Continuing on in my Month of Thanks, here is my post for October 17th.
To David Robison,
There are certain people you meet and instantly know they’re something special… those people with some certain something you can’t quite put a name to.
You are one of those people.
In the short time I’ve known you, I can honestly say you’ve become a powerhouse of influence in the writing/podcasting community. Your idea for the Roundtable Podcast quickly became the talk of the town around the podosphere. That has everything to do with you.
You are one of those naturally charismatic people. Your ability to guide a discussion and prompt insightful answers from others is what makes RTP the fantastic venue it is. You’ve coined the term “literary gold” to refer to the things your guests and co-hosts come up with, but I don’t think you know how great of a role you play in those moments of greatness. It is with your guidance and thought-provoking questions that these things find their way to the surface. It is through the medium you provide that they have a platform to come to life.
I know I’m not the only writer to be blessed with the opportunity to take advantage of that forum. If they haven’t said so, I know they feel the same way I do in that it truly is something special to be a part of.
But you’re more than a podcaster. Meeting you in person was a true treat. While I’d met you at a Balticon past, it wasn’t until this summer at UtopYA that I got to spend a solid block of time with you (and your wonderful wife as well). Even then, even though we didn’t have microphones in front of us or a list of topics for discussion, you listened to me ramble on about my projects, both past, in progress, and ideas for the future. You were attentive, asked questions, and, as always, your enthusiasm knew no bounds. I don’t think you’ve ever heard a bad idea in your life for all the wonderful feedback and support you’ve shown both me and many others that have come your way. You are always positive and hopeful and ready with the pompoms when anyone needs a cheerleader. You are boundlessly curious and always looking for more information, whether that be about writing, a writers’ process, or the act of creating in a broader, general sense.
You inspire everyone around you and push them to see the value in their own ideas.
I can only hope that the others you’ve inspired rally around you as you embark on your own creative endeavors. If anyone has ever deserved the support of their community, it is you.
So on behalf of myself, and from all the multitudes of others who’s lives you’ve turned to “literary gold”, thank you.
With Inspired Gratitude,
Starla Huchton
Lucie Le Blanc says
I don’t think Dave realizes how much of an inspiration he is. And not just for writers. He’s a true gentleman.
Nobilis Reed (@Nobilis) says
Dave is, indeed awesome.
The master alchemist.
Teri Robison says
You’re pretty special yourself, Lady! So glad I got to meet you and looking forward to more fun in the future!!
Dave Robison says
I think we all have an image in our minds of who we HOPE we are, an inner vision of the person we aspire to be. The best moments in our lives are when that belief is affirmed by some word or deed that echoes those (very fragile) aspirations.
So you have given me an astonishing (and humbling) gift with this letter, Starla. Thank you.
Joseph Campbell, after a life time of studying the myths and legends of the world, summed them up with the phrase “follow your bliss”, that in doing so we cannot help but encounter those things we most cherish and that will support and feed our spirit. I’m grateful that, in following my own bliss, it brought you into my awareness, and I continue to watch with delight as you weave your own tapestry of might and mojo in the world.
**pom poms poised for the next opportunity to cheer** :D