We all know about his prolific and wonderful writing, but
this is a tribute to the man, Ed Gorman. Except for some very kind reviews he
wrote for my novels, Ed didn’t know me outside of crime writing. When he learned
I was seeking a new publisher back in 2009, when I was close to the crime
writing abyss, Ed asked to read Johnny
Porno, and then suggested Greg Shepard of Stark House Press also take a
look-see. Until 2010, Stark House Press had published reprints of classic noir
novels. Greg liked Johnny Porno enough to take it on as Stark House’s first
original crime novel. What Ed did was save me from the crime writing abyss, but there’s more
to the story.
Most of yous know I’m not a shy guy. My politics, too left
for most, tends to ruffle feathers. Even when he didn’t agree
with me, Ed tried to counsel me to try and calm some of my political passions. So, he couldn’t perform miracles. Ed never turned his back on me.
Ed also did more for new and previously published writers than
anyone I can think of, and it has been his example that is the driving force
behind my attempts to do the same. I’ve been fortunate enough to help a few people get
published, but that has everything to do with their talent and me being able to
suggest their work—all born of Ed’s never ending generosity.
He is sorely missed within the crime writing community and
to those, like myself, who owe him so much.
RIP Mr. Gorman
