The Fan Fiction Newsletter, Edition XI - July 2004

The Fan Fiction Newsletter
Edition XI
July 2004


Page 1: Index & Newsletter News
Page 2: Reviews ? Before the Saga, Saga, Beyond the Saga
Page 3: Reviews - Classic, Vignette, Locked, TFN Archive
Page 4: Editor Recommendation, Letters to the Editor
Page 5: Writing Tips, Trivia, Challenges
Page 6: Interviews
Page 7: Forum News, Advertisement, Past Newsletters, Credits

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[b][color=darkcyan]Page I

Newsletter News[/color][/b]

Happy July, everyone! First, I would like to say a great big thank you to [b]Kettch and her team[/b] for putting on not one, but three entertaining and speedy fanfic award ceremonies. I hope to see you directing the Oscars someday, Kettch. This month we have some great stories reviewed, a fantastic author interview, and our very first Letter to the Editor. The colors, I am proud to say, are still blinding, but the markup codes were much easier to deal with this time (it helps to work from a template!).

[color=crimson]As always, if you have any Letters, suggestions for stories to be reviewed, or if you would like to contribute to the newsletter, please PM [link=http://boards.theforce.net/pm_send.asp?usr=1061409]the Editor[/color][/link]. I?d love to hear from you!

-The Editor [face_silly]

 

Page II

Reviews


[color=4d633c]Before the Saga[/color]

Title:[color=883805]Unable to Catch a Dream[/color]
Author: [color=883805]KrystalBlaze[/color]
Timeframe: pre-TPM, AU
Status: Completed

[color=e9ab17]Reviewer #1[/color]

Rating: Good
Comments:

This is KrystalBlaze?s take on what would have happened if Qui-Gon had never taken Obi-Wan as his Padawan. Six years after the disheartening rejection on Bandomeer and six years before the events scheduled to occur in TPM, the duo meets up once more via rather unlikely circumstances. Qui-Gon is escorting the arrogant Senator of Naboo, Abila Maberrie, and her handmaidens, which includes the mysterious Sabé, home. Their ship is crippled by an unforeseen attack, and they are left stranded on the desert world Candalas. As they go in search of the parts they need to repair the ship, Qui-Gon crosses paths with the only parts dealer in town: a very cynical Obi-Wan Kenobi.

The alternate universe scenario of Qui-Gon never taking Obi-Wan as his apprentice has been done countless times before, but KrystalBlaze manages to give new life to this classic ?what if.? The characters are well developed and the pacing is right. The reader is led along almost as with a detective novel: We are always left to guess who was behind the various attacks and what their motives were. Sabé is also left as an enigma; we are never sure whether she is good or bad, innocent or guilty. This keeps the reader guessing and interested through out. The Obi-Wan/Sabé romance is also incredibly entertaining.

The only problem with this fic is that the ending seems slightly rushed. While the main story of Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon is wrapped up rather well, the Sabé side story left me wanting more. A possible sequel, perhaps? Also the episode on Candalas parallels TPM?s Tatooine quite heavily. This could have been the author?s intention, but it seems to show a lack of originality. Despite this, Unable to Catch a Dream is still a very worthwhile read.

Quote:

Yoda?s laugh was barking and surprised Qui-Gon, although only the Force knew he should have expected it. ?Hate you, Obi-Wan does not,? the green Master told him. ?Hurt him, you did. Bitter, of course he will be. But hate you, he does not. Born to hate, Obi-Wan was not. Protect him to the best of your abilities, Master Jinn. Nothing more I can ask of you, and nothing more can he.?

[color=e9ab17]Reviewer #2[/color]

Rating: Excellent
Comments:

This story also provides us with an Obi-Wan not selected to be Qui-Gon's padawan, but this time the rejection seems to haunt the young Kenobi to the extent that when the Master and the force sensitive young man meet up again there's little left in the way of trust...

The best aspect of this story is undoubtedly the character interaction, which is backed up by a strong plot that never fails to be interesting. Perhaps the most engaging plot thread is that of Qui-Gon and his relationship with Obi-Wan. Having gone through all they have, how will they warm to each other? The darkside influence on Obi-Wan was a thoroughly engrossing aspect of the story. Will Qui-Gon get to the bottom of the intrigue that surrounds Kenobi, or will 'somebody' continue to pull the strings? Just who is manipulating Obi-Wan, and why? And can Qui-Gon do anything about it? It left me on the edge of my seat waiting to see how things would turn out for both of them.

There's also an extremely well handled romance for Obi-Wan which is intrinsic to the plot and not at all incidental, that examines whether Obi-Wan, the escapee from Bandomeer, is truly capable of love or whether it's the notion of being in love that he clings to. The romance does seem doomed from the start, but there's an unexpected twist to the outcome.

I thoroughly enjoyed this story. It also has one of the most memorable final lines of any fic that I

 

Page III

Reviews


[color=ff82ab]Classic[/color]

Title: [color=00ced1]Hitchhiker[/color]
Author: [color=00ced1]Shezan[/color]
Timeframe: 12 years pre-ANH
Status: In Progress

Reviewer #1

Rating: Excellent
Comments:

Have you ever wondered what was so special about Syal Antilles (Wynnsa Starflare) that her brother and husband ? bitter enemies ? would team up to search the galaxy for her? In this story, which focuses on the early years of Antilles, Thrawn, and Piett (yes, the infamous soon-to-be Admiral), we come to understand that and more.

Syal is a remarkable woman, as demonstrated by her poise onboard the Empire's Revenge, the Imperial vessel on which she finds herself in the midst of a battle, her friendship with an "infuriatingly posh" Thrawn, and her interaction with the officers that surround her. The original characters which populate the story are vibrant and realistic ? they complement the already established characters and add to their histories without breaking canon.

I especially enjoyed the dynamic between Thrawn and some of his rival officers. As the only nonhuman aboard the vessel, Thrawn is subject to a great deal of discrimination, but his genius and tactical mindset soon force the others to respect him, however grudgingly. This reluctance to trust a nonhuman is quite rational in the context of a story focusing on Imperials.

Never have I felt more sympathetic to the "bad guys" than during this story. Imperial officers are portrayed as human (or Chiss), with a wide range of emotions and a great deal more depth than the one-sided villains from the movies. I can guarantee you that you'll be less willing to watch Imperials lose onscreen after reading Hitchhiker ? suddenly they have histories and characteristics that only a skilled author could create so convincingly.

I highly recommend this story, both for its content and structure. It's a fast-paced, entertaining, and thoroughly rewarding read.

Quote:

Mikam led the way at a brisk trot, but the star was in shape and kept up easily. "Did he tell you exactly what he wants me to do?"

Rory grinned. "He said he'd be 'grateful if you could give a Golden Cos performance', whatever that means." They'd reached the turbolift bank, and he hit a code on one of the panels. "We'll have the secondary comm station to ourselves. I'll set up the transmission, and you'll do the talking." The turbolift arrived, and they rushed in. Rory pulled a datapad from his pocket. "Here, he gave me that for you."

Wynssa Starflare took it and started studying it, muffling an exclamation.

"What?"

"Lieutenant Thrawn has a nerve, and you can tell him I said that."

Mikam stared at the beautiful, fine-boned face in some worry. If she meant to be difficult... But no, she was smiling again ruefully. "Not that it will make any difference, I expect. He's got us all dancing to his tune, hasn't he?"

Reviewer #2

Rating: Excellent
Comments:

Hitchhiker by Shezan is a truly brilliant story, featuring a young Thrawn just starting his Imperial Navy career, and the lovely and talented Wynnsa Starflare (formerly known as Syal Antilles), a holo actress who happens to have caught a ride on the very ship on which Thrawn is serving his first tour of duty.

Hitchhiker is very well written, exciting and descriptive but never too much so. The visuals are clearly described and easy to make sense of, yet lose none of their impact or urgency for that. The dialogue is crisp and clever, each character speaking in his own distinct voice, and the interaction of the characters, from the xenophobic Theel to the capable if unseasoned Mikam, is spot-on.

With action and to spare, tight and clever dialogue, and clear characterizations, Shezan draws the read

 

Page IV


EDITOR'S RECOMMENDATION

Title: Kyp Durron and the Perogies of the Sith
Author: Abby
Timeframe: post-NJO
Status: Complete
Comments:

At first glance, it sounds like the title to a Star Wars video game. But something even more fearsome is contained within this thread. It is...yes, Kyp Durron, Jedi Chef! I really enjoyed this piece because it centers around a very simple idea ? Kyp and Jaina making perogies, dough packets stuffed with cheesy potatoes and served with butter, sour cream and onions. In fact, it?s really hard to read this without getting hungry! Abby gives Kyp a humorous, softer side to his normally explosive personality. There are no Dark Lords to kill (except maybe the sticky dough), and there is no crisis to avert (except maybe overstuffing the packet). Kyp is just a regular guy here, and that?s a great thing to see!

Quote:

Kyp eyed the container of potatoes with equal parts fear and loathing. The perogy experience hadn?t been pleasant so far, and he doubted the addition of yet another gooey substance could make it any better.

Here goes nothing.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Unto the Editor, FF Newsletter

Thanks for doing this: the Newsletter is a great way to reach out across the boards and get new readers for some of the cooler stories. It's gotta be hard work, and it is appreciated.

I had a question regarding reviews: how does one get their story reviewed? It's very difficult to find places where we can advertise their stories, not to mention it sounds like egotism and self-promotion.

Or maybe you could tell me where does a new author go to inform the masses of hungry readers about their great new story, or an established writer tell folks that their long-on-hiatus story is being updated again, or that they have finished a particular fic? Is there a place for us to do that?

Sincerely,

"Proud but Prudent"


Dear Proud but Prudent,

Thank you for your letter!

To answer your first question, if an author would like a story reviewed for the newsletter, all it takes is a PM to me. Those who request a review will always get one, whether it is for the next issue or any that follow ? provided one hasn't already been written in a previous issue. Readers can also suggest fics they are following. It would certainly make the search for stories each month a little easier on my part.

For new authors, there are a plethora of places to advertise a story. If it fits in a particular genre, for instance a certain character pairing, or centers on a character, or is mostly action-oriented, the author can post an announcement in a relevant Resource forum thread. The Forum Index provides a list of character/relationship/genre discussion threads, and there are also related indices ? just PM the manager with a link. The regular inhabitants of those threads are always looking for new material! Some other places to keep in mind are the monthly New Story indices. PM Layren (Before the Saga), Sara_Kenobi (The Saga), or Lonewolf89 (Beyond the Saga) to get your story listed.

Both new and veteran authors can inform readers regarding the status of their stories in the Author Announcement Thread, while FanFic Trailers is a great place to advertise.

Hope that helps!

-The Editor

 

Page V

Tips, Trivia, and Challenges

In this month?s issue, Ray connects with his romantic side, thanks to a little prodding from Questa and a letter from the ?perfect? girl.

"Oh no, not another one of those," Ray Terr said as he sorted through his piles of fan mail. "This has gotten beyond annoying."

"What?" Questa Nanser asked, peering over his shoulder at the letter he held in his hand. Her face darkened suddenly. "It's not from the landlord, is it? You told me you'd paid the rent."

Ray sighed. "No ? unfortunately, it's not an eviction notice. It's?" Shuddering, he took a deep breath and continued, "?it's from one of those girls. You know, the perfect ones?"

Wincing in sympathy, Questa sat on the floor next to him and said quietly, "What does she say this time? You don't have to read it if it's too painful."

"No! No ? my therapist said it's better if I share these sorts of experiences."

Questa touched his shoulder and encouraged him to read the letter:

My Darling Ray,

My name is Mary Sue, and I'd really like to get to know you better. I've been a fan of yours for, like, forever, and I think you and I would get along really well. My dating history is a little sketchy ? I mean, I went out with this blonde elf for a while, and then I was captured by a pirate captain who I ended up falling in love with but then I had to kill him because, well, there was this curse involved, so then I moved and ended up meeting a really nice young wizard with a funky scar, and that just didn't work out. So me? Relationships? Probably not the safest territory. I have to warn you, guys tend to fall head-over-heels in love with me, even if I'm really mean to them and give them no reason at all to like me. Honestly, I don't get it.

Anyway, I'm petite, with blonde hair and these eyes that change color all the time. I own a shipping line, but I'm really into flying X-wings. Wedge swears I'm the only person except Skywalker to beat him in X-wing simulations, but I have trouble believing that. Let me tell you something, Wedge isn't nearly as good as he thinks he is. I fly circles around him. Of course, that could be my Skywalker blood ? did I mention that I'm the illegitimate child of Anakin Skywalker and a Tatooine woman?

I was brought up in an orphanage, and when I was ten I wrote my first published book: Philosophies on Life, which was a best-seller throughout the Galaxy. That's part of the reason I love what you do ? it teaches so many people who have less natural talent than I do. Not all of us are just born with a pen in hand.

If you'd like, I could schedule a meeting on Endor, where I currently live. I know the moon well ? it was where we stayed right before I blew up the second Death Star. (I know most people think that was Wedge, but it was really me disguised as him. He was being tortured by Imperials at the time, and I had to rescue him later. Did I mention that I dated him too?)

So, what do you say? A romantic dinner for two in some of the most beautiful forest in the Galaxy?

Please write back soon and tell me when we can meet. I'll be waiting.

All my love,

Mary Sue

Ray's voice broke as he finished the letter, and he buried his face in his hands. Pulling him into a tight embrace, Questa murmured, "It's all right, Ray. I won't let her get to you. You're safe."

"But I can already feel her pulling me in," said Ray, his words muffled. "I can't be sucked in again, Questa, I can't."

"Maybe she's just a Mary Sue on the outside," Questa said. "She could be a real person down there underneath all the glitter."

Ray looked up, his eyes red, his gaze incredulous. "You mean she could have faults? The non-fatal kind?"

Questa nodded enthusiastically. "Maybe she isn't absolutely beautiful, either. She didn't mention her nose ? maybe she has a really ugly nose."

"Or maybe she's bad with weapons. Or can't cook."

"Maybe she's not incredibly witty."

"She didn't mention that she was anything besides m

 

Page VI

This Edition's Author Profile focuses on one of the more prolific writers on these boards. She has written over a dozen novellas, novels, and co-written works. A standing member of the Unofficial Obi-Wan fan club, and a self-confessed angst-oholic, please put your hands together for....

Arldetta!



Could you tell us a little about yourself? And especially where and why you got your original username?

Hmmmm, I don?t want to take up too much space, so I will do my best to be brief. *rolls eyes* I guess you could kinda say I?m a ?Jack of all trades.? I want my hand in about 20 different pies, just don?t have the patience to really master any of those skills. I love writing(obviously) but I also have done sculpting, drawing, clay/pottery, graphic design, web design, and started knitting, crochet, embroidery and costuming. And I have just started to learn Japanese and am hoping to refresh my German as well by the end of this year.

I have always wanted to learn Japanese for a number of reasons, I thought it was a fascinating language and because it could be quite beneficial for a gaming career. Well, not really for me but my Hubby. He?s an avid gamer and I?m a hobby gamer. And my daughter is a gamer in training. Anyway, we have just about every system and I?ve been addicted to a few games on and off. We even have a Japanese import Sega Saturn. (I know that was a while ago but we still do have it. Mostly I enjoy watching the games as long as the story is good. I?m not nearly as good as my hubby so I let him play. Now the second reason I wanted to learn was due to my growing interest in Anime. My friend introduced me to Saiyuki about 3 months ago and got instantly hooked. This sparked my interest in the language again and have embarked on studying it.

So, needless to say Anime has become a huge factor in my life, also sparking my drawing desire again as well. If you can?t tell by my writing I LOVE ANGST! And fortunately Anime provides quite a bit. So anything that can give me a good does is awesome! As far as movies go, love Sci-Fi/Fantasy and really love Comedy?s. Grew up on comedy?s because of my dad, he loves them too. And that?s the bulk of movies and stuff I like. Don?t really watch TV now that Farscape has been cancelled. Although I do like catching MXC when we get the chance. OH and I guess when I catch some Anime on Cartoon Network too.

My username?? LOL, actually it?s kinda funny. Way back when I first got addicted to the net my handle was Lady DesDemona. But then when I got hooked on PSO(Phantasy Star Online - Sega MMORPG game) the name was taken and I had to get a new one. (at least I think that was the one ) So, to avoid the problem I went with an original character I had created for a book I still intend to write - eventually. For the sake of space I will be really brief, I promise. Arldett is not the main character at all in the book but was still an important character. Don?t know exactly where and when the name formed in my head, just that it had and it stuck. But since my hubby and I were planning to get married I went with the married version of her name Arldetta (females in the culture would add an ?a? at the end to signify marriage.) After the first time I used it years ago, I kept it because I knew no one else would have it. And ta-da, I?m still here and the one-and-only that I know of.

How was your first encounter with Star Wars?

I can?t totally remember my very first SW experience, but I do remember when I first realized something of great import. One day I was watching SW again (we recorded it off TV and for a while I would like watch it whenever I could. ) and my parents were cooking dinner. The movie just started and I guess we had just learned Roman Numerals in school. And I noticed something at the very beginning. Turning around I said to my dad, ?Hey, this says Ep

 

Page VII

Forum News

It's been a (thankfully) relatively quiet month in the Mod Room. Renata has been trying a new recipe for low-fat Bananas Foster, red_rose_knight has been fighting Darth ComputerGremlin, Dantana was trying to get Kyp Durron selected as a Vice Presidential candidate, and Herman has a new title: THE ENFORCER, complete with black cape.

We've been watching the Summer Challenge with interest, and discussed the many different challenges open at the moment. We're debating whether there are too many/not enough. Anyone with input, feel free to let us know.

We first want to congratulate all the winners of the Summer FanFiction Awards. There is a lot of talent out there, and we all enjoyed the "commercials" and entertainment as well. A super big congratulations to Kettch, the Executive Producer, for a job well done!

We also need to announce that Melyanna is retiring from her stint as Keeper of the New Stories Indices. Filling her boots are Layren, in Before the Saga, Sara_Kenobi in The Saga, and Lonewolf89 in Beyond the Saga. If you're about to post a new story on any of those boards, please PM them with info, so they can update the index.

Finally, we've noticed a lot of folks posting stories that they are rating as "PG-13." Please remember that the rating for these boards is actually "PG," and make any necessary edits.

Hope you are all enjoying your summer!

-Mistress_Renata

~*Advertisement*~

I have some news, my love, and it cannot wait! It concerns the safety of the entire galaxy! Darling, we must ?

We interrupt this HoloNet serial broadcast for an important announcement.

Can?t sleep? Waking up cranky after tossing and turning all night long? You might be using the wrong kind of mattress. That?s right, folks! We here at Bespin Furniture have the perfect solution. Our sleep couches are specially designed to conform to every species? needs! Adjustment controls allow you to specify the firmness of your sleep couch, while separate consoles ensure that you and your mate(s) each get the level of comfort you desire. Bespin sleep couches are so light, you?ll feel like you?re part of a Jedi levitation exercise! They also come in a variety of sizes, from Yoda to Wookiee. But that?s not the only offer we?ve got for you ? why, as we speak, our prices are going downer, downer, DOWNER!! Come on down to our warehouse, and we?ll give you the best deal for your credits.* You WILL come down to Bespin Furniture. It is your destiny!


*Deal does not apply to Jedi or other Force-trained individuals not susceptible to mind tricks and skilled in ?haggling? a lower price.


Past Newsletters

Newsletter I, March 2003

Newsletter II, April 2003

Newsletter III, May 2003

Newsletter IV, October 2003

Newsletter V, November 2003

Newsletter VI, January 2004

Newsletter VII, February 2004

NewsletterVIII, March 2004

Newsletter IX, April 2004

Newsletter X, May/June 2004


Credits

Reviewers
_Derisa_Ollamhin_
JadeSolo
Jemmiah
Pallas-Athena
Shaindl
-Tenel-Ka-
VaderLVR64
ValedaKor

 

Great job as always, Jade. You manage to put together astoundingly informational, entertaining, and aesthetically pleasing newsletters.

I love the challenge, and as always the reviews will be helpful in pointing me toward more good stories to read. *rushes off to find fic*

 

nice, really helpfull

 

is very happy his story got reviewed Thanks goes out the people who took the time to review my story and I am very pleased they enjoyed it, even through that grammar headache they got

The reviewers are right though, I do need a beta and badly. Any volunteers?

Maybe now I'll get more readers

 

Thank you for reviewing my story and so generously I might add.

I think I will have my head in the clouds all day.

Thank You!!!! (I'm really just speechless!)

 

As usual, clear, well presented, informative and great fun. Great job there Jade.

 

Hehe I loved the Mary Sue bit... it was very sweet.

 

Wow, I knew the intrview was going to be here, but I never expected a Review too!! And it was a great review too! Thank you so very much! You guys really do an awesome job. Keep up the wonderful work!! And thanks again for everything!

~Ari

 

Great! I found some great stories thanks to the newsletter and will be reading something today by our featured author!

 

Advertising is not allowed.

 

Thanks so much for your awesome reviews, reviewers one and two(whoever you are )! You are too kind. I really appreciate them

Also, would you mind if I quoted your reviews in my bio?

Thanks again for the reviews

 

Excellent issue, everyone. I was impressed by the mere scope of it. I'm delighted to see so much information in there.

 

I didn't remember that it was that time again ! Good job, as always.

 

Nice issue. I liked it. Hmm...think i'm going to watch out for these newsletters more that I am.

 

Excellent job as usual!

 

I haven't been around the JC forums for long so this is the first newsletter I've read. This is an awesome work in and of itself, not to mention the great stories that are reviewed!

 

Many thank yous to the people who reviewed my stories. Thanks for pointing out some issues to me I can hopefully clean up when (if?) I ever revise that thing. The reviews made my day.

Very nice, Jade. I really liked the Mary Sue part. It was extremely funny! lol. Great job, as always.

-Krystal