Death has snuffed out a brilliant light taken far too soon. I needed a critique group, but didn’t know how bad I needed other authors. She helped me with my craft, took a chance on me when I didn’t even know how rough my writing was, and gave me a safe place to stretch my wings before I took flight. She’ll be missed by many, and rightly so. She was a terrific human, a great writer, and a passionate supporter of emerging voices. I wish her family whatever comfort they can find amid their sudden, unexpected grief.