Dan Wakefield

Dan was the first writing mentor I ever had. He was the first professional writer to ever read my work , the reason I started my MFA in 2010, and the reason I was able to finish the first draft of a memoir that I have still yet to publish. He once jokingly told me to publish it before he became "extinct", and I'm sad to have not been able to honor him by fulfilling that request. I will treasure his notes on my drafts, his encouraging emails, and the times we spent talking in Books and Books in Miami or at Converse College, in South Carolina.

Dan was a good friend of mine, we had dinner monthly, usually at Bazbeaux in Broad Ripple, but later, when he wasn't feeling as well, at his beloved Red Key. His memory was sharp and he lived an incredible life. He spent many years rubbingbelbows with the other great minds of a generation. But, we often talked about the latest political news, great books, and the seeming unraveling of civilization as we know it! We met accidentally at Mass Ave Wine, when he and several of his friends sat at the only table left. I was working on my laptop and they asked if they could join me. I was busily editing photos. He introduced himself and another friend said that I could likely help with his website. Thoroughly, unimpressed, I opened Dan's site, and was gobsmacked, "You're the author of "Going All the Way?!" (I had been following the news stories regarding all the controversy surrounding the book in the Indy Star). We were fast friends after that. How privilegedI was to know him! He died a few months ago...I don't know why I'm just now writing this. Dan would shrug and certainly say (quoting Vonnegut), "And so it goes."

My prayer and condolences are with the family at this trying time may God bring comfort.

An incredible writer, his novels were such great works and enjoyed by so many. "James at 15" was a different show, ahead of its time, but good as well. Sincere condolences to the Wakefield family. May God be with you to help you in your time of loss.