Deborah Heiligman, friend, YA author

I met Jennifer at the NCTE/ALAN conference in Atlanta in 2016. We were both at a dinner hosted by my publisher--it was a crowded room, and somehow Jennifer and I connected. We bonded, I would say, instantly, and I think she would agree. If my memory is correct (Jennifer would know, of course), Ethan was there. I was so impressed that she brought her son, and that, among other things, made me love her right away. And then it only grew.  That dinner we talked not only about books, but also about Cairn Terriers (Fergus and Ketzie), sons, life...We became friends that night--not just work colleagues, but personal friends. Over the past decade we have shared deep conversations through email, phone, and in person, on long, long walks. We connected heart to heart, mind to mind, spirit to spirit. Jennifer was a person like no other. She was brilliant and kind and deep and intense and so very present. Her inner light shone at a million watts.  She ran the best panels, put so much into everything she did, everything. I was inspired by her devotion, her drive, her commitment. And she was so modest. I was fortunate enough to see her a number of times this past year, in Denver and in New York, and we are in the middle of so many conversations. I am bereft that they will never be finished. 

I have to tell you about one of our long walks and conversations. In Denver, at NCTE, we rambled for miles, walking for more than two hours, and talked non-stop about everything: life, books, writing, research, success, striving, relaxing, love and death, and life. I found out only after our walk that she had received a prestigious award that morning. She hadn't mentioned it. I saw her again this spring in New York, and again-- It's just unbelievable that she's gone. I could go on and on, but I will end with this: Jennifer, you left us too soon. The world has a hole in it, and so does my heart. But I will keep you with me always.