"People ask where do you get your ideas. Well right here. All this is my Martian landscape. Somewhere in this room is an African veldt. Just beyond perhaps is a small Illinois town where I grew up. And I'm surrounded on every side by my magicians toyshop. I'll never starve here. I just look around, find what I need, and begin. I'm Ray Bradbury, and this is" The Ray Bradbury Theater. "Well then, right now what shall it be. Out of all this what do I choose to make a story. I never know where the next one will take me. The trip, exactly one half exhilaration, exactly one half terror". ~ Ray Bradbury ~ August 22, 1920 - June 6, 2012
While I generally talk about my fantasy writerly influences Tolkien, Howard, Wagner etc etc; when I really stop and think about it, Ray Bradbury has shaped how I live my life (and work) more so than even they. And it is the above quote that sparked that.
When I was a kid I used to watch the Ray Bradbury Theater on HBO (two seasons 85-86) and every episode opened with Mr. Bradbury in his office narrating that opening before it would launch into whichever story it was. I loved that, I was so taken with that doorway to inspiration.
My grandfather had an eclectic Dr.'s office and Mr. Bradbury's was even more fascinating from the glimpse I saw for maybe thirty seconds and I said,
"someday, I'll have that too."
And I am still working on this doorway to inspiration in my own office and I'll never stop. Thank you Mr. Bradbury, Rest In Peace.
2 comments:
He was a huge influence on my writing as well, particularly when I was starting out. I can see it in that stuff when I go back and look at it. what an amazing talent. he will be missed.
Agreed Charles.
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