It is with great sadness that I report the passing of my online friend, editor and longtime collaborator, BlackIrish.
I have sat here for quite awhile trying to come up with the words to express just how much he helped me to grow as a writer … and I can't begin to explain.
Suffice it to say that if you enjoy any of my stories, then you have BlackIrish to thank for your entertainment.
He was a quintessential editor. He offered honest critiques and ideas. He kept the story pointed in the right direction and kept the characters consistent and true to themselves. He kept me from getting bogged down in minutia and from getting an inflated opinion of my value as a writer.
I hope everyone in the SOL family will join me, G. Younger and the countless others BlackIrish worked with over the years in offering our condolences to his family and praying for BlackIrish's deliverance into the great beyond.
You were one of a kind, Buddy, and you will be missed.
WJH a/k/a BlackIrish (1958-2016)
Rest in Peace