A couple weeks ago, my pal Stephen Bly was a guest here, telling us about Throw the Devil Off the Train, his new release. I learned that Stephen passed away this past Wednesday. Whenever he stopped in on my blog, he gave away a copy of the book and has always been encouraging, witty and keeper of all things cowboy. I hadn’t known he was so ill, so his death comes as a bit of a shock. In my opinion, he was one faithful cowboy and I will miss him. Sympathies go out to his wife Janet and family. Stephen’s on the trail, all right, just one we earthlings cannot yet see.
Writing Tip for Today: Every place I read about Stephen’s writing life, he is remembered for encouraging new writers and as a master of his craft. He gave his expertise freely. I’m taking the hint. Your writing life is about so much more than just you, toiling in solitude. It’s about the connections you make, the hands you extend to the writer coming up after you. We don’t climb the writing mountain alone. Well done, good and faithful servant, Stephen Bly.