." Well, if so, I'll flaunt the label with pride, for I'm one who abhors child abuse, in particular that of a sexual nature. Anyone who rationalizes such behavior, on the mere basis that the perpetrator holds (or held) some ostentatious, feminist prestige or ballyhooed, alternate lifestyle, is no better. Wrong is wrong. Evil is evil. End of story. 

PINUP TIME: RAQUEL WELCH IS FATHOM

 

WISE WORDS:

 

FLASH FICTION FOR EIGHTH TOWER MAGAZINE #2

The "print" edition of Raffaele Pezzella's Eighth Tower Magazine #2 is on the horizon. It will contain a flash-fiction fable I penned, entitled "Bride of the Swamp Beast." (The above image is from a 1974, APC jigsaw puzzle I had as a child, rendered by artist Jeffrey Catherine Jones. It matches my story's theme, in addition to holding great sentiment for me.) 

"Bride of the Swamp Beast" is, in truth, a companion piece to my "The Bog Demon Triumphant" tale from some years back, though being flash fiction, it's much shorter. I've not composed a lot of flash fiction, which has always reminded me of the Jack Laird, buffer bits for Rod Serling's Night Gallery. Some of those do hit the mark, though most miss. It's hard, in other words, to pull off such quickie novelties. Still, I think my contribution works with its catch. We'll see. 

I'll reveal more on this upcoming, Eighth Tower release before long. Stay tuned. 

REGARDING FAITH ...

Donna and I wish to thank you, our dear friends, for your expressions of sympathy, regarding Donna's mother, Faith, who recently passed on. 

Your compassion will remain deep within our hearts and continue to warm our souls during this time of mourning.

God bless each of you. 

💞

FOR THE FUN OF IT: