ICEBURG SLIM (Robert Beck).

Big John wrote:Iceberg Slim - His book about being a pimp is brutal, and from true life.

Not to mention all the other books about his prison roomies (Mama Black Widow is just fucking crazy).

I'd take a pre-psychiatric Iceburg Slim over any of these other writers. Even Crews.

Iceburg escaped from a high security prison. For a period of about 7 years he was the pimp in Chicago (with a massive stable).

Regarding Harry Crews, there are many people in this town that have stories about working with or meeting him. I am not one of them. There is one story that deals with a painting of the above picture. It is not my story so I cannot tell it but if you, cjh or Rotten Tanx, ever come to Gainesville I can point you in the direction of the person who can.

Jon

I think we need a Mortal Writers Combat video game!

Hemingway during the fight pulls out a shotgun and Iceberg Slim wips out the "iron wip" !

Colonel Panic wrote:Howabout James Joyce? He was pretty tough as well.

Apparently Joyce used to hang out with Hemingway when he was in Paris and used to get into scrapes cause he knew Hemingway would sort it out.

What a twat, eh?

Harlan Ellison

Harlan Ellison certainly believes he is the biggest tough guy writer. Are tough guys letigious, or do they have it out with there fists?... like when he "beat up" Philip K Dick in Paris. Although all those who were there saw a sucker punch and a stunned Dick fall off his barstool, then Harlan went into a Barney Fiefe stance about the dangers of his leathal killing hands while cooler heads pulled him away from Dick so Dick could stand up without getting spit on or bumping into Harlan's chin while still half stooped over and knocking him out.

Howeaver when the last issue of Dangerious Visions comes out I may be proven wrong by his amazing introductions to the stories.

Did I miss the Henry Rollins quips?

Did I miss the Henry Rollins quips?

yes. and eugene robinson.

Big John wrote:Harlan Ellison certainly believes he is the biggest tough guy writer. Are tough guys letigious, or do they have it out with there fists?... like when he "beat up" Philip K Dick in Paris. Although all those who were there saw a sucker punch and a stunned Dick fall off his barstool, then Harlan went into a Barney Fiefe stance about the dangers of his leathal killing hands while cooler heads pulled him away from Dick so Dick could stand up without getting spit on or bumping into Harlan's chin while still half stooped over and knocking him out.

Yeah, I really kinda meant that post as a joke. Good story though.

For a little guy, that Harlan Ellison's got a lot of scrap in him.

Best writer whom is also a tough guy is definitely Nelson Algren.

Best tough guy whom is also a writer is definitely Norman Mailer.