George RR Martin remembers David Hartwell

George RR Martin remembers David Hartwell:  http://grrm.livejournal.com/468266.html

My comment: Mr. Martin’s words were moving to me, and I wrote him the note below.

Mr. Hartwell launched and sustained my career with the same unselfishness and goodheartedness you here describe. Under very trying circumstances, for example, his work allowed me to write NULL-A CONTINUUM, which, like your ‘Bitterblooms’ is to you, is a favorite of mine.

It grieves me that you and I should be at odds over unimportant political matters when science fiction as a genre, and the people in our lives, and much else besides are things we both have in common and outweigh any differences.

The shadow of our mutual loss of a friend sharply reminds me of what is important in life, and mutual ire is not one of those things.

You wrote not long ago of a desire for peace in the science fiction community; I second that sentiment and voice it also. Let there be peace between us.

John C. Wright

His reply:

I agree, death has a way of putting life’s other trials and triumphs in perspective.

My own political and social views are very much at odds with yours, Mr. Wright, and our views on literary matters, especially as regards science fiction and fantasy, are far apart as well. But I have always believed that science fiction has room for all, and I am pretty sure that David Hartwell believed that as well.

If we want to heal the wounds our community suffered last year, all of us need to stop arguing about the things that divide us, and talk instead about the things that unite us… as writers, as fans, as human beings. Our grief in David’s passing is one of those things. Everyone who ever knew him or worked with him will miss him, I do not doubt.

So thank you for your note, and your heartfelt and compassionate words about David.

Well said, Mr. Martin. Spoken like a gentleman.