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In remembrance of Moderntimes (see Goodbye Moderntimes thread), I thought it would be nice if we could post our recollections of his many contributions to the forums.

Here's mine -

He loved the writing craft and was a treasure trove of knowledge about navigating the publishing world. Helpful to new writers and reviewers, his love of writing always shined through. He wasn't the sort of person who gave a quick answer and that's something nice to see in today's world. People often will give someone the shortest answer and go on to something else. Not Moderntimes...he would immerse himself in the person's issue and give a ton of great advice and backup information. This is pricless to people just starting out, whether to authors or a newbie reviewer.

He was appreciative of other authors, particularly of his favorites in the mystery genre. He regularly gave thanks to authors who he read and learned from.

His contributions to the International Grammar forum were valuable in so many ways. I learned to look up words and awkwardly worded phrases that I assumed were incorrectly spelled or worded. Sure, sometimes it was still an error or poorly worded phrase. However, I often learned of British spellings or strangely worded phrases that were new to me.

This is just a taste of some of Sam's contributions. On a personal note, we shared many insights and laughs along the way. Rest in peace, my friend.

He always offered his advices freely, opened a lot of interesting threads, and indeed was very helpful to new members. He was full of life and very knowledgeable. He will be missed. May he rest in peace!

It's so true that he was so knowledgeable. I think even the long-time regulars benefitted from his insight.

I know I did. When he learned I was wanting to become published the first thing he did was send me the link to a site where all the good publishing houses were listed. He always had something wonderfully insightful to share with anyone who needed it.

I'm so sorry to learn of his death. I remember him as being very supportive within this forum's discussions. I once compared his writing style to that of Child's. He was flattered, but at other times, I fear I irritated him with my critique of his novels. He took everything to heart. He was an intelligent and gifted person - a light that I am sorry to see extinguished.

Sam will be sorely missed around here. He always spoke his mind and gave extremely thoughtful and thorough answers. I remember getting into some intense grammar discussion that always ended with Sam thanking me for the spirited debate. He was always a gentleman no the situation. He always added depth and insight to conversations.

bluemel4 wrote:Sam will be sorely missed around here. He always spoke his mind and gave extremely thoughtful and thorough answers. I remember getting into some intense grammar discussion that always ended with Sam thanking me for the spirited debate. He was always a gentleman no the situation. He always added depth and insight to conversations.

I remember those grammar discussions! I think we all learned something from the Oxford Comma debate, including Sam. He had an inquisitive mind and was always happy to admit when he learned something new.

TrishaAnn92 wrote:I know I did. When he learned I was wanting to become published the first thing he did was send me the link to a site where all the good publishing houses were listed. He always had something wonderfully insightful to share with anyone who needed it.

Aw...he did the same for me. Such a sweet guy willing to share his experiences. I will miss our small interactions.

-- 25 May 2016, 14:47 --

bookowlie wrote: I remember those grammar discussions! I think we all learned something from the Oxford Comma debate, including Sam. He had an inquisitive mind and was always happy to admit when he learned something new.

In one of my reviews, he asked what was CTMH and he fully admitted that he's actually never heard of the acronym. It made me smile when he responded by quoting one of the my favorite lines - "Guess you learn something every day."