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The literary world is mourning the death of author Erica Jerome Dickey, who died Tuesday after a battle with cancer. He was 59 years old..

Dickey became a legendary New York Times best-seller for his novels based on African American lifestyle and culture.

During his career, Dickey wrote over 30 novels and short stories, an original screenplay, contributed to seven anthologies and wrote a graphic novel for Marvel Entertainment based on “Storm,” part of the X-Men series.

“This man books literally changed my life. He was the first author I’ve ever read, and I’ve been in love with reading ever since that. His writing also made me want to become a writer. I’m literally hurt by this news. RIP Eric Jerome Dickey,” wrote one fan.

“Eric Jerome Dickey was a literary legend. Had a whole generation reading and coming to school the next day like “DID YOU FINISH YET??? We have to talk about it when you do!” Wow. May he rest peacefully,” another social media user wrote.

Dickey leaves behind a lasting legacy that has influenced a generation, and helped shape the minds of young authors for years to come.