by Wayne Allen Sallee
Hello to everyone at the Round Table and in the audience. I’m making a late entrance here, thanks to David Niall Wilson and Stephen Mark Rainey, the Dukes Of Hazzard in modern horror. Dave has kindly offered to cut and paste what I write here and post it on the blog, as I am, and always will be, computerally inept. And yes, I made that phrase up years ago; use it as you see fit. I have read past entries, but still would like to jump in cold, by describing the last year of my life and how it changed the way I had to market myself as a writer.
First off, much of the reason for the sporadic manner of my writing has to do with my cerebral palsy. I type with only one finger and, even though I am in much better health overall since the days of Beth Massie’s Pseudocon’s a decade ago, thanks to the non-addictive beta-blocker Gabapentin, my strength still ebbs and flows, changing with the weather (currently with below zero wind chills) and my mental state ( I started taking Lamictal this past summer, which is primarily prescribed for those with seizures and/or bipolar disorder). The slowness of my typing keeps me from writing novels and longer stories like, say, Brian Hodge, whose novel PROTOTYPE stands as the finest, yet most dismal, novel I read in the 1990s.
I had the security of a day job in the Loop for twenty-three years, until I learned the real truths of job security in this new century. The company was bought out, and the only employees kept on were older than me yet making half my hourly wage. I received unemployment, which basically covered my rent and the cost of my pain medication without insurance. I found myself looking for writing assignments in places I never thought to look before, because of the immediacy of the situation, not just the joy of receiving a contributor’s copy of a book and forty dollar royalty checks fifteen years after the fact. (I’d bargain that Brian Hodge and I share the most appearances in the same book, starting with NIGHTMARES ON ELM STREET and LOVE IN VEIN).
While still looking for gainful employment in any way possible, even as a birthday party clown named Slappy for Clowns2Go, I discovered various writing jobs through Craigslist. (I also had more time to type; back when Rainey and James Robert Smith requested me to write a story for Arkham House’s EVERMORE, I declined as much because of my illnesses as to the few hours per day I had to type). This type of literary whoring I had not done since going to the first World Horror Cons, the equivalent of what they call at City Hall the “grip-and-grin” handshakes and introductions. Only now, just as in the case of the majority of my job applications, I was forced to contact people via emails and feeble attempts at drawing on sending an attachment of a shorter piece of fiction that might show my writing skills. As should be apparent here, whereas I am fairly decent with my stream–of-consciousness big, bad city fiction, my nonfiction still needs help. But, as with the late Karl Edward Wagner and Dennis Etchison and Ed Gorman, I found some very patient editors. I contacted Jeff Pierce at www.JanuaryMagazine.com about writing a tribute to the late Evan Hunter, who, as Ed McBain, wrote the 87th Precinct novels. No money changed hands, and Jeff had me rewrite several sections, but I ended up with an article on a website that is a stepping stone for many who break into the mystery genre. And, face it, how I survive each day in a city like Chicago is still a mystery. Larry Santoro and Marty Mundt, two local writers who started a website, www.FeralFiction.com, had me write an article about the history of Block 37, a long demolished piece of land in the new theater district that was the setting for many portions of my only novel, THE HOLY TERROR, set in the skid row era of the 1980s. That one paid me $75.00 and covered my expenses for a few weeks, though a follow-up on our infamous Fullerton Avenue Underpass Salt Stain Virgin Mary never materialized because I had yet to start taking the bipolar meds. The biggest boon of my time writing nonfiction was when I literally shoved my full leg in the door of BenBella Books, writing a 56 page, 650 entry glossary on the television show LOST, for a book entitled GETTING LOST, edited by Orson Scott Card. At this time a year ago, I was likely poring over index cards, writing the four hundred something entry.
I found a job I was thoroughly unqualified for, working at a graphics shop in suburban Alsip, with the gracious help of fellow horror writer Joe Curtain, writer of DAUGHTERS OF THE MOON and a fantastic werewolf novel, MONSTERA. At about the same time, I was putting the finishing touches on putting together a collection for Annihilation Press, FIENDS BY TORCHLIGHT. Because of my new job, Marty Mundt and another Chicago writer, Martel Sardina, helped proofread the book for me. While my new job provides me with more time to write as I have the complacency of a twenty-minute commute by bus as opposed to two hours when I worked downtown, I make ten dollars an hour and have now been without health insurance for just under two years. But, hey, I’m employed. Because I’ve always known that I’d never make a true living from my writing. My joy is the printed word, the idea that others can be inspired by what I have written, not having a pocket full of bills like Tony Soprano. People have encouraged me to try a voice-activated system, so I could write without having to chomp on toothpicks or chew on my shirt collar for inner strength, but I’d like to be remembered as someone who wanted to be in charge of at least some part of his body, choosing my left forefinger over my nasally Midwestern voice. (Also, to be honest, that stream-of-consciousness I mentioned earlier might easily lose its edge if I relied on “typing” faster.) I even harbor the delusion that I will even be more well known more after my eventual demise, when I wave to the Grim Reaper and tell everyone who might be with me at the time, “Hey, there’s my ride!”
—- Wayne
22 Comments, Comment or Ping
Anonymous
Wayne — Thanks for the detailed “what’s up.” You’ve done remarkable things under the most uncertain conditions.
Anyone who hasn’t checked out Wayne’s work needs to start now. Pick up just about any anthology from the late 1980s/early 1980s, and you’re off to a good start.
I had the privilege of publishing in DEATHREALM some of Wayne’s finest work over the years, as well as hanging out in Chicago and at various cons. The Sallee experience is incomparable.
–M
Jan 28th, 2007
Anonymous
Duh…make that early 1990s above…
–M
Jan 28th, 2007
Frank Wydra
“My joy is the printed word, the idea that others can be inspired by what I have written, not having a pocket full of bills like Tony Soprano.”
Hey Wayne, gutsy words, gutsy action. Just what I’d expect from a fellow Chicagoan (Lindloom High). Now, after three plus decades in the Detroit environs, I have come to believe that it is the Chicago wind that stiffens the spine of people who grow there.
Da Bears,
Frank
Jan 28th, 2007
Anonymous
I remember reading THE HOLY TERROR on the drive back from NECON the year it was published. At the time, I didn’t realize how difficult the act of writing was for Wayne, and I found it such a strange, wonderful book…segments so white-hot brilliant you have to put the book down and think about them…others disjointed and, well…ODD…
Welcome aboard Wayne,
DNW
Jan 28th, 2007
Weston
Welcome Wayne. We look forward to your voice and most of all, I got yer back.
Jan 28th, 2007
Steve Vernon
Wayne Allen Sallee. Seen your name in damn near every magazine I started out with back in the mid-80’s. This is a dude who is prolific. We need a new collection, I think.
Jan 28th, 2007
Janet Berliner
Welcome. Janet
Jan 28th, 2007
Mike Arnzen
Great hearing this report from Wayne’s World! I gotta pick up that new collection, Fiends by Torchlight!!! Love the cover of it here: http://shocklines.stores.yahoo.net/fibytobwaals1.html Looks like there’s lots of new material in there, too.
I wanted to echo the comments above, and add that Wayne has written some mighty kick-ass poetry, as well. I would assume those are a bit easier on the typing fingers, but it would be an oversimplification to say ‘easier to write’… keep it up, Wayne!
– Mike Arnzen
Jan 28th, 2007
kuroshii
fantastic to “see” you here, wayne!
- darci
Jan 28th, 2007
Elizabeth Massie
Great first SU entry, Wayne. A lot has changed since those glory days of Pseudocon, and yet little has. You’ve always been a master writer, both with the stream of consciousness and with fiction. Your characters are strange, real, yet unexpected. Folks who haven’t read Wayne’s stuff, take Mike’s suggestion and get Fiends by Torchlight. You won’t be disappointed; in fact, you’ll likely be startled, pleased, and a little shaken. Here’s another venue: http://shocklines.stores.yahoo.net/fibytobwaals.html .
Beth
Jan 28th, 2007
Anonymous
Hi Wayne. Nice to meet you. Your perserverance humbles me.
Jan 28th, 2007
Brian Hodge
Another collection of Wayne’s to scout around for: WITH WOUNDS STILL WET, published by John Pelan’s Silver Salamander imprint.
A big, honking Unplugged welcome to you, Wayne! May you squeak under the wire for many a monthly deadline here.
And dare I hope that, in your recurring role as Slappy, some part of you took inspiration from my “Kinko The Clown” lip-sync that one PseudoCon? I know it moved you in strange ways at the time … although allow that it may have been carryover from Doli’s appearance in bondage gear.
Jan 28th, 2007
Sully
You know your muse has something to say when you overcome so many obstacles to get it said…or writ. Welcome, Wayne. Most of us are struggling with mere inconveniences while the imagined obstacles occur only between our ears. Could it be that overcoming true obstacles has helped you keep your attitude healthy ear to ear? Sounds like it. Hunt ‘n’ peck on, my good man. Good writing reads at the same pace whether written fast or slow.
– Sully (Thomas Sullivan)
Jan 28th, 2007
John B. Rosenman
Welcome, Wayne. A great entry. On top of everything else, it’s downright inspiring.
Luv the part about the Grim Reaper.
Jan 29th, 2007
Anonymous
I appreciate all the comments, and have mentioned my entry on my blog, http://Frankenstein1959.blogspot.com. I’ll reply to each of you as fast as I can considering the weather temps that be hampering my being at the keyboard. I suppose I could move south, but then I’d lose the places I write about best. Thanks again for inviting me. In February, I might write about clowns and aliens. Unless I’m talked out of it.
Wayne
PS Word verification is KNCTKP; I think this is how Lovecraft spelled catsup.
Jan 29th, 2007
Anonymous
A an amazing essay from an always-amazing writer. Glad to see you here Wayne!
Matt
Shocklines.com
Jan 29th, 2007
George Guthridge
I found this essay to be the most profound and powerful of any I have read here. Moving, to say the least.
Incidentally, about Gabapentin: it changed my life. May have SAVED my life. I suffered from severe bipolar disorder for 30 years. “I am down so far it all looks up to me,” to steal Richard Farina’s great line. When I was finally correctly diagnosed the psychiatrist said that it would take six weeks for the med to work. It took six hours! I used to be able to count on one hand the days I had felt calm in 30 years (no I am not kidding). Six hours later my life changed for the better. The difference is night and day. I have been on Gabapentin for about seven years, with no noticeable ill effects. It’s nice to sleep more than an hour or two!
You are an amazing person. Thanks for sharing your story with us.
Jan 29th, 2007
Anonymous
Good to hear how you’re doing!
I just bought a copy of FIENDS via our friend, Amazon.com.
Looking forward to reading your current material. You’re one of the very damned few who actually has a unique voice and something worth reading about.
Jan 29th, 2007
jso
Wayne,
Osier here. This is almost completely off-topic, but here goes: somebody came to my office at work just this past Friday with a book they’d found in the Dictionary Dept.’s giveaway pile. She said the book is for YOU, Mr. Wayne Allen Sallee.
It’s a SUPER DICTIONARY from the 70s, and it features all of your favorite DC superhero pals helping to make vocabulary-building fun for kids (again?).
My point is, this was someone you met briefly, just once, well over a decade ago. And yet, when she saw that title in that stack of books, the first person she thought of — in the whole wide world — was YOU. That’s how big an impression you made on her. And you know why?
No? Well, I don’t either. It could be because you’re such a vivid, original writer, but I think the real reason is because you’re just such a suave SOB.
Ilya says hi.
jso
Jan 29th, 2007
Anonymous
Suave!? GodDAMN he is suave!
Jan 30th, 2007
Anonymous
Thanks, Matt and Hemlockman. J Osier, if you are reading this again, are you SURE its not the girl who needed a map of Krypton back in the day? (Everyone: Jeff Osier sold many more stories–great stories–to Mark Rainey at DEATHREALM and any time Jeff appears in my stories he is Jay Osigu, the name above his in the office directory at a job he had in the 1990s. See “Bullets Can’t Stop It!” in IT CAME FROM THE DRIVE-IN as an example. Oh, Weston? Your lovely wife always appears as Vanna Varo. James Robert Smith. What can I say. remember when you commented on “I’ll Give You Half-Scairt” telling me you were glad I finally started writing longer fiction? The days they do fly by…
Jan 30th, 2007
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