Hi, everybody! (Hi, Dr. Nick!)

I'm a thirtysomething software engineer with an assortment of hobbies that I get into as the mood strikes me. In addition to writing, I draw, compose piano music, sing, lift weights, play video games, and make a cosplay costume once in a blue moon. I'm living happily ever after with the ogre I married and two cats who think they run the place.

Feel free to say hello at LiveJournal or Twitter.

.: About My Writing :.

My Dynasty Warriors fandom started out as just another addiction to a video game with an entertaining cast of characters. At first, I came up with comic-style silliness to amuse my friends. Taking a more detailed look at various characters and Three Kingdoms history inspired me to write more involved stories. My interest is mainly about Three Kingdoms pop culture in general, which has a wealth of material to draw from - Koei game canon, other retellings (from folk tales to modern-day interpretations), actual history, and the Romance of the Three Kingdoms novel that greatly contributed to the popularity of the era. There's also much left unsaid, which allows plenty of room for fans to bring something new to the table even without getting into "what if" scenarios, alternate universes, and so on.

Though my character concepts are influenced by Koei's and meant to be true to their basis, I put my own twist on them whenever appropriate. I also prefer my historical timeline stories to be more plausible than not. Taking the facts into consideration helps me conceptualize characters in a more realistic manner. My goofy party time stuff is best enjoyed by people familiar with the fandom, but everything else is intended for a general audience.

I welcome reviews, even a simple "Good job" telling me that you liked the story. My only request is that you give specifics if you notice some aspect of my writing that could be improved. Anonymous reviews are now enabled. Apologies for the oversight.

.: Projects :.

All of my works will be finished, even though I may update infrequently when writer's block hits me. I like to take my time and write each chapter to my satisfaction.

The Scholar and the Brawler is a modern alternate universe concept that grabbed my brain and refused to let go. Blame my shipping proclivities and a bunch of assorted blather about present-day interpretations of characters' personalities. Also features Cao Cao, Gan Ning, Lu Xun, and Xiahou Yuan, with some other character cameos as well. Now complete. A series of one-shots will follow, as this AU keeps giving me ideas.

Ryan Singh (tennoarashi) wrote a fantabulous review of this story. Check it out!

Tempered Will is a tale of Cao Ren's maturation from undisciplined teenager into fledgling general, based on historical records and a broad survey of research about Han Dynasty life. It focuses on his earliest form of military leadership - secretly gathering a thousand youths under his banner to patrol around the local rivers. Aims to be as plausible as an English speaking armchair historian can manage, both in terms of events and characterization. I would appreciate critique from anyone who is more informed.

In the future, I may wish to highlight some of Cao Ren's other campaigns. Such an accomplished commander deserves a fairer shake than the character assassination he got in Romance of the Three Kingdoms, which made him out to be a hot-headed, arrogant failure. Lu Meng, Xu Huang, and other historical talents may inspire me as well.

Of course, there's always the possibility of more romance (perhaps silly, perhaps not) and cracktastic humor. I've been poking at thoughts of an episode of Ren v. Food, inspired by that awesome show on the Travel Channel. (Blame my bro for that idea. But since he's been an amazing resource for everything from male interaction to peasant militias, I owe him one.) I also have plans for dropping Beavis and Butt-head into the world of Warriors Orochi. I haven't been in a proper mindset for silly writing, so don't expect any of this for a while.

Interested in rubber reality psychological horror inspired by works such as Jacob's Ladder and the Silent Hill games? Check out Resonance at my FictionPress account. (Last update - Chapter 14, posted 7/19/2009)

.: Favorite Characters :.

Cao Ren and Lu Meng are my two main men in the Dynasty Warriors series. Historically, both were able commanders and warriors, among the best generals of their kingdoms. They also took control of themselves to become as skilled as they were. Cao Ren disciplined himself out of youthful unruliness into a general known for strict adherence to military code. Lu Meng grew from an hot-tempered scrapper into a thoughtful strategist. He also studied to become more than just an ordinary fighter - quite a change from his lazier days of getting others to read and write for him.

Koei portrays both men as intelligent, mature leaders with a strong sense of perspective. Cao Ren and Lu Meng share mutual respect with their subordinates, have a sensitivity under their battle-tough badassness, and carry no grudges against former enemies. These gameverse personalities are a plausible interpretation of Ren and Meng's historical backgrounds. They provide a solid framework for realistic, nuanced characterization in any story context. Both guys are largely overlooked by the English-speaking fandom, which makes me even more interested in writing them. Rockman and Scruffles need more love, and I'm not even talking about that special manly sort.

Why do I slash Ren and Meng, you ask? They are compatible on a fundamental level, and their complementary differences keep things interesting. Ren is more straightforward, controlled, and reserved, whereas Meng is analytical with a grumpy teacher streak. This all lends well to friendship - and more, if they were both interested in such. The guys' interactions are a joy to write, even just ordinary conversation. They make a handsome couple, too. I'd never seen this pairing done, and it felt natural with my concepts of the characters. So why not have some fun with it?

Furthermore, I wish to write enjoyable romance featuring characters just being themselves. I strive for chemistry and believable development, whether over an entire relationship or a single scene. In my view, shoehorning characters into ill-fitting stereotypes ruins the appeal of getting them together.