Charles and Mary Ann: A Remembrance
Dennis L. McKiernan
I first met Charles through his writing, and I said to myself, “Self, this is how
Urban Fantasies ought to be. Besides, this guy can really write.” I later served on the same convention panel with Charles, and he put me in my place:
You see, Charles and I have completely different writing styles:
Me, I always like to know the end of the story so that I can foreshadow or insert arcane prophecies that no one can figure out until the hero or heroine of the story manages to solve in the nick of time to save the day. Then I sort of compose a living outline to bring about that end. I call it a “living” outline because it changes a lot during the writing.
Charles, on the other hand, says that if he knew the end of the story he wouldn’t write it in the first place. Instead, Charles sort of finds the story as it is being written.
Our writing differences did not change the fast friendship we developed.
Anytime they were in Tucson we had them over for a dinner of MLee’s chicken enchiladas (and such) and they always brought a mandolin and a guitar and a harmonica and we sat on the back patio or around the hearth, with Mary Ann on the mandolin and Charles on the guitar and harmonica, and they sang and played.
It was magical.
I will forever hold Mary Ann in my heart, and Charles in friendship.
© Dennis L. McKiernan
Charles and Mary Ann: A Remembrance
Martha Lee McKiernan
If someone asked me to describe Mary Ann in one word, I would ask if I could use two: Gracious and Lovely . . . but I would whine for more: Talented, Wise, Caring . . . and more.
It was easy to feel a kinship with both Charles and Mary Ann because they were quick to extend their hands and hearts to newcomers, to expand their circle of friends to ever-growing bounds.
We saw each other at Conventions (where I first heard them sing) and in our home (when they came to our hometown) and they sang sitting on our hearth, with songs both happy and haunting. Their CDs became my background music for painting and sewing. (Not as much fun as watching a performance, but with good memories included.)
Charles told a group, in a seminar, that he wrote stories that he didn’t KNOW from the beginning; he wanted the story to evolve and grow sort of on its own. I couldn’t imagine starting a book that way, but it works for him
And for the last few years, together, they have persevered . . . together they worked on a story that no one had planned: being loving, tender, tough, and strong for each other and for us: who could only send prayers, and wishes, and, maybe hope.
This has not had the conclusion we longed for — Charles has to forge a new path, carrying his precious memories. We can only hope that he knows we (his extended “family”) are here; aching to be of comfort and help in our shared love.
© Martha Lee McKiernan
Dennis L. McKiernan is a bestselling author of more than 30 works of fantasy, including the acclaimed Mithgar series. His many novels include Stolen Crown, Red Slippers: More Tales of Mithgar, and Once Upon a Dreadful Time. Never one to sit too long idle, Dennis has also written a graphic novel, The Vulgmaster, and several short stories and novelettes that have appeared in various anthologies. He lives in Arizona with his wife, Martha Lee McKiernan.
Celebrating CdL 