Via email I hear that maverick short story writer and perennial Armadillocon favorite Howard Waldrop was hospitalized last week and is getting ready to have a heart bypass. That's all the email said, and if I get more info I'll post it as soon as I know something — certainly don't want to rumor-monger.

Come on Howard. Don't do a Russert on us, please. We need you at Armadillocon 30 this year. Screw it, we need you at Armadillocon 60.

Got an email from my artist friend Doug Potter who says he visited Howard in the hospital yesterday and that he's "stabilized...doing fine."

That's good. Did the surgery itself go well?

Here's the latest on Howard. His surgery was today. I hear it was entirely successful, and he'll be recuperating for a while before they check him out in a few days.

Howard had been experiencing shortness of breath for a few days last week, until it got worrisome enough that he called EMS. He checked in to Seton hospital here in Austin, where his blood pressure was found to be sky high, and that he had a blockage that needed an immediate bypass. He was also diagnosed with diabetes.

But he's through the worst, I'm reliably told, and is on the mend.

If anyone wants to send a get well card, you may do so to the SF Reviews.net address, as I don't want to give out Howard's address without permission. But I know Howard would love hearing from his readers and well-wishers. I will collect all the cards sent then go and visit him next week once he's back home and ready to receive callers. Send cards, well wishes, or letters (please no flowers! ) to:

Get Well, Howard!
c/o SF Reviews.Net
8000-B West Gate Blvd.
Austin TX 78745

The latest: Howard will be in the hospital still for a while yet, though he's in good spirits. I'm going to visit him in about a week, so if anyone wishes to send their cards, do it now. I mention this because, out of nearly 300 people who have read this thread so far, only one person has sent one. Which I don't mind saying is pretty sad.