Wednesday, September 30, 2009

A dear friend died



Near the end of last week, a dear friend died.

Florence Moyer. Flo.

Flo's next book, MISTLETOE AND MURDER, will be released November 2009 as part of Steeple Hill's Love Inspired Suspense line.

About five years ago, a wonderful writer named Misty Simon started an online loop. Several writers joined. We had different goals, but they were all writing related. People came and went from the loop. Some hung in longer than others. Some posted lots; some posted less.

Eventually, there were only seven of us left. Seven writers who stayed. And got closer. And more supportive. And more of us got published. Over time, we've even developed a odd list of expressions specific just to our group. Our own little loop language.

Flo was an integral part of our little clan. She offered words of wisdom, her wit, her very unique perspective on life. She worked hard at writing. She personified persistence. Flo landed her dream agent. She landed her dream editor. Her writing career solidified. Then, unfortunately, cancer knocked at her door. More like pounded it down.

Some of us have met in real life. I've met two of the members. Not Flo.

None of us has met everyone in the group. Today we decided to rectify that. We're planning a get-together for the summer of 2010. In Portland. We'll spend time remembering Flo. And getting acquainted offline. And writing.

Thank you, Flo, for all that you gave. Your input helped me become the writer I am today. I'll never forget you.

xo

Here's the cover of Flo's November 2009 release.

Click for a tribute to Flo by Kathy Holmes

18 comments:

  1. How very sad. My sympathies to Flo's family and all her friends.

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  2. Oh I'm so sorry. :( I would like to read her Mistletoe Murder.

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  3. I'm happy that Flo was able to realize her dream, and so sorry that it was taken away prematurely. Always so sad to hear about people being knocked out by cancer. One of my best friends finished her radiotherapy on Friday.

    I AM SO GLAD that you and your writing friends are seizing this moment to get together and celebrate friendship and your dear friend Flo.

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  4. I'm so sorry for the loss of your dear friend. She sounds like she was a wonderful inspiration to you, as well as other lives she has touched.

    Cancer has taken the lives of several of my family members and friends. My step-father has stage four colon cancer, and doesn't have much longer on this Earth.

    I have made peace with their passing, though, by keeping their memory alive, and cherishing all they accomplished in their lives; all the positive ways they have affected the lives of others.

    I recently wrote about my son's suicide. Although I will never, ever understand why he left, it definitely helped to blog his memorial.

    Remember them, and your loved ones will be with you forever.

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  5. So sorry to hear of your loss, Barrie. I am glad that you seven writers had the chance to support and help each other. I'm sure Flo's memory will continue to be a kind of support to you.

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  6. Life's so not fair.

    Your 2010 get-together sounds so right.
    Take care.

    p.s. And thanks loads for pre-ordering my book!!

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  7. And the author spotlight is delightful! Tastes like dessert but full of meat and potatoes!

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  8. Oh I'm sorry. Sounds like you made a great support network. I'll look for her book this Christmas.

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  9. Barrie I am so sorry for your loss. It is amazing how the internet has given us the ability to make friends and cherish people we have never even met. It is its gift to us. Take Care.

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  10. Oh honey, I'm so very sorry. Sounds like she was a wonderful person.

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  11. so sorry for the loss of your friend, barrie :(

    cancer took my sister, so i know a bit of how one feels....

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  12. I look forward to reading Flo's book. I'm so sorry for the loss you all have suffered.

    She will be blessed by your remembrances in the future get-together.

    Cancer sucks. I'll be praying - for her family, and for y'all.

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  13. I am so very sorry for your loss, Barrie. So very sorry. Joy

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  14. I'm so sorry to hear about your friend. This is a lovely tribute to her work and the friendship of your group. I send you a cyber hug.

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  15. Sending heaps of love and hugs. What a lovely tribute x

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Comments are always welcome!