As I believe in remaining completely accessible to anyone kind enough to read my books, I often find myself engaged in variations of the following exchange.
Indeed, I have discussed the impact of reading Anne McCaffrey’s book, Dragonflight,
on my youthful dreams back in the last century to someday write my own novels.
I’ve said this many times, I never started out to be a Sci-Fi/Fantasy author, like Anne, but the writing takes you where it wants to take you, and voila.
And just the fact that Anne McCaffrey’s name is often invoked during my interactions with readers is an absolute honor for me. I mean, AM was the first woman to win the Hugo and Nebula awards.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hugo_Award
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nebula_Award
The hardcover version of AM’s novel The White Dragon was the first of its genre to appear on the New York Times bestseller list.
I will forever claim AM as family.
Indeed, I also claim Anne’s son, Todd McCaffrey, a prolific and successful, best selling Sci-Fi/Fantasy author in his own right, as a distant cousin.
And I do not care if someone confuses our two given names (Tom with Todd) if it causes them to check out my books. As what happened one time at the LA Book Fest.
If you check out my FB page, you will see the video of my live interaction with my favorite young LA fan, Jasper, who wants to be a writer.
https://www.facebook.com/100091444194790/videos/1336859894330508
She didn’t confuse me with Todd, another reader did that day, but I love her passion and energy. This is why you write.
I hope that someday Jasper mentions my impact on her successful writing career, with her same enthusiasm from that day in LA, and as I now mention Anne McCaffrey’s impact on my own.
Pay it forward.
Which all leads to why this morning I purchased the hardcover edition of the biography of Anne McCaffrey, by Robin Roberts. I wanted to take a deep dive into this amazing writer’s life to see what caused her to sit down and start typing. I look forward to learning more about her.
Well, today is Tuesday, Monday is behind us. Time to manhandle our weekly workload so that we are sure to be free again on Friday. The weekend always awaits.
You fine, five readers roll up your sleeves and have at it. Earn your coin. Weekends are never cheap.
I’m going to head out and cuddle some kitties, and then make my rounds.
And thank you all for your kind wishes for Lisa’s speedy recovery.
Speaking of McCaffrey family, my DIL, Georgie McCaffrey, wife of my son, Luke McCaffrey, also a writer,
came by yesterday to apply some Aussie holistic poultice she prepared (from a recipe provided by her mystical Auntie in Oz) and wrapped Lisa’s affected hand (damn, Lisa has Sissy Hankshaw thumbs – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Even_Cowgirls_Get_the_Blues_(film)).
We also learned yesterday that Georgie, a very talented artist (as well an angel of mercy and beautiful model)
has been admitted on scholarship to Rocky Mountain College of Art & Design, beginning in January 2025.
The world is your oyster, Georgie. Congrats.
Well, that’s a wrap on this morning’s musings.
Let’s make sure that each one of us makes today a great one.
4 Responses
I met someone at the grocery store a few days ago, who reminded me of Jasper. Good for Georgie and I hope Lisa’s shingles improve quickly. I had shingles on my torso and it was bloody painful.
Hope Lisa healing is progressing…