A couple of things, neither of them fun, alas

[catherineldf]

From Jim Hines - his alternate writing life as Jane C. Hines. I mostly get to see the "Don't read books by women/queers/people of color" version, often (but not always) from male fans and/or writers who consider themselves to be quite progressive. When pressed, they can name Ursula Le Guin or perhaps Pat Cadigan as an author they read once. They may have also read Samuel Delany or Steve Barnes. It usually doesn't go beyond that, though. Perhaps 2012 is a good year to change that. It really isn't contagious if you read work by authors not in your population demographic. Honest. Even if you read more than one book or story. Check out David J. Schwartz's journal for an excellent roadmap for eclectic and interesting reading.

I don't know Rusty Hevelin but know that others on my friends list do - unfortunately, he's in hospice in Dayton. Cards and message information can be found here. My sympathies to him and his loved ones.