Ann posted this message yesterday on her Facebook page:
I’ve been hesitant to make this post, but it’s time. I want to thank you all for your good wishes and prayers. I fear my condition is deteriorating. I am doing the best I can to be positive but I probably don’t have an awful lot of time left. I want you all to know that I am receiving excellent care and am surrounded by family and friends.
I wish all aspiring writers the will to finish and a good contract. Please continue to monitor Writer Beware and be careful who you sign with. Victoria Strauss and Richard White are there to help.
I’ve asked Michael to collect and read me your messages. As I don’t know how things will proceed, I don’t know if I’ll have the strength to post on Facebook again.
Though I’ve known for some time that this moment was coming, it doesn’t make it any easier.
This photo, taken last September during a wonderful Cape Cod vacation, is how I’ll remember my best friend.
To send a message to Ann, post a comment here or on her Facebook page.
When I first started to research writing self-published books on the Internet four years ago, somehow I stumbled on “Writer Beware.” I immediately clicked your site and added it to my Home Page. So I definitely consider myself a friend and supporter.
You were the first to direct me to sites available and continued to keep us all aware of their pitfalls. I am sorry I didn’t get the chance to say “Thank you” before I read today’s blog (9/17/13).
You were a cornerstone for the self-publishing industry that is now starting to take off.
God Bless!
In our circle, we knew Ann as Ann Tickell who rode "Thor" along with her sister Hope at the stable we all managed together. Ann was Hope's older sister and always had a quick wit with an edgy tempo. She was also fun, but very business-like even in her riding.
Learning of her association the SFWA and Writer's Beware came later in life – looking back I wouldn't have penned Ann as an author or in science fiction, but knowing what she has written in back stories now makes sense regarding those plots – total Ann Tickell now Ann Crispen.
Easy to remember her returning Thor to the stable after a ride and for assisting me as a friend. Glad to see she has had so many good friends over time.
Thanks so much to everyone for the wonderful comments and remembrances. It's a truly moving tribute to Ann, and the impact she had on so many people's lives. Thank you!
It's been several years since I talked to Ann via email, but she's always been ready (and more than willing) to help other writers. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Ann, I don't know you personally, but I just want to say a huge thank you for all you've done for the rest of us writers. May God bless you!
Victoria, I'm so sorry. Ann has meant so much to the writing community and I know how much she means to you personally. I'm thinking about you. My heart is broken, so I can't even imagine how you're feeling right now. I wish you strength and comfort.
This was a beautiful post, Victoria, and your picture with your friend Ann was quite moving, in and of itself. I only knew of Ann Crispin through her books, and her reputation, and because I often have read and recommended Writer Beware, and I somehow missed this post a few days ago. I wish I'd have had the chance to say that I really enjoyed her writing while she was still here to read it . . . I think she had many, many fans of her work that she never met and had no idea about, much less people who are also fans of her (and your) work with Writer Beware.
Thank you for your additional information in this post, and in the following one. They are appreciated very much, even though I wish that Ann's cancer had gone into remission and stayed there.
Wow. I can't even speak to the hurt this brings to my heart. I met Ann once when Barnes and Noble did their writing seminars many years back.
She was one of the few who encouraged me to keep writing back then, while others said it was a waste.
Thank you Ann, for all that you've returned to the writing community.
You'll be missed, Ann. You've been a tireless champion for new writers and a significant part of the publishing industry's moral conscience. I'm sure Victoria will do a great job continuing your work.
What incredibly sad news! Bless you for all the work you've done. I doubt you know how many people you've touched, but we are all thinking of you and standing by you at this time. {hugs}
Thank you for the good work, Ann. I have visited Writer Beware many times. You will be missed.
In life we search within the written word to make a difference in the lives that read our stories. We look for the one person who gives us the courage and inspiration to travel a path that usually is filled with rejections. Anne you were that voice of wisdom. You were like an angel who wrapped her wings around each of us and protected all writers out there. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Paulette
I still remember "Ask Ann" from the Rumor Mill and will remember you fondly.
Ann, you'll always have my gratitude for everything you've done to help writers. When I'm ready to find an agent and a publisher (see how I said "when" and not "if"?), I'll be so much better informed because of the work you and Victoria have done. My best to you and your family.
I only talked to you once,after you gave me a critique of a partial. I learned so much from that phone call.
Thank you Ann, for all you have done on behalf of aspiring writers everywhere!
Thank you Ann, for encouraging so many of us and share your knowledge so generously. May the Angels be with you. My utmost respect for you!!
Bon Voyage … and thank you.
I first met you 10 years ago at Shoreleave when I signed up for your critique workshop. It was the best decision I ever made as a writer.
From that workshop and so many different ones through the years I learned about not only the craft but the business of writing. Your influence on me as a young writer helped me to stay clear of some of the scams and other mistakes new writers can make. You critique of my writing was kind yet firm and it left me with a sense of determination that I could step up to the bar you had raised.
You've been such a mentor and an inspiration to me that words are not enough to describe. I know that there are others who have stories like mine that have already shared them or will in the coming days. You have left such a mark on the writing community and especially on me and I so grateful.
Thank you so much.
There's a special place in my heart for you, Ann. Thank you for helping me and numerous other writers out there. Wishing you serenity and strength during this time.
I love you, Ann. This was very difficult to read. I am so sad. Thank you for everything. May your time be peaceful.
You protected a lot of people with your work, myself included. First time I've ever posted. Hate to hear this, I wish you the best.
Ann, you have made such a difference to so many writers. I feel I can negotiate the shark-filled waters of publishing with confidence because of all I've learned from you and Victoria.
You're leaving this world a better place than you found it. What more can anyone hope for?
May you enjoy much peace and happiness in the time you have left. You will be missed.
Your wisdom and guardianship have been a blessing to so many. Thank you.
Thank you for all you have done – you have made a great difference. Respect, love and gratitude from Kate Thornton
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Thank you for being, Ann. Neil Marr in France (formerly of BeWrite Books)
I wish you peace. You've helped so many writers, including me. I'm very grateful for your years of hard work and dedication.
Such sad news! You have provided an essential irreplaceable service to so many vulnerable, unsophisticated creative people.
Your work will live on.
Your legacy will endure forever. You will be missed.
My thoughts are with you Anne
From a fellow heart terminal friend
Maurice(UK)
Thank you for all you've done to help and support writers over the years. Sending prayers to you and your family.
I'm sorry to hear about that. I echo the blessings of others. My thoughs and prayers also will be with you and your family and friends. Thanks for your great service to others.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your loved ones. Thank you for all you have done on behalf of writers.
May love and peace follow you in the next steps of your journey! You have done such wonderful things for authors. To say a simple thank you doesn't seem enough. Bless you.
I'm so sorry to hear about your illness. I am wishing for you strength and peace. Other commenters have said what you mean to all writers much more eloquently than I could, but know that you will be very much missed!
Hugs and lots of love.
I have learned from your posts for a long time. I guess I just want you to know I'm grateful. Your work has benefited all kinds of people you've never met. Thank you.
So sorry to hear this. Ann, you are in my prayers.
Ann dear,
Thank you for all you've done for fellow writers, and especially for the great gift of your own creative work.
I wish you comfort and love and joy for all the rest of your days. You will live on in many hearts and minds.
Best to you and yours,
Julia Sullivan
Thank you for your work, both creative, and protective. I wish I had words.
–Beth
Peace and contentment to you. You've done what so many of us would like to and so few of us do: You have made, and will continue to make, a huge difference in the lives of so many people. That is work well done and a life well lived.
I'll miss your posts, and miss your books, and miss your wisdom, and treasure your legacy. Thank you.
Dear Ann,
Thank you for all of your writing! I first found you through your Star Trek novels, and then discovered your Starbridge series. Your name was one I looked for when picking what new books to buy.
My best wishes for you, whatever the future brings.
Ms. Crispin, thank you very much for all you have done. You are living a true "writer's life," and your creativity and generosity have not gone unnoticed.
Best wishes and a heartfelt thanks for what you've done for writers everywhere. I've recommended you to many and followed your guidance. Bless you.
Hope Clark
http://www.fundsforwriters.com
http://www.chopeclark.com
Ms. Crispin,
I am truly sorry to hear of your illness.
Bless you and thank you for all the exciting and wonderful places you have taken your fans over the years.
The world will be a darker and sadder place without your inspiring presence.
-B
Sending love and great thoughts your way. Thank you so much for your support over the years. You are a true friend of writers and I'll cherish the time we had together.
I'm very sorry to hear this. Ann helped many a writer along her way, including me.
Ann, I wish you a peaceful journey. Take with you the gratitude and best wishes of many, many folks.
Vic, hugs to you.
Ann, I'm so sorry to hear this. I was a fan of your writing long before I discovered this wonderful web site. Just know that you have helped a lot of people and made a lot more happy with your delightful writing.
Ann, ever since we first "met" online at Speculations forums many years ago I have remembered you fondly for your kindness and the help you gave to a kid.
I am sorry this had to happen to you. You will be missed.
Dear Ann,
I attended a workshop you did (at one of the Shoreleave conventions) and I think I learned more in those two days about writing and publishing than I'd learned in the years before. I still have my notes from the class. I appreciate that you shared your wisdom with us and that you put forth such vigilance in making sure writers are looking out for themselves (on the publishing side of things). For helping us to be more aware of the good and bad sides of publishing. So, thank you for making us wise as well as nurturing our creativity. 🙂
I also wanted to applaud your work on 'The Price of Freedom' (Pirates of the Caribbean). I purchased it and read it on my kindle ages ago and I love the way you captured the young version of Jack Sparrow and how you laid out the events that lead him to become the character we meet at the beginning of the Pirates movies. It was an amazing piece of work and one that I will be rereading and enjoying again in the future.
I wish you love and tender moments with family and friends as your journey continues.
Sincerely,
HL Halliday
Thank you for all you've done for us over the years, Ann. You will be greatly missed.
I have shared many of the posts that have appeared in this space, always with the hope that "paying it forward" would keep a colleague from harm. You have given so much time and attention to keeping us all aware. May what words we can return to you now bring comfort.
May peace be always with you.
"Wherever we stop is the summit." ~ Mark Nepo
Oh _goddammit_. 🙁 I loved Ann's Han Solo trilogy in the Star Wars universe so much. Many condolences and much love to her and her family.
A silent prayer goes up for you and I am happy your family & friends are with you. I have always enjoyed your site and what you do. Thank you.
thank you forever. good God be with you always.
I've learned so much from Ann and Victoria over the years. Much love to you both: you are magnificent.
Thank you for all your hard work and looking out for the underdog. You are truly a magnanimous woman!
Ann,
I loved meeting you and Victoria at BookExpoAmerica and I've been a fan of your work for so incredibly long. I do hope that you find some peace and you'll always be in my heart.
Best,
Jay Hartman
Editor-in-Chief
Untreed Reads Publishing
Dear Ann,
Once upon a time, to date in fact, I took your writer's workshop at Dragon*Con. It was the very best workshop I have ever taken, bar none. Writing or otherwise. You taught me so much, and through the years I've learned more from you and Victoria and everyone associated with Writer Beware. You've been so kind to me throughout the years, and while I know you say you still owe me a full crit on the manuscript I brought to your workshop so long ago, I'm still in the middle of the tenth rewrite now (it was the demon story from Dragon*Con…remember the demon story?). So, you know, I really don't think I'll have it ready for you to read before you have to go. I'm sorry, I'm slow and keep changing things (for the better, I hope!). As we did years ago, we'll have to raincheck on that crit.
You will be missed, and I will never forget you. I give you my solemn promise that I will put you in the acknowledgements of my next book. I'm sorry it will have to be In Memoriam. I'm the writer I am today because YOU gave me the tools I needed, and the courage to go for it. You're the best. Thank you for all you've done, for me and the writing community at large.
Peace be with you.
Dina
I've rarely read anything so moving. The help you've given to us over the years, and the sensible advice are examples to us all.
Thank you for everything you've done. We'll never forget you.
My next book is yours.
Ann, your writing has inspired and entertained untold numbers of readers (and writers). The good you have done through WriterBeware and your support of the writing community is a legacy to be proud of, and one that will reverberate for years to come.
May your final days be peaceful and may you and your loved ones find comfort.
Bless you, Ann, for all the help you have given authors and for the love you have lived.
Thanks Ann.
If you are leaving us now, please go with the knowledge that you have been of great service to your friends and peers. Your valuable contribution has been appreciated and will be remembered.
Even when you've gone, your books will remain, and we can still hear your voice. Best wishes.
A.C. Crispin? I remember her, she was the lady to saved out butts and kept us from getting screwed over with a bad contract. She was a great writer too.
I've already left messages elsewhere, but…I love that picture, too. Just so you know that I plan to sneak it off to my own smile album. It's a great picture of Ann, for one thing–but I can only imagine the memories it represents for you.
oh ann.
i can wish only strength and clarity for you.
you've been a light and help to so many.
and what more can any of us hope to do with our lives than make the world better for having us in it??
Hi Ann.
If you know me at all, it's likely from my username on AW, and not my real one. Your posts there are always among the most helpful and informative, and they were some of the first I read when I started looking up publishing on Google – and thank God for that.
You've made a real impact on more lives than you'll ever know, and kept numerous wide-eyed dreamers from stumbling into the fire because they're blinded by the glow of false promises.
I'm glad to hear that you've got friends and family nearby, but also know that there's an internet's worth of extended friends and online community who have you in their thoughts and prayers, too.
Thank you for everything you have done for the literary community. Much of what I understand about being a "good literary citizen," I have learned from you. I wish you peace and comfort.
Thank you so much for looking out for us. Your hard work has been such a gift.
Thanks for all you've done, Ann. It will all be remembered. I wish you peace.
Bless you for your work, and your life well-lived. Many thanks, and deepest respect.
You've done wonderful work, Ann, and I'm grateful for your help in spreading your wisdom. It seems like rolling a boulder uphill, but there are many aspiring writers out there who avoided many of the pitfalls thanks to your efforts. God bless.
I'm probably one of God knows how many writers Ann helped with timely warnings about so-called "publishers" to avoid. I heard about Ann's difficulties via a friend on FB and I'm sorry it's come to this.
Ann, I hope you know how much your advice has meant to those of us who don't know you personally, but admire you, your work and your tireless efforts to help other authors. Glad you are surrounded by loved ones at this difficult time.