Peter Straub, 1943–2022

What a blow to learn Peter Straub has died. I knew he had been suffering health problems for some time, but still... it seems unexpected, even to many of those who knew him well.
I never met Peter face to face, for which I can't help but feel some regret. Other than the occasional interaction on social media, I didn't really know him. Still, he was one of the earliest and strongest influences on my choice to become a writer. Ghost Story, in particular, stands out as one of the novels that made me want to write. I've shared the contents pages with him in anthologies. I loved reading his online posts — his wit, his recollections, his views on life and writing, his general graciousness. For him, I have always held the utmost respect.
My deepest condolences to his loved ones and all those with whom he was truly close.