An extraordinary writer passed away this weekend. Charles L. Grant – Charlie to his friends – died on Friday evening after a long illness. A few years ago I had the pleasure of making Charlie’s acquaintance and in 2004 was part of the silent auction held by the Horror Writers Association to raise funds for his medical care.
I can’t really say I knew him – five minutes of conversation a few years ago doesn’t give me that right – and yet, in a way, I can.
I knew him through his work.
Charlie was one of three writers who have had a major effect on my own career. His Millennium Quartet series made me want to write as evocatively as he did. His Black Oak series made me want to write a series of my own and the Templar Chronicles owes a lot to Black Oak – his Ethan Proctor character inspired my Cade Williams. Charlie’s short fiction showed me time and time and time again that I had miles to go in order to hone that part of my craft. In short, he was an icon to me. A writer’s writer.
I’m deeply saddened at his passing. And yet, for me, and for dozens of other writers I know, he will live on forever through his work and in our memories.
Godspeed, Charlie.
