I don’t feel I’ve earned the right to use your first name, so I won’t. I do want to say that, though i have never had the chance to see you in person, I have always admired your work. Every time I read something of yours I think: “This is how it should be done.” I keep falling short, but it’s great to know the standard is there.

Happy birthday

A few short years ago at my first SF/F convention, I wandered into a hugely attended panel of which you were a part. I had no idea who you were but then again, I had no idea who any of the panelists were.

What caught my attention above all others was your spunk. You spoke of intelligent things and told us exactly how the writing world is. You also didn’t let any of the typical audience arguers or babblers steal the show. All of this impressed me so much, I bought the first book of yours I could find (Left Hand of Darkness) and have barely looked back since. Your words, both in fiction and in life, are incredibly inspiring.

Thank you for sharing your talent and your thoughts. Have a very happy birthday. Hope to see you around a Pacific Northwest convention again soon.

C.S. Cole

Thank you for giving us the Earthsea searies. And thank you also for George Orr, Heather Lelache, and William Haber of “The Lathe of Heaven.” Your works inspire countless dreamers and writers.

Several years ago at OryCon, you told an audience that you had “won the lottery” in that people would pay you for the stories you love to write. You also added, “trying to get rich writing is a damn-fool idea.” I remember that day those times when I loose sight of what and why I write.

Many Happy Returns of the Day

John Burridge

When I read your work in my youth,I discoverd much more in those great stories than the entertainment afforded by a good read. I absorbed beauty and compassion and wisdom. I learned lessons about humanity, society, gender, and relationships. You took me on journeys, exposed me to wonders, made me laugh and cry, and helped teach me to think and question the Way Things Are. I know you didn’t set out to be a teacher, but it can’t be helped when your experience and wisdom shines through your lovely prose and impacts your readers.

When you came to Seattle to take part on a panel for CW, I wanted to thank you for your time and for all you’ve given through your work so gave you a moonstone; a beautiful, almost transparent white stone with a bluish shimmer that reminded me of you.

Thank you for your work and your generous donations of time and energy teaching and speaking to writers. Thank you for your kindness and donations at last year’s Potlatch Auction in California. Your talk at Potlatch was so inspiring. I can’t believe that you’re 80 unless 80 is the new 60! Have a wonderful birthday; wishing you all happiness on your day and the year to come.

With warm appreciation,
Les Howle

A couple of years ago, before I started writing with any degree of seriousness, I had the opportunity to do the set design for “Ride the Red Mare.” While there were many reasons not to take the job, you were the reason I did.

I had been a fan of your writing for a long time and the opportunity to meet you in any sort of collaboration, however brief, was the stuff of fantasy. I know, I’m gushing, but you were as funny and charming as one could wish for.

Many happy returns on your birthday!

Yours,
Mary Robinette Kowal