I have to run out and pick up my car at the body shop but I wanted to thank everyone who's sending in suggestions regarding the Bill Finger Award. And I'd like to politely suggest that some of you re-read what I posted. An awful lot of people are sending me suggestions for artists who are deserving of greater recognition. I don't doubt that some/most/all of those folks are underappreciated but this is an award for writers…not for artists and not even for an artist who you think deserves an award and since he once wrote a story or two, we can give him what's supposed to be a Lifetime Achievement Award for writing.
Also, consider these words: Lifetime Achievement Award. I've had several nominations of writers who've been in the business less than ten years but are somebody's favorite…or in one case, close personal friend. Actually, quite apart from the Finger Award, I have a little annoyance at what constitutes "lifetime achievement" these days. I don't think any award should be taken that seriously but, you know, at least give the thing to someone who qualifies under its own criteria. I once accepted a Lifetime Achievement Award for whatever it is I've done and I'm less proud of the trophy than I am of the fact that I had the common decency not to think I'd really had a lifetime of achievement.
Anyway, thanks for the suggestions. Keep 'em coming…especially of writers who are still with us. I have a long list of nominees who are deceased and likely to remain that way. In fact, we'll never come close to honoring everyone on that list. But we could use some help with the list of writers who are alive.