John Shirley

John Shirley (born February 10, 1953) is an author of novels, short stories, and television & film scripts. He is best known for his science fiction and horror writing. He also has written for the screen, eg "The Crow", co-written with David Schow, and "Twists of Terror." His novels "Demons," "Crawlers" (both from Del Rey Books) and In Darkness Waiting" have been optioned by various film production companies. Among his most significant books are the Eclipse "A Song Called Youth" Trilogy, still in print from Babbage Books. Avant-slipstream critic Larry McCaffrey called him "the post-modern Poe." William Gibson, the author of "Neuromancer" collaborated with Shirley on short stories--as did fellow "cyberpunks" Bruce Sterling and Rudy Rucker--and acknowledges his influence in an introduction to Shirley's proto cyberpunk work novel "City Come A-Walkin'". Shirley's work ranges in tone from the surreal to the gritty to the nightmarish. He is also a punk and post-punk songwriter and singer, having recorded for Celluloid Records and other companies, and having written lyrics for the Blue Oyster Cult, eg the album "Heaven Forbid". Despite his cyberpunk roots, Shirley's story collection "Black Butterflies" won the Bram Stoker award from the Horror Writer's of America.

Related Topics:
February 10 - 1953 - Author - Novel - Science fiction and horror

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John Shirley was born in Houston, Texas. For many years he has lived in the San Francisco Bay area.

Related Topics:
Houston, Texas - San Francisco Bay

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