Rob, as I mostly knew him, had had heart problems going back at least a decade, and even though he was hospitalized earlier in the year, I thought we’d have him for years to come. We began corresponding in 2010 as a result of a review I posted to this very blog of some of Rob’s work. Over the years we traded a lot of emails and even spoke on the phone. I had hoped to make it to the L.A. area next summer and thought we might finally have a chance to meet in person. Alas, that was not to be. Rob was an extraordinarily kind and generous man, and I viewed him as a mentor as well as a friend. His encouragement and wisdom meant a lot. I am very saddened by his death, and I know that his family and friends must all be devastated by his loss. In Rob’s honor, take a look at some of his work if you have a chance, and read something by a mostly unknown author — if you like it, then post about it! Celebrate good authors whenever you find them.
Tales from the Bookworm's Lair