03.11.12
RIP Paul Haines
Paul Haines, one of Australia and New Zealand’s most amazing, confronting and talented writers lost his long and courageously fought battle with cancer on Monday. I consider myself blessed to have known him.
I will always remember my first meeting with my Melbourne writers group, SuperNOVA and how generous and supportive everyone was. Paul was one of those wonderful people. Over the years he has helped with my writing, teaching me things I never knew and taking me to dark places I was too scared to tread. I was privileged to read his award winning stories before they had even been picked up by publishers, and got to ask all those questions I’m sure any reader of a Haines story wished they could ask.
I think by far the most terrible, and fantastic, and gut-wrenching piece that Paul has ever written was his true tale about the battle he fought so hard and for so long. I’m sure many of us thought he was actually going to win, after all, if anyone could beat cancer it would be Paul.
So enough of my writing, please read Paul’s blog and pass it on, I’m sure it will be an award winner too some day.
Paul, you are missed, thank you for all that you have given us, and all that you gave me.
R.I.P.
