A week ago, on Wednesday, August 2, the writing community lost a great soul: Caleb Pirtle III.
Caleb was an indefatigable writer of non-– fiction and fiction, with some 90 books to his credit, in a writing career spanning some six decades.
He was an untiring supporter and encourager of his fellow writers. Aside from telling a good story himself, he did his best to help other writers to tell their stories.
And Caleb was a wonderful person to have as your friend. You could find none better.
Our paths crossed sometime in 2019 on Twitter. As near as I can recall. I was flabbergasted when he named me one of the top 25 mystery writers people should be reading. That pronouncement certainly captured my attention.
Who was this guy? Obviously, someone who’d been around the block a few times. But I’d never read anything he wrote. I promptly remedied that by reading his Man on the Run trilogy. I loved it and I was hooked.
Caleb Pirtle is easily the best writer who is not a household name — but should be.
A year later Caleb invited me to join a writers co-op he was putting together. Serious writers who were looking for ways to market their books. And this began a path that eventually led to a friendship with a wonderful human being.
I don’t think I exaggerate when I say Caleb Pirtle was a giant among men. And as far as I’m concerned, remains a giant among men.
For the past nine months I had the incredible privilege to be in a writing critique group with Caleb. Those nine months were nine master class sessions on the art of writing. Not only was his advice each session a pearl of great price, but his own writing was a priceless example of how to tell a story.
As great a writer as Caleb was, he was perhaps an even greater human being. He never had an unkind word to say about anyone. He saw beyond a person’s limitations to the good that was inside them. He was a kind and gentle soul who understood people where they were at and did not judge them for their failings.
Life is often unrelentingly hard and difficult. It is often nasty and brutish. Caleb Pirtle was a ray of brilliant sunlight parting the black clouds. He made the rough places plain.
One of the greatest privileges of my life was to have this man as my friend.
In Memoriam
above the pines the full moon floating
on morning’s humid heat
brightly burned our friendship for too brief a time
Comments are always welcome! And until next time, happy reading!
CW Hawes is a playwright; award-winning poet; and a fictioneer, with a bestselling novel. He’s also an armchair philosopher, political theorist, social commentator, and traveler. He loves a good cup of tea and agrees that everything’s better with pizza.
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I’m shocked and saddened to hear of Caleb’s demise. I’ve never met him but felt privileged to have his support. He featured all my books in his and Linda Pirtle’s ‘Book of the Moment’ selection as they appeared. Like so many else, I’m grateful to have known him, even if it was just in cyberspace. May he rest in peace.
Thanks so much for stopping by, HM.
What a beautiful tribute to an incredible, talented, prolific, and supportive human being—and I could say so much more.
I feel a profound loss now that Caleb has left us. Like you, CW, I cherish the kind things Caleb wrote to me about my writing, and when he gave me my first compliment, I was blown away.
I was really happy to be able to interview Caleb, talk about his work, and show him a tiny bit of the support he regularly gave to so many of us, though that seems insignificant.
As a writer, wow! I just love all of his work that I’ve read so far. I have two more of his books on my Kindle and look forward to having the time to read them.
My heart goes out to Linda — and to all who cared so much about this incredible man.
Thanks for stopping by, Lisette. He touched so many people. He was, indeed, an incredible man.
I never met Caleb, except through your eyes. The man was such a giant that that was enough. Mere words cannot convey my sadness for you and those others who had the privilege of knowing him personally, but let me attempt to offer a bit of comfort for those diminished by his loss: “Who mourns the cocoon when the butterfly has flown?”
Rest in peace
Thanks, Jack.
Caleb was an amazing man! As a pillar in the author world, he will be sorely missed. Continued prayers for Linda and the family. Wonderful post regarding him and his memory.
Thanks, CJ. He was indeed a very amazing man.
Caleb was one of the first people to welcome me into the writing community family many years ago. Along with his wife Linda, they regularly featured my work on their popular website. I was thrilled to be named as ‘One of the Top Ten Writers of Women’s Fiction You Need To Be Reading’ and following the release of my latest novel – which was featured in their ‘Book of the Moment selection’ – Caleb sent me an email, signing off with ‘A new book by Tina-Marie Miller means a great day for all of us.’ This speaks volumes as to just how much this truly wonderful and talented gentleman regularly reached out and supported us all. I will never forget his kindness and encouragement. He was an inspiration. I am richer for having known Caleb; the world will be poorer without him. May he rest in peace. My sincere condolences to Linda and his family and friends.
Yes, absolutely, Tina-Marie. Thanks for stopping by.
I wasn’t able to know Caleb in person, but from Texas to Florida, he was an inspiration and a friend. Caleb, you will be missed. Linda, my prayers are with you.
Thanks for stopping by, Cindy.
I’ve known Caleb for over 20 years. We’ve spoken at conferences together. He has been a friend for those years. And never in that time have I ever heard him say a disparaging word about another person. He was a terrific story-teller, the creator of memorable characters. But above all, he was an incredible human being. The world is a bit dimmer now.
That it is, Jim, that it is.
CW thank you for writing this. I can imagine how difficult it was for you to lose a man you treated as a brother. I reposted on Facebook and asked followers to add their memory to the post.
One of the last things Caleb told me was that I could consider him the older brother I never had.
I was touched by your blog, CW. We all loved Caleb. And your words hit the mark.
Thanks, Kelly.
He was a good man. The best treat was to have lunch together with him, Linda, and Rox. He and I would get so animated when telling stories over lunch that people would ask to be seated close to us so they could hear and enjoy. I will miss him.
I would have loved to have been at those lunches, Charles!
A very fitting tribute for an absolute gentleman and genius in the world of writing. Having the opportunity to have also been involved in that critique group, I have to agree it was like attending a masterclass month after month. His advice and suggestions were always spot on and have helped me write a better book for the Magnolia Bluff series. Thank you for this heartfelt post, CW. Caleb was everything you said. He will truly be missed.
You’re welcome, Joe. He was a giant.