04/18/2026
Been bummed about the death of Sheldon Lee Compton earlier this week.
He was one of the first people to publish some of my short stories in REVOLUTION JOHN in the mid-2010's. This was important to me for two reasons: 1) I finally got the courage to truly dedicate myself to writing fiction/prose after I got an appendectomy in 2014--starting writing them while in recovery, in fact--but was still not sure of myself after years of writing poetry (which wasn't panning out into instant literary fame like I thought it would). Sheldon rejected my first story, but encouraged me to keep submitting. I did so, and he accepted them. Hell, he even thought one of them was good enough to earn third place in a literary contest he put on. 2) While I would submit to whoever was accepting at the time, REVOLUTION JOHN was the first publication I was legit excited to be featured in, since it showcased works from many indie writers I respected (like good ol' Barry Graham).
I was also grateful to him for letting me be a part of the literary collective he started, POVERTY HOUSE. In an ironic twist of literary fate, he allowed me to publish my new poetry, which I had regained the courage to start writing poetry again, and was having success similar to publishing my short stores in the 2010's.
In terms of writing ability, I'd say he's easily comparable to fellow writer Scott McClanahan. He'd probably smack me for this, but I also think his works are up there with the great Breece D'J Pancake.
He deserves that level of respect.
What I think I'll remember about him the most is his enthusiasm and dedication to writing. He was always taking on some new venture--a new book, a new journal, a new blog, an editorial position in someone elses journal, you name it.
He also showed me how to handle your personal issues, alongside your writing persona, without giving into the darkness that seems to haunt us creative types to different extents. He was far from perfect, but I've seen--and unfortuantly known--so many writers who just allowed themselves to become utterly unhinged and awful. I appreciate and respect his willingness to become a better writer and person, and I continue trying to do the same.
Here is an interview I did with him on my podcast awhile back. I wish I could have had him on more.
Rest in Peace, Sheldon.
https://open.spotify.com/episode/3s3gleTbh2jnlE0K9zXEi3?si=3g2HBvfLQSiIGZbgIerh-g
The Garret Schuelke Podcast · Episode
