As a fan of the original release of ANH, and a fan of sci-fi fantasy, I used to think Luke Skywalker was the ultimate Jedi.

Ewan McGregor sold me on Obi-Wan Kenobi in RoTS - wry, funny, a good man who wasn't perfect and knew it, but strove for perfection anyway.

I have been writing since creative writing classes in the - gasp, 60's - and recently discovered the joys of on-line boards to indulge in my love of character exploration.

Writing is as much a passion as a joy, for I love the interplay of words. I consider myself someone who delights in stringing together words and does so better than plotting out a story, so I'm more of a "word artist" than a storyteller. This is a source of some regret, for to be captivating and good, a story needs more than just words. For better or worse, I can only write what and how I do.

I hope my words bring a smile or tears, depending, to your face.

I am quite appreciative of critiques, for how else can one correct one's weaknesses? But for those who don't know the difference between critique and criticism, let me offer this: a critique points out what works and what does not or an alternate way to present information. It may be a request to "show" not "tell" with a sample of how to accomplish that. It is a way for me to learn and grow as a FAN FIC author.

WORDS OF HOPE (at least I hope so) especially as regards Even Jedi Cry: I have not written a word of fan fic in a couple of years, but fan fic is something I have never intended to abandon. My "sabbatical" was and is far longer than expected, but I have never been able to write when the inspiration is simply missing. When one is incapable of sketching out even a plot, and just "wings it" as I do, inspiration is the only thing to guide my words, and quite frankly, why write when one is simply handed the keys to the garden (other wonderful fan fics) without lifting finger to keyboard? Quite simply, I can bask in others great stories and not slave away like a woman without a life. (Not to mention, my cat companion of 18 years died two some years ago and his last few months totally changed my focus - not to mention job hunting during that time. Of my current two, one is most demanding of cuddle and play time and the other demands her walks on leash to sniff the flowers.)

My point: I actually have some ideas to improve and more importantly, finish, EJC. As yet I have not put fingers to keyboard, but ideas are bubbling around my mind and dots are seeking to connect.