My First Chief, Lynn Forbish
Lynn, showing who's boss on deadline
I’ve just received word that my first copy chief, Lynn Forbish, has died. Lynn was a benevolent enforcer at The Roanoke Times, quick with a story about growing up in Wisconsin during a lull in the worknight and quicker with a shh! when we were on deadline. I learned more about copy editing from Lynn during my short time at the RT than I did during four years of journalism school. I’m grateful that I got into this game while committed veterans such as Lynn were around to show rookies how to edit with grace and precision while on deadline.
Here’s to you, Lynn.
The Writing Guide 
Well said, Craig.
Hey, Craig, you probably don’t remember me, but I worked with you when you were an intern (I was the grumpy A-section layout editor.) I’m here via Mary’s link on Facebook – just wanted to say that I really liked your post and that you found the perfect pic of Lynn. (Though I remember her words on deadline being a lot stronger than shhh!)
Pam McCallister
Hi, Pam. I totally remember you!
You’re right: I think the language got a lot stronger if you didn’t heed the initial shh.
Lynn said a word that started with shh a lot.
Hi, Mike!
Aye, I think we can all agree that Lynn had a firm command of the language’s more colorful elements.