Since I started writing for my Retcon stories again, I've received several private messages addressing a problem with my earlier stories. You see, when I first started writing these, I had made the mistake of assuming that the target audience would be primarily fans of the comic book genre (who were also interested in TG).

So I would write as if everyone knew about the characters and situations I was talking about. Just one example, in 'When Lightning Strikes' Chapter 1, I make an off-hand reference to "Akira", by Katsuhiro Otomo, when talking about a minor character.

So here I am, the whole night off to write, and I'm sitting here staring at the screen. It's not that I don't have ideas, I have a whole bunch of notes right here. I even have two thousands words written so far of my new story. And yet...I can't seem to get myself into the mood to write. Even worse, I look at what I have so far and it doesn't look very good to me.

I guess I'm paying for pushing myself to write so much last week, because now I'm in 'hyper critical' mode. Since a lot of you are also authors, I'm sure you know what I'm talking about!

Well that's done, at least. So far it seems the reaction to the story is good, and I'm grateful to everyone who has commented about it so far. I added a "Chapter Zero" that explains who's who, and where they come from, so hopefully that will help the story make more sense.

This is, without a doubt, the most ambitious project I've ever completed, and I'm feeling a little burned-out at the moment. But I'm also too wired to sleep; as usual, my Muse has stolen my sleep!

Good thing I have the day off, huh?

First, I'd like to offer my apologies to anyone who doesn't like superheroes or the Retcon universe for the utter spam of stories of late as I've built up to this, my first attempt at a real Retcon crossover storyline.

Sure, we've had cameos and brief crossings before now, but this is the big one I'd been leading up to for some time now. It's probably the most ambitious thing I've ever done as a writer, and the concept terrifies me. My Muse, however, remains confident (and crazy) as she eternally stands between me and sleep.

Warning: Blog contains lots of images!

Ok, so now it's time to try and see how this works in action:

Name: Doris Zeul (formerly Dr. Damon Zeul)
Codename: Giganta
Age: 29 (physically about 16)
Height: 5' 10 1/2"
Weight: 190
Stats: 34C-26-34
Power: Enhanced Strength, Size/Density Alteration
Talents: Doctorate in Genetics, Doctorate in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology*
Accessories: GL communications and costume ring

Shoe: 6
Dress: 8

*Acquired Doctorates at Thomas Jefferson University/Jefferson College of Graduate Studies

Strength: Class 3 (maximum press about 500 lbs.)
Agility: Class 3
Endurance: Class 3

The Great Abilities Chart!

Basically, this is a rankings system. There are finer degrees than this system allows for, but since most of the characters are metahumans, chances are they fall above human ranges more often than not. Until I get more data, most of the examples will include actual comics characters, as opposed to Retcon characters.