Possibly lost in the publishing world brouhaha of the weekend, science fiction writer Kage Baker died of cancer on Sunday. I didn’t know her well and only met her once in real life, but I interviewed her several times and read many of her novels and stories. I found her an utterly charming person, a delight to read and a delight to talk to. I wish I had been able to spend more time in her actual corporeal presence but I’m glad for what interaction I did get.

I wrote her an email on Thursday expressing my sympathies and gratitude that I ever got to meet her. I don’t know if it was too late or not to get read to her, and it doesn’t really matter that much. This sucks that she had to die so young but she did have loved ones around her and many that love her in this life. What more is there to ask for?

You could do a lot worse than to go read some of her work. I’m a particular fan of The Company stories that were the majority of her output, but everything is great. Goodbye, Ms. Baker. You will be missed.

Tags: kagebaker