It’s a bit after 7pm as I write this, home after my first day back at the Day Job, followed by some podcasting, and a surprisingly (for me) nutritious dinner of fish and broccoli. Now I’m settling in to do some writing tonight, and as I fire up the laptop and check my email I get word that Anne McCaffey has died.

I had the great pleasure to meet her a few years back, to chat with her a bit the weekend she received her Grand Master tribute. Like everyone else, I was introduced to Pern many years ago, my first taste of fantasy that ultimately turned out to be science fiction. It seems ironic to be typing that today, after spending the weekend discussing that very idea with several authors and fans.

Thank you, Anne McCaffrey. You shared so very much with the rest of us, and you leave behind a huge legacy. Condolences to your family members who I hope are comforted in their grief by knowing how very many lives you have touched.