I met Dave in 2016, when he was offering online and in-person writing workshops. I signed up for one of his online classes, then had a one-on-one coaching session with him about my work. In 2018 I wound up traveling to Texas for his in-person workshop, Writers Peak, which he ran with his son, Forrest. Every year after, I took workshop after workshop, honing my craft under his tutelage.

I realized back then, even before I got to know him through his many workshops, then later through Apex, that he was a warm, giving and generous individual who wanted to share his wisdom with other writers, who wanted to help every writer who had the will to succeed to do so. He raised our writing to levels we would have never thought possible, all because he could see our potential even when we didn’t see our own.

Dave passed away last night surrounded by his family. The hours during which he was in a coma, our writing community offered each other support and love. This is a community, a family, Dave created out of his love for helping others. His legacy will live on through us. Every time I write a story, it’s his voice that helps me shape it. Every time I write a sentence, it’s his guidance that helps me mold it. It’s his wisdom that, through the challenges of work-life balance, have helped me carve out time for the craft that means so much to me.

Thank you, Dave. Thank you for reaching out to all of us writers, for giving us the tools we will need to succeed in this business. For helping us grow in our writing and in this profession. For pushing us to follow our passion. You will be deeply missed, you already are. Just look at the community of hundreds of writers in Apex who are grieving for you. I will never ever forget how much you taught me. Your legacy will live on in all of us.

Be at peace, my friend. May the angels guide you in the next steps of your journey.