Name of an american writer I don't remember?

Question

Hi. The situation is this: I am trying to get a few books to read duringt the summer, and I vaguely remembered that there were a few authors I wanted to read for the first time (eg: Thornton Wilder, Virginia Wolfe). Then, I remembered that a few months ago I had read about this American writer who was suppose to be quite good, but it doesn't matter how much I try to remember, either his name or one of his books, I can't.

This is what I remember:
- He is contemporary of Thornton Wilder and Robert E Howard. Meaning, he was published for the first time in the early 20th century. (1910s or 1920s. Maybe even 1930s)
- He wrote fantasy/sci fi mainly, but did some other stuff, like detective like stories, etc.
- He is either presumed to have been gay, or was indeed openly gay.
- I remember what I read called the attention on the fact that in his books, sometimes the smarter and more resourceful enemies were female, what was unusual at the time.
- He was American.

If somebody has any suggestion for me to look for, it is welcome.

Answer 1

August Derleth?



Lin Carter?



Leon Sprague de Camp?

Answer 2

Was it H.P. Lovecraft? He is perhaps the most famous American science fiction author of the early twentieth century.

Answer 3

i don't know the author but if he was openly gay try wikipedia's list of famous gay people. it is quite comprehensive and goes back aways. Just skim the list, it shows professions so look at any author in that time frame. It shouldn't takee too long...good luck!