My name is Lance Hawvermale. I was the second person ever to register on these forums. I remember my thrill at having found Ray Bradbury on the web. You see, I am now a professional writer, and I owe much of my success to Ray. Since my first initial postings on these boards, I have existed in what Internet parlance refers to as a “lurker.” That is, I’ve come here often to read the discussions and marvel at how many of you have become members, but I’ve seldom added my own thoughts to this fine parliament of Bradbury scholars and admirers. I have lurked. You might called me, “The One Who Waits.”

I suppose the purpose of this letter is threefold. First I would like publicly to thank Ray for the inspiration he has directly and indirectly supplied. When I wrote him, he set aside the time to reply. In his letter, he encouraged me to keep writing, so as not to be dead. Shortly thereafter my agent landed my first book deal (written under the pseudonym of Erin O’Rourke). My second novel is due out in July. I have also acquired several magazine credits, as well as many credits in the fantasy hobby trade. So thanks, Ray, for your letter and kind remarks.

Indirectly he has inspired me with his rampant collision of words. The first time words ever took me by the hair and shook my head is when I encountered Something Wicked This Way Comes. Or rather, it encountered me. Slammed into me, actually. No one in the modern age cobbles words together in such a way, where nouns become adjectives and the metaphors clatter out like coins from a winning slot machine. For pure descriptive powers, for an unshakable sense of atmosphere, no one comes close. Bradbury as an eighty-year-old writes with the verve and elastic memory of a young man, as if his body is just a bicycle and he’s still the bright-eyed lad pedaling it at wild speeds down a Dublin alley. Again, thanks, Ray.

Secondly, I want to say how thrilled I am to find so many students of literature on these boards. Sometimes the discussions are quite fascinating, and I applaud those who take the time to explore some of Bradbury’s more obscure themes. Heaven knows I’ve been poking around these themes long enough by myself that it’s a joy to see others doing the same. I’ve learned a lot, both as a writer and a thinker, and I hope to continue learning as I press on in life as a novelist and as a man. Commercial fiction will pass away; by definition it must. But literature will endure. A hundred years from now—when settlers are stalking the red dusts of Mars—no one will read the Hugo-winning Red Mars series by Kim Stanley Robinson because its science fiction will have given way to science reality, though they will continue to stay up late with The Martian Chronicles because those are stories built upon human mythology and what it means to be alive. I can only hope that one day a similar monument will arrive at the best of my own humble pen.

Finally, let us remember to do what we have come here to do: delight in the works. It is not for us to cross swords with those who seek only to contend, and not to discuss. Ignore them. When you see their remarks, imagine that their words are the closing credits of a film at a theatre in Dublin, and it is your challenge to sprint to safety as fast as you possibly can before the dreaded anthem commences. Don’t take time to chat with them! Don’t even utter a word! You have better things to do with your time.

Racing you all to the door,

I think Thormachine assumes no one here knows Bradbury because he couldn't be bothered to become familiar with this board. He seems more interested in showing up late to the game, posting his screeds, then basking in the sunshine of his superior intelligence.

Then again, I could be wrong.

Best,

Well, Mr. Dark asked: Why assume that no one on this board knows Bradbury?

Okay. You've been asked. Your answer?

Best,

Some of the posters on this site know Bradbury better than you characterize. But, I'll admit, that's not necessarily clear if you're a new arrival.

But if you took a quick look at your posts, you might understand some who confuse you with, to use your words, a Michael Moore nut.

It's obvious you're passionate about your point of view. It's just that you may not be aware of how you come across.

Best,

Pete

i dont think i quite understand what you are saying in the first sentence of your post....is that in regards to my comment about people knowing Bradbury? maybe you could rephrase that.....

No. I thank you. I've edited the post so now it's more clear. (I'm barely able to keep up with you this evening so didn't look things over before I posted. Sorry 'bout that.)

I don't have any problem with pushy. By all means, push away.

Best,

yeah right,
look at almost every post you have made in regards to the questions of the outraged new posters....they are condescending and elitist and they are the reason why i get angry and use language....

Additionally, did you read ANY of my earlier posts? In this thread alone, you said you'd like to hear from people who know Bradbury to get his position. You first implied that none of us know Bradbury. I responded to that, and you've ignored my post.

When I asked you if you personally know Moore (as you were implying none of us can speak to this unless we know Bradbury -- unfortunately for your argument, many of us do) you have yet to respond. Based on your own implications, how can you speak to this issue if you know NEITHER Bradbury nor Moore?

Sorry if you took any of my posts as nasty. (Gee. I've never been characterized as that before. Makes me sound tough. )

But why not follow Mr. Dark's suggestions and let's really debate? Could be fun.

Best,

About your inquiry if anyone here on the board actually knows Ray, well...
...I actually know Ray.

First met him in 1970 when he bought me lunch at an outdoor cafe a block down from his office on Wilshire, in Los Angeles. But I had been corresponding with him before that.

In between the years, many times just knocking on his door unannounced and welcomed in. Bumping into him on the street and talking was we walked. Getting together with friends at someone's house. Invited to his home and sitting around with friends and family during the first night telecast of 'The Martian Chronicles' on TV. What a treat!

Last time I saw Ray was at his home in March of this year, 2004. And we talked for awhile on a variety of topics, including what he thought about predestination as expounded in the book of Ephesians, chapter 1, in scripture. See, a wide variety of things.