In Memory of Kate Duffy

I just read that Kate Duffy, editor at Kensington, has died.  Such sad news and my thoughts go out to her family, friends, and all those who knew her well.

I had the tremendous fortune to meet her at last year’s RWA conference.  She was funny, insightful, intelligent and a kick in the pants.   And in fact, at lunch, she whipped out her e-reader (the Kindle) and gave us a step by step play of how awesome it was.

I also read that she is the person who edited and yanked WHITNEY, MY LOVE, out of the slush pile…and for that, I will forever be grateful to her.

So I lift my Kindle in respect and say thanks for all you did for the romance world.  For authors.

And I’m editing this after the fact to add some of the great lines I can find in Kate’s various interviews.

“…it is not so much about period and setting as it is about the author’s voice.  I remember once someone asking me if I thought Scotland was “safe”.  I said, “Probably, if you’re Scottish and have a good map.”  Write what you love and don’t try for “safe”.”  Kate Duffy, interview at  Word Wenches

“…You’d better be good. You’d better be great. Because the people we currently publish are. Don’t worry about promo, meeting the right people or contests. As Walter Zacharius, Chairman of Kensington Publishing Corporation, says, “It’s the book, the book, the book.”  Kate Duffy, interview at Title Wave

“…I was talking with Walter Zacharius one day (he owns Kensington ) and I was wondering why some of my colleagues seemed to think I could be difficult on occasion when I am such a pixie and he said, “Yeah, a pixie with a machete.” Frankly, I cannot understand this. I am a giver, I am a people person, I have a Schweitzer-like reverence for every living thing – as long as you do my biding. Otherwise, not.”  Kate Duffy, interview at SquawkRadio.com

And last but definitely far from least, interview from A Romance Review:

Don’t let anyone tell you what you can or cannot write.
The trick is in pulling it off.
But to not even try? That’s crazy talk.
(I just love that phrase.)

Kate, you will be missed.

Did you meet Kate? Or listen to her at a workshop? Share your experiences here, if you’d like, as we honor what an amazing woman this was and how much she did for the world of romance publishing.