Remembering Jane

Those of you who follow this site or my books probably noticed Dr. Jane Thomas commented often, wrote many reviews of my work, and generally served as one of my biggest cheerleaders.

I’m heartbroken to share that Jane has passed away.

I never met Jane in person, but for years and years, she was among my strongest supporters. She gave me the confidence to continue on when I wondered if I was wasting my time trying to be a “writer.” But I knew if someone like Jane, a Ph.D. at the University of Michigan, liked my writing, there must be something to it.

Jane first got in touch after reading one of my books. I didn’t know her, but she knew me. It turned out she was friends with my parents in high school and college. They kept in touch throughout the decades, and when I first started writing, they shared that with Jane, who promptly began supporting me—and continued to do so for many, many years.

I often told Jane how much she meant to me. She didn’t have to write the reviews. She didn’t have to send the nice messages. She didn’t have to lift me up, but she did. She always took the time for me.

I am devastated by the circumstances. It’s not my place to go into too much detail, but my understanding is that she was in a terrible car accident and suffered horrific injuries. She deserved far better.

Jane will always hold a very special place in my heart. I’ll never forget her kindness, generosity, and thoughtfulness. My sincere condolences to her friends, her loved ones, and her family.