Author Tom Robbins died on 9 February in La Conner, Washington, where he had lived since 1970. He was 92 years of age.

American novelist Tom Robbins was best known for his books, Another Roadside Attraction, Even Cowgirls Get the Blues which was adapted for film, Jitterbug Perfume and Still Life With Woodpecker.

When talking about Tom Robbins’ writing style Michael Dare said, ‘When he starts a novel, it works like this. First he writes a sentence. Then he rewrites it again and again, examining each word, making sure of its perfection, finely honing each phrase until it reverberates with the subtle texture of the infinite. Sometimes it takes hours. Sometimes an entire day is devoted to one sentence, which gets marked on and expanded upon in every possible direction until he is satisfied. Then, and only then, does he add a period.’

Apparently Robbins said of his own gift for writing, ‘I’m descended from a long line of preachers and policemen. Now, it’s common knowledge that cops are congenital liars, and evangelists spend their lives telling fantastic tales in such a way as to convince otherwise rational people that they’re factual. So, I guess I come by my narrative inclinations naturally.’