Monday, July 16, 2012

The Future of the Fandom


The most popular fandoms around if you tend to peek at the amount of stories on fanfiction.net tend to be things that are currently hugely popular.  Twilight.  Harry Potter.  Even Pirates of the Caribbean.  These are all things that you could have gone to see in the theater over the past year. 

Star Wars has been around for thirty-five years.  That is a long time.  And amazingly, I don't think its popularity has waned all that much.  I bet there are a lot more Star Wars fans than will openly admit it.  Of course this theory still does not allow me to bring myself to wear my Star Wars t-shirts in public, but anyway...

After this much time, it is hard to imagine it not continuing to stand the test of time.  Will others fare similarly?  It's hard for me to believe that in twenty years people will still care that much about Twilight or PotC.  Harry Potter has a pretty strong chance in my opinion. 

That's not really the point of this post, though.  Where do you think we go from here as a fandom?  Do you think there is ever a saturation point where we will run out of things to say about Han and Leia?  Run out of stories to tell?  You run into a lot of stories out there that are quite similar, or at least cover similar time periods.  How many times can the same story be written?  Will there even still be fans around to read them?

I've been involved in reading Han and Leia fanfic for over ten years now.  When I discovered fanfic in the first place, of course.  I read the books before I knew fanfic existed and from the time the first movie came out there were fanzines and stories.  How people found out about these fanzines back then I have no idea!  There have always been little ebbs and flows.  Sometimes lots of people are talking, and sometimes they aren't.  My personal belief is that this isn't so much people not being interested, it's the vocal ones not being vocal, so nobody else says anything, they just lurk and wait for other people to do the talking so they have something to read or maybe something to chime in on.  I think the interest is always there even if there isn't always new stuff to read about.

A big part of why we started this blog was so that we could keep the fandom alive and have a place for people to come.  The blog posts would ensure that at least someone was talking, and the comments for a long time were pretty slow, but people were obviously reading.  I think it's just nice to know that there are others like you out there.  And I wish we still had the results to the age poll because the great news is that the fans range from under 13 well beyond middle age.  We've even got at least one mother/daughter pair who pop in!  That's pretty cool.  So the good news is that there are apparently always going to be new fans to go along with me or even those of you who were old enough to have seen the movies in the theater. 

But fans or not, there are still hundreds if not thousands of Han and Leia stories that have been written out there.  Is it possible to run out?  My personal opinion is no.  If only because there are currently over 500,000 Harry Potter stories on ff.net and only 28,000 or so for Star Wars.  That's without breaking them down to specific couples, but if there are that many stories and lots of people to read them, there must be more to say, right?

And I've said it before but I do think that you can take any situation and write your own personal take on it.  You do really have to have something unique to say, but if you think you do, then go for it.  I don't think we should be deterred by the number of stories out there.  There's always room for more.  You know, as long as you spell check and stuff ;)

67 comments:

  1. Oh crap, I'm in the middle age group :( and mother/daughter it's more like mother/spy :) About the fanzines, back in the day, Starlog magazine was the only source of sci-fi magazines around. In the back of the magazine were classified ads for fanzines. They cost anywhere from $5-$15. I remember getting my first fanzine in the mail, I was probably 14 or 15. I don't remember where I even got the money from. I wish I still had the fanzines, it sure made an impression on me, I can remember the stories and artwork vividly but never ever thought that I could actually write anything. I will admit that it was probably my first exposure to sexual situations in detail. Nobody discussed that kind of stuff. Interesting that my "first" so called encounter with that particular subject matter was Han and Leia. Ohhh, I'm having a "life has come full circle moment" as that fact has just sunk in. I submit this comment for now, and chime in more in a little while. p.s. love the picture and I will have to "borrow" it for my interest board :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Pinterest is pretty much just for your own entertainment/visual eye candy at least for me. I find a lot of great H/L pictures/fan art. It is also a great source of time wasting. Lots of Star Wars on it, but I only focus on H/L.

      Delete
    2. Hey, that's true about the Pinterest stuff! :)

      I'm re-reading H/L fanfics again, but I've retired since from the fanfic writing bit (moving on to more serious things now). I'm enjoying the new authors writing about my favorite couple. It's different compared to 8 years ago, but the cute love is still there!

      Delete
  2. Ah, good to know about the fanzines. You really had to know what you were doing back then. I have a few fanzines I bought when I first started reading fanfic, even though it was available on the internet. There was artwork and stuff. I still have them :) And fanfic was my first exposure to sexual situations written in detail as well. I read one or two for Mulder and Scully before I realized, wait, if there are X-Files stories on this stuff there must be ones about Han and Leia! Fortunately, I was right :)

    I like that pic, too. It's a screen grab from a very short clip shown on the DVD/HBO special of Carrie's Wishful Drinking. He is acting all over dramatic and after that grabs her hand and she is just laughing really hard. It's very cute :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That Pinterest , not interest board. I already pinned the picture. Sounds like a really cute clip.

      Delete
    2. I saw that pic a while ago and saved it right away, but had no idea of the story behind it. It adds so much to the picture! Wish I could see that clip though! It sounds so adorable! =)

      Delete
    3. I was wondering what an interest board is. Thanks explaining. Do you connect with others through your board?

      Delete
  3. "There's always room for more. You know, as long as you spell check and stuff".....and learn how to use punctuation, and paragraphs. Right Zyra? A quick look at ff.net's more recent H/L stories will tell you exactly what I'm talking about, if any of you don't already know!

    But anyway...

    I have to agree Zyra. I don't think SW as a fandom will ever die. It's been going strong for over 30 years, and if anything, has only grown in popularity. I know many of us have a few issues with the prequel trilogy, but it's introduced SW to a whole new generation, just as the Clone Wars series is continuing to do so. And some of those youngsters have even discovered they prefer the original trilogy to the prequel one. I say that is fantastic!

    And no, I don't think we will ever run out of Han and Leia stories. There are certain elements that get repeated to death in fan fic, you know the ones, but so much more that has barely been written about, and in some cases not touched upon at all. Trip to Bespin aside (because theres only so much you can do trapped on a ship for weeks with an annoying droid and a walking carpet), I think different writers bring different perspectives to things and that (usually!) makes very interesting reading.

    There are a LOT of Han and Leia fans lurking out there, and they are too embarrassed to come forward. You know who you are, and you are reading this right now! I know all about lurking, I did it for years, and had it down to a fine art! It takes courage to "come out" and admit you are obsessed with Han and Leia, but I urge everyone reading this who is still shy, please come and say hello. We all suffer from the same affliction! It's so much better to share your problem with others ;)

    ReplyDelete
  4. Great post!!! It really made me think!

    It's totally true...how many times can the same thing be written differently? How many times does one period of time have to be written before it get's boring? I ran into this problem about a week and a half ago, when I had a reviewer tell me that in order to have my fic (40 Days) on fanfiction, it needed to be completely original, not something that had been done before (they also attempted to tell me I had copied other stories...but that's a different matter...although I'll tell you right now I didn't). I was crushed at first, for receiving such a rude review, but then I realized that although the "Trip to Bespin" has been done before, this was my version, and I chose that topic because it was safe, and it was good practice for me as I began to get into the writing of Han and Leia. I never expected it to take off like it has, and now I regularly come up with things that have never been done before that I would LOVE to write.

    But, back to the point. Although I am young (turned 17 yesterday!), and I just recently discovered the mass of Han and Leia fanfiction, as well as other fanfiction, less than a year ago, I don't think that Star Wars fandom, or Han and Leia, will ever really die. It's lasted this long, and it certainly will be around a lot longer. It's not like Twilight which, sorry to any fans, will be over within the next few years. Even other series, like The Hunger Games (of which I love as well) will fall out, although I believe Harry Potter will be around for a long time to come. It seems to me that since the Prequels have come out, it re-ignited the Star Wars fandom, and created another whole generation of fans, for both the prequels and the originals...especially the originals, because they have Han and Leia, and that makes them better...but anyways.

    And as far as specifically Han and Leia...we'll never run out. The Trip to Bespin is so overdone (As I have realized now that I've actually written it!), but it brought me into the Han and Leia writer's "group" I guess you could call it, and now I'll be able to branch out into things that haven't been written before. There are so many little things that I've never even thought about that relate to them, plus you have those AU stories that, if written well and in-character, are quite good. Plus, even if the story is the same, such as their first few months after Endor, each author is going to write it differently, and that's what's going to make it interesting.

    And lurkers...all of you that I know are there! Just appear! I lurked for a long while, and now I find that I couldn't lurk if I wanted. It's so much more fun to share with others...especially when it involves our addiction to Han and Leia! =)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Happy birthday! I enjoyed 17 quite a bit. Good times :) And I was a geek, so we're talking about wholesome good times like going to see the re-releases in the theater or going to Taco Bell to get Star Wars toys that were part of their promotion.

      It's great to have younger fans around and writing. I think this couple is pretty timeless. First, they are in a totally different galaxy, so they can never be out of date. And there's just so much we can do with them, and so many AU options. And you're a good example of taking a general story idea (trip to Bespin) and going ahead and making it your own. If you think you have something new to offer, just do it!

      And yes, lurkers, come on out! We're nice, I swear. And it's not like you can't remain anonymous.

      Delete
    2. Happy Birthday epcotexpert. Keep following your passions, no matter what other's might tell you. It's good that you were able to find a positive in a negative comment. If you feel compelled to write follow that prompting. I read your profile and saw that you follow one of my daughter's blogs (Fangirls on Felucia). My daughter and her friends are not shy about their passion for star wars, quite frankly it's what got me back into it all. Star Wars is multi-generational. Yes there are cool characters and fantastical settings, but it is ultimately about the story and not just the movies, but all the backstories of all the characters and so on. Star Wars is our generation's Epic. and that's Epic as in a long story not as in epic/cool. It is timeless and I see it being around for a long time to come. Just look at Star Wars Weekends at Disney and the upcoming Celebration convention. I went to the Celebration V two years ago and wasn't really "into" it when I first got there, I only went to surprise my daughter. Quite frankly my first thought was I was at a freak-show. By the end of the day, I noticed all the families that were enjoying all of the events together. I had new eyes and realized how much families were bonding together. I also noticed the passions of the artists/authors/creators and fans. I decided by the end of that day that much imagination and positive energy has to be a good thing for our world. We need more creativity and less negativity. Yikes, I sound like a lecturing mom.
      Plus looking at Han never goes out of date :)

      Delete
    3. Thank you everyone!!! =)

      I've always loved writing. I started my first blog a few years ago, and have done some minor writing here and there, but this is my first BIG story...and it's really made me realize how much I love doing it! English has always been a possible major on my list, but now that I've realized how much I love writing, it's probably going to become my actual major...specifically journalism, not that it's the same thing as writing Han and Leia fanfiction, but it's still writing, and it's the fanfiction that really made me realize how much I love it!

      I'm so glad that I was able to get over that comment...it was really hard. I've spent the last 8 months working constantly on different projects, and many of them get put down by one person or another, so when this came up I just got to the point where I was sick of it, but at the same time, that's probably why I was able to get over it. I know I worked incredibly hard on one other project this year and I honestly hit rock bottom for the first time in my life, and it lasted for about a week or two. I've never had an experience like that before...where I didn't want to do anything just sit and stare at the ceiling. But either way, no matter what happens, you have to learn from the comments of others, and through the comment made by the one reviewer, I learned that this is my story, and that as long as I'm truthful about my writing and I love what I do, then that's all that matters.

      I do follow Fangirls on Felucia! I actually found it not long after finding this blog (and then lurking for a while) and thought...oh goodness! This would be a great blog for me!...so I followed it right away. =)

      My personal Star Wars story is, personally I think, kind of funny, and I'm going to make a blog post about it as soon as I'm done replying to some messages over at my blog More Than 40 Days....if you are interesting in hearing it. =) But you are right...Star Wars is multi-generational. It's amazing how many ways it has influenced the lives of people, and being a complete Disney freak (my # 1 obsession and the only thing above Han Solo!), it's funny that I really never got into Star Wars until now, with it being in the parks. And now, I really hope to go to Star Wars weekends someday, both by myself and with my family...because, as you said, it really brings families together.

      And true...looking at Han will never go out of date! I find myself staring at the background here every 10 seconds or so!

      Delete
  5. Awww, happy birthday, Epcotexpert! And I am glad you aren't taking that review to heart. Follow your interests and passions. I'm sure it will lead you in the right direction.

    And thanks, Zyra, for posting this. It didn't dawn on me how long the fandom has been around. It seems like just yesterday to me that the movies came out. I agree for us this our generation's epic. I think that is why ANH was so good. For those of us old enough to remember ANH when it first came out, we had never seen anything like it. It was so classic with the bad guys, rescuing the princess, and the good guy with big dreams. But yet so different (the princess could shoot!). It is timeless, as are the characters, and probably why the fandom will be around for a long time to come. Thank you for the reminder.

    I would say, yes, some ideas or timelines have been done repeatedly. I wouldn't let that stop someone for trying their hand at it though. I'd personally love to see some cool AU stories too. And I'd encourage anyone that feels like they have something to write to give it a shot. There's plenty of us around to support you. And it would be great if the lurkers delurked. Honestly, we're all very nice. A little crazy and obsessed, but nice.

    And no, looking at Han will never get old. ;)

    I must have really lived under a rock though. Never thought to look for magazines and fanzines. And going to Star Wars Weekend or the Celebration would be awesome. One day, one day.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Happy 17th, Epcotexpert! I follow 40 Days on FF.Net, and it's going great so far!

    I discovered Fangirls on Felucia only yesterday and made up my mind to follow it today, which I shall. I'll also go and check out More Than 40 Days (Epcotexpert, this is for you). Seams, Fallon certainly has a sense of humour!

    As far as the fandom goes, I agree that it is nothing compared to Harry Potter, but I am the ONLY Star Wars fan in my entire year level at school. The only one. Everyone else is obsessed with 1D or the Janoskians (which I am totally not) and I'm all alone. The only place I can talk about my obsession is online with you guys, on my blog and over at FF.Net. I'm 14, and will be a die-hard Star Wars fan all my life. (Including those wonderful Han Solo shots...)

    I want to go to Celebration one day! I'm in Australia and it's termtime here so I can't, but right now I'm counting down to Celebration VI. I looked up Star Wars conventions and sci-fi conventions in general that are coming to my neck of the woods this year, and there's one in August so I might beg some tickets off my parents and go.

    I need a Jedi costume so bad!! And a lightsaber would be good too!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Skyway, there is a safe on-line forum for girls your age who are obsessed with Star Wars. My daughter is one of the co-admins. Here is the link to The Lakehouse Forums http://thelakehouse.bigforumpro.com/ you will find you are in good company with girls your age who are passionate about Star Wars. You can tell them Fallon/Jedi Chick's's mom sent you. Hmm, sense of humor? I like to call it she is mattering the art of sarcasm.

      Blogs like this one in particular and other fan-based site in general are, in my opinion, a wonderful thing. Sometimes you feel like you are alone and a bit weird for loving (or I suppose it is called "shipping") particular fictional characters. Zyra this post has brought out an interesting conversation and I don't mean to write so much, it's just that I have been observing fandom for awhile. We even had an opportunity to notice fandom in history. Did you know John and Abigail Adams role-played (he a Spartan warrior and she the goddess Diana) we discovered that reading through their letters to each other. Fandom goes back a long time, even to ancient days. So we are in good company. I can't tell you how much better that little fact made me feel. If the second president of the US and his wife, both heroes of American history could role-play/ship, then a modern-day middle-age mom can certainly embrace her inner fangirl. I too will be writing about my fandom someday on my personal blog. Thanks for the post topic Zyra. And lurkers, come on in the waters fine.

      Delete
    2. Thank you, both for the birthday wish and for following and reading!

      I wish I could go to Celebration too! Although I already have a semi-jedi costume and a lightsaber I could totally use. =)

      Delete
    3. That is a really interesting fact about John and Abigail Adams. H/L seem to be enduring though it tends to go in about 3-5 years cycles, as a new group gets vocal. I've been lurking for years! It seems like the vocal group discusses and exhausts all the usual topics (when did they do it, etc.). I mean, how many times can you discuss that? Well, infinitely in my opinion. And then there will be some split/accusations/fighting in the group and then it peters out again. Unfortunately some really good sites have just disappeared. So anyway thanks to everyone for keeping it going!

      There are still many "missing moments" and other takes that haven't been written yet. We haven't exhasuted it yet.

      Delete
    4. There is that missing moment challenge out there. (hint hint) :)

      Very interesting how it cycles like that.

      Delete
  7. Coming out of semi-lurkerdom here... ;)

    I think the fandom is here to stay, at least in a sense. It obviously comes and goes in waves (usually coinciding with things like the release of a new movie or a bright spot in the EU), but I think Star Wars, in one form or another, is going to survive for at least a generation or two more!

    There are fandoms that have been around much longer than 31 years. I've mentioned before that I used to write fanfiction for (and still consider myself a fan of) Phantom of the Opera, which, if you count the original novel (and oh, we dedicated fans do!) has been around for 102 years. Jane Austen has a dedicated fanbase, and while it might not be considered fanfiction by the general public, Shakespeare's plays, Greek mythology, the Bible... there are derivative works being created for stories far, far older than Star Wars.

    And I think all of those examples above have something in common. There's a core element or two at the HEART of all of them that is a part of either human nature or at least of modern society. We want to see good triumph over evil. We have a longing to go beyond our humble beginnings and become something more. We believe the scoundrel's still got a heart of gold. And no matter how real life may tell us otherwise we definitely believe in true love. I think those basic human elements of Star Wars are what will keep it around for awhile to come.

    And will writers ever run out of ideas? Well writers are still paying homage to Romeo and Juliet after all those years, and that doesn't make every story of star-crossed love trite or overdone... if it's done well there will always be room for more. Even the EXACT same story written by different authors will be different, and therefore (possibly, again if well done) worth reading.

    And those of us who disappear for awhile will be back... we flit off to other fandoms or plod through original novels (and by "we" of course I mean "I"), but I think most SW fans will stay fans ,even if their level of activity in the fandom comes and goes.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That is so true. My level of interest has fluctuated over the years, and I've dabbled a bit in other fandoms (X- Files was my other major interest for a few years, and I still like it), but I NEVER go off Han and Leia or SW, it's always there in some degree or another, and I can't ever see that changing. It was the first fandom I really fell in love with, and Han and Leia the only couple I've shipped to an obsessional level. I love Mulder and Scully, but I can't even put them in the same league.

      Oh and nice to hear from other Phantom fans. I admit I've never read the original novel (slap wrists), but I am very very into the musical version. Know it pretty much off by heart now.

      Delete
    2. Welcome back, I was wondering where you've been. Great point bringing up fandoms that have been around longer and still hold people's interest. I know my interest comes and goes to a certain degree even if it never goes away entirely. By that I mean sometimes I'm not really that interested in reading or writing but I still pop in regularly to make sure nothing important is happening while I'm gone :) So in that sense I suppose I can declare that I'm not completely obsessed/insane.

      Some really good points made.

      Delete
    3. I agree. Some really good points made. Look at Dracula. It's been around forever too.

      I have the Phantom book and may have actually read it. Been a long time though.

      Delete
  8. So, the future of the fandom is in the hands of just the seven of us. Good talk, guys.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hmmmm. Should everyone else be afraid then? ;) I'm sure I have a few more pants swapping stories in me somewhere. And if not, I have a hubby at home with a warped sense of humor.

      Delete
    2. lol Amara, I too have a hubby with a pretty warped sense of humor as well :)

      Delete
    3. wait till you see the retelling of the Original Trilogy my daughter and I came up with over breakfast on Sunday and transcribed lest we forget. the future of fandom is in good hands, never fear.

      Delete
    4. And you're definitely going to share that with us aren't you JZ, :) ?

      Delete
    5. Interesting, jz. Can't wait to read it. And I love when you guys can get your kids involved, makes it even more fun.

      Delete
    6. Soon as i figure out how to do it from new tablet. Will try tonight.

      Delete
  9. New Info on Crucible http://www.theforce.net/latestnews/story/Star_Wars_Crucible_Blurb_Teases_Next_Book_Series_147081.asp

    It's not giving me a warm and fuzzy feeling :(

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. More or less confirms what I was thinking. That this will be the last major appearance for Han, Leia and Luke. That's not to say they wont pop up once or twice in a cameo role, but this really does sound like their swansong to me. I just hope and pray that said swansong doesn't involve the death of any of them. They owe the characters a respectful send off, don't you think?

      I guess the very best we can all hope for is that they one day go back to all those moments in the timeline that never got written about and give us some young Han and Leia again. Maybe someday eh?

      Oh man, I'm feeling sad now. :(

      Delete
    2. Yeah, it had to happen sometime, right? And it makes sense given a book focused on three really old characters. It will be sad to see and I hope that they just send them off into the sunset to retire in peace although I do fear that they will collectively have to make some major sacrifice. But in some ways it's a huge relief because finally, FINALLY, I can stop reading these damn books! I hope they fill in some gaps, too, but I'm not going to keep on reading without them. They are why I love Star Wars and they already totally dropped the ball on the EU thus far, I don't even want to know how much worse they can make it with the new characters.

      Delete
  10. It's pretty awesome how wide the age range is. I do sometimes wonder how far into the future it will be before the fire really dies down. It doesn't seem like it will be any time soon though!

    About the new book, I just hope this means that they'll put out more 'old school' books. You know, if they feel like it.

    ReplyDelete
  11. I'm glad you guys are around and have ideas, especially now that apparently we are reaching the end of the EU for Han and Leia. So depressing, I've been reading about them since 1995!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It wouldn't be so depressing if we knew they were going to publish more books to fill in various younger timeframes, like Zahn's new book.

      Delete
    2. Agreed. There is so much more time they could fill in. What about those four years before COPL? What were Han and Leia up to and why weren't they getting married? Just a thought.

      Delete
  12. I'm thinking of writing my own version of Crucible before it comes out so I can compare what happens with the real Crucible. I hope the Big Three's sendoff is at least worthy of the Star Wars saga and everything they've done for the galaxy.

    Note: I'm going to go down on my knees and beg my mother to pre-order it for me. No way am I letting this go.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Very interesting idea. Curious to see what you'd come up with.

      Delete
    2. I just went and read the rest of the stuff on Crucible, and since I've honestly only read two EU books, I'm just going to ignore their existence. Personally, I prefer for the story to be all about Han and Leia...and I shall pretend they live forever in the same form we see them in the earlier stuff.

      Or maybe I'm just so...afraid?...to read more after Courtship. That was terrible. How could they write something so bad and still get away with it?!? Tatooine Ghost was better though...but still.

      Anyway, that sounds really interesting, your version and how it compares, and would be a lot of fun to read. =)

      Delete
    3. Well if you've read Courtship then you've already read the absolute worst book that was ever published. Trust me, no other SW novel is really as bad as that one. On the other hand, if you've also read Tatooine Ghost then you've already experienced the very best the SW eu has to offer Han and Leia fans. So you've read the very worst, AND the very best. So everything else falls between them. If you haven't already then check out Zyra and Push's great book reviews on this site. They should give you a good over view of what's good and what's not.

      Certainly worth reading though are Children of the Jedi, and Luke Skywalker and the Shadows of Mindor. Nothing to be afraid of with them whatsoever and some fantastic Han and Leia goodness.

      Delete
  13. You asked so nicely…

    So I am coming out of lurkdom.:-)

    I saw the Original Star Wars movies in the cinema. Well I am in the middle age group.
    I was a general SW fan and later became a devoted Leia and Han & Leia fan.
    I really enjoy this blog and the fan fictions all over the Internet. I just ignore the tales of the published books since I discovered fan fictions. I think many of them have much more fantasy and better style than in the professional writers books.

    If you ask me I think there is still so much possible stories of H&L and SW to write.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hey. a warm welcome to you :)

      I agree about fanfic. A lot of it is far far superior than anything the pro writers will ever produce. One reason for that is the fanfic writers actually have respect for the characters. That's something that is sadly lacking in a lot of the EU.

      Delete
    2. Welcome zsuzsa, glad you delurked. It's not so scary after you comment a few times :) have fun. By the way Zyra and Push, on the new poll question you seriously need an "all of the above" choice :)
      I like the EU then I hate the EU, but I keep going back to the EU - it's like a bad romance. I do enjoy the missing moments challenge though.

      Delete
    3. Welcome, zsuzsa. I don't think you are alone in the middle aged group. :)

      Agreed about the profic versus fanfic. I read a missing moment by Dant Solo about them and the white fur rug and I had a hard time remembering it was NOT part of the actual book. It was that good.

      Delete
    4. Is that the one with the swimming pool? or is there another story I am not aware of? in regards to the fur rug.

      Delete
    5. Yep, the one with the pool. Leave it to me not to remember the name of the profic book. But the fanfic is Too Soon the Morning. I already pulled a copy onto my computer. :)

      Delete
    6. LOL, the book is Planet of Twilight, Amara.

      I agree, great missing moment fic, as are all of Dant Solo's. Hot scene in the pool! But my only complaint about that fic is that as it's supposed to fill in the scene on the white rug, we actually get very very little of the white rug. It's all pool and no rug! Don't get me wrong, I love it to bits, but I would have loved more white rug action!

      Delete
    7. Agreed. Not enough rug time. But at least she gets a nice send off.

      I knew "of" was in the title somewhere and knew it wasn't Children of the Jedi. Funny I can remember parts of the plot, but not the name. :)

      Delete
    8. Not only is it Planet of Twilight, but I am pretty sure the page number in question is 112.

      Delete
    9. You're bang on Seams! ;) isn't it sad how we know that?

      Delete
  14. Where's this fanfic by Dant Solo?! I want to read it!!!

    ReplyDelete
  15. Never mind. I found it, with a lot of digging. IT'S AWESOME! -goes back to re-read for the millionth time-

    Oh and ... I hope you guys don't mind my boisterousness xD I talk in caps a lot when I'm so happy like now, just becuase I found Too Soon The Morning.

    ReplyDelete
  16. a) not sure how I managed to miss Too SoonThe Morning all this time but glad I found it!
    b) No whining Allowed, our joint fic is posted under my ID at fanfiction. enjoy!
    c) typing on tablet very weird. just fyi. hope I get used to it as this was supposed to give me mobile device to write on an so far v v weird

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. JZ, do you use an external keypad for your tablet? I was wondering how well they function for writing? Cute story on ff.net No Whining Allowed. Looks like you and your kids had a lot of fun together. Love the premise of no whining.

      Delete
  17. Where can I find Too Soon The Morning? Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  18. On the waybackmachine. Do a search for swtats.com.

    ReplyDelete
  19. Anyone who hasn't found Too Soon the Morning yet, here it is....

    http://web.archive.org/web/20080215210701/http://www.swtats.com/han/toosoon.htm

    Enjoy :)

    ReplyDelete
  20. I have a question... does anyone remember a HL story where H and L go on a mission, and they get tatoo's that emphasize their feelings? Does anyone know where I can find it? I think I had it saved on my computer but now I have no idea where it is... Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  21. Princess of the Scoundrels here is the link http://www.useakiss.com/web-content/dsolo/bonded1.html

    ReplyDelete
  22. I forgot about that story! Going to reread right now.

    ReplyDelete
  23. Everyone should go check out the new Blue Milk Special. And do the voting incentive...;D

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. LOL, I love it. Brilliant stuff as always from them. However, I'm a little worried now that Threepio has screwed things up for them yet again. Han should just chuck his head straight out of the window ;)

      Delete
    2. It was great. I had a hard time getting over where her hand was in the previous comic. Hope Threepio didn't ruin things again.

      Delete
  24. Hey Seams2Be! :D

    "I will admit that it was probably my first exposure to sexual situations in detail. Nobody discussed that kind of stuff. Interesting that my "first" so called encounter with that particular subject matter was Han and Leia."

    I have to admit that my first sexual "experience" (all by myself) in my early teenage was imagining Han & Leia and their first time... It was back in 90's and the original StarWars was re-releashed in my country and I fell in love. ROTJ was the first I saw and wanted to see them all, luckily someone in my family had recorded them all three so I could see ANH and ESB, too. :)

    But I knew nothing about fanzines, there probably weren't any in 90's or at least in my country, it was even hard to find any StarWars books in libraries. So my first written sexual detail that I read was in Earth's Children by Jean M. Auel. ;) We didn't have computer yet and although by friend did, internet was barely used because it was expensive. And I think there was nothing yet! ;D

    ReplyDelete