“Musing of a Moron” by Robert E. Howard is a piece rich in satire and autobiographical fiction elements. The story unfolds one evening on a library lawn, where four friends—identified by their quirky smoking choices—engage in absurd discussions that range from burning churches to musings about wealth, life’s meaning, and literary critics.
Musings. Initially as part of a collection of stories titled “Sketches”. Published in the Junto, September 1929. THE JUNTO was a literary travelogue circulated from member to member on its mailing list with each member adding some content.
500 words, fragment.
In the untitled and unfinished narrative “…That Is, The Artistry,” Robert E. Howard explores themes of cultural wisdom and its preservation, set against a backdrop of religious and philosophical conflict. The protagonist reflects on the limitations and biases of religious dogma, particularly within his own Moslem heritage, and the universal struggle to safeguard ancient knowledge.
Sketches. This title was used for two separate collections of stories. It was first used in THE JUNTO, Volume 2, #4, September 1929, for a bundle that included “Sentiment”, “Musings”, “Midnight”, and “Etched in Ebony”. The title was re-used by Glenn Lord for a bundle of seven stories that were published in TRUMPET #7. Those seven stories include “Ambition in the Moonlight”, “To a Man Whose Name I Never Knew”, “Musings”, “Etched in Ebony”, “The Galveston Affair”, “Surrender – Your Money or Your Vice”, and “Them”. All seven stories came from various issues of THE JUNTO.
The article, written by Elsie Burns and published in the Cross Plains Review on July 10, 1936, recounts her first encounter with a young Robert E. Howard and his dog Patches, and their subsequent friendship. Burns describes Howard’s imaginative play and his devotion to his family, and notes his success as an author.
From a long letter to Tevis Clyde Smith, circa March 1929. Several poems, stories, ramblings and even plays are presented.
Post Oaks & Sand Roughs is a semi-autobiographical adventure novel by Robert E. Howard. It was completed and submitted to an unnamed publisher circa October/November 1928. It didn’t get published.
Complete, 1900 words.
“The Beast From the Abyss” is a reflective and contemplative piece by Robert E. Howard, shared in a letter (#268) to H.P. Lovecraft, circa November 1933. It delves deep into Howard’s observations and philosophies regarding cats, their nature, and their relationship with humanity and the environment. Unlike a traditional short story with a linear narrative, this piece is more an essay that combines Howard’s personal experiences with a broader commentary on cats as symbols of primordial life and uncaring survivalism.
Collected from Damon C. Sasser’s blog here is a 10-round boxing match, or rather an interview regarding Fists of Iron and how it came to be. Patrice Louinet, Chris Gruber, and Mark Finn go 10 rounds answering questions.
