With June being #LGBTQPrideMonth in many parts of the world, I would be remiss if I didn't pay tribute to my brother and comrade, Nicholas Almand.
While moving heaven and earth to find quality queer spec fic, I came across Almand's series Sons of Nowhere. His writing and storytelling skills were the business and I became an immediate fan of his. Shortly thereafter, he and I connected and became really good friends. For hours we would chat endlessly about comic books, the comic book industry, life as a published novelist and dealing with some of the players in the industry. I used to always joke that we black gay spec fic authors have to stick together. Nick was a down to earth guy and a most loyal friend. He always kept it 100 and was the kindest soul one could hope for.
On October 2013, Nick made a triumphant exit after a long battle with cancer. Just the same, his writing and spirit will live on. And his brothers in arms will continue to fight the good fight in his name. After all us Black Gay Spec Fic Writers have to stick together.
After all, that's how #BlackGayExcellence gets down.
