The Developmental Journey of Robert Bloch
Robert Bloch, the acclaimed author of the 1959 novel "Psycho," was a figure who loomed large in the world of horror and mystery writing. His work, filled with crime, suspense, and a touch of the macabre, has left an indelible mark on the genre.
Born in Wisconsin, Bloch grew up in the Midwest and found early success as a short story writer. His friendship with H.P. Lovecraft was a formative influence, and his work often reflected the eerie, unsettling atmosphere that Lovecraft's tales are known for.
Bloch's generosity was legendary. He gave away thousands of words to fans starting their mimeographed magazines, a gesture that endeared him to many in the industry. Forrest J. Ackerman, the editor of Famous Monsters of Filmland, often referred to Bloch as "Robertpsychobloch." It was through this magazine that many readers were introduced to Bloch's work.
One of Bloch's most famous stories, "Yours Truly, Jack the Ripper," was published in Weird Tales in July 1943 and has been adapted into various mediums. The story, like much of Bloch's work, includes elements of crime such as bank theft, murder, and attempted murder.
Bloch's original screenplay for the 1972 anthology film "Asylum," was based on his own stories. His credits as a screenwriter are all over Michael Weldon's indispensable 1983 reference book, "The Psychotronic Encyclopedia of Film."
However, Bloch's work was not without criticism. Francois Truffaut, in the book-length conversation "Hitchcock/Truffaut," criticised Bloch's work for misdirection and cheating. Harlan Ellison, a fellow writer, cited Bloch as an example of why readers should never confuse writers with the characters and stories they write.
Despite these criticisms, Bloch remained humble. He was critical of his own writing ability, citing a shortage of talent and inadequate education. Yet, he believed his only strength was empathy and the ability to understand characters' motivations.
Bloch's likable persona loomed large as he shifted his focus to screenplays for movies and TV episodes. He was the guest of honor at the first Bouchercon, the world convention devoted to crime and mystery writing, in 1970.
In interviews, Bloch spoke about struggles with market accountability and keeping up with trends. He felt the effects of changing tastes in the publishing industry by the end of the 1960s.
A testament to his character, Bloch loaned Harlan Ellison $200 when Ellison arrived in Hollywood, a sum Ellison could not pay back for several years. Bloch conducted a two-part interview in 1971 with the magazine "Cinefantastique," where he also quoted the phrase "I have the heart of a boy."
Bloch wrote two novels that served as sequels to his "Psycho." His autobiography, "Once Around the Bloch: An Unauthorized Autobiography," recounts these events and more, filled with puns and his trademark wit. It stands as a testament to a life dedicated to storytelling, a life that continues to inspire and captivate readers to this day.
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