There is a boatload of things going on currently, and so far we haven't heard from him about this situation. Where does he stand on all of this? What is the status of Lucifer's Lottery and Witch Water? We have heard from other authors expressing their views and opinions, so I'd like to hear what Ed has to say.

I have no doubt Lee will chime in soon. Bob

i look at it this way...when lee's not on the forum for a while i like to believe that he's writing...which i easily benefit from...

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"When Carol noticed the two ticks attached to her nipples, she very understandably screamed" - Edward Lee - Slither

I, too, am curious to hear what Lee's thoughts on what's been going on, lately. And I want to know what's up with Lucifer's Lottery as I was looking forward to that one.

Me too - but hopefully he's enjoying what's left of Summer.

Jan

From what he's said a couple times so far, he spends two weeks of each month helping/taking care of his mother. Can't blame a guy for putting his family first. The whole Leisure thing is definitely upsetting but it quickly becomes insignificant when you compare it to the well-being of loved ones.

Foremost, I must say that Don D’Auria was the best editor I’ve ever had in 28 years of professional writing; he was also a terrific friend. I couldn’t be more disheartened by his separation from Leisure, nor could I be more grateful to Don for all he did for me. In general, I feel that he provided more opportunities for more horror writers than any other editor in recent times, if not ever. It is impossible for me to render sufficient thanks for all of his efforts and confidence that contributed so much to my well-being and creative jubilation. Don, more than any other person in the field, made my occupational comes true.

Don--and Leah, too--of course, have always been formidable entities in the publishing world. Their competence, insight, and creativity is well-known (not to mention that they’re purely and simply GREAT folks.) I have every confidence that they will both land solidly elsewhere in the business, and to them I offer my most sincere best wishes.
Secondly, I must add that Leisure’s upheavals of the past few weeks eluded me due to distractions regarding my a family member whose already shaky age-related health problems became grievously magnified in the space of a single week. I’ve had to rush home to Maryland (where I was previously spending 2 weeks per month) for more indefinite time periods. (For instance, I didn’t even know about Don’s departure until Dave Barnett told me over the phone! I had no time to remain in contact with anyone.) Hence, I hope no one feels that I’ve been apathetic throughout this genre-shattering ordeal. Believe me, nothing could be more inaccurate.

As regrettable as the instance is, I can only say--rather ineptly--that All Good Things End. It’s happened before and will happen again. To put it into more pristine language: F**ked up s**t happens. I, along with many other horror novelists, went through the same experience in the early 90s. To get back to the highs, we have to go through the lows. Pretty insightful, huh? Ultimately, rather than reflecting on the negative, I’ll embrace the positive: Leisure was a preeminent horror line, pure and simple, the best to ever exist. I feel inexpressibly privileged, fortunate, proud, and, moreover, appreciative, to have been a part if it for so long.

My immediate plans? I will turn in my current Leisure novel (working title Witch-Water) as per my contract with the company. It’s the third book of my last 3-book deal. (The book will also be published as a signed, limited hardcover). Perhaps it’s fortuitous in a grim way that Leisure’s quandaries happened to coincide with my family problems; these problems have reduced my writing time by, probably 75 percent. Also, to be honest, I’m fresh out of ideas for future mass-market paperback horror, so even if I had the opportunity to pitch more books to Leisure, I’m not sure that I could. I don’t think that my mass-market tanks empty, but it’s definitely running on low. Between this and the family matters I’m dealing with, it’ll probably take a while to refill that tank. On the other hand, small press/limited-edition projects are another matter altogether. That tank, if anything, is OVERfull, and there’s an auxiliary tank to boot. Some of those immediate upcoming projects are THE DUNWICH ROMANCE, “Mr. Torso’s Daughter,” HEADER 3, “The Bighead’s Autopsy,” an M.R. James pastiche, and a bunch more stuff, including a possible sequel to “Ever Nat,” (if I write this, I think it’ll be called “Another Nat.” Clever, huh?) a header-related novella, and, well...there’s even more that I can’t think of right now. These are the projects I’ll be busy with while I handle these family matters, and in the meantime--who knows?–maybe mass-market horror will resurge; in fact, I’m convinced this will happen eventually, and when it does, I’ll be armed and ready. Right now, believe it or not, I’m writing the second draft for a screenplay of THE PIG (yes, THE PIG, of all things, has been optioned.) Hence, my work is cutout for me, and I never forget how lucky I am to have it.

I wish I had something definitive to report about the release status of Lucifer’s Lottery; though I’ve received no word that it’s been cancelled. As for Witch Water (once I find out who at Leisure to turn it into!), I’ll report back. I can say this: it’s a really cool book, I think.

Throughout, I’ll make every effort to come on the board every week to keep in touch. Please know that your interest in my work and your presence on the board is very important to me; I’ll be in touch.

Until then, take care and be well, all of you!

Edward Lee

I don't think any of us thought you were being apathetic, Ed. We all know about your problems with your family and I don't think anybody would deny that family obligations come before anything else. Thank you for taking the time to give such a detailed response on your feelings of the situation, and rest assured that no matter where your stuff is coming out us fans will find a way to get our hands on it.

Love to hear about the projects, Ed. Every last, single one of them sounds fantastic! I know the mass market stuff pays the bills but I don't think you will find many fans here at Horror World lamenting the projects you outlined for us!
Families come first. All the best to you, sir.

Thanks for your response, Lee! Your optimism is amazing, considering all that's going on. Hope you are taking care of yourself also! I'll miss you at Horrorfind this year, maybe I can talk the hubby into going next year!

Konnie

Lee,

Thanks for long and thoughtful reply. You rock, man! As I've stated (and many others) in the past, family comes first and nuff said about that. I share you thoughts about the whole Leisure mess and while I was surprised when I first heard about it (more so about Don getting the boot) I am not entirely shocked. In my line of work (bookselling) I've seen a steady decline in pb sales and with the growing popularity of eBooks, smaller houses like Dorchester, was bound to have to make some changes. Unfortunately, they made a major assf&%k mistake by getting rid of Don. But that will be someone's else fortune wherever he lands.

I wish you the best with whatever the future holds and while I am sorely disappointed in Leisure's decisions, I will buy whatever titles left by you from Dorchester.

THE PIG...optioned for film? Nice! The other smaller works sounds amazing, too!

Take care, my friend....

Chris

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Lee, in the few times I have had a chance to sit and talk to you, you have proven yourself to be a true gentleman and a very kind-hearted individual. Your most recent post on this thread verifies this to the extreme. It is a pleasure to know you as a friend and as a fan, and I know that any of us would do anything we can for you. Take care of yourself and your family first, for I am sure that is what we all prefer. The universes you create with your fiction is a much appreciated bonus. Bob

Thanks much, everyone for your good wishes, and your enthusiasm about future projects! I'll keep you all posted on progress, however slow it may be at times.

Have a great Labor Day!

Edward Lee