A career in science fiction - An interviews Clifford D. Simak (1971)

James Gunn interviews Clifford D. Simak on his writing career at the 1971 World Science Fiction Convention in Boston starting with the anecdote of his very first written and submitted story (ca. 1929-30), but which was never published. The interview covers Simak's initial introduction to science fiction and his subsequent writing endeavours for Gernsback and Campbell, a couple of interesting anecdotes involving other individuals from the SF community such as Ackerman and Asimov, on writing SF by being unconstrained by the knowledge of science, the changes in direction and style of his writing - from writing functionally to tell a story versus being able to convey real meaning, etc.
Author and critic James Gunn began a project in 1969 to film interviews and lectures by prominent science fiction writers (and one important fan) which would partly tell the story of their genre, capture a snapshot of the knowledge and insights of some of these early architects of the SF genre & community, and also allow this information to be incorporated as aids in teaching curricula. The videos have been restored to preserve them in as high a quality as is possible.

[@garyolson2676]

I discovered Clifford Simak a few years ago. I do not consider myself a science fiction fan, though of course I’ve read Asimov, Frank Herbert, Vonnegut. Discovering Simak was a wonderful experience, and I am working my way through his catalogue. His gentleness, humor, humanity, and especially his love of dogs makes his work as much for the heart as for the mind. Of course, as a Minnesotan his midwestern sensibilities as well as the set and setting of his stories makes me feel very much at home in his work. Great interview of a great writer!

[@vilstef6988]

Simak was delightful. Fans and professionals had so much respect for him!

[@vilstef6988]

Such a lovely, kindly man! I only ever saw him at MiniCon, and he never stood still for long.

[@box-botkids3267]

Such a humble man. Thank you for posting this.

[@GregDAgostino13]

This was fantastic. I never had the opportunity to hear Mr. Simak speak before so this was a real treasure. I'm a huge Simak fan; I tend to re-read him every few years when I'm sick and tired of the modern world.

[@asafrahm3480]

Wow, this is A-W-ES-O-M-E... just mind blowing... thank you so so much for uploading this amazing footage. Do you have any more of this brilliant Grand Master writer???

[@Carepedoit]

Shakespeare’s Planet, while not one of his biggest, is one of my favorites from Simak. Maybe it was the times.

[@annberg6007]

im amazed to find this precious rec. thank you very much for posting it

[@johneagle4384]

Wow! What a find! Thank you very much for uploading this rarity!

[@JoelJMusic]

What a gem! Thank you for uploading this.

[@richardcollier1912]

I discovered him in High School before he sat for this interview.

[@franciscomarzioni]

This is an awsome material, many thanks for this my friend.

[@annberg6007]

precious

[@billtree52]

I really love "City". I got about halfway through "Way Station" and gave up haha. I'll have to find a collection somewhere.

[@richardflores7989]

Increíble los hijos de nuestros hijos.

[@chrisgale5634]

Wonderful writer, compassionate and ahead of his time.

[@TheOmninovoi]

Completely of his time in the best way possible... what you like isn't "ahead of its time" by default.