Ann Crispin, best-selling author, Writer Beware co-founder, fearless fighter in the scam wars, beloved wife and mother, my friend, died this morning after a two-year struggle with cancer.
I’ll write a memorial for her later on–right now, I don’t have the words. In the meantime, Tor.com has posted an obituary.
Ann’s death is a huge blow, personally and professionally. But to all you writers, readers, and subscribers (and scammers): know that Writer Beware will NOT be going dark, slowing down, or otherwise pausing in its work. We’re here for the long haul.
Please honor Ann’s memory, and her work, by reading her books and spreading the word about Writer Beware.
Big "Thank You!" in memoriam Ann Crispin, and many thanks to you, for doing this for so long, and so very well. My sincere sympathies to you and to her family.
I'm sorry to hear that. The writing world has lost a treasure.
I knew Ann for 20 years. Though she wrote books and I'm strictly in scripts and short stories, we hit it off swimmingly. In the time I knew her I'd estimate she helped thousands of writers. What finer legacy is there? Sometimes, when she was down in the dumps I'd write her a little story or humorous song to brighten her day. Not that it happened that often. She always sent me a lovely thank you. She once told me that I always found a way to make her laugh.
I regret that I didn't know her illness had progressed so far. She always downplayed it to me. I would have liked to say goodbye. So, here goes;
Goodbye Ann. You will be missed.
Patrick Maher
Victoria, thank you so much for continuing the important work that Writers Beware has carried on for years under Ann's guidance.
You have my sincerest condolences on the loss of your dear friend and a great mentor to all of us writers. I too have followed the newsletter/blog for a long time now and used it to help countless fellow writers and friends avoid bad deals and unscrupulous editors. Even though Ann has now left us, her legacy carries on… so, thank you!
I'm very sorry to hear it. She was one of the good guys. A sad loss.
— Mordant C.
I am so sorry to hear about this. The writing community has lost another wonderful person, but she leaves a wonderful legacy. My thoughts are with you all in these difficult times.
Rest in Peace.
I'm broken-hearted. I never had the pleasure of meeting Ann, but I knew I could rely on her for the truth. We have lost someone very special.
Heartfelt condolences to her family and friends.
Krista Davis
I just heard the news and am as saddened as everyone else. Writers everywhere have lost a true friend and advocate.
Condolences all around.
Sincere condolences – may your good memories sustain you.
Sincerely,
Chelle Cordero
I am so sorry to hear about Ann's passing. Words escape me….
Victoria,
I'm so sorry for the loss of your dear friend. I won't go into all the good that Ann (and you) have done for the writing community, but will express my condolences for the loss of your dear friend.
I know what it's like to lose someone very dear to you to cancer and even though EVENTUALLY it doesn't hurt quite so much, it leaves a hole that can't be filled in. Remember how much she meant to you and know that you meant just as much to her.
My thoughts are with you and Ann's family.
I'm a reader and Star Trek, V and Pirates …..fan. Her stalwart defense of writers is wonderful. My condolences to you and her husband.
Just a brief thanks to everyone who's posted comments and condolences on this post and my previous one–I appreciate it more than I can say. Thank you.
Very sad. :/
Ann, your work here has helped many, and that's more than a lot of people can say about themselves. I'm glad you had a chance and the energy to send a final note to your friends and readers… I'm sure it's very much valued by all.
And I think it's wonderful that you have a friend like Victoria to carry on your efforts.
Victoria, thank you!
– Michael
My deepest condolences. She was a treasure.
I did hear the news yesterday. I'm so very very sorry for your loss, Victoria. Words cannot adequately convey my deepest sympathies. My condolences to Ann's family and friends.
So, so terribly sad, Victoria. I've followed the undaunted and courageous work you and Ann have done over the years to help make new writers aware of circling sharks and the changes in publishing.
My heart is heavy, especially for you.
Ann's family and good friends in the author community are in my thoughts tonight. Ann was truly one of the good guys. She will be sadly missed.
Christine
Our deepest condolences to her family and yours. She was such an inspiration… she will be missed.
Rest In Peace, Ann… and thank you for a life well spent.
I read about it yesterday and I'm still very sad. Thank you for sharing the news.
I will keep Ann in my heart and do wish her soul rest and piece.
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My deepest sympathies…I had no idea it would come so quickly. Had the honor of having her speak at a conference, where she championed writers as always.
The community, the world can share only some of the loss you and Ann's family and closest personal friends must be burdened with, Vitoria. Love to you all. Ann is one of our generation who really did leave an impression and set a most worthy example. Neil x
I'm really sorry to hear this. My condolences to family and friends.
So sorry to hear. Deepest sympathies 🙁 x
My deepest sympathy.
My heartfelt condolences to you all, and to her family and other friends. This is heartbreaking news.
Dang.
Condolences to her family and friends.
I posted on my blog bout her announcement the other day. Have just tweeted this. We're losing too many! 🙁
Thank you.
I have no words. I'm sorry. In the years that I've followed this blog, the two of you have been mentors.
I'm grateful I've gotten to read her blog posts and her funny April fools jokes. I will miss her.
Oh, no. I just found out. I'm so very sorry. She will be missed.
Victoria, I'm so sorry… our thoughts and prayers are with you and the rest of your family.
Victoria. I was saddened to read the news. My condolences to you and to her family. A great loss to the industry.
Hugs, Victoria. I was shocked to read the news. My condolences to you and her family.
Victoria, my condolences to you on the loss of a beloved friend and to Ann's family.
So sorry to hear such sad news. My thoughts are with all who knew and loved her.
This is so sad. My thoughts are with you and her family.
My condolences to her family and friends. We've lost a truly great one today. 🙁
Sending a warm hug to you today. This news has saddened my heart, too . . . .
Very, very sorry to read this, Victoria. I really was hoping that Ann's cancer would go into remission and stay there; I barely knew her, only had the briefest of conversations with her online (and at that, many years ago before my husband passed away), but her work here at Writer Beware and her writing was extremely good and worthy in the highest of senses.
I wish I knew what else to say, other than that it's hard to lose a best friend — I say this from personal experience — and that I wish Ann was still here, writing away, with her cancer in remission and with everyone around her trying to keep pace. The author's gathering on the Other Side of eternity has gained another great storyteller, but that's absolutely no consolation and I wish I had something that was.
You and her family and her fans have my condolences.
I, too, am deeply sorry. I can't imagine losing such a great friend.
Ann will be sorely missed, but at the same time, what a legacy she leaves behind.
You and her family will be in my prayers.
Condolences to her family and friends. Her passing is a deep loss to them, and to all those in the writerly community whose cause she championed and who loved and respected her, too.
Very sorry to hear this, but thanks for sharing the sad news, Victoria.
I'm so very sorry. Please know that my thoughts are with you.
My condolences to everyone concern. This is such a painful event.
I'm numb, Nancy. It was expected, but not so fast. Thanks for asking.
OMG, Victoria, I just found out about this. I was so shocked to find out about this.
Hugs and flowers to her family and friends.
How are you holding up?