"Once I rose above the noise and confusion
Just to get a glimpse beyond this illusion
I was soaring ever higher, but I flew too high
Though my eyes could see I still was a blind man
Though my mind could think I still was a mad man
I hear the voices when I'm dreaming,
I can hear them say
Carry on my wayward son,
There'll be peace when you are done
Lay your weary head to rest
Don't you cry no more...."
~from "Carry On Wayward Son" by KANSAS
I'm not a fan playing loud music. A combination of mild tinnitus from a factory job and the need to concentrate means I avoid it except when out at the pub. But right now I want to blast this song as loud as I can because of this distressing news:
It has come to my attention that in June 2014 the late Marion Zimmer Bradley was accused by her own daughter of child abuse. After reviewing the evidence I regret to say I am convinced these claims are probably true. For me the most compelling fact was that, Ms. Bradley knowingly married a convicted child sex predator who had no regrets or remorse. This proves to my satisfaction, more than any other fact, that Bradley did not respect the risks she was exposing her children to and was reckless with their physical and psychological welfare.
This blog is a convenient reference for where I stand on the issue. I have a dog in this race: Ms. Bradley was the editor for my first published story in the "Sword and Sorceress" series. So one can imagine the sadness and disapointment I feel.
I will always be grateful for the opportunity Bradley gave me. But my stance on association and endorsement of persons with credible evidence pointing to them as abusers or enablers is 'no tolerance', no matter how famous they are or how many years have passed or what favors they have done.
In light of other allegations in the Scifi community, at this rate I'll resign myself to be a hermit as far as fandom is concerned. In the event I feel compelled to republished my story, I will arrange that part or all of profits go to charity.
My sympathies to Moira and Mark Greyland, surviors of Bradley's abuse and neglect. Bradley may have been a trailblazer in fantasy fiction and a matron to emerging women authors in the field. It's a shame Bradley was unable to be a decent human being at the same time.
More depressing facts that were known in 2000:
http://www.stephengoldin.com/MZB%20Website/Marion%20Zimmer%20Bradley%20%20In%20Her%20Own%20Words.html
Oh, what the hell, blast it:
Carry on my wayward son...
Now I'm off to binge watch Supernatural Season 8. Maybe my faith in humanity will be restored by then.
