People often have heros, or people that touch them through their work. Anne McCaffrey was one of those people. I speak not just for myself, but many readers that love her work. The charcters and worlds that she built were outstanding examples of what makes imagination so very important. She inspired thousands of writers to share the worlds that lived in their minds. Anne was a pioneer who changed the way women were viewed in science fiction. Her series, The Dragon Riders of Pern and The Harper Hall series, helped me get through middle and high school. Her stories inspired me to draw and paint. Not to mention, create my own worlds and characters.
The news of her death, breaks my heart and literally brings me to tears. It had always been a dream of mine to meet her, to tell her how her works touched me. I will never have that chance now. I can only imagine the pain that her family is going through. From everything I have seen online, in interviews, and her active handling of her website, Anne was a spitfire with a huge personality and even larger heart. If you've never read her books, I can not reccomend them enough.
These are just a few of her MANY books. The last three are books that I will forever have in my library. I can't wait to share them with my daughter.
Anne McCaffrey, you will be sorely missed. I wish I had the opportunity to meet you, while you were still with us. You inspired me in so many ways. My writing is stronger for having had a role model such as yourself. Thank you for the characters and worlds you built. My wish for you is that you know how many people your work has touched.
I hope that you are soaring with dragons.
R.I.P Anne McCaffrey.
Well written and well said. I have not read anything by Mrs. McCaffrey but I have heard good things about her work on many occasions. My condolences go out to her family, as well. As for your wish to meet her, I am sorry you did not get to. However, I am sure that she is moved by your kind words where she is now. I hope that is of some comfort.
ReplyDelete"One lives as long as one is loved." My grandpa use to like that quote. Perhaps it will help you, too. Bye!
I felt the same when my literary hero died back in 2007 - an Australian journalist named Matt Price, who I longed to meet in person. Sadly, he was diagnosed with a brain tumor in Sept of that year and he died two months later. He was 47 years old.
ReplyDeleteThey leave behind such a bountiful legacy don't they, so in a way - they will live on and we can still celebrate that they lived and they can still touch us in a real way.
Price himself, said this "Life is fragile - hug your loved ones"
I try to remind myself of that each day.