I just learned that someone I knew and worked with has gone away. She died from a deadly virus.
After my book came out (a guide to the magical realm of faerie folks), Keren approached me and asked me to create a map of the world showing where each creature lives. I was taken aback. She was so sweet and pushed me to create that map. When she talked about it, it was like she talked about the most important thing in the world.
This project made me feel that my work mattered to someone. Keren was amazing like that, fun and insane, and so so smart. I got to work with her a few times at various conventions and I always loved listening to her talks.
Keren was one of those people I cared for, but never got to be with outside the cons.
I'll miss her.