R.I.P. David Eddings

David Eddings died on Tuesday.

I read and reread the Belgariad as a teenager. The first fantasy story I wrote, when I was twelve, was an homage to Eddings so blatant that I think the correct word is really "rip-off." I'm careful not to reread Eddings now, just as I'm careful not to reread Heinlein, because I know I'll only see the glaring problems, and not the things I loved.

But I loved those books, and I daydreamed about having friends like Barak and Silk.

Rest in peace, Mr. Eddings, and thank you for the comfort you gave me when I needed it.

Boosting the signal

I don't know cpolk personally, but she is a good friend of a good friend, and one heck of a writer (here are two of her stories: "If One Should Pass This Way Again" and "Bright Wings and Wax"), and her roommate has just totally, EPICALLY screwed the pooch.

If you can contribute anything, right this minute Chelsea could use the help.

ETA: FYI, her PayPal account cannot do credit card transactions.

ETA2: No, it's too late for her to talk to her landlord, social services, etc. etc. The bailiff is coming TOMORROW to lock the doors.