And her dragon gone between

[rolanni]

I’ve just heard from a mutual friend that Anne McCaffrey died yesterday.

. . .there really aren’t any words.

Originally published at Sharon Lee, Writer. You can comment here or there.

Comments

[missingvolume.livejournal.com]

There are some things you just never expect or want to hear.

[jelazakazone.livejournal.com]

Wow. Thanks for sharing the news. She was so influential and a big part of my growing into scifi when I was young.

[queenmaggie.livejournal.com]

Oh my goodness... Her work was seminal, and ,just personally, made a bridge between me an a, well, she wasn't quite a bully, but she sure didn't like me at all, and let the world know it...until she found out that I read McCaffrey's books. Somehow, I became human to her because we had a similar taste in fiction. May she dwell in the light.

[tuftears.livejournal.com]

The science fiction world will miss her! :(

[(Anonymous)]

I always felt a special bond with Anne McCaffrey, not only because of her own great work, but because she wrote that she kept Lee and Miller books on her shelves as I do - friends to be cherished and revisited. (I don't have the quote here - something about comfort, I know). I was hoping I'd get to meet her one day. Sad news. Kathy from No CA

She will be missed

[(Anonymous)]

I met her once, briefly, when she was signing at a store in Cincinnati. I bought a book for a friend's Christmas present and she was kind enough to sign it. I read later that she really hated signing tours (I think that experience formed the background for her book Stitch in Snow), but she was all that was gracious in person. Her books, like Lee and Miller's books, are a big part of my comfort reading.
Mary in MN

[estara.livejournal.com]

One of the first - maybe the first - female scifi author that made me truly aware that not only men were writing in my favourite genre. This news really shakes me. She seemed as strong as Ramoth. I feel like a part of my teenage/twen self has died. I still own and reread about 30 of her novels.

[brock-tn.livejournal.com]

Oh my...

..the Wheel turns for us all, whether we will it or no.

My very first experience of fandom, many years ago, was sitting in the con suite at Boskone (#13, I think) and being part of a six-way conversation that included Anne, Poul Anderson, and Jack Gaughan. And I remember thinking at the time how amazing it was that these people, who had created things that I cared about, were willing to talk to me.

She was a grand lady. She will be missed.

[attilathepbnun.livejournal.com]

*stunned into total jaw-dropping silence*

Gone but not forgotten

[(Anonymous)]

This news brings me sorrow. Ms McCaffrey was the author who brought me into the sci fi and fantasy world. I wish I had had the chance to meet her in person and thank her for her stories.

Nathan
New Orleans

[intuition-ist.livejournal.com]

That woman wrote the first fantasy novel I ever read. She was a darn fine writer, in her day. I'm sad to hear of her passing.

[(Anonymous)]

Her books were part of my growing up, and they continue to give me many hours of pleasure. I am glad that she knew she gave much to many, even though I was never able myself to tell her.
mf

[catlinye-maker.livejournal.com]

Somewhere I have a tattered paperback copy of Dragonquest, with a 95 cent price sticker on it. I think it was the first fantasy I ever read. I know for sure it was the first book I ever bought with my own money (saved from my allowance.)

Anne McCaffrey introduced me to SF; and the difference it made to my life was immeasurable. It's like hearing a favorite aunt has died; she'll be sorely missed.

[ellenru.livejournal.com]

She was a large part of my reading in the 80's. Sad to hear.

A Giant Has Left Us

[claire774.livejournal.com]

Condolences to everyone.
C.

[stitchwhich.livejournal.com]

It's odd, sometimes, when one looks at a jacket cover and thinks, "You know, I've seen this writer age over time and I've just now realised that he (or she) is actually getting old and I don't really have a future of 'new books by her' to look forward to." and there is a pang of sadness and regret for the passing of time.

But yet, when one of the Great Ones die, it still hits as if a part of one's family has divorced us, slbeit involuntarily.

I hope, in whatever Summerland she is in, that she is enjoying herself.

[(Anonymous)]

I never had the privilege of meeting her, but some of her books remain among my all time favourites. Not so much the Pern novels, but Restoree which I first read some 40 years ago, the Ship Who Sang, and the Crystal Singer stories. She brought a lot of joy and comfort to a great many people.

RIP

Melvyn in Darlington UK

Vacancy

[(Anonymous)]

When someone like this dies - an author whose stores we have read for years, it is like a member of our immediate family is no longer with us. Condolences to everyone who read and enjoyed her work.

[elbales]

I know she was your friend. I'm so sorry for your loss.

[(Anonymous)]

I was stunned - I mean, I know she was old but not that old!

Now all I can think of is - she's gone to check out Rukbat, in Sagitarius sector/arm/?

Lauretta@Constellationbooks

More Sadness

[capricchio.livejournal.com]

It has been that kind of year. I have buried too many friends (including my Capricchio kitty) and I am so sad to lose Anne. Many years of wonder she has given me. My condolances to her friends and readers. Jeanne T

Catchup Comment

[(Anonymous)]

I don't post here very often, but I do read the posts and catch up every month or so since I love your stuff. I know it is late, but I just heard about Anne McCaffrey's passing and I just wanted to cry with people I know will understand. When I needed to select only 20 books to bring with me as reading in a foreign country she took 3 spots (one of which was a triple book of her romances and the others were her young adult Dragonsong/Dragonsinger (themes of independence and growth played heavily at that time). Oddly it was on that 3 year trip that your first 3 Liad paperbacks came out and joined the comfort shelf for my reading while there and return home. She will be missed.
Regina