Last Wednesday night, good friend James Sneddon, author of THE TOLLTAKER from Five Star, passed away unexpectedly. This news hit me pretty hard. I’d gotten to know James well during the past year. I’d initially contacted him after I’d received a contract offer from Five Star, to get his opinions on the company. He was immediately likeable, even through email; his dry wit and intelligence came through loud and clear.

We corresponded pretty frequently after that, and finally met face to face at the World Horror convention last April. We took in some panels and readings together, grabbed a couple of beers and burgers at a local pub, and went to a party or two. James was the consummate “good guy,” always pleasant, with an understanding of the industry and an ability to get along with pretty much anyone. He was humble, but had a healthy confidence in his own writing which I admired. He knew where he was and where he wanted to go, and he wasn’t going to let anyone stop him.

After WHC, we exchanged emails every week or so. When I launched my new message board, James was one of the first to jump in and post; I’ll be forever grateful for his genuine interest in doing so. True to his nature, his posts were thoughtful commentaries on writing and life in the industry. We also talked through email about his book the Tolltaker; he asked me for an honest critique, which I gave to him. I thought it was a very good novel—and as much a coming of age story as horror.

James passed away at the tender age of 41. He leaves behind a wife, Mary, and two wonderful daughters. Financially, the situation is pretty grim. James was writing full-time, and had no retirement account or life insurance. Fellow writer Brian Keene is taking donations for the family. They can be sent to:
Brian Keene
PO Box 15
Shrewsbury, PA 17361

Checks can be made out to Mary Sneddon.

While doing some thinking about James during the past week, it struck me that though I’d only spent a few days with him in person, I felt like I’d lost a close friend. That speaks to the type of person he was, and also to the way we humans form relationships in this day and age. It’s easy to see the ways technology can rob us of our humanity. But it’s good to remind ourselves every once in a while that technology can sustain connections as well, and build friendships that can endure.

Rest in peace, my friend.

Nate will be attending the Worcester convention Rock and Shock on October 8 & 9, 2005. The convention takes place at the DCU Convention Center. It will include horror writers and film actors, directors, make-up artists, costume designers, film makers and distributors, film screenings, CD and DVD vendors, appearances and signings with bands playing the Palladium.

Nate will be giving away free goodies at the New England Horror Writers Association tables. Stop by and say hello!

“A dark, disturbing, white-knuckler of a page-turner!”
- DOUGLAS CLEGG, author of The Priest of Blood and Afterlife; Bram Stoker and Horror Guild Award winner

“Bloodstone is a dark, disturbing, white-knuckler of a page turner!”
–Douglas Clegg, Bram Stoker Award-winning author of Afterlife and The Hour Before Dark.

Bestselling horror author Doug Clegg’s upcoming cross-genre novel The Priest of Blood may well be his breakthrough book, with something to offer both horror, fantasy and mainstream fans. It has hit the advance order bestseller lists on Amazon, Shocklines and Barnes & Noble.com. Learn more about it here.

Thanks Doug!