Science fiction legend Harlan Ellison recently rejected the Cleveland Arts Prize–a lifetime achievement award from his hometown celebrating his writing career.
Cleveland author Les Roberts had lobbied for years to include Ellison on the shortlist, and the science fiction author finally secured the prize this year. According to Cleveland.com, the author was offended that he would have to pay his expenses for the trip to the ceremony, apparently calling the award “a fraud and a sham.”
Here’s more from the article: “This year, Ellison’s name was approved by the literary panel. When Roberts appeared before the entire jury for the final vote, some members said they had never heard of Ellison, who will be 75 this month, Roberts said. The jury voted to give Ellison the lifetime achievement award anyway.” (Photovia, link via Book Bench)