Lansdale, Joe R., 1951-....

Freelance writer, screenwriter, playwright, editor.

From the description of Joe R. Lansdale papers, 1980-[ongoing], (bulk 1985-1992). (Texas State University-San Marcos). WorldCat record id: 28368004

Horror, science-fiction and comic-book writer; editor.

From the description of Joe R. Lansdale papers : 1980-[ongoing], (bulk 1980-1992). (Texas State University-San Marcos). WorldCat record id: 25919592

Joe R. Lansdale was born October 28, 1951 in Gladewater, Texas. A freelance writer since 1981, Lansdale has written horror, science fiction, westerns and mysteries. He has expressed a preference for short stories but has also written novels, comic scripts, screenplays and stage plays. He has edited several short story anthologies and has contributed to numerous genre magazines. All his works are informed by his life-long immersion in the atmosphere of deep East Texas. Lansdale was awarded the Bram Stoker award for "Night They Missed the Horror Show" in 1989 and for "On the Far Side of the Cadillac Desert With Dead Folks" in 1990.

From the guide to the Joe R. Lansdale Papers Collection 005., 1985-1992, (Southwestern Writers Collection, Special Collections, Alkek Library, Texas State University-San Marcos)

Joe Richard Harold Lansdale was born October 28, 1951, in Gladewater Texas. After a variety of work experience, he became a free-lance writer in 1981, after publishing his first novel in 1980. Lansdale notes his first publication was in 1974, written in 1973.

Lansdale writes horror, science fiction, fantasy, mystery, and suspense, often intermixing genre elements in a single work. His stated preference is the fantastic, most often presented in a darker vein. As a sideline, Lansdale teaches a version of the martial arts he developed. Lansdale has written extensively in the short fiction field, in all genres, and often under pseudonyms he did not record.

Darrell Schweitzer, in The St. James Guide to Horror, Ghost, and Gothic Writers (1998) notes: Lansdale’s fiction is redeemed first by an authentic regional voice, which captures the ways and mores (and seamy underside) of rural Texas life as no outsider ever could. Schweitzer also applauds Lansdale’s macabre humor, calling him one of the funniest horror writers.

Lansdale has been honored with six Bram Stoker Awards, the American Horror Award, The British Fantasy Award, The Edgar Allan Poe Award, and the Mystery Writers of America Award. One of his stories was made into the movie Bubba Ho-Tep.

From the guide to the Inventory of the Joe R. Lansdale Collection: SCI FI MSS 00172., 1980-, (Cushing Memorial Library)