
June was a month of ups and downs for me, but the greatest of the 'downs' was the death of Joan Alam, the lady who copy-edited three of my books (21st Century Light, Hunting Light and Chemical Light) and with whom I could 'talk for England' about my work, nature, travel and life's experiences.
Joan was an incredibly intelligent lady, who could be brusque in manner at times, but still had a heart of gold. She also had an eye for detail, and carried out proof-reading for the Oxford University Press on occasion. Multilingual and well traveled, she used the knowledge she'd gained to help others and stood up for what she felt was important. She supported charities through her volunteer work, and always went that 'extra mile' for those she cared for. She was truly a lady with 'hidden depths'.
I will miss her... and I'm pleased that the last book that Joan worked on, 'Chemical Light', is dedicated to such a special lady. Cancer is a terrible disease, and 63 years is no age at all. Rest In Peace, my friend, and 'Thank You' for enjoying my stories.
Joan was an incredibly intelligent lady, who could be brusque in manner at times, but still had a heart of gold. She also had an eye for detail, and carried out proof-reading for the Oxford University Press on occasion. Multilingual and well traveled, she used the knowledge she'd gained to help others and stood up for what she felt was important. She supported charities through her volunteer work, and always went that 'extra mile' for those she cared for. She was truly a lady with 'hidden depths'.
I will miss her... and I'm pleased that the last book that Joan worked on, 'Chemical Light', is dedicated to such a special lady. Cancer is a terrible disease, and 63 years is no age at all. Rest In Peace, my friend, and 'Thank You' for enjoying my stories.