Robert Jordan Dedication
In honor of my hero, Robert Jordan, I have created a page dedicated to him. For those of you who know little or nothing about RJ, he was the author of the Conan series as well as the famous fantasy series The Wheel of Time. He suffered from Amyloidosis from March of 2006 until September 16th 2007 when he passed away.
During his battle, RJ committed himself to finishing the 12 book series (currently published up to book 12; though more are apparently still coming) regardless of his circumstances. A member of the family said that Jordan was dictating outlines and plot lines and everything else related to the final book. He used the phrase "army of writers" to talk about the people that were converting those tapes into written form. This heroic effort deserves recognition. As a writer I sympathize with his struggle. It's hard enough to write a novel. It's even harder to do it while terminally ill.
The final book will still be published, authored by newcomer Brandon Sanderson. So please be patient (as challenging as that might be), and for now let's focus on Jordan's life, writing, and the joy he brought to us.
Robert Jordan was born in 1948 in Charleston, South Carolina, where he resided until his death. He taught himself to read when he was four with the incidental aid of a twelve-years-older brother, and was tackling Mark Twain and Jules Verne by five.
He was a graduate of The Citadel, the Military College of South Carolina, with a degree in physics. He served two tours in Vietnam with the U.S. Army; among his decorations are the Distinguished Flying Cross with bronze oak leaf cluster, the Bronze Star with "V" and bronze oak leaf cluster, and two Vietnamese Gallantry Crosses with palm.
A history buff, he also wrote dance and theater criticism. He enjoyed the outdoor sports of hunting, fishing, and sailing, and the indoor sports of poker, chess, pool, and pipe collecting. He wrote from 1977 until 2007.
RJ,
I just wanted to let you know your books are a huge inspiration to me. I am now published in several magazines, have published a full length novel. I owe these accomplishments largely to you (and my husband, for kicking me in the butt).
You are my hero in so many ways. I just wanted you to know that.
I pray for your soul eternal. May your adventures in the afterlife be as exciting as the writing you blessed the world with, though hopefully not so wrought with danger.
Sincerely,
Star Davies