Remembrances

Andre Norton, 1912-2005

Andre Norton passed away today, the 17th of March. Because of her, the "Grand Dame of Science Fiction and Fantasy," my literary roots were so firmly planted into fantasy and science fiction. If it had not been for her novels and the stories she had to tell, I don't believe I would be where I am now, as a writer and reader of fiction.

The first book I ever read by her was 'Ware Hawk, back in junior high. A friend of mine at the time had lent me her copy of Tales from the Witch World 3, and my curiosity about the world was soon piqued. I hunted up some books from the series on my own, and 'Ware Hawk was the first I came across in my school library. After reading it, I was irreversibly hooked on Andre Norton's works, and Witch World became like a second home for me to visit during daydreams.

I've been on a hunt for her Witch World novels ever since, and I'm finally closing in on the complete series...I'm just a few titles short. When I have them all, I plan on sitting down and falling in love with the series all over again.

Andre Norton brought me back to fantasy, and her works have undeniably became a source of inspiration for my own writing. Knowing that she is gone now hurts. It leaves a cold place inside. I may not have ever known her, personally, but I know her work, and I know her stories. They will be a comfort to me, because I know that while her physical form has faded, her literary talents and the stories she's told will live on.

And since she was such a prolific writer, I have plenty of works to read through.

Because someone else can always say it better, from the SFWA news release:

"Andre Norton was born Alice Mary Norton on February 17, 1912, in Cleveland Ohio. She wrote more than 130 novels, nearly one hundred short stories, and edited numerous anthologies in the science-fiction, fantasy, mystery, and western genres. She the first woman to be a SFWA Grand Master and to be inducted in the Science Fiction and Fantasy Hall of Fame. She received Skylark, Barlog, and World Fantasy awards, and was the first woman to win the Gandalf Grand Master of Fantasy award."

"In 1958 she struck out to become a full-time writer. Over the next twenty years she wrote nearly seventy novels, two dozen short stories, and edited several anthologies. One of her most beloved series, Witch World–a wondrous planet reachable through metaphysical gateways–started with a single novel in 1963. More than thirty Witch World titles followed."

"She surrounded herself with books and cats, ending each evening reading in bed with a favorite cat curled next to her. She incorporated her love of both in the many cat anthologies she edited, and in numerous short stories."

"She was quick to recommend good books to friends, and to offer advice to new authors, helping to pave the way for several people to be published. She also instructed hobbyists in the art of making jewelry. Crafting necklaces, bracelets, and earrings became a passion in the last two years of her life when she found it increasingly difficult to write at a keyboard."

And from the Houston Chronicle (must be registered to see):

"Norton requested before her death that she not have a funeral service, but instead asked to be cremated along with a copy of her first and last novels."

"Her last complete novel, Three Hands of Scorpio, is set to be released in April. Norton's publisher, Tor Books, rushed to have one copy printed so that the author, who had been sick for almost a year, could see it."


Andre Norton endlessly showed support for new writers trying to break into the science fiction and fantasy markets. Reading about her and the life she lived makes me smile. I really wish I could have met her.

Rest in peace, Andre Norton. You shall be missed.