I want to thank everyone who sent condolences on Steve’s passing, and also everyone who sent donations in lieu of flowers. I can’t possibly thank you all individually, but know that I’m grateful.
On the Theme of not being able to answer every question individually, I’m going to answer a bunch of them here, and then post links to this post everywhere. I think this should catch most people.
So! The first question — Will I be continuing the Liaden series?
Yes, it is my intention to continue writing in the Liaden Universe®, at least to the point of finishing out the remaining three books contracted with Baen. There will be some changes in how things go forward, which are inevitable, given Circumstances. Trade Lanes is off the table, at least for now. It is possible that it will never be written, but — I’m new at this, so let’s just not say “never” and instead say “we’ll see.”
I’m about 1/3 of the way through the book following Ribbon Dance, and have Extensive Notes for the book after that. The sequel is due at Baen in September. The deadline may have to be renegotiated; I don’t know that yet — see “new at this,” above — and I’ll have to talk with Madames the Agent and the Publisher.
Question the Second: How am I doing?
I have no idea. I have moments of relative peace — work is going to be a refuge, I can already see that — moments of immobilizing terror, and breathtaking pain. I’m assuming these things are standard, but I’ve never lost my best friend, spouse, and creative partner before.
The cats have been a comfort, piling on whenever I land in a place and stay still long enough.
Local friends have also been keeping an eye on me, to the extent that I allow it; it’s hard to ask for help, and I’m not Steve, who loved people and made connections the way the rest of us breathe. I’m a more … private person, a fact that it will do us all good to remember, going forward. If I’m testy, sarcastic, or clueless — recall that I’ve always been that way, and that Steve always did the heavy interpersonal lifting.
Question the Third: What am I doing?
Cleaning off Steve’s desk — he was a pile maker — in the hope that I’ll find all the account numbers and passwords and whatnot that I’ll need in order to do all the Stuff that attends a death, starting — well. Tomorrow. I did do this once, a couple years ago, long distance, when my father died. At least this time, I know the broad outline of the Things To Be dealt with.
Referencing work as a refuge, I’ll be — today or tomorrow — converting my reading nook to a dedicated writing space, since my desktop is bearing the weight of the Stuff-coping. A quiet space and a quiet computer will help me think.
Other than that, I’m trying to breathe, and not succumb to the Black Dog. As a friend who knows me well wrote in her condolence card, “Be Strong. The cats need you.”
Question the Fourth: How can I help?
By being patient, of course, and realizing that this is a House in mourning, therefore instant answers will not be available.
Kind people have been sending gift cards, which I greatly appreciate, and which, I suspect, will come in extremely handy while the Accountant’s Guild clarifies my financial situation, going forward.
If you would like to donate a gift card “in lieu of flowers” as many people have said, an Amazon gift card to rolanniATgmailDOTcom will be greatly appreciated, as will Hannaford gift cards, or Petco gift cards.
If you prefer to donate cash online, there’s the Patreon page, PayPalME, or you may buy me a Ko-Fi (which is PayPal by another process).
If you want to send a card, the best address is:
Sharon Lee
PO Box 1586
Waterville ME 04903
. . . I think that’s the full list of repeating queries. Again, thank you all for your support and your love, down so very many years. Group hug.
Here’s a picture of the reading-soon-to-be writing nook. Coon cat provided for scale: