It’s been sometimes sad, sometimes joyous, but always a pleasure to hang out with people at Windy City Pulp and Paper and celebrate the life and work of Howard Andrew Jones.
photo courtesy of Van Allen Plexico
Too many stories were shared for me to scribble down. But the common theme was: Howard’s deep interest in people and his intense empathy were central to what made him a great editor, a great writer, and a great human being. “If you knew Howard, he was your friend.” I forget who in the sizeable audience said that (Bob Byrne, maybe?) but it echoed with agreement around the room.
Hocking has sometimes said about storytelling, “Action is character,” and it’s become one of my mantras for writing. But, as he pointed out last night, Howard’s character, his belief in decency and heroism, was key to his work and his life.
It was S.C. Lindberg who found the closing words for the panel. They were Howard’s words, the way he closed countless letters and conversations.
”Swords togther!”
Thanks James. This was a powerful gathering, and there were so many fine testimonials about Howard’s character and sterling friendship. The one that stuck with me was Ryan Harvey’s, who said that Howard had been so foundational in his writing career, that he felt that career was over with Howard’s passing.
Not true of course, but it resonated deeply with me. Howard’s death brought so many wonderful things in my life to a close. I’m still counting them.
I know what you mean. Howard was so unstoppable, it’s hard to believe he’s stopped.
In a way he hasn’t. So many things he set in motion still move. Eppur si muove. But the mover is missing, and the loss is real.