Many of you may have heard the sad news that Sally Fellows—reader, reviewer, and friend to the mystery community--passed away earlier this week, peacefully, in her sleep. Other folks (like Laura Lippman and Janet Rudolph) have shared their memories of Sally, and you can find an obituary here. These thoughts below are some of the ways I'll remember Sally.
She could assemble a kick-ass panel and helped run an awesome convention. If Sally was moderating, you could expect interesting, challenging questions from her. She made you want to bring your best game. Mayhem in the Midlands owed much of its success to Sally's hard work. My first time there, she asked me what I thought. I told her honestly, it was one of the best times I'd ever had. Small enough to relax and get to know folks across many sub-genres, I think Mayhem was where I truly first came out of my shell in the mystery world.
(An aside: Part of this process involved an unknown assailant (not a Mayhem attendee) dumping a glass of ice water on my head from an upper floor window. One cannot stay en-shelled with ice water dripping over one. Much more of my de-shellment was thanks to the fabulous people who were there, helped mop me up, and expressed appreciation that I knew so many bad words. They have been firm friend ever since.)
Sally was a terrific reviewer. I was thrilled when she liked my books or short stories (who doesn't love that?), and while she'd not hesitate to tell you what she thought didn't work, you knew her criticism would never be mean-spirited. It would be rooted in careful consideration and if you paid attention, you could learn something.
Sally had high expectations and you knew it if she were let down—woe betide the hotel restaurant that kept her waiting during a convention! But she kept herself to those same high standards, and she would not stint in her praise if she liked something or if someone had done a great job. Sally made a point of letting whoever was in charge she'd had a good experience.
I loved seeing Sally talk about her dogs. In the years that I knew her, she always had a small dog, and would light up when relating Trixie or Luke's latest trick or game. That happiness was a great thing to see.
Sally wasn't usually into paranormal books, but eventually, via friends, she got hooked on “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and more of the Jossverse. She could go several rounds of “Spike vs. Angel” with any of us, preferably over a glass of wine (red! preferably a Shiraz or Cab; I was always happy when Sally enjoyed a wine I'd suggested).
I'm going to miss Sally at the upcoming Bouchercon (we all are!), and every other convention to come, but I'm really grateful to have known her. I learned something every time we spoke. Thank you so much, Sally, for everything!
What are your best memories of Sally Fellows?
What a nice tribute to her, Dana. I know I met Sally at a conference, but can't recall which one... and of course have run across her on a couple of writer/reader sites. She seemed like a real nice lady who will be missed by many.
Posted by: cathy carper | September 07, 2012 at 07:40 AM
An excellent tribute to a wonderful, often formidable, woman. Sally was a treasure, and we were all lucky to have known her.
Posted by: Dean James | September 07, 2012 at 07:52 AM
Thank you, Cathy. Dean, "treasure" is a wonderful word for Sally!
Posted by: Dana | September 07, 2012 at 07:59 AM
Such a beautiful tribute, Dana. I, too, miss Sally and all she brought to our lives in the mysteryverse.
Posted by: Jerrilyn Farmer | September 07, 2012 at 01:58 PM
Thank you, Dana, for this well-deserved tribute. Sally was a good friend to mystery writers. Her criticism was always constructive, her wit was acerbic, and her friendship genuine. Next year's Malice Domestic conference won't be the same without her.
Posted by: Elaine Viets | September 07, 2012 at 02:31 PM
A wonderful tribute, Dana. I feel blessed to have known her for as many years as I did. She was a regular fixture at the cons, and I was so pleased that she made it to Left Coast Crime in Sacramento, and even more so that she took the time to let me know how much she enjoyed it. Had I known it would be the last time I'd see her, I would have spent even more time at the table with her(where she usually held court--in the bar, with wine in hand).
Sally, you will be missed!
Posted by: Robin Burcell | September 07, 2012 at 02:48 PM
I love that picture of Sally -- holding court in the lobby bar, glass of red wine in hand. It's how I'll always remember her. The mystery community has lost a dear friend.
Posted by: Marcia Talley | September 12, 2012 at 07:57 AM