It's a Writing Thing

I stayed home sick today with the evil pre-flu like cold and found out when I woke up that two of my mystery writer pals have died.

Tony Hillerman was an icon of mystery writing. I had the enormous pleasure of corresponding with him and sat with him, his lovely wife, Marie, and daughter Ann at Malice Domestic some years ago. He was a gentle man, a great writer and a person whose curiosity led him to write books I adored. He died over the weekend at age 83.

I first met Elaine Flinn in New York at the Edgar symposium. She was always friendly and outgoing. When my short story was nominated for an Agatha Award, she went out of her way to congratulate me. Elaine succumbed to pneumonia after a long battle with cancer.

They will both be missed.

A sad day indeed.

My long-time friend and near-sister Jane's dad died this week. Richard Focht was an amazing man and a lovely person. He will be sorely missed.

And I just heard that Arthur C. Clarke died at the age of 90. Farewell to the last of the big three.

Really, universe, you can stop this any time now.