One of several iconic covers of her most famous novel. (Image via Bantam)

Several years ago, I was shocked and delighted to discover that Patricia Nell Warren followed me on Facebook, occasionally commented on my posts and seemed to know who I was, as a writer. I recall writing her when she was sick and she replied warmly — such a thrill, coming from a groundbreaking lesbian writer whose The Front Runner (1974) was the first gay-themed book so many of us had ever read.

Warren 40 years ago January signing books with Steve Shiflett (Image via HoustonLGBTHistory.org)

So today, I'm heartbroken to read that she passed away yesterday at 82.

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