Farewell to Esterbrook
Esterbrook passed away yesterday.
Esterbrook, whose real name was Fawn, lived as honestly and true to her beliefs as anyone I've ever known. She was thoughtful, caring, and hilarious, and more than willing to mix it up for a good cause.
Esterbrook was an actual professional writer who made a living writing actual, professional words. Her fics reflected her gift, and then some. I had the opportunity to beta for her once, and I literally had no notes. Just first pass, flawless. She was astonishing in her assurance with the written word.
Years ago, when I'd just met her, I barely bit back a laugh when, while leading a panel on Sussexlock at Sherlock Seattle, she called out those writers who insisted on painting Sherlock and John in middle age as feeble and past their prime by indicating her own fit figure, dark hair and dancing eyes and saying, "Hey, kids, this is what 40 looks like."
To remember her, and to remind us all of her brilliant talent. I'm linking probably her best known fic, Stay. The Writers' Suite crew mourns her passing and honors her memory. She was an extraordinary writer and an extraordinary person. We'll miss her.
-Mel
An Archive of Our Own, a project of the Organization for Transformative Works
