I scanned my friends' posts quickly, and this one made me do a double take.

I have a science fictional connection to Brad Van Pelt. When I went to my first ever science fiction convention, WorldCon '96, the con volunteer who was signing folks up for kaffeeklatches looked at my name tag and said, "Are you somebody?" I had several small press short story sales at that time, so I thought it was possible he had read something of mine. But it turned out he was thinking of Brad Van Pelt.

I'm sorry he died so young.

Yeah I am from Owosso where he went to high school. Played football with some of his nephews. Had some problems after football, but was always a class act. Damn shame he died so young.

Yeesh, I barely know a thing about football and I knew who he was. That's so sad to hear!

First off, my prayers and condolences to the family of Brad van Pelt. I'm sure he was a great football player.

But... I'd also just like to say that ... I also send my best wishes to you Mr. Martin. I have read the past couple threads about the trolls and morons who have been bashing you and the books.

I too, have read the comments by the trolls and I'll be honest, it fumed me. You're the best right now in fantasy, and you leave a tough act to follow for everyone else. Your books are master-pieces that can only be appreciated by those who have patience. Not only in waiting for the next book to arrive, but patience in fully understand the depth and beauty of your writing. You are, in my mind atleast, a perfect author who accepts nothing but the best in your writing and what you deliver to your fans.

I've posted several comments on youtube, bashing the critics and trolls. One in the Ice Dragon video by Tor/Forge.

On a final note... I've read the post page many times about 'Dance' (the one that states the progress and how you don't plan to update it until 'Dance' is done). I have to say, it was sad to hear that you missed conventions in '07 that you haven't missed in over a decade, consistent, in times past. Well... ignore the trolls, ignore the critics, DON'T MISS THE CONVENTIONS. Not only are they fun for you, but they're a unique opportunity for your loyal fans to have a chance to meet their icon. I know I'd love to have an opportunity to meet you. But it is sad to hear that you've broken a long standing record of going to your traditional haunts once a year.

At any rate. Didn't mean to detract from the main subject of the thread, if this post is moved I can understand... Keep fighting the good fight, I am eager to read 'Dance' but my better side tells me that the wait is worth it. And when it comes out all will be well, because you are an excellent author who accepts nothing but the best from yourself and the product you give to your fans.


A Dedicated Reader,
Luke

The sound you heard was my jaw hitting the floor.

No, I'm not generally known as a football fan. But in fact, I've watched a lot of football (American variety). And...well, jeez.

I remember Brad from my days at Michigan State where he was an amazing athlete. Part of my job in college was taking care of the athletic scholarship textbooks. When Brad would come for his there was a lot of swooning - he was incredibly beautiful and kind.

We're from the same hometown and my mother graduated with him. He was an inspiration to everyone that grew up in Owosso. He will be missed.

Brad is also the father of Bradlee Van Pelt, an Colorado State Ram legend and a backup for the Broncos for a years. A real shame.

My favorite talk radio show spent most of the afternoon talking about him and taking calls. One was from John Mara who had great things to say about him including about his world class man-about-town personality. Brad took LT under his wing and showed him all the possibilities New York offered. It's too bad that they never had an offense. It's also sad that he had to deal with financial stresses after football. A player with his solid contribution to the NFL should have more than thirty-odd thousand in annual pension to fall back on.

Wahhh? That stinks! He was way too young. He was a great player, and I'm not even a Giants fan.

Thanks for pointing this out. I can remember Brad van Pelt next to Harry Carson in some great linebacking corps on some terrible teams. If there were any justice in the world, he would have been around for Super Bowl XXI.

And he wouldn't have passed away so early.

Sad but true, a lot of professional athletes often fail at early ages. They push their bodies to such a limit in their youth that it wears them down and breaks them much young than most go.

I started watching the Giants in the 70's and a bad as they where at that time Brian KElley and Brad Van Pelt always stood out. Brian should be in the Hall of Fame as he was a great LB on a terrible team.

Hi George,

I just take these few moments to let you know that although I'm as impatient as everybody else to read your next books, I think you are doing the right thing to take your time and you TOTALLY should take the time to do other things that you like.

I hate it when writers rush their books because of the pressure they get from various parties and I think people should understand that if you are taking your time to write the book, its to make it better. Keep up the good work and I'll keep looking at your Not a blog for updates. Although I think you simply should not give them any update anymore and surprise everybody with a finished book.

Patience is a virtue and I thank you for teaching it to us!

Good luck in your writing!