Origami Yoda, Chris Flemish, Star Wars, and Letting Go

he Quintessentially Questionable Query Experiment

First and foremost, I want to thank the universe that all my loved ones (and internet literary friend types) on the eastern seaboard are safe. Not everyone made it, and even for those who did survive, there is still plenty of struggle ahead. You are in our thoughts and meditations.

Now, to today’s blog post, can you tell what that it up there? It’s an Origami Yoda! I don’t know whether it relates to the book, but I don’t really care, I think it’s awesome.

It was a gift from my friend Chris Flemish. Chris just recently released his debut work of fiction. The Devil’s Whorehouse lies short of novella but long of short story, and is a work of horror. I had the honor to critique this tale before it went to Chris’ editor, and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

However, it was an interesting experience, as these things often are, because I really didn’t know Chris, and moreover, because English is not his native language. Chris and I met on Facebook, because we are both friends and fans of Andrew Smith, and after a while we got to talking, and he asked if I would read his story. It sounded intriguing, so I agreed.

It needed some work, but the underlying plot was awesome. Chris hadn’t really asked for a critique, so I was nervous about giving him one (we all know how these things can go), but when I did, he took it very well, and thanked me.

In fact, I think this Yoda he sent me is is thanks for the feedback I gave him. Or maybe it’s just for the friendship, either way, congrats on your release, Chris!

In goofier news, Disney has purchased Lucasfilm for some 4 plus Billion (with a B) dollars. Does that photo not make your inner child as sad as it does mine? It seems to make George sad too (look at his face).

There’s been plenty of discussion on the internet about this, most opinions leaning toward thinking it’s a good thing, and I’m not here to disagree with them, but I do want to talk about Star Wars, sadness, and leaving well enough alone.

I was born in 1977. I was 5 years old when The Empire Strikes back was released, and I have been a dyed-in-the-wool Star Wars fan and geek ever since. My eldest daughter was three years old when I took her to the premiere of Episode I in 1999. I was disappointed, of course, but she loved it, and we slogged our way through the poorly written, terribly performed remainder of the trilogy without shedding too many tears.

Looking back today, and being a bit of a creative person myself, I have to wonder: when should we just leave well enough alone? J.K. Rowling seems to know how to do it. Yes there were 8 movies, and there are toys and video games, and there are heaps of money, but none of it has tainted Harry Potter for my children (or me). But Lucas never seemed to be able to let go of Star Wars.

I’m not saying I blame him, I don’t. Had I been in his position, I probably wouldn’t have been able to let it go either. And I’m not even sure I would have completely wanted him to. After all, where would die-hard Star Wars fans be without properties like Knights of the Old Republic, The Force Unleashed, and Fanboys?

Would I trade those games and films for an alternate history where the prequel trilogy was never made? I don’t know. Maybe. What about one where the prequel trilogy was done right? I’m not sure, but probably.

Anyway, the bottom line here is that I’m not sure how I feel about Disney buying Lucasfilm and making Star Wars VII. I’m still pretty mad at George for selling out my childhood, but like John Scalzi, I’m willing to accept that it’s probably a good thing.