Most of you know that David Foster Wallace died this past weekend at the young age of 46. Most of you that know me well are also aware that Wallace was one of my favorite contemporary authors — his collection of short stories, Oblivion, remains my favorite short story collection of all time.

I have no personal stories or anecdotes to share about David Foster Wallace. All I have is the appreciation of his work, of his mastery with words, his storytelling genius.

I can not say that I will miss Wallace — I have no personal connection to the man himself. I do, however, have a deep connection to his work, and I can say that I will miss future manifestations of mastery and genius. It is always sad when someone so talented leaves us; what would be even sadder is if his passing does nothing but paralyze us in our own creative pursuits.