Until recently (November 2014), I was a professional editor for special interest and industry trade magazines ...

However, until I started posting stories here in 2009, I had not written fiction in more than 20 years (unless you count advertising copy, LOL). I wanted to see if I could tell decent stories, ones that would appeal enough to readers to make them want to reread my materials. At some point in the future, I would like to develop my own characters and stories. But for now, I am practicing my word usage, sentence and story structuring, and pacing using characters from a universe I love.

I like writing friendship- and family-oriented backstories, and I try to do so by extrapolating from Star Trek canon as closely as I can. For me, canon includes the original TV series, the TOS and 2009 reboot movies (except Star Trek V -- what in Heaven's name was that?), and the animated series.

I try to keep my works G- and PG-rated, as I'd like my stories to be appropriate for as many readers as I can reach, and, because these characters are so complex and multi-faceted, I believe that there are many interesting and thrilling facets of their relationships that can be explored on a G- and PG-rated level. Besides, I'm just too shy to write anything more "adult," though I won't rule that out if a story calls for such situations. The story always comes first, and, to tell it right, I will put aside my inhibitions to enter R- or NC17-rated territory if necessary.

Let me say this now and forevermore: My stories are for entertainment purposes only. I do not own a stake in any of the Star Trek properties, therefore I do not profit (nor would I attempt to profit) from any of my unlicensed Star Trek-based works. In fact, let me encourage everyone to continue purchasing the movies and licensed materials through legal channels to help keep this franchise profitable! We can enjoy and love the Star Trek universe all we want, but the bottom line is that Star Trek is a product of show biz, with the emphasis on the "biz" part. If it ain't makin' money, it ain't happenin', Folks!

I thank the owners of this intellectual property for their indulgence in refraining from cease-and-desist orders and in allowing fanworks like the ones on this site. I hope my works enhance interest in your property. My intention is to honor and support your efforts.

I also thank you, my readers, for your readership and consideration! Your feedback helps me improve, and I value your insights.

UPDATES

September 8, 2016: Wow, today we celebrate the 50th anniversary of Star Trek's premiere. Just think of all the lives that this show has touched. We have all the doctors, scientists, and engineers who were inspired into their professions through this show. Many of us have met friends and spouses because of our common love for the tales of the Enterprise and its crew. Sure, some of the plots were goofy, not every story became a classic, but this enduring show touched a generation and will continue to touch many more. It has become part of us.

To all current and past producers, writers, production staff, actors, and more who contributed to the Trek phenomenon, I thank you.

Today would have been my grandma's 100th birthday. I'm sure she's up in Heaven shaking her head at my obsession with an old TV show, but, hey, we'll just celebrate the fact that it takes many types to make the world go 'round. Happy Birthday, Grandma!

July 25, 2016: I saw Star Trek Beyond twice this weekend. Loved it! Our favorite characters all grew, and they bonded into the crew we hoped they would become. The camaraderie that the cast feels sure translated to the screen. A couple moments tugged at the heart. I look forward to the next installment.

February 7,2016: Amazingly, I managed to post Exchanges a couple nights ago. I haven't written anything fun in so long. When I found myself with three uncommitted hours all in a row, I figured I'd go for it. Wish I had more time for this, but Real Life and school call. Thanks for reading!

November 11, 2015: I'm still alive, but buried in schoolwork. I had hoped that my classwork would kick-start the creative side of my brain; instead I'm suffering from brain fatigue. The good news is, I'm making straight A's. The bad news is, I don't know when I'll have the time or brain power to write again until I finish my studies. *sigh*

Again, I appreciate everyone who reads my stories. Seriously, thank you for the mental and emotional boost you give me each time you comment or even just click on one of my fics. I wish you happiness, peace, and prosperity!

June 11, 2015: Hey, all... Though it may seem that I've fallen off the planet, I'm still here, but in a limited capacity. I'm in the midst of a career change. As a result, I'm back in school for an intense program that, I hope, I will finish by May 2016. I hope my classes help kick-start a creative side of my brain that will result in stories posted here. We'll see. In the meantime, from the reader stats, I'm happy to see that you continue to read my stories. I appreciate that greatly. Thank you for your readership. Wishing you every blessing that Life can bring you...!

December 29, 2014: I posted The Perfect Gift on December 24. For as uncreative as I've been, that is an accomplishment. Is it perfect? Well, no... Am I happy with it? Maybe... But the thing I have to remember is, I powered through the writer's block and at least put up something, and that is something to celebrate. :-)

October 7, 2014: Life blew up again, so I haven't been able to concentrate on writing. I wanted to accomplish something, so I reviewed and copyedited Insights. I hope I have removed the last of the typos!

August 29, 2014: Writing commenced, a whole 500 words of a first draft so far. (The outline is 3,700 words.) This may be a long story...

August 25, 2014: I finished my basic story outline. Time to start writing...

August 22, 2014: I am now outlining chapters for my next story. I thought it might be about 10 chapters long, but as I work on my chapter outlines, I realize it will be longer. I am up to Chapter 7. This process in outlining a long-format story is new to me. In beginning previous stories, I only knew how they would end. I would take a leap of faith and start writing. I wanted to try something new, so here goes...

July 17, 2014: I just finished plotting out my next story. (Never thought that was going to happen, did you? Neither did I!) It's been so long since I've written fiction. I hope I can get my brain in gear!

April 18, 2014: Finally created a cover graphic for A Little Night Music... :-)

March 10, 2014: Made some minor edits to A Little Night Music to correct a few typos and improve story flow. Working on a cover graphic next...

December 18, 2013: Posted A Little Night Music today. Didn't expect that, LOL! I picked up a story that I had started writing in August, asked T'Soy to read through and let me know whether it was worth pursuing (she said it was), then returned to the recesses of my hard drive when my crazy schedule intensified. In November, T'Soy urged me to start working on it again. You can all thank her if you enjoyed this story.

December 16, 2013: Greetings, all... I have not abandoned this account nor given up writing fanfic. Quite simply, 2013 has been an extraordinarily busy year. Between adding a room and porch to our house and a heavy travel schedule, my free time has been limited, and in the free time I've had, I've been brain dead trying to keep up. Even now I'm preparing for another trip: two weeks of visiting relatives abroad. Personally, I'm hoping for a more productive 2014 writing-wise. In the meantime, I wish everyone the happiest and most blessed holidays, plus health, prosperity, and fulfillment in the new year.

June 19, 2013: VickyFromGreece has written a sequel-complement to Why? about Sarek's reactions to the day's events. In Let It Be (Story #9403462), he receives guidance and peace from a very special source. Though it may pull a tear or two, it ends on a positive note. It may also inspire the reader to think about what survivors of tragic circumstances need. Highly recommended. Find it at http://www.fanfiction.ws/s/9403462/1/Let-It-Be. Special thanks to Vicky for sharing this difficult-to-write, reflective story with us!

May 17, 2013: I saw Star Trek Into Darkness two nights ago. I'm going to see it again tonight. Sad thing, we really did not learn much more about Spock and Nyota's relationship except that they have an occasional spat and bicker in vehicles. I laughed, as they did the same in For The Love Of Poinsettias and in Chapter 2 of Insights, LOL! I do have some observations on S/U that I will look at more closely during tonight's showing. Most of my inspiration, however, will probably be channeled into friendship fics (like T-Day Team-Building), as this movie focused on the crew gelling into family.

December 5, 2012: Posted For The Love Of Poinsettias yesterday. Again, I was challenging myself to get words up on the screen, as I've not posted in a while. What I had intended to be a piece of holiday fluff turned into something deeper. Why my creative self decided that Spock and Nyota had to have a fight, I don't know. But it's only realistic that they do sometimes. The great thing, though, is that Sulu popped into the story to demonstrate that this pair is not alone and that the command crew is a cohesive one. They look out for one another. So, I guess, this turned out to be a heart-warming holiday tale after all. Happy ending!

October 19, 2012: Wrote Accommodations today, just to prove to myself that I can still get words down on paper, LOL! Hey, it's better than nothing. I'd still like to continue working on my other projects, and I'm going to have to discipline myself better to just sit down and fight with them. *sigh*

October 15, 2012: Interesting question from reader bina W, who wondered whether I was going to post more chapters to Departure. Here is part of what I told her...

... When I posted Departure, I was a FanFiction.net newbie. I actually had no intention of continuing, but I didn't know enough to select the "complete" button. As people reviewed, though, they expressed interest in hearing more about Spock's introduction to Earth society and Starfleet Academy on his own for the first time. That intrigued me, so I never pushed the "complete" button.

I didn't return to it because I started writing Insights, which took a year, then Refractions of Light. I guess I forgot about Departure. But now that bina W has reminded me of it, I guess I'll start thinking about exploring that part of Spock's life. ...

Thank you, bina W, for your question. I'm glad to see that Departure continues to inspire interest. :-)

As for all my other projects, I have not touched them much. September/October is one of my busiest times of the year work-wise and volunteering-wise. After Halloween, my schedule opens up considerably. I've got thousands of draft words on paper; now it's time to whip them into shape!

September 4, 2012: Where did the summer go? Sadly, Real Life squashed the stuffing out of my good intentions to write and post here. Right now I have to content myself with being a reader. *sigh* I assure you that I am adding to my next story in bits and pieces. I'm afraid to post what I have written for fear that I will keep my readers waiting too long for updates. I'll keep plugging away, though. One of these days I'll have something worthy of a look... :-) In the meantime, I thank you for your ongoing interest and for your reviews and favoriting of my stories, which helps others find them, too. Take care, and happy reading!

July 26, 2012: Yesterday, while going through some old papers, I came across some fanfic I wrote while in college. One piece, An Interview With Harcourt Fenton Mudd, was short and sweet, easy to scan, so I posted it. I figured it would do more entertaining online than it did stuck in a dusty filebox on a dark shelf behind other boxes of papers locked away behind the doors of a wardrobe cabinet. (Whew!) Besides, I haven't seen many fics that feature Harry Mudd. Maybe this piece will inspire another writer to use him in a fic. Hope so!

July 18, 2012: Just finished my biggest project of the year at work, so now I have time again for fanfic. Hated that Nyota-Spock-Scotty story I was trying to write, so I've set it aside for now. Instead, I'm working on a Sarek-Spock-Nyota fic. After Refractions, people wanted to know how Sarek and Nyota got to know each other. That's what this story will be about.

June 22, 2012: I just finished making cover images for all my stories and posting them. Check them out!

June 14, 2012: Sad news that I just read on another board... Fanfiction author nerdielady passed away on April 6, 2012, after a long battle with cancer. Although I've never met her, my impression from our exchanges of reviews and private messages was that she was a very lively, imaginative, positive person. I enjoyed her stories very much. If you haven't had the pleasure of reading her tales, seek out the creative legacies of one of this site's most endearing (and prolific!) authors. Bless your soul, nerdielady...and thank you.

May 16, 2012: I have 2,700 words of notes and scene drafts for a lighthearted crew friendship fic starring Nyota, Spock, and Scotty. It's really goofy, and I'm not sure that anything will come of it. I'll give it a go anyhow.

May 4, 2012: Sorry, was off to Hawai'i for vacation (and making up all the work before and after my respite), so I haven't worked much on my story. Time to put some words up on my computer screen!

April 4, 2012: Working on a short story! Hmmmm, what could it be?

March 26, 2012: I finished and posted the last chapter of Refractions of Light. Hooray! That one's been frustrating, but often it's the frustrating projects from which one learns the most. I'll take the lessons learned gladly. I appreciate everyone who read and commented. (Thank you!) Next? Short stories, I think... :-)

March 23, 2012: Refractions Chapter 13 is in beta reading.

March 22, 2012: 2,700 words drafted.

March 16, 2012: I have 2,000 words drafted. Sorry, I haven't made as much progress as I had hoped. We are in the midst of record warm temperatures, and I've been enjoying this early preview of summer. Anyone who lives in a far northern (or southern) latitude understands cabin fever and the urge to enjoy the first warmth of the season outdoors.

March 12, 2012: I have 1,300 words drafted for Refractions Chapter 13. I like Nyota's parents, Mbaruku and M'Umbha Faizah, and will use them again in future stories. I will try to finish up and post by the end of the week!

February 6, 2012: I have an outline for Refractions Chapter 12. I'm guessing that this story will be complete in two more chapters.

January 27, 2012: Posted Tug-o-War yesterday. I had a half-finished draft for that story sitting around since last August. I rediscovered it a few days ago and figured I should finish it. OK, with this out of my system, time to go back to working on Refractions...

January 16, 2012: To hear the song in Refractions Chapter 11: "Beautiful Flowers, Beautiful Mind," go to http:///?lang=Swahili&t=es&p=2507

January 13, 2012: Draft of Refractions Chapter 11 now in beta reading. I had to toss out much of my previous work because it seemed too "forced." I'm happier with the new stuff in its place: more quiet family moments.

January 3, 2012: After being sick, then driving 3,000 miles through several states to visit relatives in just one week, then getting sick again, I'm tired, LOL! I will work on the next chapter of Refractions before I write anything else. Promise.

December 21, 2011: Sorry, folks, I've been down sick for a week. I'm behind on everything, and we'll be busy with the relatives through the New Year, so Refractions still waits...*sigh*... I do have more words down, though, but it's rough. Will try to post soonest in the new year. Happy Holidays and Blessings to All!

December 12, 2011: I have 2,300 words down for Refractions Chapter 11.

December 2, 2011: I've started writing Refractions Chapter 11. I'm also going to attempt another holiday story featuring the command crew if I get time between the full schedule of holiday happenings and volunteering. (Last night my group of 85 volunteers packed 15,984 meals for children in Nicaragua! Yay!)

November 23, 2011: Still unsticking my brain for Refractions, so I issued myself a challenge to write an entire story in a day using idea-generating techniques from the creative writing class I'm taking. The result: T-Day Team-Building. I focused on McCoy and Kirk this time. I forgot how much I enjoy these characters. I intend to focus on them more in future stories. I thought it was funny that many reviewers responded to the recipe for Commander Spock's favorite tofu as much as they did to other aspects of the story. (Hey, I'm always game for a new way to prepare it, too!) The drabble gift send to reviewers seems to be going over well, too. I may have to do that more often.

November 4, 2011: Posted The Ghost of Aunt Lily: An Insights Tale yesterday. I got "stuck" in Refractions, so I had to loosen my brain with something else. The 2,400 words I generated isn't bad for just five hours of work. Techniques learned in my creative writing class are proving useful. Now, with my crazy October over (busy work, four days ill, husband's birthday, 60 hours of volunteer work), I may have time to return to the Uhuras and break the logjam that's stalling that story. Here we go...

October 26, 2011: 2,700 words down.

October 19, 2011: I've got 1,900 words of the next chapter down. Who wants to hear about Nyota's childhood?

October 12, 2011: Hi, all... I've had several surprise client projects pop up, and I'm entering a period of heavy volunteer work, so I'm not sure when I'll post the next chapter of Refractions. I do have about 1,000 words down for it, though. My progress may be slow, but be assured that I finish what I start, including this story!

September 30, 2011: Posted Chapter 9 of Refractions. Hooray! What a relief after a long, weird month.

September 27, 2011: I have a 1,600-word core draft for Refractions Chapter 9.

September 12, 2011: I only have about 500 words down for the next chapter of Refractions. My apologies. The last couple weeks have been "off" for me. I'll see what I can crank out this week.

The good news is that I've signed up for a creative writing class that begins in October. I hope to learn the techniques for generating story ideas, putting them on the screen faster, and making them more interesting. As I said in my profile above, this creative writing thing is new to me, and, for all intents and purposes, these stories on FanFiction are the sum of my experience in this area. I want to improve, and I believe some formal instruction will help me do that. Wish me luck!

August 25, 2011: Posted Refractions of Light Chapter 8 a few days ago and am happy with the lovely response and chapter re-read rate. People are also re-reading Chapter 7 quite a bit, too. I hope that means everyone is finding entertainment value (*smile*). Chapter 9's challenge will be getting our boys to talk one-on-one without either of the women serving as a conduit. Although each one knows how to interact in professional settings, neither one is an extrovert in social situations. They are very much alike that way, LOL!

Thank you to everyone who sent condolences on the loss of my friend. I appreciate it. It is inevitable that we face a few trials in Life, but fortunately Life has a way of rebalancing every "down" with an "up." The good news: After three years of unemployment, my brother, who works in an extremely specialized and competitive profession, found an excellent job. It is a new beginning, one that we are grabbing onto and celebrating!

August 12, 2011: National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, 1-800-273-TALK (8255). This suicide hotline to a nationwide network of crisis centers runs 24/7. It is free and confidential. If you or someone you know is thinking about ending your life, DON'T! There is hope. Before doing anything, please call and talk to someone. Let them help.

One of my friends took his life on the evening of August 10th. He left his suicide note and personal effects on our doorstep. Needless to say, since that discovery, calling the police, dealing with the aftermath, I am drained, wrung out, mystified, angry, hurt, and like many survivors of loved ones who take their own lives, asking WHY?

Work on Refractions is on hold until after the funeral on Monday. Thank you for understanding. Peace.

August 10, 2011: I have 1,200 words of a Chapter 8 outline down. Still working...

August 5, 2011: OK, I have to admit, I haven't done much with Refractions. I got distracted with a story prompt from the Sarek & Amanda Yahoo group and have concentrated on that little tale. However, I'm feeling guilty for making Refractions readers wait for the next installment, so I'll start work on Chapter 8 today. Sorry, everyone! Where has the time gone?

July 22, 2011: Refractions is back on track with Chapter 7 going up yesterday. I managed to infuse some comedy into the chapter to start counteracting the angst-fest I've created here. I'm hoping that the humor in future chapters as Mbaruku and Spock get to know one another on their own terms rewards all the readers who have lived through the Sturm und Drang of Chapters 1-6.

July 13, 2011: Well, the in-laws have gone, and I just handed in my big project. Yay! Now I can get back to work on Refractions. Thank you for your patience!

June 23, 2011: Upon review of the story statistics, I notice that Refractions Of Light chapters 5 and 6 are getting many re-reads. I hope that this means that people are finding the material of interest or are being entertained. Chapters 1-6 were the first half, the serious "accept Nyota's choice" part of this tale. The second half will focus on Mbaruku and Spock getting to know each other. I'm hoping that I can infuse some comedy, as I would think it would be inevitable where Nyota's Terran father and her Vulcan "boyfriend" interact. Unfortunately, I won't get to this for a while, as I'm working on my biggest project of the year at work, and my in-laws are coming to town at the end of the week for a week-long visit. After mid July, my schedule should open up.

May 18, 2011: Just posted Refractions of Light Chapter 4, a short transitional chapter. The four main characters are now ready to get into the "guts" of "The Talk."

May 6, 2011: I'm back to work on Refractions of Light. Real life has restablized, and my stress level is way down.

April 21, 2011: A death in the family has delayed work on Refractions of Light. I thank you for your understanding.

April 8, 2011: Posted Chapter 3 of Refractions of Light on April 6. Happy at the feedback about the breakfast table scene. Also, based on feedback from LettieM, I got the idea of writing a Sarek/Amanda short about the gardening battles that Spock describes in The Rose Garden and Faizah Uhura talks about in Refractions! Although a longer-format Sarek/Amanda story has eluded me, I think I could get a handle around a shorter work. Hmmm...

March 10, 2011: Real life is demanding quite a bit from me right now, so I have not been able to work much on Refractions of Light. Between job hunting, volunteer work, a vacation we managed to slip in there, several surprise work assignments from clients, and the passing of a friend yesterday, my plate is full. I will return to writing as soon as I can. Be assured that I do not abandon stories. What I start, I finish. I thank you for your patience and understanding.

February 2, 2011: Posted Chapter 1 of Refractions Of Light, a complement to The Rose Garden. My muse has been absent, so getting this story going has been as difficult as getting Ambassadors Gav and Sarek to become BFFs. I don't know that I'm real happy with it, but if I let doubt and fear keep me from putting words on the screen, I'll never get anywhere. So I'm taking a leap. I hope it will be the positive experience that writing "Insights" was.

My Stories In Timeline Order:
Tug-o-War (TOS)
Departure
Accommodations
Refractions Of Light and The Rose Garden (Rose Garden takes place during the end of Refractions Chapter 2)
Why?
Insights and The Ghost of Aunt Lily: An Insights Tale (Aunt Lily takes place during the beginning of Insights Chapter 18)
Silent Night
T-Day Team-Building
For The Love Of Poinsettias
A Little Night MusicExchanges

Stand-Alone/No Particular Timeline:
An Interview With Harcourt Fenton Mudd (TOS)

Yes, most take place in the same ST2009 story universe, except TOS stories Tug-o-War and An Interview With Harcourt Fenton Mudd. You may find references in one story that allude to an event or piece of information that is revealed in another story. All these stories stand independently of each other, however, and can be enjoyed separately.

Thanks for stopping by! Blessings!