Tracy had a profound influence on my life. She was a loyal friend and an excellent writer and editor. I once told her I would never submit anything for publication without her critique. A Few Degrees Off Center started as a series of unnamed short stories, but as she read and critiqued them, then encouraged me to consider writing a novel. Without her inspiration and encouragement, the stories would probably still be under construction.
Founding Mobile Writers Guild was an adventure that often brought us to laughter and frustration—it was always a joint effort without rancor, unusual in today’s world. I will always be amazed and grateful for that wonderful working relationship.
Raising children almost the same age, we made the rounds of museums, movies, plays, McDonald’s, and oh so many others. My life has been greatly enriched for having known and worked and played together.
My strongest wish is that the young adult book she almost finished, her new mystery novel, and so many short stories that she had crafted and never submitted had made it to print. Tracy had a deep desire to touch the lives of young people in a positive way and that is another way she will be remembered.
After Hurricane Katrina devastated the Gulf, Tracy carried almost one hundred packages from SCBWI to the children—flashlights, stuffed animals, and, of course, books. She donated over a hundred books to the Mobile Public Library in the few years she lived here.
Tracy, you are a part of my life forever. Save me a seat in the Great Library. Mahala
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Sadly, it was too soon . . . much too soon
In the early morning hours of Wednesday, December 1, 2010, our dear friend and Lyrical Pens partner, Tracy Ann Hurley, passed away at the age of 53. There was no lengthy forewarning; the discovery of her illness was unexpected; and her death devastatingly sudden.
A lifetime learner and lover of literature, reading, and writing, Tracy was also an inspired and gifted teacher. Her talents for writing and editing led her to co-found the Mobile Writers Guild and to the publication of short stories. Tracy will be especially remembered for her kind and loving heart that she shared with all she met.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society at www.cancer.org. or to a school or public library of choice.
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