A Sad Loss

Many of you know by now that Ann C. Crispin died Friday, September 6th. Ann was an SF writer, notably known for her Star Trek novels. I knew her as part of the dynamic team at Writer Beware, a watchdog group that kept the slime balls in publishing from taking advantage of authors.

I didn't know Ann personally, but I was well aware of her work and her dedication to the industry. It makes me sad to lose one of the good ones. But as she lay dying, she left behind one final message of thanks.

It was sobering, not just because she had the presence of mind to reach out to her friends and fans, but because she did it with so much dignity and grace.

Losing her was sad. But the legacy she left behind--her work, her deeds, and her desire to help and teach others transcends her.

It was a life cut too short, but it was a life well lived. It serves as an example to us all.

RIP, Ann. You done good.

***

Have you read any of Ann's books or visited Writer Beware? When I started writing it was my go-to place for honest, no-bull information. I'll always be grateful to Ann Crispin and Victoria Strauss for all their good advice and warnings.





Comments

Jennifer Shirk said…
Yes, I did hear about her death on Twitter. I never read her books but loved their blog!

PS. I AM LOVING Mistress of the Stone!!!
Maria Zannini said…
Jennifer: I was stunned that her illness had taken such a sharp turn.

Re: Mistress of the Stone
I'm so glad! Thank you for letting me know.
Angela Brown said…
I've visited Writer Beware and was vague aware of Ann and Victoria being the dynamic duo behind the site's existence. It is sad to hear of her departure from this life. With her words, she inspired. With her work, she helped so many others.
James Garcia Jr said…
I'm sorry to hear this. I definitely know of Writer Beware, and visited them often...

-Jimmy
Stacy McKitrick said…
Ann Crispin used to have a writers workshop at Dragon*Con, well she did the first two years I went. I thought about attending the first year, but it was rather expensive and at the time I didn't even know who she was (later on I realized she was behind this blog I follow - Writer Beware)! I didn't even realize she wasn't there this year since I wasn't looking for classes. It was quite a shocker to me.
Maria Zannini said…
Angela: It's a legacy I'd like to leave behind.
Maria Zannini said…
Jimmy: I feel sorriest for her friend and teammate, Victoria Strauss. It's always hardest on those left behind.
Maria Zannini said…
Stacy: I didn't know she used to do workshops. I'd heard she'd been sick, but I didn't realize it was that serious.
Sarah Ahiers said…
It seems like we lost a lot of people this week. Ann Crispin, Dave Kuzminski of Preditors and Editors and Carolyn Kaufman from QT blog and forum
Rula Sinara said…
RIP Anne, Dave and Carolyn! I hadn't heard...
Maria Zannini said…
Sarah / Rula:

Re: Dave and Carolyn
I hadn't heard about Dave. It's been a rough week for some of the leaders of our industry.
I haven't read her books but I was aware of her website and the work she did there for all of us.
Cate Masters said…
Very sad news. And very poignant but lovely farewell message.
Maria Zannini said…
Susan: I think it was the first author advocacy blog I ever read faithfully.

Maria Zannini said…
Cate: I sometimes wonder if I'll be able to think so clearly and graciously when it's my time.
Shelley Munro said…
Yes, I've been reading Author Beware for a while. It was sad to hear this news, and the last post was very poignant.
Misha Gerrick said…
I was so sad when I read about her death yesterday.

Wow, it must have been so brave of her to write that post...
Maria Zannini said…
Shelley / Misha:

I read once about a poll they gave to doctors that asked them if given a choice between a slow death from cancer or a fast one, in say, an auto accident, the majority chose cancer. It would at least give them the chance to say goodbye.

I know in my own experience when my dad had cancer, we had never grown closer as a family than those weeks just before his death.
Anonymous said…
Darn cyberspace ate my comment yesterday...

I'm aware of the blog, and have read it but not with any regularity. Ann definitely impacted a lot of lives. What a beautiful message to leave behind. You're right, dignity and grace!

RIP, Ann.