I missed the news last night and was shocked to see on the BBC’s website today that author David Gemmell died suddenly of heart problems following a recent bypass operation. I’m quite shocked – I’ve hosted a few author events with David over the years and knew he wasn’t old (57 according to the BBC). I always found him a pleasure to deal with; he usually decided not to plump for the simple method of read a bit from the book then take some questions for his events. He explained to me the people there had either read it or were going to read it, so rather than simply reading out a piece to them he preferred to talk to his fans, which he would do at length, taking plenty of time with each one while signing copies of his books for them after the event. Writers, readers and booksellers all left in a happy mood after a Gemmell event; fans had a good book signed by the author, we sold a lot of books, David got to chat to the folks who helped make him the success he was (which he never seemed to forget) and most of all we all had fun. Great heroic fantasy books and a decent bloke, he will be missed.
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July 31st, 2006 at 5:45 pm
I never made it to one of his book signing events but all I ve heart about the man shows he was comfortable with his place in the world and that is an inspiration that I will not forget.
October 24th, 2006 at 3:02 am
I have just recently became a fan of his work and
I am sorry to hear that the author has passed away. He
also sounds like a very nice person and I am very
sorry I will not have a chance to met him in person.
All the best to his family and friends.