Interview with Timothy Zahn!!!!!!

I promised some good posts didn't I?   Well, here we go!!!!!  My very good friend Cad Bane's Chick from Pandas, Lightsabers and Cameras, oh my!! (GO FOLLOW HER!) helped to hook me up with an interview with the amazing Timothy Zahn!!!!!!!  :D  I am SO excited about this.....you all know that Timothy Zahn is my FAVORITE author, and when CBC found out about his Facebook page, she offered to help me interview him (me and my non-facebook-ness...*sigh*)  :)

So, thanks a billion CBC, and let's get on with the interview!!!!!!  My questions are in Blue, and his answers are in Red.  :)

1.  How did you come up with the character of Mara Jade?  What was your inspiration for her?

 Details on that are in the Heir 20th annotations. I'll let your friend do her own research on this one.

2.  What is your favorite book that you have written for the Star Wars Universe?

I see the books as a coherent whole, their own mini-saga in the midst of the main Star Wars epic, so it's really hard to pick out a single chapter of that saga. If I had to choose, I'd probably go with Outbound Flight, with Choices of One and Survivor's Quest as close seconds.

3.  Was it your decision to have Luke and Mara fall in love?  Why did you decide to pair them together?  (I personally LOVE them together, and they are my favorite couple in the Star Wars universe!!!!)

Yes, it was my idea. If Del Rey decides to do special editions of DFR and TLC, I'll be discussing that in more detail in those annotations.

4.  Who is your favorite Star Wars character?  Who is the favorite character you've written?  

Original trilogy: Han. Prequels: Obi-Wan. My own: toss-up between Thrawn and Mara.

5.  Are you happy with the death of Mara Jade-Skywalker?  Do you think her fate should have played out differently? 

I disagree philosophically with the idea of killing off *any* major Star Wars characters. But LFL owns everything with the Star Wars name on it (as is only right and proper), and they get to make decisions like that. If they're okay with the various deaths that have occurred throughout the EU, then that's all that matters.

Wow.  That seriously made like....my LIFE.  :D  <3  Mr. Zahn, if you read this, thank you SO MUCH and I love your books.  Mara Jade Skywalker is my favorite Star Wars Character EVER.  <3
And, I'll hopefully be getting the Heir to the Empire 20th Anniversary edition book soon!!

While on the topic of Timothy Zahn....I'm currently reading Visions of the Future, and it is just FANTASTIC. :D

I love Luke and Mara Jade's relationship.  It's just so perfect.  ;)  And her sense of humor is just hysterical.  I love it!!!!  SUCH A GOOD BOOK!!!!!!!!!!!!

So ends today's post....but tomorrow hopefully I should have another post up, with another interview!  *wink wink*  ;)  Hehe...you'll be surprised.  :D

Thank you all for the birthday wishes by the way!!!!!  :)

Interview with my Mom

This is the promised post y'all!!!  I interviewed my mom, and here is the result.  The slightly hilarious result, but the result!!!!!  :)


Jedi~Chick/Fallon: Hey Mommy!!!!  Okay, so I'm going to ask you a few questions.  :)
Mom: Okay

JCF: So, you're a homeschool mother.  What is your favorite subject to teach, and why?  Are there any subjects you don't like to teach?  (and not because of us, because it's hard for you.) :P

Mom:  This will be our fourth year homeschooling and so far I have enjoyed all of it, even math.  I am learning right along with you and your sister.  I realized just how weak my own education was.  Learning is a lifelong journey and it all depends upon your attitude.  My favorite subject to teach is geography, because it is what it is and I love earth sciences.  History gets more complicated because their are many viewpoints to learn and understand and think about.  Traditional view of history is to just memorize facts/dates.  I like for us to explore what people were thinking and feeling and putting ourselves in their shoes.  The hardest subject to teach is math (for you, not your sister).   But overall I love homeschooling.

JCF:  You're a Star Wars Fan!  That's Awesome!  Now what made you like Star Wars way back in '77 and why?  And what made you like it again? *waggles  eyebrows*  

Mom:  I was ten years old in 1977 when I saw Star Wars in the movie theatre, it was one of the rare times my whole family went to a movie.  I was hooked.  I remember one day when my mother (your grandma) was working and my brother and I spent the entire day in the movie theatre watching Star Wars over and over eating salt bagels, (I think Grandma didn't have a babysitter for us).  I liked everything about it. It was so new and different and I fell in love with the story and the characters.  I don't think I ever told you this story, I used to play "star wars" with a neighbor kid (I of course was Princess Leia), I used to pretend every white car was a stormtrooper and Darth Vader scared me (he seemed very very tall).  I continued to be a "fangirl" as you call yourself today well into my twenties. I even had a trading card of Han Solo in my wallet (but I started dating your father, so I replaced Han's picture with Daddy's).  Somewhere after that I lost touch with it, quite frankly their wasn't much new in the marketplace.  I read the books as they came out but after I had my first baby (that would be you) I lost track of it all together.  You know the sob story of me getting rid of all my star wars stuff (we won't go there, who knew.......).  What made me get back into it again?????  You.   Remember you didn't even like it when your little sister fell in love with Clone Wars.  It was your sister's thing and she and daddy had their "time" watching TCW on tv.  I didn't even pay attention to it either.  I got back into it during Celebration V last year.  I took you up as a surprise, doing it for you.  Quite frankly I was thinking  I was at a freak show, seeing all the people dressed up and all.  But after we went to one of the talks with Dave Filoni and I saw the passion and talent of the cast and crew and how Clone Wars was bringing families together, I had a new perspective.  After having the opportunity to watch you meet Ashley Eckstein, I thought now here is a wonderful role model for young girls like you and your sister.  I got to see the people behind the show and really see their passion and values and their hearts.  All good stuff.  

JCF:  You are one of the most faithful and spiritual people I know.  Do you have any favorite memory verses that inspire you?

Mom: Thank you.  I haven't always been.  My faith walk has been a wonderful incredible journey so far.  I have become a Bible-thumping Mama, raising my hands in praise  and singing at church. I love our Lord and I am so incredibly humbled by our King. I am so grateful I have a husband who loves our Lord with as much passion and we are raising you girls up knowing God's love and truth.  I have two favorite verses that I have memorized,  Proverbs 3:5-6 and Jeremiah 29:11.  I also like Ephesians 6:10-18 and Proverbs 31, but I don't have them memorized.  I'll let your readers look up the verses.

JCF:  Back on the topic of Star Wars, what is your favorite Star Wars Movie, Character, Book, and costume?  Sorry for so many questions, my readers MUST know!  :)

Mom:  I am an original trilogy fan.  I never got into the next movies (I don't even know what you would call them, the first movies, that came after the first trilogy which is really the second trilogy?). My favorite characters are Princess Leia and Han Solo.  I was so happy that Princess Leia and Han Solo fell in love.  Remember it took four years between movies for us to find out what happens.  The books were even later than that.  I don't have a particular costume that is a favorite.  I liked Leia's hairstyles.  I remember being excited to see that she was going to have a different hairdos.  As far as Star Wars books go, I've read a lot this summer.  I really enjoyed the Corellian Trilogy series as well as Tatooine Ghost, Balance Point, Star by Star, Rebel Stand, and The Unifying Force. (of course I only read the Han and Leia parts) I'm not going to read any of the other books right now.  I am content with the story arc and a great top-bottom connection that was made from Tatooine Ghost and The Unifying Force.  I'm satisfied.  

JCF:  Do you watch TCW? Do you like it?  What do you like about it?

Mom: Yes, we watch The Clones Wars as a family, I really like that.  I like Ashoka, she reminds me of your sister.  Padme reminds me of you.

JCF:   What is your favorite type of book to read?  What is the most recent book you've read?  Did you like it? ;)

Mom: The most recent were the Star Wars books I mentioned above. For escape I enjoy mysteries, in particular The Tea Shop Mysteries and The Beatrix Potter Cottage Mysteries.  I also read my Bible.  I read a lot of different material for homeschool to prepare for lessons. I also enjoy poetry, in particular Robert Frost and Robert Louis Stevenson.  I love the way words combine to create images in your mind.

JCF:  Who's your favorite kid, me or my sister.....LOL, I'm just kidding.  XD  What's your favorite part about homeschooling?  ;)

Your sister.  ok just kidding.  My favorite part of homeschooling is that I get to be part of watching you grow up.  We are a close knit family and I couldn't be happier. I also enjoy that we can slow-down and take our time with lessons, really getting into them as the spirit leads us.  I also like the fact that we all laugh a lot.  I like that your sister dresses up as a different character everyday.  I love that you and your sister are close. I love the freedom we have and that I can drink a cup of coffee in the morning without having to run out of the house.

MY SISTER?!?!!?  WHAT????   Ugh, never mind.  :P

JCF:   What inspires you?  What are the things that 'get you going' and make you feel happy and passionate?  ;)

Mom:  Jesus Christ, my saviour!  It all comes from him.  All our gifts, talents and passions are from God Almighty, what can be more humbling, exciting and inspiring.  Following God's path for me has been very exciting.  I just listen and follow.  Where he guides, he provides. 

JCF:  Will you give me an A on this interview?

No.  Actually you know how I feel about grades.  You either do the work to the best of your ability and then push yourself to do even better or you don't. Or as Yoda says, "Do or Do Not, There is no Try".  I think you are challenging yourself in your writing and that is what counts.  But getting back to grades, to me they are meaningless.  A student can get straight A's and not remember a thing.  I rather we not concentrate on "grades" but submerse ourselves into exploring our lessons, experiment, ask questions, take chances, get messy (Yes, I am Miss Frizzle and that is not a comment about my hair). 

*laughs*  It SHOULD be about your hair!!!!! xDDDD

JCF:   What are your plans for this new school year?  What are you most excited for, and what are you most eager to start?  

Mom: We are starting a new program called Tapestry of Grace. It will take us four years to complete.  It covers all subjects except science and math. We start at the beginning of human history and study God's thread in HIStory.  I'm looking forward to it.  We will fall into a routine once we get started.  We have a great deal of work ahead of us, but we will have fun.  I'm hoping to be able to take more mini-field trips this year.

JCF:  We all know you're a huge Disney fan.  What's your favorite thing about Disney?  Disney World, Disney Merchandise, Disney movies, etc.  Why?  

I'm actually blogging about this topic, however I haven't had time to write in my blog.  I greatly admire Walt Disney.  In fact I admire all those that dream the impossible and then make it happen.

JCF:  Han Solo.........nuff' said.   But what originally attracted you to this nerf-herder?  And why do you hate my Lukie so much?  xDD  Just kidding.  ;)

Mom: First off, what in the world is a Nerf-Herder?  I'm not sure I want to say what originally attracted me to Han Solo to my teenage daughter.  As far as Luke goes, Daddy and I are just fine with you having a crush on a fictional character.  Just ignore the tough cute guy with the fast ship.  Move along, Move along.

*falls on floor*  

........

*laughing hysterically, cries tears of hilarity* 

JCF:  What's your favorite song?  (I know the answer to this one.)  Don't tell me why.  XDDDD  

Mom: The Hokey Pokey, because that's what it's all about.  Ha, not the answer you thought I was going to give.

You've GOT to be kidding me.  xDDDDD  LIAR!!!!! LIAR!!!!!!!!  

JCF:  Last question.  Do you think it's a good thing I'm a blogger/forum-er/ on so many websites?  I know sometimes I drive you crazy, but do you think it's been a change for the good?  ;) 

Mom:  Overall it has been a very positive experience. You definitely have your Daddy's gift for talking.  You are a passionate person and have a great deal to say and you need to express yourself.  I'm happy that you are following your passions.  Keep listening to Jesus, he will guide you.  I know you will get your assignments completed and will also practice your viola (you are very talented).  As long as you keep your thoughts and actions with goodness, truth, and beauty you will go far. Be passionate, be humble, be respectful, be helpful, be yourself.  Don't ever let anyone tell you to be something else (not even your mother).  Be mindful of your need for sleep (it's not during school time).  I love you, God has wonderful plans for you. I can't wait to see where your paths lead you.  Thank you for taking the time to interview me!

Awww, thanks Mom!!!!!  :)  *hugs Mom*  Love you!!!

Now y'all can learn a little bit about my mom and even a bit about me!  LOL!  ;)  She's so awesome like that isn't she?  I love all the Star Wars stuff she put in there.....XDDD

Love you all!!!!!

Interview with Ember Sparkstone

Ok, so while my cousin E was over, she helped me come up with this blog post.  She offered to do an interview with me!!  ;)  She is portraying Ember Sparkstone, a character who is "her" character in my fanfiction NaNoWriMo novel.  Here's sorta what Ember's like.....She's sarcastic.  Very sarcastic.  She's an X-Wing pilot, she's the head of the Rebellion's weapon department, she's a leader, she's loud, she's the rival of another pilot, who's name is Darrin, and they are constantly fighting.  She also is nursing a tiny crush on him....though she'll never admit it.  Ember is a former Jedi.....this story takes place directly after ROTS.  She escaped the Purge and went undercover as a freighter pilot.  Now she works with the Rebellion, and is close with the Main Character, Marilee Sunstar.  They were friends as younglings in the Temple and stayed friends after.  Ember took part in the battle of the Imperial Palace, which took place in my book.  She fought with Darth Vader and faced the Emperor himself.  She was also critically injured and nearly died (she survived though) That's pretty much it.....if you have any questions just comment!!


So, here we go.  E answered all the questions, and hilarity ensued!!!!  Again, if you have any questions, just ask!!!  :D


Jedi~Chick: So, Ember, what are your favorite Hobbies?

Ember Sparkstone: Personally, I like to blow stuff up!  It just gives me these exciting spasms of happiness!!  I also like, explosions, weapons, coming up with new weapons

JC: Whats it like to work with the Rebellion?

ES: I like the word Rebellion, and rebelling against the EMPIRE is just awesome to say.  Empire: Consider yourself rebelled!!!!

JC: What’s it like to look evil in the face? (Emperor Palpatine)

ES: Two words: Garlic Breath.  That guy needs like, 20 frebreeze cans in his MOUTH before I can even THINK about defeating him!  Oh and can we spell MOISURIZER?!?  That old dude seriously needs some.

JC: And what about Darht Vader?

ES: Well, he’s given us some problems, but aftter defeating him a billion times it makes us look tough!  Plus, he does the whole DEATH look realy well.  I mean, suddenly being light again wouldn’t work for us….like, at all.  He brings the whole plot together in this endless story we call life! 

JC: So you’re a pilot?

ES: If you want to label it…then yes. 

JC: And what do you love about piloting?

ES: well, when you find a duck, you know you’re in the same place….

JC: What? Ducks???  You’re supposed to say like, the thrill or something!! Not ducks!!!!

ES:  Well, wait, can ducks even fly that high???  Can Ducks even fly at all???  Oh, yeah, the thrill is cool too.  I like going fast!

JC: What’s it like to work with the other pilots?

ES: Urrgh!!  Other pilots?  You’re not talking about a certain “pilots” that we both know do you?  Well, anyhow, I like competition, and mainly because I win.  Oh, and I hope those other pilots like the back of my ship.  That’s all they’re gonna see!!! 

JC: Ok, so that “certain pilot” you mentioned, is he- or she- you’re friend?

ES: No.  N-O simple as that.

JC: Well, do you have ANY pilot friends?

ES: Well, I like them flightless ducks.  They’re cool.  And you know that one person on the street who looks up and says “Oh look, it’s an airplane!” their so stupid, innocent and clueless.  It could be a ship, a duck, or a missle headed straight for their face, and they’re still like, “Oh look, it’s an airplane!”  Other than that I’m pretty independent

JC: What about being a Jedi?  How has the Jedi Purge and the Empire effected you?

ES: *sigh* Make sure you right this down.  I’m sad.  I mean, after stupid Anakin killed everyone, I had to buy like a ton of funeral gifts.  I’m so out of money now.  *sigh* Although, there are some cool funeral songs.  But I guess I kinda get my money back, I’m in a lot of wills, oh, yeah I feel bad though. 

JC: And how has the Empire affected you personally?

ES: Well, it’s messed up Yo.  I’m like, looking for work, out of a job, it’s like the ressecion all over again!

Jc: Do you have any friends who are still Jedi?

ES: Yeah.  Well, Mari’s my BEST friend, I guess, and Maryanna is as well.  I also like, *clears throat* My pet duck, Violet, she’s a Jedi Duck, no joke.  And Magenta is her twin.  They’re both Jedi Ducks! 

JC: you’ve got Jedi Ducks?

ES: Of course!  What kind of Jedi would I be without them?!? 

JC: SOOOO, Changing the subject, What was it like to battle with Darth Vader himself?  We’ren’t you injured?

ES: Yeah, I was injured….big whoop.  Darth Vader was….kinda fun to like, hang with the Dark Dude.  I know he’s evil, but if I were him I’d be evil too!  So yeah, we’re kinda like, equals….even though I’m always better, still equals.

JC: Well, we’re running out of time.  What do you want the world to remember about Ember Sparkstone?

ES: I want them to remember that she was the BEST, AWESOMEST, and FASTEST person in the whole galaxy!!!  I rock.  *Starts to get up and leave….* Do you have any food????


There you go!!!  That was my wacky interview with Ember Sparkstone!!!  Many thanks to E for her help on this post!!!  :D


Jedi~Chick <3