RIP A.C. Crispin, 1950-2013

Ann Crispin died earlier today, at the far too young age of 63. She was one of the founding members of Writer Beware, a small group of sf writers who spent a lot of time teaching new (and not so new) writers how to avoid traps such as scams aimed at parting authors from their money. I first encountered her on the Rumor Mill forum at the Speculations website, back when I was just getting started. She was gracious, encouraging and helpful. I learnt a lot from her, as did many other novice writers. She will be greatly missed, both by her fellow writers and by fans of her excellent books -- two groups which overlap. Thank you, Ann, and may you rest in peace, if much too soon.