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Author	Topic: Interviews with Authors version 4.0 - interview with Luton_Plunder!!
NYCitygurl Title: Railroad Baroness of SFFBC, C&G, and NSWFF Registered: Jul '02	Date Posted: 4/12 9:19am Subject: RE: Interviews with Authors version 4.0 - interview with Jade_Pilot!!
	KELIA interviewed by NYCitygurl[/b] She is well-known in Saga for her A/P stories and well-known everywhere for very a nice, helpful, fun person. It was my plesure to interview Kelia Can you tell us a little about yourself? I’m a graduate of Bryant and Stratton business school, currently working as a medical billing specialist. I handle the billing for the emergency room doctors at a local hospital. Suffice it to say, the job is demanding, the hours, while not technically long, seem that way and nobody likes to get a phone call from me. But I really enjoy the field and have somehow managed to hang on to a shred of sanity. On the personal side, I have a wonderful, understanding family I’m very close to and appreciative of. They are always understanding when I come home completely stressed. I also have two young kittens and an adult cat who provide me with hours of entertainment…when they’re not getting into things they’re not supposed to, that is. Other than that, I’m quite boring. I live in New York and spend the bulk of the winter (about six months of the year) in hibernation because I hate cold, ice and snow. I spend that time writing a lot, reading a lot, watching movies a lot and playing games a lot. It’s not that exciting, but it gets me through. In the nicer weather, I'm outdoors quite a bit, walking, riding my bike and enjoying backyard barbeques. I still read and write a lot, but it's mostly done outside. In fact, if I lived in the South, I probably wouldn't even own a house! When and how did you become a Star Wars fan? I don't remember the exact year, but my parents were first in line to get the original trilogy on VHS (this was before DVDs) so I first watched the movies at home. I remember not being all that impressed with the ending of A New Hope when it took forever (or so it seemed) for Luke to hit his target. I annoyed my father by shouting at the TV to "just blow the stupid thing up all ready." I can watch it quietly now, but it is a looooong scene. I became a fan right away. I loved the good vs. evil with good winning in the end message, though I confess I began re-writing scenes almost immediately. It's not that I didn't enjoy Lucas' version, it's just that, even being as young as I was, I thought I could do better And of course there were a lot of things that happened, or could have happened, in between the movies that I felt compelled to imagine. And then I discovered the books and I was officially hooked. Now it's rare for a day to go by when I'm not either reading or writing something about the wonderful GFFA George Lucas created. How long have you been writing Star Wars fanfiction? About 2 ½ years now, though I’ve “imagined” stories for a few years longer. I never wrote anything down because I didn’t see the sense of writing something no one, sans a few family members and friends would see, and at the time, I had no idea there were fandoms on the internet you could post stories on. In my defense, I’m barely computer literate. How did you start? I started writing immediately after being directed to The Force.Net. In fact, my very first post was a long abandoned story I thought was the worst thing ever written. Looking back now, I see it was a so-so start, certainly not the disaster I originally thought. Is Star Wars the first fandom you’ve written in? The first and only, which is actually a good thing. I don’t think my muse could handle any other fandoms. Do you write any original fiction? Do AU’s count? I don’t do any other fiction, but I have written a few fact based things and been published a couple of times. Between RL and SW fiction, that’s about all I can handle. You’ve won the PT and CT trivia contests a couple times. What do you like about the contests? I like that the challenges enable me to think outside my comfort zone and write characters and situations I wouldn’t normally write. The last PT contest, for example, had me writing a young Obi-Wan, something I never, ever thought of doing, yet I had so much fun. Do you plan to keep participating? Definitely, though probably not in all of them. It depends on whether the muse is inspired or not and these days, it’s impossible to predict what will inspire and what won’t. She’s a finicky one, my muse You’ve got a series of hilarious babysitting stories where Yoda, Mace, Obi-Wan, and Anakin all end up babysitting Luke and Leia. What gave you the idea? Ah, the babysitting series. Those were so much fun. The idea came from my old Master, Happygolucky, who I’m sad to say isn’t around the boards anymore. The first one with Anakin was an assignment she gave me to write. She also showed me how to construct a humor piece by starting with what antics Luke and Leia would come up with and then work the rest of the story around it. I’m forever indebted to her for showing me that trick because I thought you always started a story from the beginning. Why did you decide to continue it? Mostly because the first one got such great feedback and I also got a perverse pleasure out of thinking of ways to torment Yoda, Mace and Obi-Wan. Will there ever be any more in the future? Well I’m sure most readers have long forgotten about them by now but I’m not going to rule anything out. I’ve been toying with the idea of Luke and Leia tormenting Palpatine by...oh wait a minute, I guess I shouldn’t give that away, should I? Write it! Write it! I guess I have to now Many of your stories are comedies or humorous. Why do you like that genre over others? Mainly because I love a good laugh. It lifts spirits and brightens days and can even make you feel better when you’re sick. At least it does with me. And I have a rather twisted desire to torture my favorite SW characters The majority of your stories are AU. What do you like about changing the canon? The power, of course! But also, the "what if" factor is too overwhelming not to write. I'm very creative and imaginative and there's only so much I can do with cannon material. I know a lot of others writers will disagree with me 100% and there are tons of great cannon stories out there, but for me, I like being able to change things around a bit. Besides, writing AU cuts down on the amount of research one has to do. What is your favorite way to change things in your universes? Well, I have this habit of ending my stories on a happy note. I'm a sucker for a happy ending, mostly because you don't always get one in real life so I may as well have it in my writing. I love redemption stories where everyone lives happily ever after...or at least until the sequel. You’re participating in the second Ultimate Drabble Challenge. What do you like about writing drabbles? Honestly, I like the variety and how short they are. I’m not that good at writing mush and the drabbles, only being 100 words, make me seem as if I am. That kinda nice! But it also allows me to practice and I’m a firm believer in practice making perfect…well maybe not perfect, but better. I honestly never would have guessed that you’re not good at writing mush. Are they difficult for you? Yes and no. Sometimes it’s all I can do to get 100 words and sometimes I can write and write and write and then I have to edit like crazy and hope the drabble makes sense. Most of the time, I can get it down without too much hassle but this challenge is definitely a challenge. I’m enjoying it though and I’m bound and determined to make it to the end. Six more weeks to go!! How were you inspired to write your story “Meeting the Skywalkers?” I was inspired by VaderLVR64's amazingly brilliant A Tapstry Wide and Wonderful. Part of that story has Anakin meeting Padme's parents for the first time and getting a bit a hard time from Ruwee and the next thing I knew, I had a bunny nipping at my ankles I thought it would be interesting to see Anakin's reaction to meeting a potential suitor for Leia. How long do you plan on making it? That's entirely up to the muse. I've stopped trying to predict what her plans are, and she only shares them with me when its time to write. I know there will be at least two more updates with one splitting off into a short story where Leia...hmmm....I probably shouldn't spoil the surprise. Is there an update in the near future? You sound like my readers! [face_laughing] [face_laughing] Yes, there is one in the future, I promise. I don't know the exact date (blame the moody muse ) but it will involve Luke and...oh see, there I go almost spoiling the surprise again. Hopefully, it'll be as entertaining as the first one. Your story “Crossroads: When Love Conflicts with Duty” has a very interesting premise. Where did you get the idea? Thanks, though I’m not really sure where the idea came from. It’s just my muse pondering the universe of what if again I remember thinking about Anakin being the chosen one and how things could have been a bit different if the Jedi took the prophecy beyond just Anakin’s life. Since he was so strong in the Force, it made sense his children would be and wouldn’t/shouldn’t that mean they had a special destiny as well? Or is it all in how you interpret the prophecy? Can you tell us a little about the relationship between Barriss and Anakin? Sure…a bit Barris loves Anakin, though it’s questionable if she is actually seeing him for the person he actually is or if she is just physically attracted to him. Anakin loves her – as a good friend but he believes the Council’s interpretation of the prophecy so he is willing to marry her and he does believe he can grow to love her in time. How do his feelings for Padmé get in the way? Ah, He falls in love with Padmé and since this is the first time he has actually fallen in love, he’s very confused. But then, isn’t everybody? Any chance of some spoilers? Nope. Actually, I will say I love, love, love a happy ending…unfortunately it’s not possible for everyone to get one so, someone or ones won’t In “Unintended Consequences,” how does Queen Apilana become involved in the situation with Padme’s pregnancy? Well, she did ask her to step down from the Senate. The next chapter will cover how difficult that has been for Padme and also make clear that while the Queen had no choice, she is still a good friend to Padme. What are the consequences of it? The Queen won't have any consequences for supporting Padme. There will be some other repercussions for Padme, though. Not saying what, though Anakin won't be getting off so easy either so it's not going to be just Padme facing the consequences of their actions. The story will get a bit angsty before it...oh wait a minute, I don't want to spoil everything. Hope that satisfies everyone’s curiosity What draws you to Anakin and Padme? I think the tragedy of their story. They had such an intense, passionate love for each other and they didn’t get the happy ending! I feel almost compelled to write that happily ever after. If you had to pick one to be your favorite, which would you choose? Hmmm…that is tough. There are traits that draw me to both. For Padme, I really admire her strength, her dedication to helping people and her fierce determination to protect democracy and freedom. Anakin is such a tortured soul who’s experienced so much heartache – a life of slavery, having to say good-bye to Shmi and then losing her so tragically – and Palpatine there all along manipulating…[face_anger] [face_anger] [face_anger] Anyway, I feel so much compassion for him. I just wish I could hug him…and then knock some sense into that thick skull!! If I absolutely had to pick one as my favorite…I’d say Padme because she held on to and fought for her core beliefs. You’ve written mostly in Saga, with a couple stories in Before and one in Beyond. What draws you to that era? It's what I'm most familiar with and really where Lucas has provided so much material for me to improve I'm writing more in Before but it's a struggle because most of the characters I'm used to writing weren't around for that saga and I have to create the entire story myself as opposed to working with part of what Lucas has created. Beyond is a whole other ballpark. I haven't read all that many books, though I love Timothy Zahn so I know Mara Jade and I love the character. I've mostly read the books from the '90's which took place right after and in the first few years after Endor so I know next to nothing about the NJO or most of the characters introduced in the EU and that makes it tougher for me to write in that era. One of my new year's resolutions is to write more in that saga, so we'll see how that goes. You co-wrote “Will of the Force” and “The Tristan Betrayal” with JediMaster_Jen. What was collaborating like? It was a great learning experience and a lot of fun. It was wonderful to have someone to bounce ideas off of and help me with in areas I am weak in, particularly with description. The Will of the Force was my story but she added some wonderful ideas that made it a much better story than I could have written on my own. I learned how to pace a story better and, while I still struggle with description, I'm better than I was. For that I will always be grateful. I was lucky to find a great co-author who was easy to work with. We agreed on the main points of the story and were able to incorporate our own ideas without any arguments or disagreements. I don't know how rare that is, but I've managed to get it with both my co-authors How did you feel when “Will of the Force” won best collab in the awards? I was stunned. And still am. I knew it was my best work to date and to have it rewarded in such a fashion was such a thrill. I give most of the kudos to Jen for helping to make the story so well rounded. I'm very thankful to everyone who voted for it because I know it was a tough choice. You also co-wrote another story, “A Necessary Deception,” with LilyHobbitJedi. How do Anakin and Padme meet again? The great thing about that story was creating an entirely different reunion between Anakin and Padme. We had them meeting right after Palpatine was "rescued" by Anakin and Obi-Wan. Padme is no longer in politics, though Anakin is still a Jedi Knight. We thought having them both just a bit older and more mature would help make their upcoming relationship more emotionally stable. What is their relationship like? It's a bit awkward at first. They reunite and see each other as adults for the first time. Padme still pictures Anakin as the boy she knew on Tatooine, even though she obviously knows he's an adult now. Seeing him again and feeling that instant attraction throws her completely off guard, which is similar to ATOC but in our story, she doesn't fight it for the same reason, as the Jedi are allowed to love, have relationships and marry. On Anakin's part, he still pictures her as his perfect angel, again similar to ATOC, but he actually discovers she's not who she is claiming but he loves her by that point and has to do some serious soul searching before the very climatic ending. Do Padme and the others take down Palpatine? Well of course, I co-authored! Lily and I were very much in agreement Palpy had to go. We wanted to give our hero and heroine a happy ending and what better way than ridding the Galaxy of such evil? What are things you've had to overcome in your creative writing? Not overwhelming the muse and not putting too much pressure on myself to write "the perfect story". I've always had ideas running thorough my head so I've never had to deal with DWB but once in awhile I'll overthink something to the point nothing makes sense anymore and the muse runs off screaming. I've had to get used to the idea there will always be something I could have tweaked in a story to make it just a little bit better and that's okay. There's always the next story waiting to incorporate that idea into. I used to struggle with having too many stories going at once, which is way too much pressure for the muse to take. Now, I limit myself to two at a time and once in awhile accepting one of the always tempting challenges on the boards. Sometimes I end up kicking myself and there have been a couple here and there I flat out couldn't do, but they've also pushed me to write outside my comfort zone and I think that has helped me grow as a writer. What gives you inspiration as a writer? The support I get from family, friends and the readers who reply to my stories. I'm very creative so I have to have some kind of healthy outlet or I'd drive myself insane. Knowing people enjoy and want to read more of what I write is still surprising to me but I'm grateful for it because it allows me to keep doing something I have a genuine passion for doing. If you could have dinner with one fanfic author, who would it be? Only one? Couldn't I just have a big party and invite everyone? That's a tough question to answer because there are a few authors who's brains I'd like to pick. Having to choose one, I'd pick VaderLVR64 just so I could learn her secret to balancing family and life and all that wonderful writing. I wish I could do that! Do you have any advice for your fellow authors, especially the newer ones? Always write to please yourself. Anytime you try to just please a reader or readers, it never works and then you're usually not happy with your work. To look back and be proud of what you've written or even co-written is an invaluable accomplishment. To the new authors - keep writing and be patient in getting more readers to respond to your stories. It may take awhile, but everyone builds up a base of regular readers/repliers. Want to Read More? KELIA’s profile Anakin’s Misadventures in Babysitting Yoda’s Babysitting Adventure Obi-Wan’s Night to Babysit Kelia’s Drabble Thread Meeting the Skywalkers Crossroads – When Love Conflicts With Duty Unintended Consequences Will of the Force The Tristan Betrayal A Necessary Deception -----signature----- "We Earth Men have a talent for ruining big, beautiful things." ~ Master of padawanlost, Ultima_1 and Jedimaster_JainaSolo
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LilyHobbitJedi Title: Apples to Apples and 20 Questions hostess Registered: Aug '05	Date Posted: 4/12 9:44am Subject: RE: Interviews with Authors version 4.0 - interview with KELIA!!
	What a terrific interview! It was definitely a fun read. -----signature----- Proud Master to eboneya & Alassë Eärfalas! Everybody Lies- House/SW Crossover! http://boards.theforce.net/the_saga/b10476/28032689/r28039379/ A Light In The Darkness http://boards.theforce.net/the_saga/b1047
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Jade_Max Registered: Jun '02	Date Posted: 4/12 9:57am Subject: RE: Interviews with Authors version 4.0 - interview with KELIA!!
	These are so much fun - I can't believe how many authors have been interviewed! -----signature----- You'll Like me when I'm Dead - V/P Dark Drama - http://boards.theforce.net/the_saga/b10476/29236355 Don't think, write. And have faith that your subconscious mind is smarter than you.- lazy RIP my little Nibbler
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Aiel Registered: Oct '04	Date Posted: 4/12 11:09am Subject: RE: Interviews with Authors version 4.0 - interview with KELIA!!
	Yay! An interview with one of my most favourite authors. Such a great interview, I loved reading about how your stories are a challenge to canon by using humor KEILA. (I love doing that too.) I enjoy these interviews and helping to contribute a couple here and there as well, it's a lot of fun and very insightful. (Anyone who isn't signed up as an interviewer I say do it!) -----signature----- Master to TheOnlyJediPrincess Bar-Wench of the Meanders Inn/O'Kooky Pub. A Slight Disruption: http://boards.theforce.net/the_saga/b10476/26022301/ Revolution of Fate: COMING SOON! "The Beatles save the world from boredom."- George Harrison.
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The_Face Title: Fan Fic Manager, now with more real butter flavor Registered: Feb '03	Date Posted: 4/12 11:35am Subject: RE: Interviews with Authors version 4.0 - interview with KELIA!!
	Great interview, Kelia and Nat! -----signature----- If mercy falls upon the broken and the poor Dear Father, I will see you there on distant shores
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Jade_Pilot Registered: Dec '05	Date Posted: 4/12 1:30pm Subject: RE: Interviews with Authors version 4.0 - interview with KELIA!!
	What a great, great interview! -----signature----- I wonder if other dogs think poodles are members of a weird religious cult. - Rita Rudner
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RX_Sith Registered: Mar '06	Date Posted: 4/12 1:57pm Subject: RE: Interviews with Authors version 4.0 - interview with KELIA!!
	Excellent interview. Kelia and Nat. -----signature----- Chief of Staff - The SWC Rebel Scum
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BrentusofGath Registered: Aug '05	Date Posted: 4/12 11:09pm Subject: RE: Interviews with Authors version 4.0 - interview with KELIA!!
	Nice interview, Master. -----signature----- In time or so I'm told, I'm just another soul for sale, oh well Feel it in my bones when you break my back, break it just to watch me bend Why'd you have to go and Let it Die? -Foo Fighters http://conscienceoftheking.blogspot.com/
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KELIA Title: Moderator: Fan Fiction Registered: Jul '05	Date Posted: 4/15 3:52am Subject: RE: Interviews with Authors version 4.0 - interview with KELIA!!
	Thanks everyone The interview was a lot of fun -----signature----- "Do or do not, there is no try." Master Yoda A Light In The Darkness: http://boards.theforce.net/the_saga/b10476/28150602/p1/?8 Undue Circumstances: http://boards.theforce.net/the_saga/b10476/28530583/p1/?10
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NYCitygurl Title: Railroad Baroness of SFFBC, C&G, and NSWFF Registered: Jul '02	Date Posted: 5/2 5:33pm Subject: RE: Interviews with Authors version 4.0 - interview with KELIA!!
	This was one of the most enjoyable interviews I've read or done. Kelia is funny and sweet, and absolutely a joy to talk with (and an amazing author to boot). -----signature----- "We Earth Men have a talent for ruining big, beautiful things." ~ Master of padawanlost, Ultima_1 and Jedimaster_JainaSolo
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jedidas3 Registered: Apr '07	Date Posted: 5/5 9:37am Subject: RE: Interviews with Authors version 4.0 - interview with KELIA!!
	Great interview! -----signature----- The Past Revisited http://boards.theforce.net/the_saga/b10476/28440949 Lessons Learned http://boards.theforce.net/the_saga/b10476/28580784 Remembrance http://boards.theforce.net/before_the_saga/b10475/28009025 Padawan to dianethx
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FFAuthorInterviews Registered: Apr '06	Date Posted: 5/15 1:21pm Subject: RE: Interviews with Authors version 4.0 - interview with KELIA!!
	brodiew interviewed by NYCitygurl He's done it all, everything from drabbles to poetry, Saga to Beyond. Please welcome brodiew!! Can you tell us a little about yourself? Hmmm...I'm 37, married, and, currently have two foster children. One, the boy, Jase, is 18 months old and the girl, a new addition, is only 5 months. They are both adorable. Jase's case is nearing the point where he will be legally free which means we can adopt him. I've been married seven years to a beautiful woman who keeps me on my toes. However, she is completely clueless when it comes to this fandom or its fanfiction offshoot. I was born in Jackson, Mississippi and lived most of my formative years in there and in Louisiana. I moved to the Pacific Northwest in the 1987 and finished my final two years of high school in city outside of Seattle. I have lived in the Puget Sound area ever since. The climate is infinitely more tolerable and enjoyable than the humidity of the deep south. When and how did you become a Star Wars fan? When is easy: 1977. I was a mere youngling at the time, seven years old, but my father took me to see the movie. For some reason, which I really don't remember, I wanted, desperately to see the film. My memories of my first time seeing the film end with only a snapshot in my mind of a darkened movie theater. The Empire Strikes back is a another story altogether. I saw the film, in the cinema, ten times. What kept me coming back? Yoda. I loved that little guy. In 1982, I attended my first sci-fi (Star Wars) convention. My dad made me create a budget for the trip and everything. It was well worth it. The highlight of the trip was meeting David Prowse and getting his autograph on a con events schedule. I still have it to this day. And, interestingly enough, it was 25 years before I attended another Sci-fi con; this time Star Trek. The how is just nature taking it's course. I saw each of the three OT films at the movies, long before the EU was a glimmer in Lucas' eye. But, being the fan I was, and, as I grew older, I looked into the EU which continues today. My EU experience has mostly been in reading the novels. I have not, for the most part engaged in toy collecting, RPGs, or video games. How long have you been writing Star Wars fanfiction? How did you start? Is Star Wars the first fandom you've written in? Do you write any original fiction? I started writing star wars fan fiction shortly after discovering this site in October 2005. Over the years, I've dabbled in fan fic once or twice, but that was long before the internet and being able to post my writings in an open forum. My first fic ever posted here was an OC one shot. Ironically, OCs have hence been a hard thing got me to grasp. I enjoy writing cannon characters more. For me it is much easier to write the established characters that create my own. As young adult, I once wrote a rather long Indiana Jones fic. I don't know what ever happened to it. In high school I wrote poetry; mostly free verse, but some rhymes. But, as I grew older, writing fan fiction was not a passion that survived. As a matter of fact, I didn't write much of anything for almost 15 years. It was when I discovered this site that my passion for writing resurfaced and I jumped in with both feet. I have dabbled in only two other fandoms, and only a little bit. "The 4400" is my second favorite fandom, followed by "Heroes". As far as original fiction, I have done little in that arena. However, in recent months, I've had a larger concept bouncing around my brain. Reigning it in has proven difficult. I almost feel like I need some help from someone that has more experience in writing original fiction. What inspires you to write? Two things inspire me to write. First, and foremost, I have a small compulsion. It is not large enough to make me into a 'writer', such as Stephen King, but I still feel a need to put finger to keys. LOL. The fandom is rife with places to go and people to explore. I find it easier, and more fun, to write within an existing universe. Secondly, I admit to loving the responses of my readers. They keep me going. Well, yeah, there is a third one. I find that writing acts as kind of a catharsis for RL. I can work some things out by placing the Star Wars characters into similar situation and see how they would respond. This works well and is pretty satisfying. In “It Makes My Dome Hurt,” you tell the story of ANH through Artoo-Detoo’s eyes. Where did you get the idea? How is Artoo a different narrator than most? Are his emotions similar to the people around him? How does he view Luke, Han, Obi-Wan, etc.? The plot bunny that spawned ‘It Makes My Dome Hurt’ came from my friend Dawn, aka Lola64. She has been a constant support in this fan fiction journey. She has provided many plot bunnies for me over the years and has also been a sounding board and motivator. I don’t normally write in first person, so when this fic started that was already a stretch for me. I was lucky that the story was already written and that I was just putting a unique spin on it. There are things that make writing a droid challenging. He has not facial expressions. He can’t run, handle things, or (any longer). He does, however, have body language. I decided to make Artoo the seasoned veteran that he is. I took the cuteness out it, and made him worldly and experienced. I guess stoic, with room for hope would be the best way to describe my Artoo. His personality and emotions are human. I wanted the identity inside the droid to have a full range of attitudes and emotions. He is not one apt to wear his feelings on his sleeves, so to speak, but neither is he heartless. Artoo’s relationship with Threepio is fairly well established and I don’t stray too far with it. They are friends, more than that, companions. They argue, fuss, and fight, but there is a bond between them keeps them together. I had real fun writing the missing scenes where the two of them are standing around while the action happens elsewhere. Artoo’s first impression of Luke was that he was sad and disenchanted. He soon found this to be true, but there was something else about the young man, a presence. He comes to respect how Luke weathers the death of his “parents”, Owen and Beru Lars, as well as his temporary mentor Ben Kenobi. He’s wary of Luke’s recklessness, but respects his desire to join the Rebellion. As for Ben Kenobi, it does not take Artoo long to recognize him. The memory wipe, supposedly given to both he and Threepio, does not stick. Artoo remembers Obi-Wan and loses no time in letting the Jedi know it. This makes for interesting missing scenes that I really enjoyed writing. He and Obi-Wan come to a friendly understanding about how to handle Luke. Captain Solo is not one of Artoo’s favorite people. He initially sees the man as arrogant and shifty. This impression continues through most of the fic, tempered only by Ben’s comments about his capability. Artoo agrees that he is a capable fighter and pilot, but still arrogant and, sometimes, abrasive. Too bad Artoo was “injured” when Han came to the rescue. Are you ever going to continue the story? This story has had a few creative road blocks, such as DWB (Darth Writer's Block), DRL (Darth Real Life), and my irrational fear of writing space battles. I am in the middle of a new update that will focus on the 'Battle of Yavin' and it will be the penultimate post of the fic. I look forward to finishing strong. Continuing with the unusual, “Rude Awakening” is about Luke waking up in a mental hospital on Earth and being told that the events of the Saga up to that point have just been a dream. Is he really insane, or is Dr. Palpatine somehow doing something to him? First of all, let me apologize to my readers for the lack of consistency on both ‘Dome’ and ‘Rude Awakening’. WIPS have been a weakness of mine over the last couple of years. I am in the process of ‘getting my house in order’. Once ‘Dome’ is complete, I will turn my full attention to ‘Rude Awakening’ in order to complete it as well. This plot bunny was introduced by TigerofRobare. Although not an original idea in genre television, I found it an intriguing prospect to take our OT fish out of the GFFA, and into 1950 Upstate New York. That said, the mystery of Luke’s (Lucas’) predicament remains to be seen. Let’s just say that Dr. Palmer is not a nice man, and has a singular purpose of reorienting Lucas to be a member of his society. Could it be that Lucas is truly insane, or is this an elaborate plot to turn Luke to the Dark Side? Stay tuned. I have had a great amount of fun writing the OT character in the 50s era personas. I hope my readers have enjoyed that as well. Is it hard to write the situation and have a story set in a mental institution? The setting here is just an amalgamation of what I've seen on TV and read in novels and comics. It is mostly stereotypical, somewhere between a nice nursing home and a dungeon. Dr. Palmer is also a sterotype. He doesn't listen to the hero because he has tunnel vision about how the "disorder" needs to be treated. On of my biggest influences here is the episode of "Quantum Leap" where Sam leaps into the 50s and is subjected to electric shock. In that episode his true identity is temporarily erased and he begins to exhibit the personas of some of the people into which he has leaped. I also wanted to show, as a recent description tutorial explains, the pain Luke is in, from his fall, as well as the mental anguish he is suffering. The point here is to make Luke uncomfortable and make him doubt who he is. Is the GFFA a delusion or reality? In “Lost Without You,” Zekk is just that after Jaina dies. How does Tahiri try to help him? Tahiri's role in this fic is to try and help Zekk through his grief by being, not only a friend, but someone who truly understands the kind of loss he is suffering. Losing a lover, suddenly, without warning, is something she is uniquely qualified to address. At the end of the first (and so far only) post, Jaina’s Force-ghost appears and leaves a huge cliffhanger. What has she come back to tell him? Will you ever finish it? Another excellent question. Jaina has returned for two things: to tell Zekk that she loves him and to help him move on. As for finishing it, there is always that possibility. I am very aware of my unfinished works. They bounce around my head like a merry band of multiple consciences. I'm not that bad, really, but I could be better about finishing multiple post stories. “Tall, Dark and Handsome” is a response to the crack pairings challenge, and you had to put Zekk and Jysella together. What was is like to write such silly ‘ship? Would you ever write other crack pairings just for fun? When I first received the 'ship I had to clarify TOS on age differences and then decided to make an infatuation situation. Jysella is consumed by Zekk's beauty. His being a Jedi Knight is a nice aside to complete the fantasy of dangerous beauty. I had a lot of fun with it. I wanted to paint Zekk as completely clueless to start, which he is, because all of his attention is focused on Jaina. Adding Corran into the mix as clueless #2 was fun as well. What father wouldn't be incredulous if his teenage daughter claimed she was in love with a man of 30 something. But, it also allowed for the mushy father-daughter moment at the end of part two. In fact, I completed the fic in the first two posts, but was urged by supporters to continue it. As far as other crack!ships, my personal favorite of all of my fics, 'In the Pale Moonlight', is a crack'ship between Sabe' and Garm Bel Iblis. I also wrote a Ben/Tahiri infatuation fic back in the day. That was fun! You’ve completed the first Drabble challenge. Did you enjoy writing them? Was it hard to get into the mind-set of only being able to write a hundred words? How is the second one going? I think writing short fics is in my genes. I find writing drabbles rather easy. In the past, I also had a couple of haiku threads going as well. I've never had trouble in this area. When writing drabbles, I start with an idea, keeping in mind the shortness, and just write. When I get to a point where I know I'm close to the word limit, I check, and then edit words where necessary. I'm a huge fan of the drabble challenge. My former Master, Zonoma, inspired me to participate in the first challenge and I couldn't wait for the second round. I think drabbles also help keep the creative juices flowing when you may be hitting road blocks elsewhere. I have, at times, thought of them as enhanced 'first sentence' or 'plot bunny' challenges. Pick a drabble and write a full fic from the snippet provided. Drabbles also allow for writers to really make each word count; in either creating a dramatic inner monologue, a funny conversation, or any other dynamic in the human experience. It's a quick punch, or jab, in which you need to create maximum impact in a very compact space. I love it. As for the 2nd challenge, I have completed it on time as well. I am waiting patiently for the next one. You’ve written a ton of poems. What draws you to poetry? How is it different from writing other stories? My poetry has the same heart as my drabbles, yet with a more lyrical application. I'm still trying to convey drama, humor, tension, tragedy, in fewer words. I also want the rhymes and cadence or flow the poems to match the subject matter. I think that has happened in most of them. My poems are also few and far between. They come as 'out of the blue' inspiration, and I just go with it. I wrote "Forgiveness" off the cuff, as well as the "The Man In Black", but "Identity Lost" was one I actually sat down and toiled over for an hour or so. Jacen and Jag, strangely enough, are not favorite characters of mine. Same with Anakin Skywalker. But these are the characters that my muse wants me to address in my poetry. C'est la vie. I think the poems do the characters justice. I particularly liked “The Man in Black,” which qualified for Best Poem. Where did you get the idea? "The Man in Black" just sorta came to me. I'm not a huge Jag fan, but I must have had some sort of affinity for his posture and military bearing. It sounds strange, I know, but that's where this poem came from. I have this picture of Jag from the NJO when he met with his father. His black flight suit and passion about his duty. I had trouble with the fifth and sixth stanzas as the cadence changed and doesn't really work, but I think I finished strong. You’ve had two haiku threads, one in Saga and one in Beyond. Why do you like writing in haiku? Since both are locked, do you plan on starting any other haiku threads? Is it your favorite type of poetry? I started those haiku thread mostly to bridge a creative dry spot. Since haikus come easy to me, if found it an amusing distraction. As far as the poetic form, I enjoyed counting the syllables and making the words fit. It was fun for a while. I haven't returned to it lately, and don't really have any plans to. The form has impact, but it so small that I don't feel I can relate enough of what I want to say. In “Dinner With Her Dad,” Han and Leia have dinner with a very much alive Bail. How does he react to his daughter dating a smuggler? Ever since I heard Jimmy Smits would portray Bail Organa, I was excited to see what would happen. He was the epitome of an honest, forthright, passionate, and caring man. He was also carried of the regal nature of one high born. I would also call him magnanimous, protective, and nonjudgmental for the most part. This is the man that met Han Solo in the restaurant that night. His main purpose in meeting Han in a casual, social setting was to take stock of the man outside of work and to make a very direct statement. He likes Han as a 'soldier' and as a 'guy', but when it comes to his daughter, he wants to make some things very clear. He wants to address Han's colorful past as a smuggler, and his history with women. Bail wants to make sure that Han has no misconceptions about the monogamy of dating his daughter. But, this meeting is in no way adversarial. Its more of a getting to know you dinner. What are your long term plans? Etc. Bail is sizing up his daughter's future husband and his worthiness of that station. I had fun with this one too. Han was pretty uncomfortable. Your story "In the Pale Moonlight" is a crack!ship challenge with Sabe and Garm. How were you able to come up with a good plotline for that? What makes the two of them work together? How does he help her move on after Padme's death? Putting these two together was initially a challenge. I didn't really know the characters. I had a faint knowledge of Garm from the Zhan trilogy and Sabe was Padme's body double. I wanted Garm to still be the gruff, hard edged personality, but I also wanted to throw him off guard. With Sabe, I wanted to make her more than a face. I wanted to make her a skilled bodyguard, but also a grieving friend. When the two meet on the day of Padme's funeral, sparks fly...in all directions. As the story opens, Garm is on Naboo attending Padme's state funeral. He sees Sabe following behind the casket. They meet eyes. Later that evening, they meet in person. I think the characters work well together because they are both lonely. They had their work, but little else to give their lives meaning. When the stars finally collide, it's definitely explosive, but as the dust settles, the two discover that they have something to offer each other: love and understanding. Garm is able to help Sabe realize that she is more that just someone that looked like her queen. In fact, he finds her even more beautiful. She is able to provoke a curiosity in him that, eventually, will allow him to lower his personal defensive shields and find more than just short term affairs. I really enjoyed writing this fic. With each post it grew into something more than where it started. In the end...Well, just take a look. I think you'll enjoy reading it. In “Goin’ Swimmin,’” Han tries to embarrass his kids. Does it work? How did you get that idea from the quote you were given for the challenge? It works like a charm! First he goes after Jaina, by publicly suggesting that she wanted Daddy to apply her sun tan lotion, and them shock everyone with his special blood stripe bathing suit! The challenge stated the kids are destined to be mortified by their parents. The application is obvious in this case. Han didn't do it by accident. He went down to the pool with the intent of stirring up trouble. For his own amusement, of course. I recommend this one. It's funny and outrageous! You mentioned earlier that Jaina, Jag, and Anakin Skywalker, though you’ve written about them a bit, aren’t your favorite characters. Who are? Why? My favorite characters are Luke, Han, and NJO forward Zekk. Luke because he's the he's a good man. I enjoyed his reckless optimism is ANH, his battle weary impatience in ESB, and his cool control on ROTJ. The EU has not done Luke any favors, in my opinion. Well, that's not entirely true. I liked the Zahn trilogy and some of the Bantam hardcovers. It was the NJO and subsequent LOTF that have painted Luke as pretty much a weakling. It is obvious that he has moves from front line soldier to behind the lines general, but it is not necessary to portray him as indecisive and generally weak. steps down from soap box Han Solo is a great character to write because I love dialogue. Harrison Ford's delivery in all three films was fantastic. It was snarky, sarcastic, direct, and sometime self effacing. He is rarely sentimental, but his heart is not so far buried as to be unrecognizable. Whether he is sparring with Leia, talking to Luke, or in a couple of my vigs, hanging with Lando, I love making him shine. Zekk is a cool dude as well. He has suffered in profic, basically written as an appendage to Jaina. Though I consider myself a J/Z shipper, I still prefer to write Zekk as a strong Jedi knight that can exist separate from Jaina if necessary. As you see in “Tall, Dark, and Handsome”, Zekk remains the adult in a situation has gotten a little out of control. As a result, other initiates see him in a different light. In “Lost Without You”, I took different slant. I wanted Zekk’s grief at Jaina’s loss to be gut level and consuming, but not, ultimately, harmful. In some of my recent drabbles, I have explore making Zekk a Jedi Master and apprenticing one of my OCs named Lens Eli. This is another example of how I see Zekk as a strong Jedi with much experience and knowledge to share. If you could have dinner with one fanfic author, who would it be? I would have to answer VaderLVR64 on that one. She is one of the most empathic writers I've experienced on these boards. Her writing often evokes an emotional response like no one else. I often find myself lost in the emotional core of the story and forget that it is Star Wars. She does this across the Sagas with myriad cannon characters and OCs. She is the total package. She is also prolific. She wrote tons before I ever came on the scene in 2005. One other person comes to mind, though she is more like a muse/produce. Lola64 has been a long time friend on this site and faithful reader of my fics. she has helped me more than anyone else as soundboard and idea woman. You can thank her for "It Makes My Dome Hurt." She has brilliant ideas. I know you asked for one, but each of these two ladies deserve the recognition. Do you have any advice for your fellow authors, especially the newer ones? My advice to newbie to these boards is to have as much fun as you can. When it becomes work, and work that makes you stress, take a break. This is, after all, fan fiction. We are Star Wars fans because we have a strange love affair with George's creation. Also don't be afraid to move out of your comfort zone. Whether it be characters you don't like, or elements of writing that you see as weaknesses, don't give up. Expand your writing skills by attacking elements that are truly challenging. One last thing: challenges are cool ways to test yourself and broaden those horizons. I have, and continue to use them for fun, and to spark the creative juices then dry spells occur. Most of all, have fun! Want to read more? brodiew's profile It Makes My Dome Hurt Rude Awakening Lost Without You Tall, Dark and Handsome Brodie’s Drabble Babble Brodie’s Second Drabble Babble The Man in Black Dinner With Her Dad In the Pale Moonlight Goin’ Swimming -----signature----- Know a fanfic author you think should be interviewed? PM this sock. Willing to conduct a fanfic author interview? PM this sock. Questions about fanfic author interviews? PM this sock.
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RK_Striker_JK_5 Registered: Jul '03	Date Posted: 5/15 1:32pm Subject: RE: Interviews with Authors version 4.0 - interview with brodiew!!
	Awesome interview, there. You're a good man, brodiew. -----signature----- E-married to the wonderful DarthIshtar. Now also her Padawan. Member of the Y.J.K. Revolution Staring into the Darkness http://boards.theforce.net/beyond_the_saga/b10477/27537567/p1/?23
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mavjade Registered: Sep '05	Date Posted: 5/15 2:16pm Subject: RE: Interviews with Authors version 4.0 - interview with brodiew!!
	Great interview!! -----signature----- Apparently, my entire job description can be boiled down to this... CO2 + H2O <--> H2CO3 <--> HCO3 + H Then why have I been in school so long?? Hoping for baby Isabella. May you be stong and fight hard!
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KELIA Title: Moderator: Fan Fiction Registered: Jul '05	Date Posted: 5/16 3:36am Subject: RE: Interviews with Authors version 4.0 - interview with brodiew!!
	Nice interview, Brodie. -----signature----- "Do or do not, there is no try." Master Yoda A Light In The Darkness: http://boards.theforce.net/the_saga/b10476/28150602/p1/?8 Undue Circumstances: http://boards.theforce.net/the_saga/b10476/28530583/p1/?10
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