clarentine | Aw, damn.

When I was in college, I had the opportunity to travel from Orlando to Tampa to hear Andres Segovia play. It was very, very late in his career. I guessed at the time that I might not get another chance to hear the man I still hold was the greatest guitar player ever. To raise the money for gas, however, would have been hard. I passed on the opportunity. I was right; he died not long thereafter.

When I realized that Roger Zelazny's writing really meant something to me, the man was still alive. I could have written to him - actually considered doing so - but as things usually happen, I got busy and forgot. When I heard about his death, I was struck by remorse that I hadn't taken the time to let him know how much of a difference his work had made for me.

You see the trend, right?

Well, today, I made the time.

***

Kage Baker, author of the Company novels and lots of really terrific short fiction and other novels, is dying. Tor.com has details here: http://syndicated.livejournal.com/tordotcom/509664.html; basically, she's not expected to last six months. Her friends have offered to read notes and expressions of appreciation to her--but, in order for them to read those words, you have to take the time to write them.

You can email to: materkb [at] gmail [dot] com

or write longhand to: Kage Baker 331 Stimson, Apt. B, Pismo Beach CA 93449.

If she made a difference for you, now is the time to let her know.