In Laymon's Terms

Rain Graves

ILD CARD” WAS the hardest story I’ve ever set out to write. It had to be worthy of a friend I both respected and loved, worthy of his genuine heart and incredible impact that he had on my life as a writer. Richard Laymon was more than an author; he was an amazing man that I feel lucky to have known.

Dick is responsible for hours of long joy, sorrow, and interest in my life—time well spent with his books. He is responsible for giving me some of the best advice I’ve received in the business, mentoring me, and encouraging me to develop and push my base talents to their limits and beyond. Never to settle for less than what I want out of my career as a writer. I’m still working on that last part.

Without his influence, I would not be the writer I am today. Or the writer I will be tomorrow. Or the writer I hope the people I help, will become. I miss him greatly. “Wild Card” had to be something worthy of Dick’s memory, and something he would have expected from me...Even now, he challenges and humbles my abilities. I am nervous to send it off to his friends and colleagues to judge. Most of all, I am nervous for his fans to read it. Oddly enough, I would not have been nervous for Dick to read it.