In Memoriam taken from Heat Dust and Rocket Launchers
When I first met Doctor Mark Vernon-Roberts, he was a retired GP from Wales, living between there and New Zealand. I was asked by his son; would I take his father out fly fishing. Something – as a mad keen fly fisher myself – I readily agreed to do.
That was the start of a short, but magical fishing journey for us both. Turns out, Mark was just having a few problems with spotting fish. Getting his eye in. His casting and fly-tying technique was light years ahead of me, and I consider myself no slouch.
Mark had another love—books. He was passionate about the correct use of English grammar, particularly the punctuation of quoted speech. When he heard I was trying to write, he offered to proofread the manuscripts. Which he did, devotedly, as chief editor over the next few years and two novels.
Editing is not an easy task. By the end of the second book, I decided to walk away from the series. I moved to a new house and lost touch with Mark, until one day, I saw he had died. When I found out, I became overwhelmed by his death, lost fishing opportunities and that unwritten third book. So, I sat down to finish the job.
Mark, this was our last journey together. I hope at least some of the commas are in the right place. Wherever you are, may there be plenty of soap suds and riffles.
Ian.
Ian R.
19/07/2020
