I never met him in person, but he’s been absolutely the best supporting every writer. I felt comfortable to go to him when I needed some help. No matter what your status in the literary world: starting, established, big five published, tiny indie published, anyone, if you crossed his path, he supported you. He followed me here on Substack! Unbelievable. I’m completely devastated by his passing. He left this void in the literary world that I don’t know how anyone can possibly mend. My heart goes out to his family and friends and Coco. Thank you for writing the tribute
He was so nice and encouraging. When my depression was bad, Gabe worked to cheer me up. When I told him my dad was a Marine as well, we got to know each other a little better as internet pen pals in a way. Every Friday he posted positive and inspiring messages about writing novels over the weekend. I can't believe this. The few small articles I read said he committed suicide. I remember him telling me years ago he lived with PTSD from the Gulf War. I live with CPTSD. Trauma is awful and insidious.
That's a lovely tribute to him. I've been feeling numb since I read about his passing an hour or so ago, and your words help, as I am sure they will help others - and, I hope, you yourself.
I hadn't realised he was living with PTSD, though I knew he'd been in the Gulf War.
I'm so so sorry to hear this. I can barely claim to know Gabe, really, but he seemed like a wonderful, kind-hearted man. We recorded a conversation for his podcast over the course of two days about six weeks ago. Such generosity of spirit, and so supportive to me, a no-nothing writer just starting out. Rest in peace, Gabe ❤️
I responded to a couple of his notes and pictures, and he responded with very nice responses. Just from the little interaction, I could tell he was a nice person. Just shocked and so sorry to read of his death.
Deeply saddened to read about Gabe’s passing. May he rest in peace. We interacted on Substack and it was inspiring to read his comments every time and to read his work. It aches when a wonderful soul leaves us. Whether we knew him is not the point. It aches to the core and am fighting back tears. Through his work we found out what great listener and interviewer and storyteller he was. He was truly invested in those who took the time to read him and his message was about truth, wisdom and freedom.
My comment is about your preference for Colson Whitehead's novels. I, too, like his first novel the best, although The Nickel Boys is good, too. His most recent novel was a disappointment since I had looked forward to reading it.
It is always sad when an author, or any artist, dies too young.
I never met him in person, but he’s been absolutely the best supporting every writer. I felt comfortable to go to him when I needed some help. No matter what your status in the literary world: starting, established, big five published, tiny indie published, anyone, if you crossed his path, he supported you. He followed me here on Substack! Unbelievable. I’m completely devastated by his passing. He left this void in the literary world that I don’t know how anyone can possibly mend. My heart goes out to his family and friends and Coco. Thank you for writing the tribute
I first met Gabe on the broken bird app years ago. I am gutted by this.
I met him on here almost as soon as I joined. I loved his interviews, his humanity, his passion and his generosity.
He was so nice and encouraging. When my depression was bad, Gabe worked to cheer me up. When I told him my dad was a Marine as well, we got to know each other a little better as internet pen pals in a way. Every Friday he posted positive and inspiring messages about writing novels over the weekend. I can't believe this. The few small articles I read said he committed suicide. I remember him telling me years ago he lived with PTSD from the Gulf War. I live with CPTSD. Trauma is awful and insidious.
That's a lovely tribute to him. I've been feeling numb since I read about his passing an hour or so ago, and your words help, as I am sure they will help others - and, I hope, you yourself.
I hadn't realised he was living with PTSD, though I knew he'd been in the Gulf War.
His family-- I can't even imagine.
He left behind his beloved dog too whom he just loved and adored. I hope someone is taking care of her.
I'm so so sorry to hear this. I can barely claim to know Gabe, really, but he seemed like a wonderful, kind-hearted man. We recorded a conversation for his podcast over the course of two days about six weeks ago. Such generosity of spirit, and so supportive to me, a no-nothing writer just starting out. Rest in peace, Gabe ❤️
I responded to a couple of his notes and pictures, and he responded with very nice responses. Just from the little interaction, I could tell he was a nice person. Just shocked and so sorry to read of his death.
just realised this shocked and saddened his was a gentle widely embracing presence i wish i'd known better
Deeply saddened to read about Gabe’s passing. May he rest in peace. We interacted on Substack and it was inspiring to read his comments every time and to read his work. It aches when a wonderful soul leaves us. Whether we knew him is not the point. It aches to the core and am fighting back tears. Through his work we found out what great listener and interviewer and storyteller he was. He was truly invested in those who took the time to read him and his message was about truth, wisdom and freedom.
Thank you for writing such a beautiful tribute. For anyone here who wants to share a memory, you can do so at McSweeneys: https://twitter.com/mcsweeneys/status/1729969733188079677?s=20
My comment is about your preference for Colson Whitehead's novels. I, too, like his first novel the best, although The Nickel Boys is good, too. His most recent novel was a disappointment since I had looked forward to reading it.
It is always sad when an author, or any artist, dies too young.
His personality really shone through his writing. So sad to hear that he is gone
I recently read a book that reminds me of Gabe's work, Gulf War vet with PTSD. "Mr. Crabby You Have Died," heartbreaking and essential.