Ray Bradbury (1920 – 2012).
“I believe the universe created us; we are an audience for miracles. In that sense, I guess, I’m religious.” — Ray Bradbury, AARP Magazine
Beloved author Ray Bradbury died on Tuesday, June 5, 2012.
He was best known for his collection of short stories, The Martian Chronicles and his novella Fahrenheit 451 (aff links), a dystopian story about a future in which books — all books — are banned. Ironically, Fahrenheit 451 itself was banned from some schools — not mine though. I first discovered Ray Bradbury when I was assigned the text in high school. I read it in one sitting and became a huge fan of Mr. Bradbury’s work.
In fact, I consider him to be the grand master of contemporary science fiction. Maybe someone else already officially holds that title, but few science fiction writers hold a candle to Bradbury’s voice, prose, and storytelling. He was a master of the craft, a true magician.
The Life and Times of Ray Bradbury
“People ask me to predict the future, when all I want to do is prevent it. Better yet, build it.” – Ray Bradbury, Beyond 1984: The People Machines
I’ve collected some links to interviews, obituaries, a short story, and other interesting pieces about Mr. Bradbury on the web. I promise you won’t be disappointed. In addition to being a brilliant writer, he was a fascinating person:
Short Story by Ray Bradbury (downloadable PDF): “There Will Come Soft Rains”
Writing Advice: “Ray Bradbury’s Best Writing Advice”
Buzzfeed: “20 Of Ray Bradbury’s Thoughts On Life, Death, And Writing”
The Paris Review: “Interview with Ray Bradbury”
NPR obituary: “‘Fahrenheit 451’ Author Ray Bradbury Dies At 91”
Neil Gaiman: “A moving tribute to Ray Bradbury”
“Science fiction is the fiction of ideas.” – Ray Bradbury
Ray Bradbury was inspired and inspiring. See for yourself:
“Looking back over a lifetime, you see love was the answer to everything.” – Ray Bradbury.
Express your thoughts about Ray Bradbury and share any links about his life and work by leaving a comment.
Hi Melissa: Thank you for linking to my post on Ray Bradbury’s writing advice. Also, the other links look fantastic, and I’m going to take a look at them right now.
Thanks for publishing that post, Marelisa. It was packed with great stuff.
Ray Bradbury is inspiring and fascinating. Its a great loss to the writing industry.
Hi Melissa,
I am , I must confess not very well -up on Ray Bradbury but I think that your post on him is so inspiring and I will be remedying the situation a.s.a.p. It is heartwarming to see him being marked so lovingly . Cheers. Writing Forward has done it once again.
Thanks, Michelle. I hope you will check out some of his work. I adore his stories, and Fahrenheit 451 is a must-read.
Thank you for all the links. I’ve not read many of Bradbury’s works, but I find his enthusiasm for books, libraries, writing, life in general inspiring.
He is incredibly inspiring. A one-of-a-kind writer and human being.