This has been a sobering week for the science fiction and fantasy literature community. I was shocked to learn Monday morning that Charles N. Brown, editor and founder of Locus Magazine (one of my favorite magazines), passed away on his trip back home from Readercon. I met Mr. Brown twice, both at Writers of the Future ceremonies, and though I never had a long, personal conversation with him, I was able to sit in and observe some conversations he had with others. I liked the man. He struck me as one who had a good heart, who lived his life fully. His passion for the written word was infectious, and he made the SF community a richer, more vibrant place. I had hoped to interview him someday, and though I’ll never have that opportunity, I don’t have to look hard to see his influence.
Then this morning I read that Phyllis Fay Bloom, often called the founder of Canadian science fiction, passed away as well. Robert J. Sawyer tweeted about how she inspired him, and while I am unfamiliar with her work, I hope I can read some of her fiction soon.
Aaron Allston, author of numerous bestselling Star Wars novels, suffered a massive heart attack recently, but he is currently recovering after a quadruple bypass. Aaron is a good guy. I’ve spoken with him a few times, and I wish him well. You can donate to support his recovery here.
These recent deaths add to the losses of the past few months, which have seen J.G. Ballard, David Eddings, Thomas Dietz and others pass away. It’s a time for us to celebrate the accomplishments of these great artists, and to remember how precious and short life is. I’m reminded of a sentiment Ray Bradbury often shares. He says that everything time to writes a short story, a novel, an essay, or a play, he is defeating death, he is creating something that will still be alive long after he is gone. In that light, these men and women have defeated death in spades. Long may they live.
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