October 10, 2009:
Knight of Honor and The Waltz Continues remain in their holding pattern, but I will not leave either one unfinished. Inspiration is coming back more slowly than I prefer, and I promise no timelines for the next update on either story. The dust is still settling for me on real life, and I am grateful for everyone who has offered me their kind words during this trying time.

Thank you for reading my work (and if you reviewed, thank you for your enlightenment)!

A little about me...

I'm a 35-year-old kid-at-heart. In reality, I wear the hats of wife, mother, cat owner, cancer survivor, and full-time customs administrator for an avionics company. I've been writing since ninth grade when I was encouraged by my basic writing skills teacher to keep at it. She made a real difference in my life, and I wish I could have been able to tell her one day how she gave me the confidence to keep trying ideas and just "write, write, write!" Over the course of time, writing became my solace from reality and a coping mechanism for what I cannot control. Writing is my escape, and my imagination is my safe harbor. My stories are the results of introverting to a place where I can make things happen that will never exist in reality. One of my favorite quotes comes from Adam Savage of Mythbusters fame: "I reject your reality and substitute my own." That is my daily mantra. :-)

Simply stated in regards to my stories, I paint with words and nothing I ever write is scrapped. My teacher called these random notes brainstorming sessions. I call them my palette, and I use it to draw upon ideas for scenes, dialog, and emotions.

I always feel I can learn more, and I gladly accept Reviews and Critiques for my work. The only way I can become a better writer is by the comments of others who offer me insight into parts of my stories that I may have overlooked or parts that have made an impact positively. I don't believe in flames because even the least experienced writer needs a place to start, and it's through the wisdom and guidance of the more experienced writers, that they can eventually learn this craft, too.

I recently found this quote, and it is something I strive to avoid:
Your manuscript is both good and original, but the part that is good is not original and the part that is original is not good.
- Samuel Johnson

I found this quote in a recent Sunday paper, and I think it's fitting for any writer and/or author:
Sit down and put down everything that comes into your head, and then you're a writer. But an author is one who can judge his own stuff's worth, without pity, and destroy most of it.
- Colette

Sanity is a waste of creativity.
- Ms.MaraJade 4-23-09

September 15, 2009:
Originally, my absence on this site was because I was spending countless hours researching and putting together the pieces to my family's history by creating a family tree based on sketchy information left from my great-grandmother. However, today the writer's block I had been battling for the past couple weeks just got worse. At the time when I need my fantasy worlds most, I cannot seem to find the pathway to them. Finances for my family have just shrunk by an entire paycheck, and I need to use my free time to engage in these realistic problems in order to keep a roof over our heads and food on our table. To all the fans of my work, I apologize, and as soon as the dust settles I will be entering the fantasy realm once again. Thanks and take care!

August 5, 2009:
I just had all kinds of creativity going around me the last week. In addition to the book cover concept for Knight of Honor, I also photo-maniuplated a conceptual scene for the story. Feel free to discover my other artistic side on Deviant Art: http://msmarajade.deviantart.com/

June 21, 2009:
I continue to be sidetracked in another galaxy, the one that influences my daily life: Star Wars. I developed a new approach to writing through my Republic Commando story, and I was finding it difficult to write the full ensemble cast that is seen in The Waltz Continues. I am developing original characters in Republic Commando: Knight of Honor, and wanted to work on something a little different for a while during my downtime on Waltz. There is absolutely no intention to leave Waltz unfinished. Even I want to know what happens next! However, to get past the current writer's block in Waltz, feel free to PM me with any expectations, predictions, or ideas you may have for how the story should progress. I will honor any ideas I use with an acknowledgement in the Author's Notes where appropriate. Even the best authors use their friends, family, and colleagues for advice when writing. I would be honored to have the Voltron fans take on a larger part in this story!!

May 2, 2009:
I got inspired a couple weeks ago and put together a "book cover" for Republic Commando: Knight of Honor. Feel free to find me on Deviant Art, too (http://msmarajade.deviantart.com/)! I'm hoping one day to put together a couple book covers for my Voltron saga as well.

April 4, 2009:
Through my recent Star Wars writing, I have come into contact with a number wonderful fans, some of who are just as Clone-crazy as I am, and I would like to acknowledge them for their support and critiques. They have been a constant with my story, Republic Commando: Knight of Honor, and I wish to thank them personally for their continued support. mandomemory, Gotta Dance 88, ARC13, Spoodles, and of course, Ladymagdalena, thank you so much for your interest!! daennika, I want to thank you for hosting the MandoBoard (http://www.mandoboard.com/) and for being supportive with getting our kinds of stories a broader audience. You've done a fantastic job with it all!

November 18, 2008:
I have to put out a special and very personal Thank You to Firestar9mm. I am left speechless with gratitude for your kindness to write such an encouraging notation for me on your webpage regarding my Voltron stories, especially The Waltz Continues. That sketch of Lance (http://firestar9mm.deviantart.com/art/Lance-McClain-W-I-P-66688075), although only a practice rough draft, brought a smile to my face and warmth to my heart. Yes, our Red Lion's rogue looks exactly how I pictured him in that little poker match. Kudos on the sketch, and I can't wait to see when you do the actual drawing!! P.S. I'm still waiting for the finalized piece. ;-)

After the Votes had finally been tallied, I only received Nominations, but I was thrilled to list my recognized accomplishments in the Voltron Fandom:
Nomination: Best Dramatic Author, 2007 Voltron Fandom Awards
Nomination: Best Overall Author, 2007 Voltron Fandom Awards
Nomination: Best Dramatic Tale for "The Waltz Continues," 2007 Voltron Fandom Awards
Nomination: Best Series for "Midnight Interlude," "The Dance Begins," and "The Waltz Continues," 2007 Voltron Fandom Awards
Thank you to everyone who reads my stories and follows my hard work! These nominations are because of you!

Lastly, for everyone who enjoys my work and hopes to see more soon, I promise I am trying to work on things as I can. My baby boy has grown into a preschooler, and I am forever amazed by him every day. I will keep posting and updating as time allows and as my inspiration strikes. My son will always be the reigning Sunshine of my universe, and I can no longer imagine how my life existed before him.

For more about me, feel free to look at my Homepage as noted above.