Saturday, August 22, 2015

The Return of Some Legendary Han and Leia Writers

Clearly more recently we have mostly been discussing the new movie, coming movies, and comic books. At the heart of it all, this blog was about writing Han and Leia specifically, or Han and Leia fans in general. We've had an excellent mix of older fans, young fans, new fans, people who saw the original trilogy in the theater and people who weren't born until years after it came out.

I'm not sure how much of the "history" of Han and Leia fanfic you all know or what kinds of fans you all are. I'm certainly no expert myself but have been around the fandom since a little before the turn of the century (come on, it wasn't THAT long ago) and can remember the online debates about Chewie dying and Han's reaction as well as the whole Bria fiasco with the release of the Han Solo trilogy.

It was around the same time that I discovered fanfic online. I'm sure I had the same reaction you all had, like suddenly you didn't feel so weird and alone because other people shared this quirky little obsession. I believe fanfix.com was the first site I discovered, which had some good stories on it. There were some Han and Leia specific fan sites that I remember reading, most of which, sadly, are no longer online. Lots of good stories and discussions.

Over the years it became clear that there were a few "legends" that had earned their status among Han and Leia fans as having written some of the most universally loved and lauded stories on our favorite couple. Most of these people had seemingly disappeared. I can certainly understand that, as even my own interest level wanes from time to time, and what once used to take up tons of your time and thoughts, suddenly doesn't anymore. Personally, while I'm still thinking about the upcoming movie, admittedly I don't really look to read fanfic much anymore, let alone writing it. Not saying I never will again, just that at this moment, it isn't really something I'm seeking out.

That said, for those of you who will recognize these authors and appreciate the return, and also for those of you who don't know what I'm talking about, I feel you must be informed. Recently two of the most cited authors when talking about favorite Han and Leia stories ever have returned. I have no idea whether it was coincidence or if they had been talking or if someone somehow went and convinced them both to come back to us and repost their stories, but I would urge any Han and Leia fan to go check them out immediately if you haven't already. Or, if you already did a long time ago, do it again anyway. 

The first to return was Cindy Olsen, who is posting under the name Corellian Blue on fanfiction.net.  She has written multiple excellent Han and Leia stories of all kinds. Some canon, some not so much. All very well written and very in character. The other is Leela Starsky who wrote what is arguably the most recognized and acclaimed Han and Leia story there is, 40 Days to Bespin which she has just reposted over there, as it had been previously absent from the internet (though somewhat available through PDF trading) for quite a while now. If you have not read it, go do so. Like, right now. She also has several other great Han and Leia stories, including one that she had left unfinished for years and maybe we can all hope she finishes up now. Same with Cindy Olsen, apparently she will be sharing some new stuff, so be on the lookout! 

I think it is fantastic that some of these people are coming back. Makes me wonder if it is the new movie or what, but it has always seemed so tragic that some of these great stories had disappeared so that nobody new could read them. It will also be interesting to see if anyone else from the old days comes back. In the mean time, happy reading!

35 comments:

  1. I am beyond thrilled to see them posting at ff.net. Some of the older stories and writers that came early on were really, really good. And unfortunately some of their stories have been lost. I'm hoping that they are maybe coming back for the new movie and will share with us some awesome stories again.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I so agree. I thought we would never see some of these stories again, and now we can all reread and enjoy, and the people who never read them the first time round can finally get to to see why these are the all time classics. Hoping the new movie brings even more writers out of the woodwork :)

      Delete
  2. It certainly can't be a coincidence, I think, and thanks for all of the info. I'll certainly be around to read the fanfic.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Any chance that anyone here is also a Chlollie fan (Smallville)?

    ReplyDelete
  4. this is wonderful news, but please don't forget all of the current fanfic writers that probably would appreciate your support as well.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Went and read a couple of their stories. Loved them.

    ReplyDelete
  6. I've never read any stories from either of those authors - looking forward to checking them out! And yes, there's a lot of other talented writers currently posting stuff at the fanfiction website. Does anyone post H/L stories on the force.net? I haven't checked that site out because I've heard it can be pretty negative over there....

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Definitely check them out. I don't want to try and deter people from reading new stuff, just want anyone who has never had a chance to read these to go back and see them.

      I've never posted a story on theforce.net. And I think I only ever read one story over there, and that was only because it was so highly recommended elsewhere. There is no way to sort the stories and it is difficult to find something you're looking for. Also an update they did lost a lot of stories that were longer so it just seems all around like a bad idea. If I wanted my story to be read, I personally wouldn't post over there. I never, ever look for stories there. So, I guess I should say that maybe it is better than I think it is and I'm missing out.

      Delete
    2. Yeah I agree, the fan fic at TheForce.net is a real mess, and a pain in the butt to try and sort through. I read a couple of cute ones over there a few years back, but I never check anymore. They also have very very strict rules on what you can post, so absolutely nothing that has even a hint Or suggestion of sexy time in it.

      Delete
    3. It's crazy what happened to that fanfic forum. I used to frequent that place a TON back in the day *cough, 2000, 2001* and you could find a lot fun stuff (Heck, that's where I posted my first story. It's the only place I knew how to do it!). But now? I peeked in there a few months ago and it's just…a mess. I don't know how you find *anything* there anymore.

      But anyway, I was super-duper psyched to see Cindy and Leela back in the action. If we could get Sue Zahn to peek her head up, we'd have the legendary fanfic writers hat trick!

      Delete
    4. Oh, man, you aren't kidding! That would be pretty great.

      Delete
    5. And I'd add Dant Solo to the list too, so then we have an awesome quartet ;)

      Delete
    6. I'd also like to add a vote for Carolyn Golledge to this list.

      Delete
    7. Dant, Lady Padme, Carolyn, SueZahn.... fangirl sigh! They wrote some amazing stuff. I'm wondering if Martha will pop back up in fanfic under a new pseudonym or if she will get another shot at Star Wars profic. Her Leia book was one of my all time favorites.

      Delete
    8. Last I've heard from Carolyn was when I was googling Corellian Embassy wayback links and this came up:

      http://carolyngolledge.com/2013/08/30/the-corellian-embassy-back-to-life/

      Delete
  7. OH MY GOD AT THIS. I'm literally a fan of these writers and I am so elated to hear that they're BACK as in back publishing their fictions so that many can read and enjoy them, although I don't think they're fully back as in back writing H/L fictions once again, but who knows???

    Now I need Ivylore and Knighted Rogue to come back from the shadows to finish their unfinished stories and the fanfic writers resurrection is complete. Side-eyeing Stoned Rose and ShouldIGetOutandPush too, to finish the you-know-what stories in FFN.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. LOL! Knighted Rogue needs to come back too. Which one of Ivy's wasn't finished? I must have missed it.

      Delete
    2. I've been collecting old, lost stories for years. Nice to have the authors coming back so I can actually get permission for the stuff I have. I just didn't want it getting lost permenantly

      Delete
    3. Hi Yma, sorry for the delayed reply. Ivy failed to finish Return From the Event Horizon and The Endorian Summit, while KnightedRogue has yet to wrap up Mighty Things. Would also have loved for her to continue her NRI series, although it's moot point by now. These two writers are in my top 5 when it comes to writing the best H/L stories and characterizations.

      Does anyone still have contact to these two? Would love to contact them to tell them how much I appreciated their stories LOL. I remember shooting Leela Starsky an email a couple of years ago regarding Tattooine, and she said back then that she has an idea on how to finish the story and she intends to do it one day.

      Delete
    4. This was such a sweet thing to stumble across! I am nothing compared to these icons, though I admit I left a baby alone for a few years.

      But i got a lovely review from Ripley up there and started feeling the itch again. So keep contacting your authors ... You never know! Your review may spur something!

      And I know Ivy has started working on Return to the Event Horizon again. Which is good news for us all. An active Ivy is a happy fandom!

      Delete
    5. Welcome back! I saw the chapter alert to your story in my inbox this morning. I do have to admit that at the moment I don't even remember your story, but I saw at one point I left you a favorable review so I'm sure it's good, I'll just need to go back and refresh my memory before I continue on. I do love that people are all coming back and writing again, it's been nice!

      Delete
    6. Trust me, Zyra, I didn't remember either! This is a labor of love and conscience! If you read it, great. If not, no big deal. I'm just happy to see a community still hanging on!

      Delete
  8. Anybody knows what happened to lady Padme's In name only fic? It was great but still unfinished...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. As far as I know it was never finished. Either because of the site it was being posted on (theforce.net I believe) and/or because it wasn't quite getting the attention or comments or something at the time it was being posted. I don't remember the specific reason she just stopped, but I remember it being some reason having to do with the feedback she was or wasn't getting.

      Please, nobody ever do that. Write stories because you want to write stories, and don't get weird about posting or hold chapters/stories hostage for more reviews or whatever. I don't recall anyone doing that for quite a while, but it is not a good strategy!

      Delete
    2. I have the full archive of In Name Only. LP didn't finish it because she had a computer crash and baby #2. DRL took over... wish she would.

      Delete
    3. Thanks for chiming in, YmaSolo. I had thought I remembered reading a different reason for her not finishing the story, but you probably know better than I do. So, apologies to LP (who surely isn't reading this anyway) if I gave any false information there.

      Stoned Rose is familiar with the computer crash excuse. So, another warning to any writers: always back up your stories! Would love to see some of these other people come back.

      Delete
  9. Hi Zyra, I was trying to access the Boudoir in nerfherdersplayground for access to more HL fictions but it looks like I needed to undergo several processes to be allowed in. Can I please have access on the page? Prettty pretty please? :( BTW, my username is thierry there.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi, Ripley. I would if I could, but I have no affiliation there other than simply being a member. I am not a moderator and am not in contact with any, and have no way to give you access. I wish I could! I don't know if the moderators pop by ever, might be worth going through the standard procedures they have laid out and give it a shot. I think it involves sending a private message, and private messages there usually generate emails to people even if they don't check the site often. Hope you get in.

      Delete
    2. Ripley, I'm an ex mod at Nerfherder's Playground (walkingcarpet) and I've been desperately trying to remember the password for you. But it's been about 12 years since I was last modding there, and I can't remember it. I don't think any of the other mods are even still in the fandom to be honest. But I have seen Sue Parsons pop by very occasionally, so I would PM her as she's probably the best bet.

      Delete
    3. Zyra and Claire, appreciate your replies.

      I sent the private messages as per standard procedure to get in Boudoir a couple of months ago but nah. I hope somebody here pops in and shares the password to get in.

      In another note, is it worth it getting in? Are there that many, long quality fics in the Boudouir in the vein of the fics in useakiss and Corellian Embassy? Hopefully someone there archives some of its contents and shares them thru pdf.

      Delete
  10. ....and now we can add Dant Solo to the list of returnees. It's like a Han and Leia fanfic fan miracle.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Omg!! This is too great. And that was some list of authors you had. Awesome!

      Delete
    2. Crossing my fingers that the others out there will follow suit....

      Delete
    3. Just saw that and had to come see the joy here too :) Love Dant's stuff too...

      Delete