I've been doing some reflecting as of late. In October, it will be two years since I wrote my very first hanfic story. However, it will also mark another precious moment in my journey though hanfic. It will also be two years since I first read "Glint of Heaven," and 'spoke' to LLama. She has played such an important role, not only as mentor to me when I first started writing, but also as a pioneer in the hanfic community. LLama, Amanda and I have put together a little tribute to you, and your amazing talent.

Her keyboard is a national monument and her pen, a sacred relic. In all honesty to LLama, there is no one like her. People around the world have read her stories and have named her their favorite fanfiction writer. The title is definitely deserved; LLama writes better than anyone that has typed away at the keys. She brings a maturity and a grace to fanfiction that most readers have never and will never see again.

I came home from baby-sitting one night about a year and a half ago. I hopped online to check my mail and almost fell out of my seat when I saw that LLamaesque was e-mailing me. I had read her stories and became very enthralled with her writing abilities. I thought that it was just an e-mail out of kindness for e-mailing her with compliments on her stories; I nearly died when I realized it was an e-mail complimenting me on *my* story. I couldn't believe that LLama was commenting on my story. That's like Michael Jordan commenting to a toddler in basketball camp. Throughout the months, we chatted and e-mailed back and forth. She, by just commenting on a line or gently urging me to change a word, has helped me write so much better. She just has that ability.

I have had the opportunity to meet LLama, and become friends with her. We bonded when we met up last year for the Albertane Tour. I can still remember the look of shock on her face looking at the Molson Centre. We have seen the "Promised Land" and she has even had her hair nearly singed by unruly Canadian teenies. Since then she has become my undisputed concert buddy because of her uncanny wit and charisma.

Our lot in life is to be a writer. It is not something that can be learned from an overbearing teacher or a classroom textbook; one is born with the ability to make words jump up and become real - real enough to touch and change a perspective or a point of view. LLama does this. How many times have you read her stories and thought, 'That's just what I feel like'? Or 'I know exactly what she/he is going through'? That is LLama. She makes people feel her writing. She makes people feel at ease while taking compliments and criticism in stride.

I try to explain the phenomena of "Glint" but she just does not understand. She has had such an impact on everyone that has a modem and a Middle of Nowhere CD. She made a huge impact on my writing, as I know has done with others. If you are ever to compliment her writing though, she usually shies away from it. She will make a joke about it and steer the conversation away from it. She readily gives compliments, but is so fast to disregard those about herself. I have seen her get a silly grin on her face every once in awhile. I know a compliment slipped through her defenses when she does that.

I just hope that someday she will realize how much of an impact she had on many, many people.

Thank you LLama,
Amanda

One little e-mail, that's all it took. I sent her one e-mail. But how could I have not? "Glint of Heaven" was unlike anything I had read to date. It was, most certainly, not your typical story. There was romance. There was humor. And there was a Webster's dictionary next to me.

LLama's writing was like nothing I have ever encountered in my life. I could only dream that one day my hobby would become something so amazing, others would want to read it over and over again. Her word choice, her sentence structure, and her wit, all conspired to make some of the most amazing fiction to ever be written. She has been hailed as the best fiction writer on the Internet, and all the while she has remained both humble and inspiring.

I was both surprised and pleased when LLama e-mailed me back. I had e-mailed various authors before, but very rarely did I receive a reply. And even when I did, those small thank yous couldn't have prepared me for the lengthy e-mail LLama sent in return. But it wasn't a lengthy thank you. It was a friendly hello, a welcome into the hanfic community.

LLama was my very first on-line friend. Oh, sure, I have e-mailed plenty of people in my day. However, most of them lived just across campus. She was the first stranger I met that I would inevitably call friend. Taking notice of the "edu" at the end of my e-mail address, she asked if I was in college, too. "Too?" I thought. Then I realized I was not alone. I had found a peer in what, at the time, seemed to be a base of fans with an average age of 14. And with that one e-mail I sent her, many, many more have followed since.

It was only natural that she ask me if I wrote hanfic, too. And at that time, I had one short story written, and hosted on another page. I suppose it was inevitable that she would ask for the link. However, her next question surprised me, leaving my eyes wide and jaw dropped. "Are you going to write another one?"

Up until that point, I hadn't given it any thought. I had written a story. To me, it ended there - or so I thought. And although I had reservations about embarking on a new project, I discussed plausible plots with her anyway. When I got back from Thanksgiving break, I sent the first six chapters of "Think of Laura" for her to read, and see what she thought. The next thing I knew, she had posted my story on her webpage. I often call that 'the beginning of the end.'

When LLama hosted my stories, amazing things began to happen. With her acting as my editor, my writing improved tremendously. Also, my story now had an audience, which has allowed me to communicate with some wonderful people. I have gained faith and confidence in my abilites as a writer. New doors have opened, and the only reason I found my niche in the hanfic community is because of her.

Two years, numerous stories, and a domain later, one thing has remained the same. LLama continues to be a pioneer, and a source of inspiration full of humility. She has taken hanfic to a new level with the development of hansonfiction.com, and continuing to showcase writers on Various Artists. Writers, both new and old, are welcomed into the community by her. Many writers have gotten their start by LLama offering a few words of encouragement, and her linking to their stories. I am no exception.

LLama, I just want you to know how much I appreciate everything you've done - not just for me, but for the entire hanfic community, as well. You are not just an assest to the community, but a pillar, as well. You've laid the groundwork, and continue to play an important role in its foundation. You are simply amazing.

Sincerely,
Karen :-)