Stephen Brock Schafer

William F. Nolan (1928–2021) was a versatile American author whose career spanned science fiction, fantasy, horror, and crime fiction. He began his involvement in science fiction fandom in the 1950s, publishing fanzines and befriending notable writers like Ray Bradbury. Nolan became a professional author in 1956 and is widely recognized for co-authoring the novel 'Logan's Run' with George Clayton Johnson. His extensive bibliography includes hundreds of works, from poetry to nonfiction, appearing in various publications. He also penned mystery novels, notably the "Challis" series, and contributed to the film industry, co-writing the screenplay for the horror film 'Burnt Offerings'.

Nolan's literary output was vast and varied. Beyond his co-authorship of the seminal 'Logan's Run', he authored numerous novels, collections, and novellas across distinct series such as 'Sam Space', 'Challis', and 'Kincaid'. His work touched on paranormal and horror themes, as seen in titles like 'Helltracks' and collections such as 'William F. Nolan's Dark Universe'. He was also a significant editor and anthologist, collaborating with figures like Jason V Brock on 'The Bleeding Edge' and 'The Devil's Coattails'. His involvement extended to comic books, developing properties like 'Tales from William F. Nolan's Dark Universe'.

Throughout his career, Nolan received substantial recognition from genre organizations. He was honored as a Living Legend in Dark Fantasy by the International Horror Guild and received the Author Emeritus title from the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America. His contributions to horror were further acknowledged with multiple Bram Stoker Awards, including a Lifetime Achievement Award and an award for Superior Achievement in Nonfiction for his work on Ray Bradbury. He was also a recipient of the World Fantasy Convention Award and was named a World Horror Society Grand Master.

Born in Kansas City, Missouri, Nolan's early life included a brief stint at the Kansas City Art Institute and work for Hallmark Cards. His move to California led him to friendships with writers like Charles Beaumont, who encouraged his writing career. Nolan was part of the influential Southern California School of Writers, informally known as 'The Group,' alongside other notable genre authors. He maintained friendships with writers like Norman Corwin and Ray Bradbury. Nolan was an ethical vegetarian and had a passion for animals. In his personal reflections, he stated, "I get excited about something, and I want to write about it."

“I get excited about something, and I want to write about it.”