SFF author Ann Carol Crispin passed away today, succumbing to a long battle with cancer. Cofounder of the watchdog group Writer Beware, which alerted Authors to literary scams, Crispin was admired for her prowess in the business of writing as well as the art of storytelling. She was 63.

Author of over 24 novels, including the creation of back stories for media icons such as Han Solo and Sarek, Mr. Spock’s father; she also created a back-story for Jack Sparrow which serves as prologue to the Pirates of the Caribbean films.

Her passing will be a great loss to the Science Fiction and Fantasy Community, and I would like to extend my condolences to her family.