Well, I begin this new journal in sad fashion by noting the passing of one of the true giants of the science fiction genre - indeed, in all of literature.

I just learned from my friend Win Eckert a short time ago that Philip Jose Farmer passed away peacefully in his sleep this morning. It was not altogether unexpected; he had been in ill health for some time and had just recently celebrated his 90th birthday. But the news still came as a shock to those of us who have so long loved him and his work and who believed that he might somehow have been as immortal as so many of the characters he wrote about over the years.

I will say here what I have already shared with some of my friends and fellow PJF fans upon learning the news: This is a sad, sad day, for fans of the science fiction genre and for me personally. Phil Farmer has had such an impact on my life that it is impossible for me to even attempt to put it into words; that I should have gotten the opportunity to become a part of his universe through my own writings, and to have actually had the opportunity to meet him and Bette, is a memory I will treasure until I get the chance to meet up with him again somewhere in Riverworld.



Fare thee well, Kickaha. I suspect the adventure is just beginning...

And if you happen to bump into them, say hello to Old Burroughs and Mr. Dent for me.