There is very little, I have found, that one can learn from a simple "About Me" page. However, it is infinitely easier than answering endless emails and pesky late night phone calls.

I have to note that, while I do not lean to non-fantasy fiction writing, I most certainly enjoy any and every type of fiction possible. I can devour a good novel in hours, and I love thoughtful fan-fiction. There are those moments, however when one comes across the ever present reviewer who feels it is their job to destroy a meaningful work with harsh, misplaced words. Constructive criticism - which can be aptly described as helpful but honest - is greatly appreciated. Mindless attacking helps no one. Such reviewers, and you know who you are, beware.

As for my favourite stories, I must say the era from around 8 c.e. until 13 c.e. in Europe holds the most that are dear to my heart. But for modern works, I fall back to anime and fantasy/action/mystery novels. My tastes range anywhere from Karas to D. Grey Man, Trinity Blood to Last Exile, and back again. Final Fantasy VII will forever and always be the greatest game story ever told, at least in my mind, and Terry Goodkind can do no wrong.

There is also a standalone novel named The Redemption of Althalus, co-authored by David and Leigh Eddings, which I have fallen in love with and that you should go out right now and purchase with all due haste. And of course, there is the ever present Tolkien mixed into my influences, along with Kafka, Rice, Lackey, Goodkind and the occasional Wittig.

As a side note, there will always be a place in my heart for these rather random things: The Cloud of Unknowing, Olympic Sport Fencing, competitive horseback riding, house/trance/techno music, table-top gaming a.k.a Dungeons and Dragons, The Sword of Truth, late night Sonic feasts, sleeping in other people's beds, Avebury (if you don't know where that is, you should look it up), IHOP, and Yoshitaka Amano art.

Now I guess you would like to know a little more about my writing, as that is the whole reason you are one this page, correct? Well, I am up for just about anything when I write; willing to try anything once, I have a tendency to aim higher than time allows. So please forgive me if I do not update on the regular. Normally, I would have an entire tirade on how the current treatment of the modern day English language is akin to slaughtering a civilization, but I don't really think that will have much of an effect here.

All in all, I am fairly flexible in what I write, and I gladly take any instructions on how to improve, especially when it comes to the actions of characters I did not create. An out-of-character moment rubs me the wrong way, and I am in the hopes that if I am caught performing such a transgression, I will be flogged mercilessly with a rusty wooden spork.

Eat your heart out, Douglas Adams.

Side note: If you have not realized just yet that I am supremely sarcastic, then here is your warning: I am supremely sarcastic.

And for all you of you stat-obsessed:

Age: Wouldn't you like to know?

Gender: Female

Residence: A crummy apartment in an 8-story madhouse that I would not trade for anything.

Status: Christ, I don't believe in Peter Pan, Frankenstein or Superman

Favorite Cookie: Haystacks

Favorite Random Character:Lieutenant Sigurd Heiza

If you wish to contact me elsewhere: cswiney@utk.edu or orisoun@gmail.com

If you wish to go to a site that will rock your socks: http://swmaelstrom.proboards.com

By the by, if you can guess where my status updates come from, I will reward you. Don't ask me with what...I have not yet figured that part out.

There are a handful of authors on this site that have either caught my attention for their excellent story-telling or have been among the few to encourage my writing from the very beginning. As such, you should go look for their work immediately.

MusicalSoul Her work is wonderful, particularly After the Blaze. She is also one of the few that have kept coming back for more.

R. Reeves One of the standards for Final Fantasy VII fanfiction. Check out the page; trust me, you won't be disappointed.

Switchback Has a lovely story called Of Storms and Tickles. Go look. Now.

The Tiramisu of Impending Doom Wrote one of my favourite little fics entitled Pick Me Up.

thelittletree There is so much I could say about this lady's writing, but I think I will refrain and allow you to see the wonder for yourself.

Tijuana Pirate One of the first authors whose whose work gave me hope for this site.

Darknightdestiny The author of Agapé. No more information should be needed.

Spontaneous Implosion A person very dear to me that writes exceptionally well - even if she doesn't believe it. This link is to her fictionpress.com account.

ClancyEnthusiast Someone new that has caught my attention with his excellent writing. Particularly Rainbow Six: Black Sheep.