Forty upcoming authors from across the globe have come together to compile “Stardust, Always: A David Bowie and Alan Rickman Tribute Anthology” to benefit cancer research.
The project started soon after the deaths of the two stars, when Lora Hughes posted the following quote attributed to Rickman on a Facebook writer's group after the actor’s death: “And it’s a human need to be told stories. The more we’re governed by idiots and have no control over our destinies, the more we need to tell stories to each other about who we are, why we are, where we come from and what might be possible.”
Another group member, Lia Rees, suggested publishing an anthology to showcase how Bowie and Rickman inspired the group, and to raise funds for cancer research. She enlisted the help of project managers and editors, Andrew Barber and Laura Hart.
“There were [a lot] of people who wanted to do something similar to the Longest Night Watch anthology we brought out after Sir Terry Pratchett died,” Barber said. “Longest Night Watch” was released in 2015 with proceeds benefiting Alzheimer’s research.
“For something that started up as a post in a [Facebook] group, it soon grew into something a lot bigger,” Hughes said.
On January 14, 2016 a Facebook group page launched. The group quickly gained over 100 members and the project began evolving into a publication.
“Stardust, Always” features 31 short stories and 11 poems from authors including Kelly Kuebler, Lacey Sutton, Clara Ryanne Heart and R.R. Virdi, with cover art by James Baldwin. A literary memorial for Bowie and Rickman, the anthology includes pieces dedicated to individuals who have been affected by cancer.
“Seeing people suffer from cancer, seeing their families suffer is hard, and being a writer, this is one way to get closer to putting an end to it,” contributing poet Sophia Diaz said. “As a cancer survivor, I feel it’s important to get my story out there so it can help others going through treatment,” author Debbie Kupfer added.
“This is something bigger than any of us,” co-editor Laura Hart stated. “This anthology will carry a memorial but also carries hope for those still fighting the fight.”
“Stardust, Always” will be released on June 5, 2016 in print and ebook formats. All proceeds will benefit St. Jude’s Cancer Research.
For more information on the anthology visit: www.facebook.com/StardustAlways/
