[Writer Post] Neal Barrett Jr – In Memoriam

I normally keep these for “Spotlights” on Friday – but I didn’t want to wait on this one.

Neal Barrett, Jr passed away on Monday. He was a Grand Master in the Science Fiction industry – and probably in other genres as well – and I didn’t know him that well. But what I did know, was gracious and funny and all those things an “Elder Statesman” in the writing world should be.

I met Neal through Scott Cupp and Joe Lansdale at ArmadilloCon in the last handful of years or so as I was making my inroads into ArmadilloCon. And if it’s true that you’re judged by the company you keep – his company should’ve been much sought. Some of the best people I know called Neal friend, mentor and “unca”.

Neal and I spoke sparingingly but there is one thing I remember. I was in formal wear for the ArmadilloCon art auction and got into a conversation with Neal. There was probably some comment on the dress and/or the heels (hah! I originally typed “hells” – there’s a Freudian slip for ya). Neal regaled me with a story about a Roast that put on in his honor. Neal knew it was going to be rough, so he said, he came down the aisle to his own Roast in a bathrobe, and to heck with what anyone thought. He might as well be comfortable while they Roasted him.

I think the point was to not be uncomfortable for the sake of others’ opinions or expectations. Which is something I’m trying to take to heart in a lot of ways. I was doing a Redheads thing the next morning and needed to be in formal wear again, but I promised him it would also be in Vorpal bunny slippers. I made sure he saw them that Sunday, and he approved. There may be a photo somewhere. But the story and the encounter stuck with me.
So, in the next few conventions when you see me in formal wear and bunny slippers, it’s not for a “look”, it’s too remember to always be comfortable in any situation and not really care what anyone things.

Rayguns Over Texas has one of the very last stories of Neal’s to be published, and now that he’s no longer with us, I’m even more honored to be part of this stellar project.
Rest well, Neal, we’ll miss you.

Tags: Joe Lansdale, lessons, Life, Neal Barrett Jr., Rayguns Over Texas, Scott Cupp