I have some questions about the new web site. First though I wanted to say I’m really glad we can now read old letters. It’s nice when I’ve been away so I don’t have to worry that you’ll delete your response before I get a chance to read it.

I noticed that your new Letters page is missing everything after August 2005 yet I know you’ve responded since then. So I went back through your old letters, to see if the dates were in reverse order and found they weren’t but I did get pulled into reading letters I hadn’t yet read. In doing so I found this in a response to Doug May 23 2004:

“I’ve also wondered about compiling something along the lines of a “Pern Companion” which has chapters of information relevant to each book. However, that doesn’t lend itself easily to a trade paperback format. It would best be served by having a loose-leaf binder which could accomodate new sections for new books and for revisions. But that seems a bit unwieldy. I suppose a Pern Companion website on a subscription basis might work although it’s still not quite the same as curling up with a book. Hmm… (can you tell I’m brainstorming?) Perhaps the best is a set of “Pern Companions”, one for the first three adult books (Dragonflight, Dragonquest, The White Dragon), another for the Harper Hall trilogy, a third for the books following after “The White Dragon” and so on. Ah, but the trouble with that is then you have to consult a stack of books when you’re seeking an answer. Well, it’s a problem to be solved.”

I know it’s an old letter but I was hoping you hadn’t given up on the idea of a “Pern Companion” I would really enjoy one, however you work it out.

I also noticed some of the letters written in May 2005 have your response only and not the fan letters, were they lost? If so I think I still have mine, I’d have to look.

I have been reading Anne McCaffrey’s books for so long that I cannot even begin to guess when I picked up the first Pern novel. Since then, I’ve read every installation. I’ve also read her Freedom series which I enjoyed nearly as much.

When I found out that she was no longer going to continue writing Pern novels, I felt as though I was about to lose a best friend. To say I was devestated that Pern would come to an end is a bit over the top, but I was extremely dissappointed. Then I discovered that you where going to take the helm as it were.

I was concerned that perhaps you would not have the same talent to bring these people to life. I must confess that I hesitated to read your first solo book, Dragonsblood. Finally, the other day in the library, I came across this book again and thought…”well maybe, just maybe…”

I started the first chapter at 6:35 yesterday morning and finished the last chapter last night at 12:15 am (if I had a life, I’m afraid it when unheeded for the entire day). I would have finished it much sooner, but my mother came for a visit and since it’s not very polite to toss one’s mother out the door, I was forced to wait. I’m sad to say that it was the longest 3 hour visit I’ve ever had with her! She was barely out the door before I had your novel back in my hand and my butt planted on the couch.

Mr. McCaffrey, I can honestly say that your novel has done Pern and your mother proud.

Your mother’s creation; the planet, the dragons, and the people, must have been a tremendous flag for you to carry. You have done it exceedingly well. I can honestly say that as much as I love your mother’s books, I have never cried as much over one novel in my life! Before I was even half way through Dragonsblood, I had cried three times.

Your characters seem so real, to the point that I’d expect to run into Tieran or Lorana at the local grocery store, or see dragons in the sky competing for air space with the local airport!

To know that Anne McCaffrey’s own son will continue the trials and tribilations of that far distant planet with it’s intriguing characters and their beloved dragons, fire-lizards and watch-whers, I am so very happy.

Thank you, Mr. McCaffrey and Happy Flying!

The Pern books (and the other books by Anne) were a ray of light that penetrated the darkness that surrounded me.

I found believable characters, no, people who rose above there problems and troubles to survive and fight for something they believed in.

I found people that accepted differences and never judged other for it. They stood with a sense of justice and the ability to look beyond the now and see what tomorrow may bring.
I was at a panel once not long after “Master Harper of Pern” came out in the UK. I got a copy signed, but it is very hard to try to describe the grateful thanks you felt for the life line that was offered in a single “Thank you” that you have time for in those lines. That is why I am writing here.

And thanks to you for carrying on, Pern is in safe hands. Also a thank you to Anne if she sees these for everything that I couldn’t say to her, but have written above.