Another Influence Passes

I was sad to learn John Varley passed away last week. The first book his I read was Titan. I can't remember if it was in junior high or high school. I only remember I borrowed it through our county library's Books Through Mail program for those of us who didn't have regular access to the system.

(This was in the late 70's and early eighties when money was tight because of the Energy Crisis, electronic borrowing hadn't become a thing yet, and before I had a driver's license, much less a job.)

John wrote strong female characters long before it was acceptable. He'd definitely get slammed by both sides if he wrote the Gaea Trilogy today. But this was one of the first books I read where a woman was the spaceship's captain. Needless to say, John had a huge influence on my own development as a writer.

I'd re-read John's trilogy every few years until life got in the way. One of my goals for 2026 is to re-shelve all my books in my new library in our house.

It's funny how something you read nearly fifty years ago can stay with you. That a woman can be in charge and not disparaged because of it. Maybe that's why I love sci-fi writers like John. He could see the changes coming and said so long before the reality hit.

Thanks, John. And I hope you are pain-free and at peace in the next world. 

When One of Your Idols Passes

Yesterday was a very sucky day. I'm still fighting the lingering effects of the flu, but when I got up the passing of Prince Rogers Nelson was all over the news. I wanted it to be one of those false reports. I mean, look how many times Betty White has supposedly passed.

Already rumors are swirling, but here's the thing: when you get to a certain age, when you have chronic physical problems, the flu can be deadly. Especially if you're a workaholic.

I'm lucky. I have family that has no problem taking the computer away from me, and insisting that I rest. I doubt if Prince had someone like that. Someone willing to say no when he pushes himself too hard.

Next Monday, I'll be working. But it'll be hard to listen to my usual music without crying.

R.I.P. Donna Summer

I'll miss this classy lady.

RIP Davy Jones

DH was a little upset with me for not posting a Davy Jones tribute last week. (Especially since I still have my old cassettes of The Monkees.) Instead of a music video, here's an interview of Davy from the Biography Channel. Pay close attention to what he says about dealing with fame. (P.S. There's a snippet of Peter Tork's interview at the end. You'll see why.)