About Me... I go by Vigilanti, Windwraith or the occasional Starwolf, depending on where you happen to find me. I am in my 30's now and have been writing stories for enjoyment since 1988. I am employed as as a graphic technician for a start up company called "Fotobridge". We translate photos and slides to digital format. If a picture is worth a thousand words...I am definitely storing up a treasure trove. Yesterday alone I processed about three thousand photos. In addition, I get to see what people are doing all over the world and don't need a passport or anti-milaria shots to do it.
I have an AA in liberal arts (computer graphics) and a BA in history (medieval specialty). I also enjoy linguistics and have taken multiple classes in American Sign-Language. Aside from writing and reading I also enjoy Gaming with my friends (Starwars D-20 or Warcraft RPG) and playing in the Society of Creative Anachronism. I have been known to spend time on various forums (Henchman-at-Heart, Young Blades & Beyond etc..)
I am dyslexic and if I am writing without a beta there are bound to be mistakes. Please be indulgent. It has taken time to gather courage enough to share my stories with others. Now that I have begun doing so, reviews excite me...they also encourage me to post faster. This site is devoted to Fan-fiction. Even if I have not written a specific disclaimer in a given work you can be sure I do not own any of the recognizable characters you find in them. If you are inspired by my writing or original aspects there-in and want to use them in your own works please contact me first.
My Beliefs: I feel creativity and imagination are gifts from God who is the ultimate creator and author of life. If I can use those gifts to educate entertain or inspire than then the glory should go to Him. I know as soon as someone starts mentioning "religion" as being "important" in their lives others immediately think that person is a "freak" or "fanatic." I am not ashamed of what I believe and I don’t like being stereo-typed. Likewise I try to respect others opinions even if I do not agree with them. It is, after all, our differences that make the world unique and fascinating.
On the flip-side, I am not naive enough to believe the world is all sweetness and light. In life darkness is real and the shadow sometimes becomes oppressive. For me, being a Christian is having the certainty that even when life gets rough there is a greater plan. The storms are temporary, they provide us with opportunities to learn and grow. In trusting that the God of the universe loves us with compassion and grace, I have confidence that everything will come out alright in the end. Don't be surprised if my writing and the worlds I create sometimes reflect this fact.
My Writing: I like Science fiction, fantasy, and historical fiction and am not afraid to do the research necessary to do these topics justice. As far as world-building, I tend to diverge rather cleanly from cannon at times but try to do so while still maintaining the feel and personalities of the original characters.
Be warned: Some of my stories are dark! My favorite themes are action-adventure and angst. Many people write about average folks, others prefer larger than life heroes...I am drawn inextricably to the underdog. Byronic heroes: Bruised, broken, bereft and betrayed, these are the folk that propel the gristmill of my mind. The Villains in my stories are usually people in positions of authority that abuse their power and take advantage of those in their sphere of influence.
Some stories also contain some form of torture (physical or emotional abuse) or mind-control. These theme are reflected in various of my works in varying degrees because it lends itself easily to creating the type of characters I favor. Truth is, I find these topics totally cringe-worthy, I am monumentally relieved such things ARE fiction because nothing creaps me out more. But in saying that I admit the themes are visceral, speculation gets the blood pumping and reminds you that you are alive. That is why I write about them. As of yet I haven’t written anything that i feel requires an ‘M’ rating--there is little gore and no NCS. Infact I doubt you'll find any concreate Slash at all. Parings may be alluded to but are left for the most part up to the readers imagination. If you think any of my ratings need ajustment let me know and I will change it. Despite the violence and mental anguish in my stories things usually work out in the end.
Please Note: "Working out" does not mean "happily ever after!" I focus on the circumstances that shape characters and follow them forward as they learn, grow, cope and overcome the hardships life throws at them. Things happen. You learn from it: either the situation changes or it changes you. The only thing to do after writing 'happily ever after' is to close the book. "The End" is final. For me stories are alive. Even if I stop following a given plot bunny it is still present in the hutch. I can go back and visit it if I wish. A ‘happily ever after’ makes stew out of said bunny. Its essence is devoured and dismissed. I am reluctant to do that.
I do not write romance or citrus. I have found physical relationships propel characters inextricably toward that 'happily ever after' point I tend to avoid. As stated above I may allude to popular parings but that is entirely up to the interpretation of the reader. Relationships other than friendship/brotherhood are not usually fundamental aspects of my storyline. and just because i mention certain characters are enguaged doesn't mean you should expect wedding bells before the close of the story. Should I find a 'happily ever after' in my own life my feelings may change, but it hasn't happened yet. I am not the type to try to live vicariously through imaginary characters. By in large I feel such topics are overdone in most fan-fiction and not usually written particularly well. I don’t feel the need to add to the list.
Well, I suppose I’ve bored you with this long enoug., You want to know what I've been writing?… on to the stories!!
>Stories in the Works
Gundam Wing Fantacy-AU: "Cursed"
18 of 18 chapters written -- 1-2 betaed, Posting begun.
Gundam Wing Historical-AU: Slaves of Rome Part 2: "When in Rome--Be Like Romans"
8 of ? chapters written: Some beted
Gundam Wing-Makar Series: Part 4 "Makar Legacy"
Pending: ? of ? chapters some bits written most still on the drawingboard
Note: Indecisive and incredibly irksome plotbunnies have caused some production delays. My Appologies.
J&tD Black Dragon Series: Part 2 "Revolution: Black Dragon Rising"
Version (A) 8 of ?? Chapters written
Version (B) 4 of ?? Chapters written
Dorment Stories I hope to get back to:
Young Blades: Lesson in Betrayal
Odyssey: Part 2 Fin's Odyssey Continues
Landmark Events!
"All Roads lead to Rome"
has received over 10,500 hits
AMAZING!
Gundam Wing: "Makars Confession" and Young Blades: "Conspiracy"
have been chosen as "Feature Stories" at Fanlib.com
Especially, I am grateful for those of you who have supported and encouraged me with your gracious reviews! Feedback really means a lot to me and I try to respond to all signed reviews. Did I mention I LOVE getting story reviews? -hint-hint- When I get reviews I update faster. If there is a dormant story and you are eager for an update feel free to PM me anytime.
My wish for you is ... Be well, take life one day at a time and never stop dreaming!
FanFiction.Net - unleash your imagination
