A Light in the Lair: Remembering Sam Brann

Earlier this year we lost Sam Brahn, a member of the Clarion West community.

From Adriana Gomes of the Abandoned Lair (Flash Fiction Groups 2023):

We share this memorial to remember our beloved friend and fellow writer, Sam
Brann. Those of us who had the privilege to be in a critique group with Sam in
the Flash Fiction Workshop and beyond know that he was an amazing friend and
a supportive presence. His talent, humor, warmth, and generous spirit remains in
the pages and memories we shared together.

Sam’s stories spanned genres from science fiction to fantasy-noir murder
mystery. He wrote about the adventures of sky-pirates soaring through alien
skies one week and about a young witch that brought her favorite toys to life the
next. Clarion West has generously hosted his story “Churning Sand,” which was
the last piece he wrote. In it, Sam explored ideas about resilience and faith in the
face of oppression. You can read about the two sisters who use sacred tradition
and ritual as their answer to brutality here.

Sam was dedicated to his craft and was the best at giving encouraging critiques.
He had a supportive way of making you feel safe, even when sharing vulnerable
work. His enthusiasm was infectious, and every group meeting was better for
him being there. We will cherish his laughter, how he seemed to have read so
many of the books we all brought up, and his continual optimism. We are
honored that we got to read his stories and encourage him on his author journey
for a time.

We, the Flash Fiction cohort named The Abandoned Lair, want to remember Sam
by giving others the opportunity to create stories, learn craft, and make friends
like we did in the Flash Fiction Writing Workshop. With the generous and
wonderful help of Clarion West, we have created the Sam Brann Memorial
Scholarship Fund. The fund will support a paid-for seat for a writer-in-need to
attend the Workshop every year. If you would like to donate in Sam’s name,
together we can pass on Sam’s passion for stories and community in Clarion
West.

As one of our group members said in tribute: Sam was an alchemist, a person
who could transform words into magic. We miss making magic with you, Sam.
You’ll be in our hearts and works always.

Here is Sam’s final flash piece: