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!