Talked to Shawn at length this past week. He is undergoing cancer treatment for the second time, doing well, staying strong. But it’s not easy, and I think about those of us – many, I hope – who have been lucky enough to escape that experience. My sister had extensive chemo and radiation a few years back. So did Judine in the early 1990s. Very hard to go through and not much fun to watch happen to someone you love. Anyway, about Shawn. We call ourselves his Second Parents, spares in case he misplaces his real parents. Good to have spares. But we are close to him for a number of reasons beside the obvious business relationship, and we worry about him the same way we worry about our other kids. Other than myself and one or two of the rest of you who have memorized my books, no one knows more of the details and specifics than Shawn. I rely on him to catch mistakes in continuity and description that even my editor might miss because I’ve only been with her for about 10 of my 34 years with Del Rey. So there is Shawn, always ready to catch me when I fall, always there to keep me focused when it comes to the website and the fans, always thinking of new ways to make my professional life easier and better. So he’s a friend, sure. But more than that he is great and a wonderful piece of good luck, and I keep him in my heart.
BrooksBlog: Shawn & His Other Parents
23 responses to “BrooksBlog: Shawn & His Other Parents”
I whole heartedly agree with you Terry.
I met Shawn at San Diego Comic-Con this year and was amazed at his energy and bright outlook. I am glad that he has you all for second parents.
My thoughts and Prayers are with Shawn. i have personally met him twice, but have talked to him many times on this site. He has been invaluable to many of us, and is always ready to answer our questions, whether they are site related or on writing advice.
I hope you well Shawn, and hope you will still be able to attend the signing at the UW in Aug. looking forward to seeing both you and Terry there.
Shawn. Dangit. I hope you are shopping at the health food store with the list I sent you. I think it would be a really great idea to start some kind of a “contribution to the cause” fund in your name. I will send the first check 🙂 I want you to be able to shop at the health food store every day and get all the items I sent you. If I didn’t believe in nutrition with all my heart I wouldn’t be such a pest. XO – Nicole
I know Shawn Speakman only through the web, via post about him and post by him. My impression is that he is a wonderful person. I hope someday to call him my friend.
You are very lucky to have him as your web-wizard, Terry, and we are so fortunate to have him as a friend and colleague.
Best wishes. Shawn!
I haven’t met Shawn in person, but I’ve interacted with him a couple time via e-mail. I get the impression that Shawn is a total professional in his job as well as a wonderful human being.
Like many others, cancer has affected many people close to me in life. Like Terry, I’ve been fortunate to avoid the Big C personally. It is so difficult to watch the people we love suffer with this horrible disease.
I wish Shawn a speedy recovery and a long and prosperous future. I’m counting on my signed, first addition of Shawn’s published novel!
We are all in this together. …..”strangers” only in word…..we all circle hands for one another and for Shawn…..Remember, Shawn, “You’ve got a friend”….lots of them….God bless
I have never met Shawn or talked to him but I have (so far) survived cancer. He is in my prayers. It is always my worst fear that the cancer will come back, I can’t imagine how hard it must be to have to deal with it a second time.
We are all thinking of you, Shawn. Be strong, stay positive, and give your body good, healthful food to help it fight – garlic, ginger, turmeric. With all these people behind you, you’ll pull through this in no time. Besides – I want to read that book and send feedback, you know? 😉
Like many here, I only know Shawn through his websites and the odd email. However, he is nothing but honest.
I wish him all the best on his road to recovery.
You can do it Shawn! 🙂
Well said Terry, our thoughts are with Shawn during his struggle.
That was very nicely worded Terry and also my thoughts and prayers are with you Shawn
Shawn–you better stay strong and well. I need someone to drive nuts over on the forum. And there is nobody I love to irritate more than you my friend. I’ll be praying for you.
Jeff
Sounds like he couldn’t ask for a better set of second parents. Best of luck to Shawn.
All the best to Shawn. Get well soon. I’ll be thinking of you.
My thought and prayers will be with Shawn. Best of luck
So sorry to hear…. Best wishes Shawn!!! Get well soon!!!
All the best wishes to Shawn, and I can’t wait to read his novel.
Please let Shawn know that I’m thinking of him! I’m sure all these good wishes will help during this difficult time.
My prayers are coming Shawn’s way for a complete recovery. I have not had a lot of contact with him, but every time I have, he has always responded quickly and professionally. He is awesome!!!
I’m as full of it as anyone else, Shirley. But thanks for the kind words. 🙂
Hope your ok Shawn keep well and stay strong you do a brilliant job,all the best mate.