tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2489168146200487747.post7524785434007588928..comments2024-01-30T13:57:40.271+11:00Comments on LoveCats DownUnder: Remembering SandraAlly Blakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17352564320902831489noreply@blogger.comBlogger33125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2489168146200487747.post-37583179293768311452011-08-28T23:55:41.305+10:002011-08-28T23:55:41.305+10:00so saddened to hear of Sandra's passing. The r...so saddened to hear of Sandra's passing. The romance world has lost a wonderful author.<br />Deepest condolences to her family and friends.Christahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00309557439536380170noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2489168146200487747.post-91416174189118159142011-08-25T13:17:55.890+10:002011-08-25T13:17:55.890+10:00You know- after reading these messages- maybe I ...You know- after reading these messages- maybe I am getting the place we met confused. I think it may have been RWA San Francisco not melbourne. While the time and place may be confused- the memory of that smile is not.Traciehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17508577038834534406noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2489168146200487747.post-22719330034518463312011-08-25T04:04:49.939+10:002011-08-25T04:04:49.939+10:00It has been very moving to read these tributes as ...It has been very moving to read these tributes as they came streaming in. I would like to thank everyone for sharing their memories and special moments.<br /><br />What a rich legacy she leaves and she will continue to live on in people's hearts and in her books. <br /><br />Rest in peace, Sandra.Zana Bellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08452523395857120532noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2489168146200487747.post-8861276474642758612011-08-24T23:50:36.127+10:002011-08-24T23:50:36.127+10:00My strongest memory was walking into the lift at t...My strongest memory was walking into the lift at the SF Conference and finding Sandra -- one of those chance meetings in a huge hotel -- very soon after her first-sale call. She was so radiant and thrilled and thankful, yet we'd all known she was SO ready for the call and the opportunity to get her stories out to readers. <br /><br />All my memories of Sandra are from conferences, in NZ and America, and she always looked stunning, with her gorgeous hair and her infectious smile and the way she rocked an awards-night frock. <br /><br />I said all my memories were from conferences, but that's not quite right because I also "saw" Sandra in her books and on writers loops where her warmth and caring always shone through.Bronwyn Jamesonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00720477786460767921noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2489168146200487747.post-23058866982772838172011-08-24T22:38:49.747+10:002011-08-24T22:38:49.747+10:00I didn’t know Sandra well. We shared the odd faceb...I didn’t know Sandra well. We shared the odd facebook message, and only met face to face once at the Melbourne 2008 RWA conference. It was the cocktail party, and she was standing with Yvonne Lindsey who was telling me she’d heard a rumor that I had I sold that day. The rumor was true and so was the fact Sandra had sold herself at the RWA America conference only a few weeks earlier. But the thing I remember most about Sandra was that smile. One of the most wonderful smiles I have ever seen. Sandra smiled with her whole face, her whole body even. And you had to smile back, you just couldn’t help it. The world has lost something very special when we lost that smile.Traciehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17508577038834534406noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2489168146200487747.post-76856180699699273602011-08-24T22:06:26.411+10:002011-08-24T22:06:26.411+10:00This is such a beautiful tribute and way to rememb...This is such a beautiful tribute and way to remember Sandra. I never met her, but of course I knew of her. Hearing about her passing was a shock. My thoughts and prayers go out to her family and all who knew her.Rula Sinarahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01703015110251843280noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2489168146200487747.post-54902141313708408242011-08-24T20:31:18.581+10:002011-08-24T20:31:18.581+10:00Such lovely stories my heart goes out to her famil...Such lovely stories my heart goes out to her family and friends this is soo sad<br /><br />HelenHelenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03984438742736003285noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2489168146200487747.post-90948981510643484092011-08-24T20:21:50.434+10:002011-08-24T20:21:50.434+10:00Thankyou for sharing your stories of Sandra. Her v...Thankyou for sharing your stories of Sandra. Her vibrancy and generosity of spirit shines out in every post. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to her family and friends.Fiona Lowehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15288636480105248658noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2489168146200487747.post-41962633435378339552011-08-24T19:41:17.532+10:002011-08-24T19:41:17.532+10:00I still can't quite believe it. I didn't r...I still can't quite believe it. I didn't really know Sandra personally - but I chatted to her at the last Auckland chapter meeting in early August and then recently again at the RWNZ conference. We walked to the Harlequin dinner together on Thursday evening, talked aimlessly about teenagers and shoes! She was a wonderful warm and selfless person who clearly loved her job and her family. She will be sorely missed by all.Louise Groarkenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2489168146200487747.post-45212916348640919442011-08-24T17:40:53.022+10:002011-08-24T17:40:53.022+10:00I'm sitting here thinking that we should *all*...I'm sitting here thinking that we should *all* be so lucky that, on leaving this earth, we discover we have touched so many people in so many different ways. What an amazing woman and, clearly, what an amazing friend.<br /><br />I have confidence that her young family will endure this well--they will have learned much about strength and character and resilience from their beautiful mother.<br /><br />My heart goes out to all the Hydes.<br /><br />xxNikki Loganhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12895929864616916672noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2489168146200487747.post-73632271930765270652011-08-24T17:40:21.788+10:002011-08-24T17:40:21.788+10:00I only met Sandra at the RWNZ conferences but she ...I only met Sandra at the RWNZ conferences but she always had a smile and time for newbie authors. She always offered encouragement. I was inspired by her determination to follow her dreams. It finally happened and I think all of RWNZ celebrated with her. And look what she achieved in such a short time once she was published. <br />She will be missed!<br />My thoughts and love are with her family.Bronhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05612235942009141929noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2489168146200487747.post-33822681465636681192011-08-24T17:40:03.014+10:002011-08-24T17:40:03.014+10:00I met Sandra a few times while living in New Zeala...I met Sandra a few times while living in New Zealand. My dominant memory is of a smiling, happy face - and, of course, that crazy curly hair. We bonded over curls at an author dinner once, discussing tips for avoiding frizz. She was a lovely writer and a lovely woman and my heart goes out to her writing friends as well as her family.Sarah Mayberryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13315393957234264306noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2489168146200487747.post-75081636878012920572011-08-24T17:33:21.747+10:002011-08-24T17:33:21.747+10:00All of these tributes to Sandra are beautiful. I w...All of these tributes to Sandra are beautiful. I wish I'd known her -- she sounds like the most wonderful and special woman. All my heartfelt sympathies to Sandra's family and her many, many friends.Michelle Douglashttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07748538761711892080noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2489168146200487747.post-32380102018830492822011-08-24T17:24:16.092+10:002011-08-24T17:24:16.092+10:00Thanks everyone for sharing those lovely memories....Thanks everyone for sharing those lovely memories. I met Sandra at an RWNZ conference and found her fun and engaging and lovely. I was looking forward to getting to know her better with more NZ visits in future. <br /><br />I'm still shocked by the news and am sending them to those of you who were close.Annie Westhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16804740491737358014noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2489168146200487747.post-32186629966639480482011-08-24T17:17:55.414+10:002011-08-24T17:17:55.414+10:00I'm so sad about Sandra's passing. She was...I'm so sad about Sandra's passing. She was such an amazingly talented writer and a really lovely lady. I read her first book and absolutely loved it so I emailed her to tell her so and we've kept up a fairly regular correspondence since. I loved hearing from her - she was smart and funny and genuine. She will be greatly missed. Deepest sympathies to her friends and family.Anna Campbellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06695579361323275316noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2489168146200487747.post-5174270038502670012011-08-24T16:55:28.453+10:002011-08-24T16:55:28.453+10:00Sandra will be greatly missed, both as a person an...Sandra will be greatly missed, both as a person and writer. No one will forget her smile.<br />Zana I also remember her joy at the San Francesco conference when she received the Call. Loved her jokes when she MCs our conference!<br />Sandra was also the writer chosen to write the teaser story for the Riccadonna. <br />My thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends.<br />GiovannaAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2489168146200487747.post-58597952978234470852011-08-24T16:17:07.142+10:002011-08-24T16:17:07.142+10:00Sandra was my friend...we first met in Tauranga at...Sandra was my friend...we first met in Tauranga at another friend's home and we formed a tight little writer's group. She used to get so frustrated when her writing wouldn't turn out as she wanted it. Once I remember nursing Matthew, then a toddler, as she read me her latest endeavour...and that glorious smile when I applauded...it was so good. Little Matthew joined in so enthusiastically we both cracked up laughing. <br /><br />And in an incredible twist of fate when she moved with her family it was to the small village where I grew up.<br /> <br />Sleep easy dear girl...and enjoy writing in God's garden. Our lives are so much richer for having known you, Sandra.<br /><br />"The petals of life may softly fall, but gently God stoops and gathers them all."Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2489168146200487747.post-75171777224195368022011-08-24T16:08:47.143+10:002011-08-24T16:08:47.143+10:00Thank you, LoveCats, for sharing your stories abou...Thank you, LoveCats, for sharing your stories about Sandra. I was so shocked to hear of her passing. My heartfelt sympathies to Sandra's family, many friends and fans.Vanessa Barneveldhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09761556191210621130noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2489168146200487747.post-37122717680211612192011-08-24T15:31:19.031+10:002011-08-24T15:31:19.031+10:00Like Avi, I "met" Sandra on the
Diamond...Like Avi, I "met" Sandra on the <br />Diamonds Down Under and Desire<br />Authors blogs. She was such a<br />joy-filled person who made me wish<br />I could meet her in person. Prayers<br />and positive thoughts are sent to<br />her family and all who were happy,<br />and privileged, to call her friend.<br /><br />Pat Cochran<br />p-cochran@juno.comPat Cochranhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11997396930842831460noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2489168146200487747.post-85449920867136867432011-08-24T14:46:08.579+10:002011-08-24T14:46:08.579+10:00On the "Diamonds down under blog" was th...On the "Diamonds down under blog" was the first place I encountered Sandra in 2008. She won a chance to get her book reviewed by an editor and she posted her progress leading up to her first book contract. On the Desire blog I looked forward to her posts. She was a gifted writer.Avi Jhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09289958283355674243noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2489168146200487747.post-53956107521816247182011-08-24T13:22:26.525+10:002011-08-24T13:22:26.525+10:00I was never lucky enough to know Sandra, but I tea...I was never lucky enough to know Sandra, but I tear up every time I read a tribute about her. She was an angel on earth and she's now one in heaven.Mel Teshcohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12945507690555119380noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2489168146200487747.post-72698676089778164822011-08-24T12:13:22.744+10:002011-08-24T12:13:22.744+10:00I'd seen Sandra's name in the RWNZ newslet...I'd seen Sandra's name in the RWNZ newsletters so often finalling in one contest or another, that if it wasn't there, I'd get a shock! And then I heard she'd finally sold and was so thrilled for the hardest-working of romance writers. <br /><br />Four of us travelled from Nelson to attend the Christchurch conference where Sandra was speaking amongst others. I'll never forget how nervous she was! She was short of breath and apologizing for it with that beautiful smile of hers. The fact she was nervous only endeared her more to us. I loved how approachable she was and she seemed to really listen when you spoke to her. <br /><br />Like everyone, I'm so very sad this amazingly talented and vibrant woman was taken from us so soon. Much love to all who are hurting so much right now. Rest assured, she will never be forgotten.LaVerne Clarkhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10418742073687153863noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2489168146200487747.post-42116396802318692162011-08-24T12:03:32.815+10:002011-08-24T12:03:32.815+10:00I did not have the chance to meet Sandra, but she ...I did not have the chance to meet Sandra, but she wrote wonderful books, and her personality lives on in the many warm and affectionate tributes of those who knew her. My thoughts and prayers go out to her family.Janice Maynardhttp://www.janicemaynard.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2489168146200487747.post-42665974800363874692011-08-24T11:46:50.085+10:002011-08-24T11:46:50.085+10:00I was gutted when I heard the news. Sandra was so ...I was gutted when I heard the news. Sandra was so full of life and joy and enthusiasm, and to me she is synonymous with what RWNZ is all about. Friendliness, support, and determination to succeed as a writer.<br /><br />I too was very grateful when Sandra noticed my "newbie" status at conference a few years ago and made a point of putting me at ease. It seems to have been one of her special skills.<br /><br />When I MC'd at last year's Christchurch workshop I asked Sandra to give me some details about herself for my introductions. Her response? "Would love to think of something funny or quirky for you to mention but mostly I'm just dead boring." Which of course she proved absolutely wrong within seconds of standing to speak! Her self-deprecating humour had us all laughing along with her, but what stood out for me was her deep love of both her family and writing.Maggiehttp://www.maggielepage.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2489168146200487747.post-51882064262260925052011-08-24T11:41:50.280+10:002011-08-24T11:41:50.280+10:00I never had the pleasure of meeting Sandra so it&#...I never had the pleasure of meeting Sandra so it's lovely to read all your memories of her and to feel the love in your words. She was obviously a wonderful, warm person as well as a talented rising star in her career.<br /><br />It's such a sad loss for her family and everyone close to her and my heart goes out to you all.Sharon Archerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06836969154744451542noreply@blogger.com