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=========================================================================
Date:         Mon, 22 Sep 1997 01:12:02 -0400
Reply-To:     "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
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From:         The Zoomway <Zoomway@AOL.COM>
Subject:      Re: Ideas

In a message dated 97-09-21 19:38:08 EDT, jernigan@COMPUSERVE.COM writes:

<< I immediately thought of
 Zoomway's "If you can't beat 'em (Joe's Story)" and "Join 'em" by Kari
 Umbrect??  I still don't like the original (sorry, Zoomway! <g>) but the
 sequel is very nice, and fits nicely with the original.
  >>

Hey, I caught hell for that story<g> I told Joe it would happen, but he was
willing to take any heat for the story, and I said "Okay, it's your baby",
but I don't regret writing it even though it made some readers uncomfortable
(okay, with Leigh I got a 14 page scolding ;) I followed his outline to the
letter and never asked to change one thing he wanted, I just wrote what he
asked of me, and since he was happy, I guess the reaming I got over it was
'almost' worth it<g>  I got positive and negative feedback on the story, but
this, from part of Leigh Raglan's 14 page scolding was the much more typical
response. "This is wrong! There is no way, shape or form that would cause
Clark Kent to live a lie and a sexual relationship with Lois Lane as
Superman!"

I agree with Leigh on this, but reminded her that it was a story I was
writing for someone else and to his specifications. She wrote back and told
me I should have just refused, but there are fanfic readers out there that
do
have ideas, but they either haven't the time, or say they haven't the talent
for writing, but would love to see an idea of theirs turned into fanfic, and
I try and accommodate requests like that when I can. Most aren't nearly as
specific as Joe. Angie, for example, wanted to see the date Lois and Clark
made at the end of Individual Responsibility that we never saw on the
screen.
Her only request? That it take place in an Indian restaurant. So, I was
pretty much on my own with how I wanted to handle that story (12:01) Or,
Becky had just bought some Superman bubble bath and said she'd like to have
a
story involving a bubble bath, and so I wrote Dirty Bubbles. Some stopped
reading that short story after the first paragraph indicated Lois was
married
to Lex Luthor<g>

It's not always easy writing a story to another person's expectations (hey,
didn't L&C discusss expectations ;) but if they're happy with the end
result,
that's what makes it worth the shots when it's finished. I always send it to
them first so that if there's anything they want changed, or done
differently, I'm happy to oblige, it's their story and they deserve to have
it say what they want in the way they want it said. There's two exceptions
to
the "on request" fanfic I'm willing to write. I won't write any story where
Lois or Clark cheats on the other, nor will I write "death fic". I don't
like
either type and so I'd find it fairly impossible to write either type<g>  I
sometimes forget the older fanfic I've written if it was written for someone
else, and Joe's story was written back in 94 before Metallo even aired. I do
believe though when a reader gets upset by a story if they think it goes
contrary to the characters that the show established, that the series did a
great job creating a universe and characters that are so well understood by
the fans that said fans get upset if they feel that universe is upended.

I personally don't think I have a problem with almost any type of fanfic
(other than the cheating or death fic type) I like funny stuff, romantic
stuff, and stuff that has a surprise or a twist to it. I don't like stories
that ramble a lot (incluiding mine ;) with a zillion words of exposition. I
think it was Moby Dick that did me in for that. I mean three pages
describing
the man's hat for crying out loud!<g> I like stream of consciousness type
writing if very well done, if not, it's about as rewarding and filling as a
rice cake<g> There is some fanfic that would make a horrible episode for the
series, but is still great to read. It's like Stranger in a Strange Land. I
think that would make a gosh awful movie, too much is in your head, but it's
a mesmerizing novel to read if you like that kind of story. Most of the
fiction I read, as you can probably tell, is science fiction and some
fantasy. I have never read a romance novel of any type, or a western, or a
James Bond type of intrigue/adventure novel. I think that's what I'd be
interested in hearing on the fanfic list. What do the readers and writers
read when they get an honest-to-goodness published novel? I'm curious truly
because I remember in high school our English class had the choice of
Fahrenheit 451, A Separate Peace and To Kill a Mocking Bird. I was the only
female in the class to choose Fahrenheit 451 so I begin to wonder if I'm an
anomaly among others of my gender<g> Anyway, I'd really be interested in
favorite novels, authors, genres, etc.

Zoomway@aol.com
=========================================================================
Date:         Mon, 22 Sep 1997 01:41:12 -0400
Reply-To:     "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
Sender:       "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
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From:         Demona <demona@WIZNET.CA>
Subject:      Re: Ideas
In-Reply-To:  <970922011200_1730482812@emout08.mail.aol.com>
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At 01:12 AM 9/22/97 -0400, you wrote:
>I won't write any story where
>Lois or Clark cheats on the other, nor will I write "death fic".

Nor will she write fic that I've been bugging her to write for months <eg>
LOL

Hi everyone! Yes I'm still alive!! Remember me? :)  That reminds me of one
of your other stories Squidgy, what was it called again? The one with IRC
and Rapunzel? <g> I know I asked for a sequel to that but I'm sure it's
about as done as our co-compilation, or the one I'm doing with KathyB, or
the other two I have started here, so I'm REALLY one to talk huh? <g>

*sigh* I absolultely need to take a few days off and write ;)  That would
be yummy!

Demi (Who still absolutely loves Chris' Mulder's "meet me in kansas city" ;)

_________________________________________________

               Demi (a.k.a) Demona
       <Demi@wiznet.ca> or <Demi22@aol.com>
           http://www.wiznet.ca/~demona
                      ---
                    L&C Site
      http://www.netforward.com/cryogen/?LNC
                      ---
         "Never underestimate the power of
             a star filled sky on a warm
                  tropical night"
         - Perry White a la Zoomway <eg>
_________________________________________________
=========================================================================
Date:         Mon, 22 Sep 1997 05:15:34 -0400
Reply-To:     "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
Sender:       "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
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From:         The Zoomway <Zoomway@AOL.COM>
Subject:      Re: Looking for Lois Lane

In a message dated 97-09-21 21:20:26 EDT, debby@SWCP.COM writes:

<< Jack, being of a cunning intelligence and knowing Clark's big secret, as
well
 as being Clark's friend, would figure out ways to help Superman get done
with
 the job quicker. Or, "support Clark's Superman side," if you wish. Knowing
 Superman's proclivity for falling into traps, Jack would think of ways to
help
 him avoid them. >>

To quote alternate Clark "This is exactly what I was afraid of"<g> That
sounds awfully close to Batman and his boy companion Robin ;) I was glad
Jack
vanished.

>>>Some argue that he hadn't had a steady relationship before, and this may
be the
case<<<

"Flying is a piece of cake. I've been doing it since high school. What
happens if I screw up? I lose a little altitude, but being in a
relationship,
that's completely new..."  So, yes, that was the case. He never had a
relationship by his own admission.

>>>However, I don't think this translates into the relationship he wants
being
hard to maintain. If he had not yet had such a relationship of his own,
let's
look at the most influenial relationship he experienced through observation,
that of Martha and Jonathan<<<<

How much worth was his parents as examples when it came to a courtship?
Clark
didn't know what his parents dating history was like. If anything, I think
Clark's idealized vision of his parents relationship sometimes caused some
unrealistic expectations for him.. He wanted instant 'happily ever after',
but because he only saw the "after" with his parents, he had absolutely no
clue what they went through to achieve that.

>>>Clark could have solve that by simply telling Lois the truth<<<

Telling Lois the truth only solved part of the problem (his dashing off
appearing to be a fear of commitment, etc) but it still didn't give him
relationship skills, and no matter how good an example Jon and Martha were,
Jon was never two people who had to balance a job, being a superhero and a
marriage. Martha didn't have to adjust to something like that either. Lois
and Clark were on their on with that scenario.

>>blundered into his relationship
with Lois Lane and came out looking like a heavily stressed chunk of
granite<<<

I enjoyed their "blunders". It made their bliss all the more well earned ;)

>>hen, seeing that his mind was made up and that he was going to make his
announcement the next day, Lois rushed out to find a better solution. Which,
of course, she did. Hooray, Lois<<<

I think ultimately the decision has to be Clark's. I know it's supposed to
be
50/50 in a marriage,. but there are some points where one partner has the
ultimate decision to make and stand by. If a wife doesn't want any more
children, but the husband does, I say ultimately *she* makes the decision
because she is the one who has to endure the pregnancy. Now, if both men and
women could get pregnant, that would be different. The wife could say,
"Okay,
you want another baby? It's your turn to get pregnant."

Lois had a great deal to do with the creation and the maintainance of
"Superman", but when push comes to shove, Clark is the one all alone out
there having to make the decisions by himself, often in a split second. Jon
and Martha made great points about Lois and Clark losing their privacy and
Lois being known from there on out as "Superman's wife", but Lois accepts
what might befall her and Clark if the truth comes out, what she *can't*
accept is what happens to Superman if the truth comes out. She's trying to
let Clark know that the truth could be as bad or worse for "Superman" as the
scandal. Superman's "fate" can be discussed and argued by all parties who
might be effected by "the truth", but ultimately the decision can't be made
by committee, it is up to one person--Clark Kent.

>>It took her most of the episode to say this, too. Yawn.<<<

Having been married 16 years, I can tell you that it takes a lot longer than
"most of the episode" sometimes to tell your husband what's upsetting you.
This phrase, "Well, if you don't know what's wrong, I'm certainly not going
to tell you" didn't become a cliche from lack of use<g> I know it seems
ludircrous to people who aren't married, but it is so close to the truth
it's
scary. You feel that your spouse should *know* what made you upset, and if
he
doensn't automatically know, then he doesn't care about your feelings<g>
Like
I said, it probably sounds silly to someone who isn't married, but someone
who *is* married could see a lot of theirself in Lois "suffering in silence"
waiting for lunkhead to pick up the signal ;) One reason Lois drew the whole
thing out is because she thought Clark knew about his molecular structure
"stablizing and slowing" the aging process and she was angry he never told
her.

>>>He could also, of course, *die* the next day, anyone can, but
particularly
a
fellow who throws himself into battling dangerous criminals.<<<

That's also true, and Clark makes that point.

>>>That's not what was said, that much I recall. His body had already
compensated.
It had made up the difference, he had revitalized, he was the same as
before.<<<

Well, here's the dialog, make of it what you will, but to me it sounds like
Clark did "lose something".

"Dr. Klein said my body has already compensated for the age drain."
"Compensated? Then you have lost something."
"My friend is healthy. I'm sitting here with my wife. I haven't lost
anything."
"You gave up years."
"I gave them up for a friend."
"How many?"
"I don't know. The truth is, no one knows how long they've got. Anyway, it's
not the years that count, it's the moments. Right now, as they happen."

You'll recall right after Superman came out of the machine (after resetting
Carter Shank to infancy and Jimmy back to a 22 year old) he said "I feel
okay"  Lois asks Doodsen "Is he?" and she says "It's too soon to tell"
 Remember that Jimmy looked fine right after he came out of the machine and
the rapid aging took a while to start. Superman looked fine right when he
came out, but because of his long lifespan, then even the 100+ years it cost
him to restore Shank (over restore him ;) and Jimmy was something his body
could "compensate" (counterbalance).

That is, suppose you have a 50 year old man (want one? ;) and you age him
five years. It's not likely that it'll make that big a difference in his
appearance. However, if you take an infant and age *him* five years, the
difference is startling. What I'm getting at is say that Superman's lifespan
was 200 years, but then you take about 130 from that (to restore Shank and
Jimmy) and his lifespan now becomes 70 years. In other words, Superman still
had 70 years left to him, and so the "drain" wouldn't show on him. Whereas,
you take Jimmy, whose lifespan is about 70 to begin with and take 50 years
of
that away from him, then he has no "years" left to compensate the loss. He's
going to be an old man. I don't know if any of that made any sense, but Lois
and Clark's dialog seems to indicate Clark did in fact lose years.

>>>That's my very point. I certainly expect them to *try*, on the ceiling,
on
the kitchen floor, or wherever they wanted, and have lots of fun at it! But
to go
into the marriage assuming they could have kids<<<

Before they got married, Lois was in the alternate world and Wells helped
her
recall their previous adventure, and in that adventure Wells tells Lois that
Superman's descendants create Utopia. Wells also assures her that she "will
be" good at handling babies. Then if we go back to The Foundling, perhaps
Clark read too much into Jor-El saying that Earth was chosen because of its
compatability with Krypton and its people. Either way, even human couples
assume they can have children until they start trying and nothing happens.

>>>I suspect that he did know. I wouldn't expect Clark
to rat on Lois because I would expect Perry to already know about it.<<<

Okay, let's assume that for whatever reason not indicated in the episode,
Perry knew Lois stole the story and so *he* sent her on that wild goose
chase
through the sewage reclamation plant. A lot of the impact is immediately
lost. With Perry having administered the comeuppance, then there is no new
found respect for Clark from Lois for standing up to her, and Jimmy, who
stood up to Perry being inspired by CK, would be lost as well. What we get
instead is Lois being drubbed by her boss. So what? That just dilutes Lois's
"punishment" to a sight gag with no real importance or impact.  Then again,
Perry might take a more professional route to a comeuppance and suspend her
2
weeks without pay. It says the same thing the other scenario would say "the
boss won't tolerate stealing" and since the "goose chase" scene loses its
impact anyway when administered by Perry, then it might as well be a more
standard punishment for misconduct.

>>>Clark, sitting quietly at his desk, speaking from the heart, looking
right at Lois (note that the newsroom is nearly empty). "Lois, I don't
appreciate you stealing other people's stories."<<<

Even if a more subdued scene had been feasible for the Lois of Neverending
Battle fame, all we'd get really is an apology from her, and it still ices
out Jimmy's part. I think the show handled it well and with good humor, and
Lois knew she had it coming and learned a lesson about underestimating Clark
Kent when he's the victim of story stealing ;) In fairness though, if you
want to rewrite NB, that's okay, as long as I get to rewrite IGACOY ;)

>>>Well, we know where to go to find out what CK's idle fantasies are...
;)<<<

Are these sexual or non-sexual? ;)

Zoomway@aol.com (what the heck, it's 4:00a.m., the gutter's open ;)
=========================================================================
Date:         Mon, 22 Sep 1997 05:44:03 -0400
Reply-To:     "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
Sender:       "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
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From:         The Zoomway <Zoomway@AOL.COM>
Subject:      Re: Ideas

In a message dated 97-09-22 01:40:42 EDT, demona@WIZNET.CA writes:

<< Nor will she write fic that I've been bugging her to write for months
<eg>
 LOL >>

Demi, did Rachel put you up to this? Or "Penny Irksome" as I like to call
her
;) I am working on that sequel you wanted to Cyber Link, Penny's undercover
story (and that Seinfeld script ;) that nfic we're collaberating on
(remember
that one? ;) and a story just for me :P

Zoomway@aol.com (and that writing stuff I do for money. I love a panicky
network season, it's good for business ;)
=========================================================================
Date:         Mon, 22 Sep 1997 11:16:46 -0400
Reply-To:     "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
Sender:       "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
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From:         Kathy Brown <kbrown@TOOLCITY.NET>
Subject:      Re: Reading (was Ideas)
In-Reply-To:  <970922011200_1730482812@emout08.mail.aol.com>
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At 1:12 AM -0400 9/22/97, The Zoomway wrote:

> I think that's what I'd be
>interested in hearing on the fanfic list. What do the readers and writers
>read when they get an honest-to-goodness published novel?
> Anyway, I'd really be interested in favorite novels, authors, genres, etc.

LOL!  You mean other FoLCs have time to ... gasp ... read???

Let's see, what do I read?  Fanfic, List mail, Fanfic list mail ;) ...
sense a theme? <bg>

I read some magazines and the newspaper, but I can't remember the last time
I picked up a book ... this is kind of embarassing.

Oh! I just remembered. The last book I read was the Cherryh novel. ;)

Kathy (actually, I read several books a day. They just have characters like
Corduroy or Clifford as the protagonists or are written by Dr. Suess. <bg>)

______________________
Kathy Brown
kbrown@toolcity.net
<http://www.toolcity.net/~kbrown/>
KathyB on IRC
______________________
=========================================================================
Date:         Mon, 22 Sep 1997 11:50:52 -0400
Reply-To:     "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
Sender:       "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
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From:         Gary <gar8434@RITVAX.ISC.RIT.EDU>
Subject:      Re: Reading (was Ideas)
In-Reply-To:  <l03010d00b04c38c9f09f@[208.0.188.113]>
MIME-version: 1.0
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At 11:16 AM 9/22/97 -0400, Kathy Brown wrote:
>At 1:12 AM -0400 9/22/97, The Zoomway wrote:
>
>> I think that's what I'd be
>>interested in hearing on the fanfic list. What do the readers and writers
>>read when they get an honest-to-goodness published novel?
>> Anyway, I'd really be interested in favorite novels, authors, genres,
etc.
>
>
>LOL!  You mean other FoLCs have time to ... gasp ... read???
>
>Let's see, what do I read?  Fanfic, List mail, Fanfic list mail ;) ...
>sense a theme? <bg>
>
>
I'm reading "The NEW Male Sexuality - The Truth About Men, Sex, and
Pleasure" by
Bernie Zilbergeld, Ph.D. Author of Male Sexuality.

And if you ask real nice I'll send the title of Chapter 2 to Debby for the
nfic list...

;)

P.S. Of course, technically, it is just nfic research...

P.P.S. I need a hug! I never had a teddy bear, but I did have a Super
Grover!

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
| Gary A. Rudick mailto:gar8434@rit.edu <http://www.rit.edu/~gar8434> |
|  "You decide what you feel heaven is worth" - Deborah Gibson, TWYH  |
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
=========================================================================
Date:         Mon, 22 Sep 1997 13:21:50 -0400
Reply-To:     "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
Sender:       "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
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Comments:     RFC822 error: <W> Incorrect or incomplete address field found
and
              ignored.
From:         Pam Jernigan <jernigan@COMPUSERVE.COM>
Subject:      Re: Ideas
MIME-Version: 1.0
Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1

Kathy wrote:

>> Like the WHAM is OK as long as we get a satisfying WAFF at the end.  <=
<

Or as Peace might put it, we don't mind the hurt as long as there's plent=
y
of comfort <g>  It also tends to be true that the bigger the WHAM, the
bigger the WAFF, but it's not guaranteed.

Anyway, in general, I think that it's not the idea that matters so much a=
s
the application of that idea.  You can take one basic idea (Lois finds ou=
t
CK=3DSM) and create infinite variations on that theme... there are good a=
nd
bad revelation stories, but you can't say that the authors ripped each
other off.  I know I've written different takes on the same idea, and I
don't *think* the resulting stories are repetitive.

PJ

!^NavFont02F02310018MGHHGSMGUHG42MG44HGD9HIy0631

  E-mail from: Pam Jernigan, 22-Sep-1997
  jernigan@compuserve.com / ChiefPam on the IRC
~~~~~
Unreformed, unrepentent, sometimes unproductive but never uninteresting
<g> fanfic writer =

Visit Sarah & Pam's Shrine o'Fanfic at:
 http://www.geocities.com/hollywood/2501
~~~~~
Lois and Clark Season 5 Fanfic:
     http://www.fortunecity.com/tattooine/mothership/60/season5.htm
~~~~~
"The first thing she said to me was 'Herbie, get me to the Planet.'
 Naturally, I wondered which planet..."
=========================================================================
Date:         Mon, 22 Sep 1997 12:50:10 -0500
Reply-To:     "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
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From:         Adrienne Perez <perezas@XTRABOX.COM>
Subject:      Re: Ideas
In-Reply-To:  <970922011200_1730482812@emout08.mail.aol.com>
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At 01:12 AM 9/22/97 -0400, you wrote: (Zoomway)
>In a message dated 97-09-21 19:38:08 EDT, jernigan@COMPUSERVE.COM writes:
> Most of the
>fiction I read, as you can probably tell, is science fiction and some
>fantasy. I have never read a romance novel of any type, or a western, or a
>James Bond type of intrigue/adventure novel. I think that's what I'd be
>interested in hearing on the fanfic list. What do the readers and writers
>read when they get an honest-to-goodness published novel? I'm curious truly
>because I remember in high school our English class had the choice of
>Fahrenheit 451, A Separate Peace and To Kill a Mocking Bird. I was the only
>female in the class to choose Fahrenheit 451 so I begin to wonder if I'm an
>anomaly among others of my gender<g> Anyway, I'd really be interested in
>favorite novels, authors, genres, etc.
>
>Zoomway@aol.com

Great question!  I read novels to escape and relax so I really don't want
to work too hard <g>. So, artsy and highly stylized books don't do it for
me.  Neither do books with a lot of made up words or written in a dialect
(I hated the Hobbitt and couldn't even finish The Lord of the Rings)
Instead I like books rich in character and setting.  To Kill a Mocking Bird
is one of my favorites.  I read very little science fiction but for some
reason I've become attached to the Star Wars Books.  I'm almost embarassed
to buy them :). I love to read books that are set in an industry or culture
I'm not familiar with.  As a kid I used to like Arthur Hailey's books like
Airport or Wheels.  Chaim Potok's books describing Orthodox and Hasidic
cultures and characters are long time favorites.  When I find an author I
like I tend to get "stuck" and then compulsively hunt down and read most of
the author's works.  In the last couple of years I've read most of the
Jonathan Kellerman's Alex Delaware Murder Mysteries.  My favorite author is
Madeleine L'Engle.  I have literally been reading and re-reading her books
since childhood.  She writes children's and adult fiction...nonfiction too.
 Her best known children's book is a Winkle in Time which is part one of a
time travel trilogy.  BTW anyone really into time travel should read "Time
and Again" by Jack Finney.  No complicated machines, just mind power.

Well, this is most likely more information than you all wanted to know
about me<g>

Fun question, Zoom!

Adrienne
perezas@xtrabox.com
=========================================================================
Date:         Mon, 22 Sep 1997 13:40:39 -0400
Reply-To:     "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
Sender:       "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
From:         Barbara Garonzik <Bsg2351@AOL.COM>
Subject:      Re: Reading (was Ideas)

In a message dated 97-09-22 11:49:39 EDT, gar8434@RITVAX.ISC.RIT.EDU writes:

<< I'm reading "The NEW Male Sexuality - The Truth About Men, Sex, and
 Pleasure" by
 Bernie Zilbergeld, Ph.D. Author of Male Sexuality. >>

I'm not reading anything so cerebral.  Just finished Shirley Busbee's novel
"A Heart for the Taking."  Loved it.

Barb
=========================================================================
Date:         Mon, 22 Sep 1997 12:48:47 CST
Reply-To:     jonesk@ur.msstate.edu
Sender:       "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
From:         Kay Fike Jones <jonesk@UR.MSSTATE.EDU>
Organization: Mississippi State University
Subject:      Re: Reading (was Ideas)
In-Reply-To:  <970922133933_420075585@emout07.mail.aol.com>

Not much time for reading books anymore, but I did manage to fit one
in about a month ago. It was a Tony Hillerman mystery. Can't
remember the name of the specific book but his are always good.

Kay II

----------------------------------------------------------------------
Kay Fike Jones                                        jonesk@ur.msstate.edu
News Writer
Mississippi State University, USA
=========================================================================
Date:         Mon, 22 Sep 1997 15:14:19 -0400
Reply-To:     "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
Sender:       "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
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From:         Laurie Stroh <LStroh1856@AOL.COM>
Subject:      Re: Reading (was Ideas)

In a message dated 97-09-22 11:15:34 EDT, you write:

<< Kathy (actually, I read several books a day. They just have characters
like
 Corduroy or Clifford as the protagonists or are written by Dr. Suess. <bg>)

LOL Kathy we must lead the same life<g>.....other than L&C fanfic and the
listserv (both of them) and the WB and ABC L&C boards(I'm on AOL)  and an
occasional newspaper or magazine (like USA TODAY or  People or Country
Weekly<G>) the only books I get to read are geared for rugrats.  Last night
it was "The Grinch Who Stole Christmas"...don't ask me I didn't pick it<g>.
I did actually read a real book last week and bragged to my hubby that I
read
a book that had absolutely nothing to do with Lois and Clark...."See honey,
I
do have a life!"
But you know what?  The book was OK and all but I have read fanfic that was
tons better and I had a very hard time not thinking of Lois and Clark while
reading the book.  I kept picturing Teri and Dean as the protaganists......I
guess I'm just spoiled!!

Laurie
LStroh1856@aol.com
=========================================================================
Date:         Mon, 22 Sep 1997 15:46:02 -0400
Reply-To:     "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
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From:         Laurie Stroh <LStroh1856@AOL.COM>
Subject:      Reading

In a message dated 97-09-22 01:12:43 EDT, Zoomway writes:

<< What do the readers and writers
 read when they get an honest-to-goodness published novel? I'm curious truly
 because I remember in high school our English class had the choice of
 Fahrenheit 451, A Separate Peace and To Kill a Mocking Bird. I was the only
 female in the class to choose Fahrenheit 451 so I begin to wonder if I'm an
 anomaly among others of my gender<g> Anyway, I'd really be interested in
 favorite novels, authors, genres, etc. >>

It's funny that you should mention "To Kill a Mockingbird" for that is one
of
my all time favorite books......if you've never taken the time to read it
you
should.  It's not very long but oh so good and much better than the movie
(which I enjoyed as well).
Another favorite book of mine was "The Thorn Birds" even though she did
spend
a lot of time describing the Australian landscape.......

Since going online last year and hooking up with all you wonderful *folcs*
my
reading of actual published material has dwindled to about nil.........but
authors that I have enjoyed reading include Michael Palmer (he writes
medical
thrillers), John Grisham (if you don't know who he is you're really out of
it), Judith Michael (a husband-wife writing team that write contemporary
romance type novels) and Janet Daily (prior to discovering she is a
plagerist!).

To the person on the list that mentioned the children's book "A Wrinkle in
Time" I just want to say that that was one of my favorite books as a
kid......one that not a lot of people seemed to have read but one that I
will
always remember.

Laurie
LStroh1856@aol.com
=========================================================================
Date:         Mon, 22 Sep 1997 13:42:02 -0700
Reply-To:     "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
Sender:       "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
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From:         Sara Kraft <tmax@AZSTARNET.COM>
Subject:      Re: Reading (was Ideas)
Mime-Version: 1.0
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>At 1:12 AM -0400 9/22/97, The Zoomway wrote:
>
>> I think that's what I'd be
>>interested in hearing on the fanfic list. What do the readers and writers
>>read when they get an honest-to-goodness published novel?
>> Anyway, I'd really be interested in favorite novels, authors, genres,
etc.

Before I discovered fanfic, I liked (and still do, just don't have the time
to read) reading Dean Koontz novels (horror/suspense).  Now I read fanfic,
fanfic and well...fanfic.  But actually, I did pick up the Roger Stern novel
"The Death and Life of Superman" and have started reading it.  (I didn't
realize at the time but I was wearing my 'S' shirt when I bought it.  No
wonder I got funny looks.  Doh!).

>LOL!  You mean other FoLCs have time to ... gasp ... read???

No, not really.  =)

>Let's see, what do I read?  Fanfic, List mail, Fanfic list mail ;) ...
>sense a theme? <bg>

Exactly! <g>

>Oh! I just remembered. The last book I read was the Cherryh novel. ;)

I liked that one.  That's one of the last books I read too.  Unless you
count school mandated reading. =p

Sara Kraft (tmax@azstarnet.com)
=========================================================================
Date:         Mon, 22 Sep 1997 16:31:09 -0400
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From:         Gary <gar8434@RITVAX.ISC.RIT.EDU>
Subject:      Re: Reading (was Ideas)
In-Reply-To:  <3.0.1.16.19970922115052.4a8f576c@vmspop.isc.rit.edu>
MIME-version: 1.0
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>>At 1:12 AM -0400 9/22/97, The Zoomway wrote:
>>
>>> I think that's what I'd be
>>>interested in hearing on the fanfic list. What do the readers and writers
>>>read when they get an honest-to-goodness published novel?
>>> Anyway, I'd really be interested in favorite novels, authors, genres,
etc.
>>
Okay, my all-time favorite is The Count of Monte Cristo  by Dumas,
Alexandre, 1802-1870
       The Count of Monte Cristo or the adventures of Edmond Dantes,

which was so much better than Tale of Two Cities...anyone else read both?

(Both are historical novels set against the backdrop of the French
Revolution - i.e.
"Let them eat cake.")

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
| Gary A. Rudick mailto:gar8434@rit.edu <http://www.rit.edu/~gar8434> |
|  "You decide what you feel heaven is worth" - Deborah Gibson, TWYH  |
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
=========================================================================
Date:         Tue, 23 Sep 1997 06:59:47 +1000
Reply-To:     "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
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From:         Jenny Stosser <jenerate@OZRAMP.NET.AU>
Subject:      Reading (was Re: Ideas)
In-Reply-To:  <970922011200_1730482812@emout08.mail.aol.com>
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At 01:12 AM 22/09/97 -0400, Zoomway wrote:
> There is some fanfic that would make a horrible episode for the
>series, but is still great to read.

My sister in law, who is NOT a reader of anything much except the Tabloid
magazines (makes me wonder why I buy my own Woman's Day each week,
sometimes) just finished reading my L&C fanfic and wanted everyone here to
know that she thinks I should submit it to TNT as the basis for the
telemovie that they should make of it one day. <G>  My mother also thinks I
should submit it to Warner Bros, or DC Comics.  But she hasn't read it.  I
think the last thing my mother read was the newspaper. <G>  (/me wonders
why she is related to so many non-readers, when she has at least two walls
full of books which she will read over and over again, as well as two
filing cabinets full of comics!)

>It's like Stranger in a Strange Land. I
>think that would make a gosh awful movie, too much is in your head, but
it's
>a mesmerizing novel to read if you like that kind of story.

Zoom, this is weird.  I love almost everything Heinlein's written, but I
couldn't stand SIASL when I first read it about 15 years ago.  My favourite
by him would have to be Time Enough For Love, I think.

>Most of the fiction I read, as you can probably tell, is science fiction
and some
>fantasy. I have never read a romance novel of any type, or a western, or a
>James Bond type of intrigue/adventure novel. I think that's what I'd be
>interested in hearing on the fanfic list. What do the readers and writers
>read when they get an honest-to-goodness published novel?

I tend to stay within the SF/Fantasy range when I'm reading books most of
the time too.  The *first* fantasy book I read was called The Broken Sword,
and it was by Poul Anderson.  I don't remember a thing about it, but I
remember Dad choosing it out of his bookcase as one I was old enough to
enjoy when I was twelve.  I get the impression I'd been bugging him to let
me read one of his books for a while before that.  Oh, and before that, my
all-time favourite books were the Krunkles of Narnia (I couldn't say
Chronicles at the time).  I still pull them out and reread them on occasion.

At the moment I'm working my way through Anne McCaffrey's Pern books again
(in no particular order).  In recent weeks I've read DragonFlight,
DragonQuest DragonsDawn, and now I'm halfway through Red Star Rising
(released in the US as DragonsEye, I believe).  These are probably my
favourite books of all time these days (am I allowed to change my choice
when I say "of all time?" <g>) - some years ago, I had 15 books signed by
the author, and now I'm debating whether I should replace my copy of
Dragonquest, which is literally falling apart at the seams!

Other authors I enjoy include Misty Lackey (in particular her Valdemar
series), Melanie Rawn, Katherine Kerr, David Eddings... hmmm, I've just
noticed that most of my favourite authors tend to write in series!  I
wonder why that is?  I also enjoy Isaac Asimov's junior adult stuff, Robert
Silverberg's time travel stories,

Oh, and when my parents moved out of the house I grew up in to a smaller
place, I inherited Dad's collection of Analog magazines, which at the time
was an almost complete run going back to December 1959.  I managed to fill
in the missing pieces via the Internet, so it now IS a complete collection.
 One day I might even get to sit down and read them all!

Oh, yeah, I also collect comics.  Have done since at least 1978 (that's the
cover date on the first DC Comic I ever bought, but before that I was
buying Australian black and white reprints with no date inside them), and
as I said before I have two filing cabinets full of them now.

I also read Woman's Day almost every week, and pick up the occasional other
tabloid magazine.  It's a nasty habit, but it's one of the few vices I have
that actually costs money, so who cares!?

I'm curious truly
>because I remember in high school our English class had the choice of
>Fahrenheit 451, A Separate Peace and To Kill a Mocking Bird. I was the only
>female in the class to choose Fahrenheit 451 so I begin to wonder if I'm an
>anomaly among others of my gender<g> Anyway, I'd really be interested in
>favorite novels, authors, genres, etc.

I would have chosen the Bradbury book too, but only cos I've seen the movie
of TKAMB and I've never heard of ASP.  <g>

Oh yeah, Kathy mentioned that she reads a lot of Dr Seuss... I read quite a
bit of the same "Ernie's BedTime story" and "Thomas and the... <whatever>
by Buzz Books".  David has been helping me to get through the really hard
words in those ones <BG>
--
Jenny Stosser -*- jenerate@ozramp.net.au -*- (Jenerator or MoiAussie on IRC)
This message is umop ap!sdn -*- David is 5 and Megan is 2! Photos on the
web-page!
Visit the Stosser Family HomePage: http://www.ozramp.net.au/~jenerate
=========================================================================
Date:         Mon, 22 Sep 1997 23:14:32 +0000
Reply-To:     dom-mel@dial.pipex.com
Sender:       "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
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From:         Dom Melaragni <dom-mel@DIAL.PIPEX.COM>
Subject:      Re: Reading (was Re: Ideas)
In-Reply-To:  <3.0.1.32.19970923065947.0069d944@mail.ozramp.net.au>
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I read way too much......at least I used to.......for a while though
I read a lot more fanfic than ordinary books.  Now that I'm commuting
again though, I've started picking up a lot of books again.

I tend to read just about everything.......the author I have most of
is Anne McCaffrey and probably Asimov but I hadn't read many of them
in a while.......

Favourite things lately have been Bill Bryson's Made in America and
Tales of a Small Island and my current book, Maupins Tales from the
City.

And of course, who could forget the *fascinating* book I bought in
Seattle and left there......had to buy another one to find out waht
happened......Nadia the werewolf with interesting tendencies.....the
UKers took to reading it as a bedtime story <g>  There was lots of
barbaric longing <beg>

Dom (wondering what to take off her shelf next ......or whether to
look in the box of the last 3 year's comics......I did like that
SUperman/WonderWOman....Whom Gods Destroy series)
=================================================================
Dom Melaragni (FlakeyDom)   The LnC drinking game and Fest pics
                        http://ds.dial.pipex.com/dom-mel/index.htm

?8-)] Clark Kent smiley with the superhero squarejaw chin
=========================================================================
Date:         Mon, 22 Sep 1997 20:46:04 -0400
Reply-To:     "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
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From:         "Georgia E. Walden" <GWalden@AOL.COM>
Subject:      Re: Reading

In a message dated 97-09-22 15:48:37 EDT, Laurie writes:

<< Since going online last year and hooking up with all you wonderful
*folcs*
my
 reading of actual published material has dwindled to about nil.... >>

Whew - that's a relief. I thought I was the only one who had become a
non-reader since getting involved with online fandom. <g>  My job requires I
keep up with the rugrat literature (elementary school librarian) <g>  but
for
myself, there's nothing that interests me quite as much as Lois and Clark.
I
read for pleasure and right now, I get more pleasure from the various
mailing
lists than anything else.

Before, though, I read constantly and skipped around: science fiction,
fantasy, romance both historical and contemporary, mysteries, and the
occasional thriller.  I also like non-fiction - politics, linguistics,
science, popular culture. I once read A HIstory of Warfare by John Keegan
back to back with Desire by Amanda Quick and enjoyed them both.<g>

My most recent "real" book was A Writer's Journey by Christopher Vogler.  It
was recommended by someone on LOISCLA. ;)

Georgia  (guess I'd better try to track down Rag and Bone - I'm not an Anne
Rice fan, but there are extenuating circumstances...<g>)
=========================================================================
Date:         Mon, 22 Sep 1997 22:43:56 -0400
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From:         Pam Jernigan <jernigan@COMPUSERVE.COM>
Subject:      Reading (was Ideas)
MIME-Version: 1.0
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re: "Joe's Story", Zoomway wrote:
>>  I don't regret writing it even though it made some readers
uncomfortable
(okay, with Leigh I got a 14 page scolding ;) <<

So when Leigh only sent 5 pages worth of complaints over "Going to
the Chapel", does that mean she liked it? <g>

>> Most of the fiction I read, as you can probably tell, is science
fiction and some fantasy. I have never read a romance novel of any type, =
or
a western, or a
James Bond type of intrigue/adventure novel. <snip> ...I begin to wonder
if I'm an
anomaly among others of my gender<g> Anyway, I'd really be interested in
favorite novels, authors, genres, etc. <<

Okay, you asked for it... my favorite genre is science fiction;
favorite authors include Isaac Asimov, Anne McCaffrey and Lois McMaster
Bujold (I *highly* recommend her to anyone who'll stand still).  I'm quit=
e
fond of most of Tom Clancy's novels.  I like selected books by Heinlein
and Niven/Pournelle.  I think H. Beam Piper is chronically
underappreciated.  Terry Pratchett writes hysterically funny fantasy book=
s
(Discworld).  I've also long suspected that I was an atypical female <g> =

and one of the ways I knew I should marry my husband was the large overla=
p
in our libraries.

I like some mysteries, mostly by Dorothy Sayers (Lord Peter Wimsey); I te=
nd
to go for historical settings there, and I like an element of romance
and/or humor in the story, with a minimum of gore

However... I confess, I also read romances, of several types.  I
started reading Regency romances (a popular subgenre set in England,
mostly, in the early 1800s), especially those written by Georgette Heyer =
in
high school (G.H. is the classic author of regencies; her stories have no=

sex but lots of humor and great characterization).  A little later, after=

my heart was first broken (<sob!> <g>) I read romances voraciously just t=
o
have something to fill the time, and since I could easily read three of
them in a day, I wasn't too picky about quality.  I still read them
occasionally, when I can find time; they're fun (as long as I don't stumb=
le
into the ones that make me want to take the "heroine" out behind somethin=
g
and thrash her for idiotic behavior <g>).  For these, I tend to read the
"series" romance novels - they've got modern settings, and they're not to=
o
long. The thicker, historical romances tend to frustrate me too much - in=

order to fill their page count, the author has to keep putting up
artificial barriers between her protagonists - Maysons and Scardinos, and=

Lex and Deter and worse... <shudder>  (But they're not usually as bad as
Debby was in Dawning6 <eg> with WWW Waldecker popping up at the *worst*
time!)

I think that mostly covers it...

PJ

!^NavFont02F089C0023MGHHGeMGgHG81MG83HGDEMGE0HIHMIJHO9EA721

  E-mail from: Pam Jernigan, 22-Sep-1997
  jernigan@compuserve.com / ChiefPam on the IRC
~~~~~
Unreformed, unrepentent, sometimes unproductive but never uninteresting
<g> fanfic writer =

Visit Sarah & Pam's Shrine o'Fanfic at:
 http://www.geocities.com/hollywood/2501
~~~~~
Lois and Clark Season 5 Fanfic:
     http://www.fortunecity.com/tattooine/mothership/60/season5.htm
~~~~~
"The first thing she said to me was 'Herbie, get me to the Planet.'
 Naturally, I wondered which planet..."
=========================================================================
Date:         Mon, 22 Sep 1997 23:00:04 -0400
Reply-To:     "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
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From:         Barbara Garonzik <Bsg2351@AOL.COM>
Subject:      Re: Reading

In a message dated 97-09-22 15:48:37 EDT, you write:

<< Janet Daily (prior to discovering she is a
 plagerist!). >>

I didn't know this.  Was she actually charged?

barb
=========================================================================
Date:         Tue, 23 Sep 1997 00:09:37 -0400
Reply-To:     "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
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From:         Pam Jernigan <jernigan@COMPUSERVE.COM>
Subject:      Re: Reading (was Ideas)
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Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1

>> Okay, my all-time favorite is The Count of Monte Cristo  by Dumas,
Alexandre, 1802-1870
       The Count of Monte Cristo or the adventures of Edmond Dantes,

which was so much better than Tale of Two Cities...anyone else read both?=

(Both are historical novels set against the backdrop of the French
Revolution - i.e.
"Let them eat cake.") <<

I may have read them at some point - I vaguely remember doing A Tale of
Two Cities in school - but for that time period I much prefer The
Scarlet Pimpernel - a dashing hero who disguises himself as an ordinary
man... a woman who loves the hero, but is married to the man - sound
familiar? <g>

PJ
"They seek him here, they seek him there..."

!^NavFont02F0227000CMGJHH\MH^HIoBC15
=========================================================================
Date:         Tue, 23 Sep 1997 13:46:57 -0400
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              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
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              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
From:         Angela Garmaise <agarmai@REDEEMER.ON.CA>
Subject:      Re: Fav books
In-Reply-To:  <3.0.1.16.19970922163109.4b373872@vmspop.isc.rit.edu>
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I have to say that when it comes to classics, Les Miserable (the slightly
shortened version) is my all time fav (Victor Hugo).  When it comes to
slightly more modern stuff.... don't get me started.  I'm a vociferous
reader, and will read absolutely anything I can get my hands on,
especially during school holidays!
Angie G.
=========================================================================
Date:         Tue, 23 Sep 1997 14:09:38 -0400
Reply-To:     "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
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From:         Peace Everett <PEverett9@AOL.COM>
Subject:      Re: Reading

Um, did someone mention Anne Rice?

This came in today's PEOPLE email newsletter:

PEOPLE ONLINE DAILY
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 1997
RAISING CAIN
Even though his "Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of
Superman" cape has been retired, Dean Cain is not quite
ready to let his feet touch the ground. Variety reports that
the ex-Man of Steel has signed a deal to star in author Anne
Rice's first original TV project, a pilot for CBS called
"Rag & Bone." IN this supernatural drama, Caine will star as
a former priest, now New Orleans cop, who encounters the
ghost of a cop from the 1950s.

Peace
Come read my fanfic! and link to Season 5 - The Adventures Continue...
A FoLC Named Peace - http://members.aol.com/PEverett9/peace.html
Kal-El:  "My heart is waiting for me back on Earth.  Lois is my heart.
I was an outsider there.. incomplete.. until I met her."
=========================================================================
Date:         Tue, 23 Sep 1997 15:06:16 -0400
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              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
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From:         Laurie Stroh <LStroh1856@AOL.COM>
Subject:      Re: Reading

In a message dated 97-09-22 23:02:48 EDT, you write:

<< << Janet Daily (prior to discovering she is a
  plagerist!). >>

 I didn't know this.  Was she actually charged?

 barb
  >>

Well....she was discovered via the internet during some sort of romance
readers/writers chat.  She has admitted that she plagerized part of two of
Nora Roberts books and Nora is not sure what she is going to do about
it......there was a a short article in People Weekly a couple of months ago
that talked about the whole thing.  If you're interested I'm sure you could
get a copy of the article from your library.

Laurie
=========================================================================
Date:         Tue, 23 Sep 1997 15:10:08 -0400
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              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
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From:         Laurie Stroh <LStroh1856@AOL.COM>
Subject:      Re: Reading

In a message dated 97-09-23 00:43:46 EDT, you write:

<< Georgia  (guess I'd better try to track down Rag and Bone - I'm not an
Anne
 Rice fan, but there are extenuating circumstances...<g>)
  >>

I am not real familiar with Anne Rice's stuff but I was under the impression
that Rag and Bone was not a book of hers but rather something she helped
develop specifically for television.  Perhaps someone on the list who knows
more about her work could clue us in on this.

Laurie
LStroh1856@aol.com
=========================================================================
Date:         Tue, 23 Sep 1997 16:35:24 -0500
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From:         Genevieve <NightSky@EROLS.COM>
Subject:      Re: Ideas
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>I personally don't think I have a problem with almost any type of fanfic
>(other than the cheating or death fic type) I like funny stuff, romantic
>stuff, and stuff that has a surprise or a twist to it.

This lead to an interesting discussion of Ruth's "A Winter Tale," (which I
vaguely remember) "Puzzles" (which I don't remember at all), Gary's sequel
(which I also don't remember -- I'll have to take a trip to the archives and
refresh my memory), and "Molly", which I do remember, and I have to agree
with whoever said it was totally implausible.  The general consensus seemed
to be, however, that cheating, deaths and divorces left a sour taste in many
people's mouths.

I'll speak up for the minority here, and say that *I'd* enjoy reading
cheating or death fic types, assuming, of course that they are well done.
I don't read for the WAFFs, particularly -- in fact, (dare I say it?) I
find WAFFs kind of boring, especially WAFFs without WHAMs preceeding them.
What I tend to look for is different takes on the characters, how they
react in certain [WHAMmy] situations.  Divorce, cheating, death -- they
would all put our favorite characters under a lot of stress, and different
aspects of their characters.

What could cause Lois or Clark to think of divorce or cheating?  And
interesting questions, and I do think there are things that could.  (I
remember when I read "Molly" that that was the end of that marriage -- that
Lois would never forgive him that.)  I think there are a lot of aspects in
both their characters which will not make marriage easy for them.  It'll
not be a bed of roses for either of them -- at least not if we take off
our rose-coloured glasses of the perfect couple with the super-natural
"bond."  And it won't be clones, dishonest doctors, New Kryptonians, murder
charges or time windows that cause problems in their marriage, but some of
the character traits of Lois and Clark themselves.

A death story is the end of Lois and Clark, but, while death is always the
end of *someone's* story, everyone elses's stories continue.  How the
survivor copes, remembers, can make for interesting reading.  I read Beauty
and the Beast fanfic, and I much prefer the fanfic set after Catherine's
death, to the "classic" stories.  Perhaps, however, that's just because the
ending to that series was so unsatisfactory.

There's been very little fanfic written about one of the more interesting
parts of the legend to me -- Superman's refusal to kill.  How high a price
will he pay the keep his hands clean, what would push him accross that
line?  How would he react after he killed someone, and how would Lois
react?  Would she blame him, comfort him, try to justify it in his eyes?

One of the things that has surprised me is that in our ever-growing mountain
of fanfic dealing with Alt-Clark, almost all of it, if not all of it, choose
the WAFFy way, pairing him up with Alt-Lois or Clone Lois.  Zoomway's latest
even gave him back his secret identity with a seeing eye dog.  No one has
really examined what Superman would be like in the Alt-Universe.  I have
visions of a lonely Clark, living in a secure penthouse (sort of like
Luthor's), putting communication satellites into orbit for the Rudolph
Murdoch's of the world for a significant sum, and agonizing over whether to
sign a contract with the Defense Department.

Now it could be argued that those types of stories are not "Lois and Clark"
fanfic, but just plain "Clark" fanfic, and perhaps they are.  They don't
lend themselves to WAFFs easily, that's for sure.  But they could explore
some unexplored areas.

Peace said:

>one of the first lines was "It was a year since the
>divorce" or words to that effect.  Well, I closed the file right then and
>went to work *very* depressed -- just that thought really tore me up (who
>me? too involved? nah... ;)

A story that starts out talking about a divorce seems very optimistic to
me, as you have the whole story left for the reconciliation.  (WAFF, WAFF,
WAFF!)  Stories that *end* with the divorce are the depressing ones.
Although occasionally, as with Rhett and Scarlett, one can only say "it's
about time!" when the marriage *finally* breaks up.

 =======================================================================
Genevieve  (NightSky@erols.com)  <http://www.erols.com/nightsky>

"Do you suppose they celebrate death days on the other side?  Will the
day we give up the ghost be a day of celebration in heaven, or are we just
another log on the fires of hell?"--The Nightcrawler (Forever Knight)
=========================================================================
Date:         Tue, 23 Sep 1997 16:36:18 -0500
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From:         Genevieve <NightSky@EROLS.COM>
Subject:      Re: Reading (was Re: Ideas)
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Zoomway asked:

> Anyway, I'd really be interested in favorite novels, authors, genres,
etc.

The replies have been fascinating; more proof that we are all "kindred
spirits" in a way.  A lot of you have mentioned books that I, too, would
put on my "favorite books" list.

For a quick read, I'll grab published "fanfic" -- the Star Trek, Star Wars,
Quantum Leap or Forever Knight novels.  Outside of fanfic, I still tend to
read series books -- Science fiction/fantasy (MacCaffery, Marion Zimmer
Bradley), or mysteries.  I like to see the same detective over and over
again, but changing -- finding romance, growing older and wiser.  Dorothy
Sayers has been mentioned, and I've been enjoying Elizabeth George's
mysteries these last few years.  And I'll read anything (no matter how bad)
about King Arthur or Robin Hood.

I like realistic novels that come in series too.  Jane Duncan's "My
Friends" series is one of my favorites, and I'm haunting used bookshops
looking for them.  The libraries are getting rid of them, and they are very
hard to find right now.  Someone mentioned Madeline L'Engle's novels.  I
love those as well.  They too fit in the category of "series" books in many
ways, since a major character in one will show up as a minor character in
another.  There is always a chance to find out something new about a
wonderful character.  Although I've always been disappointed that we found
out what happened to Susy Austin in "A Severed Wasp", but there was not a
clue about Vicky.

Jenny, I grew up on my father's Analog/Astounding collection as well--his
went back to 1946.  It was fun comparing the serialized version in
Astounding of "Dragonflight", "Citizen of the Galazy" or "Dune" for
instance, with what finally was published.  Lots of minor, but telling,
changes.  Sadly, my sister got the magazines when my mother sold the
house. I've read all of Heinlein's novels, and enjoyed them.  I love
re-reading the juvenile novels he wrote in the 1950s.  I agree that
Stranger in a Strange Land was the beginning of his "weird" stage; my
candidate for "best" Heinlein novel is "The Moon is a Harsh Mistress".

I've always tended to go off the deep end over books; this obsession with
Lois and Clark is nothing new--it's just the first time I've had anyone
to share an obsession with.  When I was 13 I read a copy of Frank
Herbert's "Dune" to shreads; I think it was the only book I read for the
entire year. Likewise in later years I wore out Elysyth Thane's
"Williamsburg novels", the Lord of the Rings, Katherine Kurtz Deryni
novels, and Atlas Shrugged.  I'd write my own "mental fanfic" around
these stories, the same way I do LNC.

I don't read many romances anymore, and can't remember the last time I
picked up a "bodice-ripper."  But my all-time favorite book, which has
kept that status for over 20 years now, is Jane Austen's Pride and
Prejudice.  This is a wonderful romance, but also about secrets,
disguises (well, misleading public images, anyway) and self-discovery.
I must re-read the whole thing at least two or three times a year.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Genevieve    (NightSky@erols.com) ; <http://www.erols.com/nightsky>

To find out anything you want to know about Superman (in comics, cartoons,
television, or movies, from Bud Collyer to Dean Cain) -- check out
  THE SUPERMAN HOMEPAGE <http://www.geocities.com/Area51/Vault/7771/>
=========================================================================
Date:         Tue, 23 Sep 1997 17:52:04 -0400
Reply-To:     "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
Sender:       "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
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From:         Becky Lewis <BLEWISPAR3@AOL.COM>
Subject:      Re: Reading
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>From Georgia's post

In a message dated 97-09-23 00:43:46 EDT, you write:
>> Since going online last year and hooking up with all you wonderful
*folcs*
>>  my reading of actual published material has dwindled to about nil.... >>
>
> Whew - that's a relief. I thought I was the only one who had become a
>  non-reader since getting involved with online fandom. <g>

Me, too, it's nice to know I'm not alone <g>

> <snip>
>  Before, though, I read constantly and skipped around: science fiction,
>  fantasy, romance both historical and contemporary, mysteries, and the
>  occasional thriller.
>
That sounds like me as well, as did the person who posted she tends to
follow
the works of an author she likes until she’s read them all. Personally, I
found the timing of this question quite ironic, because I realized over the
weekend that it had been months since I'd read a "real" book, so I put the
library and the secondhand bookstore on my errand list. The library visit
yielded two Star Trek novels and a novel by Mary Stewart of the “Crystal
Cave” fame called “The Prince and the Pilgrim.” The used bookstore netted
three of Lillian Jackson Braun’s “The Cat Who...” mysteries. Definitely a
pattern...and by the way, I would have picked Fahrenheit 451, given the same
choice!

Becky
blewispar3@aol.com
=========================================================================
Date:         Tue, 23 Sep 1997 18:23:44 -0400
Reply-To:     "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
Sender:       "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
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From:         "Georgia E. Walden" <GWalden@AOL.COM>
Subject:      Re: Reading

In a message dated 97-09-23 15:12:22 EDT, you write:

<<  am not real familiar with Anne Rice's stuff but I was under the
impression
 that Rag and Bone was not a book of hers but rather something she helped
 develop specifically for television.  Perhaps someone on the list who knows
 more about her work could clue us in on this. >>

You're absolutely right, Laurie, as I would have known if I'd been reading
every post instead of just skimming. ;)  However, if the show does make it
to
air, I'll bet there'll be a TV tie-in paperback - the Anne Rice name is too
salable for them to miss the opportunity.  And usually those things have
*pictures* (yeah, I'm shallow <g>)

Georgia
=========================================================================
Date:         Tue, 23 Sep 1997 20:49:45 -0400
Reply-To:     "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
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From:         Susan E VanCott <gutterfic@JUNO.COM>
Subject:      A fanfic idea

Well, it's been a couple days since I saw Honeymoon in Metropolis again,
and I had a kind of a thought.  Did anyone else notice the similarities
between HIM and Superman 2?  L&C have to go undercover as a married
couple in a honeymoon suite.  The bellboy makes cracks at them.  Okay,
maybe there aren't THAT many similarites, but the big one is there:  L&C
being an undercover married couple at a honeymoon suite.  I think it
would be awesome to combine the movie and the ep.  There were parts of
the movie that I just didn't like, such as "Don't you know this is
killing me?" prompting CK to erase Lois' memory of his secret.  ARGHH!
And there were some stupid lines such as, "I don't know why I did that."
"Maybe you wanted to."  "I don't think I did."  Sheesh.  But I loved Lois
jumping into a river because she thinks CK=S.  And the brush line.
"Where's my brush?  Where's my brush?  God, not only have I lost my mind,
I've lost my brush!"  And the bellboy saying "Have a happy...whatever."
The movie had the potential to be so much better.  And I think that
Teri's Lois would react better than Margot's Lois.  And I think I would
have to use the whole ice palace Fortress of Solitude.  Sorry, but L&C
wouldn't fit in a treehouse! <eg>  And I think that Dean's Clark could
have beat up that creep in the diner even without powers, although that
would lose the scene in the end that was so funny.  I think it's an even
trade, not to have to see CK get beat up.  And I bet I could have a
little fun with the kissing contest Lois mentions in Superman 2....
Does anybody have any ideas for the story?

*********************************************************
"Lois, get a grip!"  "Ooh, believe me, I'd love to!" ;)
~~>Susan<~~
********************************************************
=========================================================================
Date:         Tue, 23 Sep 1997 21:05:56 -0400
Reply-To:     "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
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From:         Susan E VanCott <gutterfic@JUNO.COM>
Subject:      Comb post: Re: Reading, Ann Rice, and evil ABC

The most recent book I finished was Oedipus Rex for school.  I of course
couldn't stop thinking of "Oedipus Wrecks"...  Actually, I've decided
that the title of that ep wasn't really appropriate.  See, if you don't
know already, and Oedipus complex is being in love with your mother.
Herkimer Smith wasn't in love with his mother, he just felt ignored.
Well, at least that was my interpretation.  I guess that the title was
somewhat appropriate, but not exactly.

And about that Ann Rice Rag & Bone thing... I can't wait!  Dean as a cop,
I can see.  A priest turned cop, though?  That's kind of strange, but
fine with me!  It sounds like a cool series.

I have been looking around for little insults at ABC and Disney.  In one
day I found two!  A thing about television said something about ABC's "TV
is good" campaign.  It seems that they have an ad that says "You've got
billions of brain cells"  or something like that.  This article in the
paper pointed out the obvious evil in that statement.  It's like saying
"What's a couple brain cells down the tube?"  Or, more appropriately, ABC
is saying "TV is power.  The power to lull, to pacify.  And when all eyes
are glazed and all minds are jelly, the power to take."  Hmm, do you
think that ABC is starting an evil conspiracy to take over people's
minds?  And then, later, I saw an interview with Jaleel White (the guy
who plays Urkel on Family Matters).  They asked him how he felt to move
from ABC, the station that gave him his fame and fortune, to CBS.  He
said he was really happy to make the move.  Hehehehe!
*********************************************************
"Lois, get a grip!"  "Ooh, believe me, I'd love to!"
~~>Susan<~~
********************************************************
=========================================================================
Date:         Tue, 23 Sep 1997 21:38:44 -0400
Reply-To:     "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
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From:         Beverly Latham <blatham@HOP-UKY.CAMPUS.MCI.NET>
Subject:      Reading,
              Writing & 'Rithmetic . . . oops wrong group [was Re: Ideas]
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At 01:12 AM 9/22/97 -0400, The Zoomway wrote:
>I got positive and negative feedback on the story, but
>this, from part of Leigh Raglan's 14 page scolding was the much more
typical
>response. "This is wrong! There is no way, shape or form that would cause
>Clark Kent to live a lie and a sexual relationship with Lois Lane as
>Superman!"

Ummm . . . I do seem to remember this one, yet can't quite place it. And at
the moment, I'm too lazy to dig out a post where someone mentions the title.
Although it's entirely possible that I'm thinking of another story. There is
quite a lot of fanfic out there I haven't read. I do seem to remember a
story where Superman ends up in bed with Lois before telling her . . . the
secret, not that they're in bed, hehehe . . . thought I might want to clear
that up. I would hope Lois might figure out the other on her own . . . er,
where was I? but I thought that story was by another author. If I remember
correctly, the one I read bothered me a little but not nearly as much as a
couple of others that had Clark doing things totally out of character with
OTHERS besides Lois . . . which is probably the redeeming feature of the
above situation, at least for me. If we truly want to push the envelop, I
can see Clark being tempted beyond his ability to resist under the right
circumstances as long as we're talking about Lois. <vbg>

>Or,
>Becky had just bought some Superman bubble bath and said she'd like to have
a
>story involving a bubble bath, and so I wrote Dirty Bubbles. Some stopped
>reading that short story after the first paragraph indicated Lois was
married
>to Lex Luthor<g>

This I can very much identify with because I caught some flack, gentle
though it was, over a similar kind of situation in one of my stories . . .
and Lois was married to CLARK the whole time! I just let the reader think
otherwise and almost came to regret it before the dust settled. Whew! Funny
how people do react to things so very differently.

>Most of the
>fiction I read, as you can probably tell, is science fiction and some
>fantasy. I have never read a romance novel of any type, or a western, or a
>James Bond type of intrigue/adventure novel. I think that's what I'd be
>interested in hearing on the fanfic list. What do the readers and writers
>read when they get an honest-to-goodness published novel?

I have an entire paperback collection of Agatha Christie mysteries. I think
I have everything of hers that's been published in America. Along with hers,
I've read quite a few other mystery writers over the years, but I prefer
whodunits to any other kinds of mysteries. I also have around fifty STAR
TREK paperbacks, with most of those being THE NEXT GENERATION, but I stopped
buying them around four years ago . . . hmmm, now why does that seem
significant? <g> I bought a few of the STAR WARS novels but became really
disappointed in them, extremely fast. The first three by Zahn were great,
but after that I did not like the way they were developing the lives of the
principles. To that add assorted sci-fi and fantasy books and I do mean
assorted. My tastes in that genre sort of skip around quite a lot and I
don't generally go with the authors considered The Classics. For that
matter, my tastes in fiction have skipped around my entire life. I even had
a Louis L'Amour phase. Westerns, for those that don't know.

However, the bulk of my personal library are romances and now I'm gonna do a
little ranting, more or less. Notice I said romances, mind you, not
bodice-rippers. Personally, if anyone's bodice is going to be ripped, I
think it should be Clark's. He does it so very well. <vbeg> Seriously,
though, I've run across true bodice-rippers in the past and they almost
turned me off romances completely because they ARE disgusting. A true
bodice-ripper is not about love but about domination. This does not equal
romance in my book. I'm not saying they aren't still being published, but
for the most part, that's not what's out there nowadays in the mainstream
romance genre and hasn't been for, oh, at least the last ten years or so.
What is available is incredible both in sheer volume and variety.

I'm always amazed when someone says they've never read a romance before
because any love story in any format is a romance. Louis L'Amour had a
romance in almost every one of his westerns if I remember correctly. The
difference in terms of genre style is that romance specializes in exploring
the emotions of the pair of, um, combatants as they discover each other.
Instead of focusing in on the action taking place in, say, a mystery or
adventure story, the primary focus in a romance is in on what's going inside
the hero and heroine's heads and hearts. The key word there is primary,
though, because the best romances are filled with action and, contrary to
popular belief, it's not all sex. Oh, there are love scenes, but notice the
change in phrasing. Loves scenes are as much about emotions as they are the
physical action of sex. Big distinction.

And, yes, it is exactly this distinction that makes romances an acquired
taste that has to be developed just like with any other form of literature.
This distinction is also why some of the most memorable genre-true romance
stories do not translate well to the visual medias of movies and
televisions, it's just too difficult to adequately depict getting inside
peoples heads and showing their emotions. It can be done and has been quite
well on occassion, but a lot of what truly makes it a romance is lost in the
process. Think of all the things that we bemoan never got discussed and
dealt with on L&C and then think about how much a lot of them were internal
to the characters in the first place. There are simply limits on how much
can be dealt with emotionally outside of the written word.

One of the things I find truly interesting about romance as a seperate and
distinct genre from other forms of fiction literature is that because it's
about the emotions involved between the pair, the outside plots can take
place in just about any situation, in any locale, and in any time-frame. You
name it, it could be a romance. Hence, there are mystery romances, suspense
romances, action-adventure romances, gothic romances, fantasy romances,
sci-fi romances, time-travel romances. And then there are the historicals .
. . gads, anything from ancient civilizations to early twentieth century on
any continent. My personal favorites there are the English medievals. Love
those knights. Oh, and then there are the Scots. Would I like Clark in a
kilt? Ya bet ya, I would. <vbeg>

Or a loincloth . . . or a toga . . . or, hmmm, time for some more historical
research . . .

/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
Beverly Latham
blatham@hop-uky.campus.mci.net
\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/
=========================================================================
Date:         Tue, 23 Sep 1997 21:52:32 -0400
Reply-To:     Kassia@concentric.net
Sender:       "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
From:         Kassia <Kassia@CONCENTRIC.NET>
Subject:      Re: Reading, Ann Rice, and evil ABC
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Susan E VanCott wrote:
>
    I of course couldn't stop thinking of "Oedipus Wrecks"...  Actually,
I've decided that the title of that ep wasn't really appropriate.
Oedipus complex is being in love with your mother. Herkimer Smith wasn't
in love with his mother,

*I don't think that the title was the BEST that they could have come up
with....so I would have to agree....
>
> And about that Ann Rice Rag & Bone thing... I can't wait!  Dean as a cop,
I can see.  A priest turned cop, though?  That's kind of strange, but fine
with me!  It sounds like a cool series.

It definitely sounds quite promising....though I, too, am a bit
skeptical of imagining Dean as a former priest....I'm sure we'd all love
to share some 'confessions' with our Man of Steel! :)

Tanya <kassia@concentric.net>

"Old news isn't news--it's history"
=========================================================================
Date:         Tue, 23 Sep 1997 21:54:46 -0400
Reply-To:     "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
Sender:       "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
From:         Gary <gar8434@RITVAX.ISC.RIT.EDU>
Subject:      Re: A fanfic idea
In-Reply-To:  <19970923.204945.3358.0.GutterFic@juno.com>
MIME-version: 1.0
Content-type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"

Hmmmm....Let's see honeymoon suite, ice palace, diner fight, and Clark
gets to squeeze Lois' oranges...sounds like a fanfic waiting to be written!

At 08:49 PM 9/23/97 -0400, you wrote:
>Well, it's been a couple days since I saw Honeymoon in Metropolis again,
>and I had a kind of a thought.  Did anyone else notice the similarities
>between HIM and Superman 2?  L&C have to go undercover as a married
>couple in a honeymoon suite.  The bellboy makes cracks at them.  Okay,
>maybe there aren't THAT many similarites, but the big one is there:  L&C
>being an undercover married couple at a honeymoon suite.  I think it
>would be awesome to combine the movie and the ep.  There were parts of
>the movie that I just didn't like, such as "Don't you know this is
>killing me?" prompting CK to erase Lois' memory of his secret.  ARGHH!
>And there were some stupid lines such as, "I don't know why I did that."
>"Maybe you wanted to."  "I don't think I did."  Sheesh.  But I loved Lois
>jumping into a river because she thinks CK=S.  And the brush line.
>"Where's my brush?  Where's my brush?  God, not only have I lost my mind,
>I've lost my brush!"  And the bellboy saying "Have a happy...whatever."
>The movie had the potential to be so much better.  And I think that
>Teri's Lois would react better than Margot's Lois.  And I think I would
>have to use the whole ice palace Fortress of Solitude.  Sorry, but L&C
>wouldn't fit in a treehouse! <eg>  And I think that Dean's Clark could
>have beat up that creep in the diner even without powers, although that
>would lose the scene in the end that was so funny.  I think it's an even
>trade, not to have to see CK get beat up.  And I bet I could have a
>little fun with the kissing contest Lois mentions in Superman 2....
>Does anybody have any ideas for the story?
>
>*********************************************************
>"Lois, get a grip!"  "Ooh, believe me, I'd love to!" ;)
>~~>Susan<~~
>********************************************************
>
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
| Gary A. Rudick mailto:gar8434@rit.edu <http://www.rit.edu/~gar8434> |
|  "You decide what you feel heaven is worth" - Deborah Gibson, TWYH  |
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
=========================================================================
Date:         Wed, 24 Sep 1997 00:02:25 -0400
Reply-To:     "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
Sender:       "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
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Comments:     RFC822 error: <W> Incorrect or incomplete address field found
and
              ignored.
From:         Pam Jernigan <jernigan@COMPUSERVE.COM>
Subject:      Re: Reading (was Re: Ideas)
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While wandering down memory lane, Genevieve <NightSky@EROLS.COM> wrote:

>>  Likewise in later years I wore out Elysyth Thane's "Williamsburg
novels", <<

Have to chime in - I *adore* Elswyth Thane, especially the
Williamsburg novels... okay, so I'm not so fond of Yankee Stranger, but
then I generally dislike Civil War settings - must be a side effect of
hating "Gone With the Wind" <g>  My favorites are "Ever After" and "Homin=
g"
- and I have to nominate "The Light Heart" as the most mis-titled book I'=
ve
ever come across, I found it *really* depressing - Genevieve, no doubt yo=
u
loved it <g>

I haven't read them in a while, since I've been unlucky in finding
copies outside of libraries <sigh>

Oh, and reading "Tryst" by her was the most magical, wonderful,
enchanted afternoon I've ever enjoyed - something in it really touched me=
=2E =

(If anyone out there has this book and would be willing to sell or lend i=
t
- please e-mail me :-)

And while we're discussing novels that really captivate you and paint
a reality more convincing than your own, I have to include "Trade Wind" b=
y
M.M. Kaye.

>> more proof that we are all "kindred spirits" in a way.  <<

It's funny... among my local FOLC group, a significant minority also
love reading Georgette Heyer <g>

PJ

!^NavFont02F04090026MGnHG3BMG43HG82MG84HJ82MJ84HJB0MJB2HKQ43F0

  E-mail from: Pam Jernigan, 23-Sep-1997
  jernigan@compuserve.com / ChiefPam on the IRC
~~~~~
Unreformed, unrepentent, sometimes unproductive but never uninteresting
<g> fanfic writer =

Visit Sarah & Pam's Shrine o'Fanfic at:
 http://www.geocities.com/hollywood/2501
~~~~~
Lois and Clark Season 5 Fanfic:
     http://www.fortunecity.com/tattooine/mothership/60/season5.htm
~~~~~
"The first thing she said to me was 'Herbie, get me to the Planet.'
 Naturally, I wondered which planet..."
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Date:         Wed, 24 Sep 1997 00:02:27 -0400
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From:         Pam Jernigan <jernigan@COMPUSERVE.COM>
Subject:      A fanfic idea
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While flipping channels, Susan E VanCott <gutterfic@JUNO.COM> wrote

>>  Did anyone else notice the similarities between HIM and Superman 2? <=
<

Yeah, I did, sort of... okay, mostly I noticed how much the blunt plot
devices annoyed me.  But actually, the storyline would work much better
with Teri & Dean; I could never believe that the movie's Lois would be
happy with "just Clark", which is what she got.

Now there's a fanfic idea - if L&C determined that having sex would kill
her, but there was a way to rid CK of his powers... would they do it?

PJ
rambling happily :-)

!^NavFont02F01D30017MGHHG3DMG3FHG78MG7AHHD4C82D

  E-mail from: Pam Jernigan, 23-Sep-1997
  jernigan@compuserve.com / ChiefPam on the IRC
~~~~~
Unreformed, unrepentent, sometimes unproductive but never uninteresting
<g> fanfic writer =

Visit Sarah & Pam's Shrine o'Fanfic at:
 http://www.geocities.com/hollywood/2501
~~~~~
Lois and Clark Season 5 Fanfic:
     http://www.fortunecity.com/tattooine/mothership/60/season5.htm
~~~~~
"The first thing she said to me was 'Herbie, get me to the Planet.'
 Naturally, I wondered which planet..."
=========================================================================
Date:         Wed, 24 Sep 1997 01:21:18 -0400
Reply-To:     "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
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From:         Barbara Garonzik <Bsg2351@AOL.COM>
Subject:      Re: Reading

In a message dated 97-09-23 14:14:59 EDT, you write:

<< This came in today's PEOPLE email newsletter: >>

How do you get this newsletter?

Barb
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Date:         Wed, 24 Sep 1997 03:40:48 -0400
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From:         The Zoomway <Zoomway@AOL.COM>
Subject:      Re: Ideas

In a message dated 97-09-23 17:39:27 EDT, NightSky@EROLS.COM writes:

<< Divorce, cheating, death -- they
 would all put our favorite characters under a lot of stress, and different
 aspects of their characters. >>

Rarer still among the "cheating" stories is the character not being able to
get over it, get past it. Inevitably forgiveness follows the "gut-wrenching"
agony. If Clark cheated on Lois, I would expect Lois to try, but fail at
ever
truly getting over the betrayal. Since cheating in general goes completely
against everything we've seen established for Clark's character, it still
becomes something pretty hard for me to swallow anyway, but supposing he
cheated, I'd believe a story where Lois decides it's not fair to either of
them to try and make it work anymore. I'm not a fan of "Friends" per se, but
I did see the episode where one character wants to get back with his
girlfriend after cheating on her, and she just can't forgive him. She can't
get past it. It's the ultimate betrayal and in a manner is a humilation to
the person who is cheated on (was she prettier, was she sexier, was she
better in bed). If Clark or Lois were to degrade the other in this manner,
then maybe not being able to make it work would be the most satisfying story
for me, but ya know what?  I wouldn't read it anyway<g>

For me L&C are special, and the problems they face aren't the problems
everyone else faces. They have to work ten times as hard just to make some
semblance of a relationship work, and for that reason alone they're more
admirable to me and more "gut wrenching" moments can be achieved with them
simply trying to make something work that nobody in the history of the world
has had to try and make work. I'm not saying that devices or cliches like
cheating or death of a character being used to elicit hand-wringing angst
can't be good. I remember one of the much older fanfic stories about the
death of a very aged Superman that was very touching and it worked well. As
for a story with great impact without having to go the route of cheating or
death in order to create a situation that tests the characters, there was
Sheila Harper's "A Shot in the Dark" which I thought was excellent and
challenged Lois and Clark even in a sexual sense (Lois had been paralysed by
a gunshot wound) So I think for me something that challenges them while
still
keeping them in character works a lot better. Again, just for me personally.

>>>There's been very little fanfic written about one of the more interesting
parts of the legend to me -- Superman's refusal to kill.  How high a price
will he pay the keep his hands clean, what would push him accross that
line?  How would he react after he killed someone, and how would Lois
react?  Would she blame him, comfort him, try to justify it in his eyes?<<<<

As long as it's not handled as abysmally as the season premier of
Millennium.
The revamp called for the loss of the wife and daughter so they worked out a
separation plot line that will audience-test the reaction to a 'single'
Frank
Black and his new cohorts at the Millennium group. Anyway, for those of you
who were fortunate enough to miss the premier, Frank's wife was kidnapped by
a "talking head" whacko and then Frank finally finds her, the guy springs
out
of the darkness with a knife and attacks Frank. Frank gets the knife and
kills the kidnapper. The wife is appalled...I mean guy, she is like totally
bummed, he truly bent her aura with that one<g> She told him that she
couldn't live with him and needed some space <insert other cliches> about
how
she had to think of their daughter and if a man who would do what Frank did
was a good dad. I told my husband after the wife's reaction "If a whacko
ever
kidnaps me and keeps me chained in basement, feel free to blow his !@#$ing
head off!" ;)

>>>Zoomway's latest
even gave him back his secret identity with a seeing eye dog.  No one has
really examined what Superman would be like in the Alt-Universe<<<

That *was* my take on how his life would be in the Alternate universe<g> I
had him facing a new protest group every day and having someone who has to
schedule his appearances at charities, awards, etc. Having such a high
profile person who attracts protesters had the neighbors on Clinton Street
disappearing little by little and Clark is hurt when he discovers that fact.
I had him losing his job at the Planet simply because his continued presence
there was disruptive and the competing papers cried foul saying he was
unfair
competition.

I think everyone has their own "motive" for certain story lines. I think
right now you'll see stories where alt Clark finds alt Lois, and later there
will be stories of a different nature about the alternate Clark and his
world. I had a lot of issues I wanted settled for alt Clark. I wanted him to
have a private life restored. I wanted Lois to do that for him because if
not
for her he'd have never lost that to begin with. I wanted a touch of a
tribute to the silver age Superman, and so the "regular guy" became the
disguise in the alternate world. I wanted the sexual tension established in
Tempus Anyone and Lois and Clarks resolved by *that* couple.  To accomplish
that I had to make the alternate Lois hidden within (merged with) the Lois
we've all seen for four years and thus retaining her memories.  In reality
there could be a lot of "takes" on the Alternate Clark. He could become a
tyrant, a broken man, a recluse,  a pawn for the military and dozens of
other
scenarios (many covered in the comics in Elseworld stories and annuals)

>>>I have
visions of a lonely Clark, living in a secure penthouse (sort of like
Luthor's<<<

I toyed with Clark living such an existence, but since I strongly felt
Superman (once outed by Tempus) would be the target of various protest
groups, and perhaps even radical groups (his apartment was blown up in my
story) then I felt a highrise penthouse arrangement would be impossible.
Who'd want to rent the rest of that building?<g> Also, I didn't want to go
the Batman-type "Dark Knight" loner for Clark. That too was done in the
comics in "Speeding Bullets".  I think that being more of a Lois fan, I tend
to go more with stories that test her, rather than Clark. Those who are
bigger Clark fans will do stories that test him. It's not *always* the case
with me, since Counter Clark-Wise was a test of Clark throughout the story,
but often I like highlighting Lois since the series is the only medium that
has ever made Lois as important to the legend as Superman himself.

>>>putting communication satellites into orbit for the Rudolph
Murdoch's of the world for a significant sum, and agonizing over whether to
sign a contract with the Defense Department<<<<

Stories where someone who is "not like us" being outed and the aftermath of
that has been a staple on TV. In "Bewitched" Samantha gives Darren a dream
of
what their life would be like if they told eveyone she was a witch. Well,
almost immediately there were bleachers set up outside the Stephens' home.
Bus tours included their home on their route. The military basically asked
that Wizard of Oz classic question "Are you a good witch, or a bad witch?"
Okay, they asked if she was an "American" witch. Samantha and Tabitha were
moved to a military installation for protection and study. I can see all of
this more or less happening to alt Clark, but I'd feel like I was ripping
off
American sitcom heaven to do it ;) There was also "Mork & Mindy" saying that
Mork was an alien, holding a TV press conference, and doing a stint on Tom
Snyder. An interesting take happened on "My Favorite Martian" Martin's
nephew
Andromeda visited him and he was very gungho Martian and didn't believe in
pretending to be an "Earthling"  He basically blabs that he's a Martian and
proves it, and the planet goes into abject panic at the idea that there are
aliens here on Earth. They literally are under seige in the episode. They
are
seen as a threat to everything from mom's apple pie to national security.

These were all one-shot episodes, and so had nothing approaching a lasting
impact on the balance of the series, but neither did *they* address tough
questions. I've always felt if intelligent life were found somewhere besides
Earth, there would be far reaching implications and many of them would be
philosophical and religious. I battle between extremes when contemplating
our
government having covered up UFO confirmations. First, I can imagine the
military trying to "spare" us the truth, for whatever reason, but I can't
imagine a race of beings so intelligent that they can build spacecraft that
can traverse the known galaxy being *caught* by the military. I proposed a
story that would have Superman discovered as a complete and utter hoax
perpetrated by a scientific consortium who wanted to run the ultimate test
in
"behaviorism" What if it were discovered that Superman was a normal infant
who had been treated with some formula that would turn him into a "super"
man
as he grew? How would Superman be viewed after the truth came out? How would
Clark view himself?

>>>>Stories that *end* with the divorce are the depressing ones.
Although occasionally, as with Rhett and Scarlett, one can only say "it's
about time!" when the marriage *finally* breaks up.<<<

With Rhett and Scarlet (as with a lot of romance of that genre and era) it
is
almost a done deal from opening to close that their "love" (if it can be
called that) is doomed. With Lois and Clark, their destiny lies in another
direction, at least for me, or they become just one more star-crossed set of
lovers like Vincent and Catherine, Heathcliff and Cathy (wow, it might work
if it were titled Cathy and Clark ;) where the angst flows like cheap gin at
the Ace o' Clubs<g> It's not that I have anything against melodrama or
gothic
"doomed" romance, but sometimes they are so unrelenting that you'd
personally
volunteer to kill them both just to have it over with.   I don't like soap
operas, and they tend to have cheating and death angst all the
time....oh...and amnesia<g>

Zoomway@aol.com
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Date:         Wed, 24 Sep 1997 04:33:32 -0400
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From:         Peace Everett <PEverett9@AOL.COM>
Subject:      Re: Reading (was Re: Ideas)

Hmmm.... what do I read when I'm not reading fanfic?

Well, up until about a year ago (which is when I got into FoLCdom) I was
working on a complete collection of the Star Trek novels -- at last count I
had something like 200 from the various book series -- Classic, Next Gen,
DS9, Voyager, Starfleet Academy, DS9 Boys.  I've got a copy of the very
first
Star Trek novel ever published --  a children's novel entitled Mission to
Horatius.  I also have a numbered copy (First Edition) of Hamlet Prince of
Denmark, the Restored Klingon Version <g>, as well as a large number of
Trek-related books.

I've read almost all of Clive Cussler's books -- his Raise the Titanic
hooked
me and I thoroughly enjoyed all the others up to his most recent, which he
must have been asleep when he wrote -- it lacks his usual style.  I went
through a phase of being really into Alistair McLean -- mainly because my
brother was really into them, but I haven't read anything of his in ages.

I also went through a phase of reading stacks of Harlequins, but I got over
that real fast!

I've read some of Marion Zimmer Bradley, but not recently.  I have a whole
stack of Barbara Hambly that I got at a garage sale and haven't gotten to
yet.

What else have I read recently?  Dawning.  Oh, wait, that's fanfic ;)

Hunt for Red October.  Lost Moon (on which Apollo 13) was based.  Quantum
Leap novels, which don't come out nearly often enough to suit me.

People have mentioned some of my favorites from years gone by:  Pride and
Prejudice, The Scarlet Pimpernel, A Wrinkle in Time.  As a teenager I got
hooked on C.S. Lewis' Chronicles of Narnia and read the entire series
through
many times -- I still love those stories.  A few years back I found them in
Portuguese and got to brush up my skills in that language reading them
again.

Peace
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Date:         Wed, 24 Sep 1997 05:47:12 -0600
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From:         Debby Stark <debby@SWCP.COM>
Subject:      Clark Fic
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At 04:35 PM 9/23/97 -0500, Genevieve wrote:

[snip interesting stuff about ideas...]

>There's been very little fanfic written about one of the more interesting
>parts of the legend to me -- Superman's refusal to kill.  How high a price
>will he pay the keep his hands clean, what would push him accross that
>line?  How would he react after he killed someone, and how would Lois
>react?  Would she blame him, comfort him, try to justify it in his eyes?

If the world saw that he had done it, would 99% of the population be on his
side but what would Lois and his folks think? Even if they thought it
justified, how do they react to how he surely thinks about it?

>One of the things that has surprised me is that in our ever-growing
mountain
>of fanfic dealing with Alt-Clark, almost all of it, if not all of it,
choose
>the WAFFy way, pairing him up with Alt-Lois or Clone Lois.  Zoomway's
latest
>even gave him back his secret identity with a seeing eye dog.  No one has
>really examined what Superman would be like in the Alt-Universe.  I have
>visions of a lonely Clark, living in a secure penthouse (sort of like
>Luthor's), putting communication satellites into orbit for the Rudolph
>Murdoch's of the world for a significant sum, and agonizing over whether to
>sign a contract with the Defense Department.

I did this a bit in my Argh rewrite. I could see him bereft of real friends
(everyone but the villains fawns on him) and he tires of that rapidly.
Without anyone to pour his heart out to, which he'd had, in a way, with Lana
and maybe the Langs, I could see him getting cynical and standoffish. I'd
still rescue people, but I could see him delivering stern lectures, too :)

>Now it could be argued that those types of stories are not "Lois and Clark"
>fanfic, but just plain "Clark" fanfic, and perhaps they are.  They don't
>lend themselves to WAFFs easily, that's for sure.  But they could explore
>some unexplored areas.

Clark Fic is an interesting term. I'd like to explore more of Clark's life
and journeys/adventures before he decided to give Metropolis a try. Whenever
I think up an idea for this, though, I tend to think: where the heck am I
going to put Lois? Should I try to give her equal time? Does it matter? What
could Lois have done at this age that wsa as interesting? Is this post to
ask if it's all right to do pure Clark Fic? Would a general "okay" also
apply to pure Lois Fic? Would I obey a general negative reply if I had a
good idea? Is it too early in the morning (5:25am) to be asking such
questions? ;)

Debby
Debby@swcp.com
trying to remember what reading hard copy is like
so she can reply to the "what do you read" thread...
=========================================================================
Date:         Wed, 24 Sep 1997 05:47:14 -0600
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From:         Debby Stark <debby@SWCP.COM>
Subject:      Re: Reading (was Ideas)
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I recall that in either late junior high or early High School, we were given
the choice of several novels to read as a group.  I picked Moby Dick (no
doubt and abriged version) but can't remember much about it, so it was
probably in junior high (before it became "midschool") (before Dean was
born)...

For non internet-derived reading now...?

Magazines and local newspapers I can skim through usually. I'm just
finishing a 2-year-old copy of the British travel magazine "Wander Lust",
which I picked up to get ideas for a traveling CK (with or w/o Lois).  Great
magazine! I read in the bathroom a lot ;)

I have stacks of books I haven't read and will eventually (when there's no
more electricity and internet access, I guess).  For example, I have books
on martial arts and Taoism; the Alien Nation novels; books by Spike Milligan
and P. G. Woodhouse; and a collection of "Wrapped in Plastic," a magazine
dedicated to Twin Peaks; some occult horror (Koontz, Skipp and Spectre,
Reeves-Stevens). And more.

Recently Read Fiction:

"The Cat Who..." books by Lilian Jackson Braun. Light mystery with realistic
cats as heros. The author really researches her topics, the things she has
her hero become interested in, and I like her style. Also at the library
sales room (a great place to get back issues of unusual magazines) I picked
monthly SF and Mystery compilations in magazines.

and Nonfiction:

"The Secret School," by Whitley Strieber. I'll read anything by him, fiction
or nonfiction. He has a site, too, www.strieber.com :)

I suppose we'll all be checking to see if Anne Rice has written anything for
Rag & Bone yet...

Debby
Debby@swcp.com
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Date:         Wed, 24 Sep 1997 07:53:29 -0700
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From:         Vicki Krell <Vicki.Krell@ASU.EDU>
Subject:      Re: A fanfic idea
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And what was the deal with Margot Kidder's mouth? Was it just me, or did
it look like she was wearing dentures? Her teeth looked too big for her
mouth. And I agree, Dean's Clark would have beat the crap out of a
protagonist, at least he did on the show when he was without his powers.

Vicki

        -----Original Message-----
        From:   Gary [SMTP:gar8434@RITVAX.ISC.RIT.EDU]
        Sent:   Tuesday, September 23, 1997 6:55 PM
        To:     LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU
        Subject:        Re: A fanfic idea

        Hmmmm....Let's see honeymoon suite, ice palace, diner fight, and
Clark
        gets to squeeze Lois' oranges...sounds like a fanfic waiting to
be written!

        At 08:49 PM 9/23/97 -0400, you wrote:
        >Well, it's been a couple days since I saw Honeymoon in
Metropolis again,
        >and I had a kind of a thought.  Did anyone else notice the
similarities
        >between HIM and Superman 2?  L&C have to go undercover as a
married
        >couple in a honeymoon suite.  The bellboy makes cracks at them.
Okay,
        >maybe there aren't THAT many similarites, but the big one is
there:  L&C
        >being an undercover married couple at a honeymoon suite.  I
think it
        >would be awesome to combine the movie and the ep.  There were
parts of
        >the movie that I just didn't like, such as "Don't you know this
is
        >killing me?" prompting CK to erase Lois' memory of his secret.
ARGHH!
        >And there were some stupid lines such as, "I don't know why I
did that."
        >"Maybe you wanted to."  "I don't think I did."  Sheesh.  But I
loved Lois
        >jumping into a river because she thinks CK=S.  And the brush
line.
        >"Where's my brush?  Where's my brush?  God, not only have I
lost my mind,
        >I've lost my brush!"  And the bellboy saying "Have a
happy...whatever."
        >The movie had the potential to be so much better.  And I think
that
        >Teri's Lois would react better than Margot's Lois.  And I think
I would
        >have to use the whole ice palace Fortress of Solitude.  Sorry,
but L&C
        >wouldn't fit in a treehouse! <eg>  And I think that Dean's
Clark could
        >have beat up that creep in the diner even without powers,
although that
        >would lose the scene in the end that was so funny.  I think
it's an even
        >trade, not to have to see CK get beat up.  And I bet I could
have a
        >little fun with the kissing contest Lois mentions in Superman
2....
        >Does anybody have any ideas for the story?
        >
        >*********************************************************
        >"Lois, get a grip!"  "Ooh, believe me, I'd love to!" ;)
        >~~>Susan<~~
        >********************************************************
        >

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
        | Gary A. Rudick mailto:gar8434@rit.edu
<http://www.rit.edu/~gar8434> |
        |  "You decide what you feel heaven is worth" - Deborah Gibson,
TWYH  |

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
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Date:         Wed, 24 Sep 1997 10:14:22 -0500
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From:         Alyssa Mondelli <agmondelli@STTHOMAS.EDU>
Organization: Brought to you by the legal firm of Deceive, Inveigle, &
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Subject:      Re: Reading (was Re: Ideas)
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> Hmmm.... what do I read when I'm not reading fanfic?

Lots of nonfiction, especially nonfiction in narrative form. Jonathan
Harr's "A Civil Action" and John Berendt's "Midnight in the Garden of
Good and Evil" are two recent examples that I adored. And travel
narratives are one of my special favorites. Michael Crichton's "Travels"
is an old friend; I'm currently reading Jeff Greenwald's "The Size of
the World".

Science fact and fiction... right now the shelf of things to be read in
my (ha!) copious free time includes some theoretical physics, some
speculative fiction, and several sf stories that I've been told I *have*
to read. (Just finished "Ender's Game" yesterday - do I qualify as a
true sf fan now? :->)

I have a soft spot for mysteries dating back to junior high, when my
friend Val introduced me to Perry Mason and we set out to find and read
all 85 novels. (Never did, but we came darn close...) I've lost interest
in Sue Grafton's alphabet series, but I still love Karen Kijewski's Kat
Colorado mysteries (though the recent ones have been lacking) and
Lillian Jackson Braun's The Cat Who... series.

Authors I will follow anywhere: Barbara Kingsolver, Anna Quindlen, Dave
Barry, Toni Morrison, Douglas Adams, David Simon.

And my single favorite book? Norton Juster's "The Phantom Tollbooth". If
you've never read it, your life is incomplete. Go find it in the
children's section of your favorite bookstore or library *now*.

==Alyssa in St. Paul== (agmondelli@stthomas.edu)(AlyssaM on the IRC)
http://www.fortunecity.com/tattooine/mothership/60/index.htm
shameless plug: See my Library page for even more book recommendations
=========================================================================
Date:         Wed, 24 Sep 1997 19:04:37 +0000
Reply-To:     dom-mel@dial.pipex.com
Sender:       "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
Comments:     Authenticated sender is <ae412@pop.dial.pipex.com>
From:         Dom Melaragni <dom-mel@DIAL.PIPEX.COM>
Subject:      Re: Reading,              Writing & 'Rithmetic . . . oops
wrong
In-Reply-To:  <199709240138.VAA07874@aus-e.mp.campus.mci.net>
MIME-Version: 1.0
Content-type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII
Content-transfer-encoding: 7BIT

>Oh, and then there are the Scots. Would I like Clark in a
> kilt? Ya bet ya, I would. <vbeg>

The campaign continues <g>  Latest theory is......

Planet Hollywood are scheduled to open in Edinburgh soon.  I'm
considering writing to them to tell them that all the stars should be
in kilts and btw, why don't they invite Dean <g>.....a Flying
Scotsman!

Dom - go look at Jackie's website for lots of pictures of Dean in a
kilt - http://ds.dial.pipex.com/jacmac

=================================================================
Dom Melaragni (FlakeyDom)   The LnC drinking game and Fest pics
                        http://ds.dial.pipex.com/dom-mel/index.htm

?8-)] Clark Kent smiley with the superhero squarejaw chin
=========================================================================
Date:         Wed, 24 Sep 1997 11:18:26 -0700
Reply-To:     "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
Sender:       "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
From:         Sara Kraft <tmax@AZSTARNET.COM>
Subject:      Re: Clark Fic
Mime-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"

Debby Stark wrote:

>Clark Fic is an interesting term. I'd like to explore more of Clark's life
>and journeys/adventures before he decided to give Metropolis a try.
Whenever
>I think up an idea for this, though, I tend to think: where the heck am I
>going to put Lois? Should I try to give her equal time? Does it matter?
What
>could Lois have done at this age that wsa as interesting? Is this post to
>ask if it's all right to do pure Clark Fic? Would a general "okay" also
>apply to pure Lois Fic? Would I obey a general negative reply if I had a
>good idea? Is it too early in the morning (5:25am) to be asking such
>questions? ;)

I've read several Clark fics and thoroughly enjoyed them.  In fact, I think
they were some what of a series by this wonderful lady named Margaret
Brignell. <g>  I found that I was able to understand the present Clark much
better with reading his background.  Margaret writes Clark wonderfully, his
emotions and mannerisms and such.  I've also just finished reading "When a
Great Man Loves a Super Woman" by Ben Pistorius, which was a Lois fic (of
course as the title indicates, with a slightly different twist).  So in
answer to Debby's question, yes it's okay with me to do pure Clark fic and
pure Lois fic.

Sara Kraft (tmax@azstarnet.com), who can't wait to find some free time in
which to read TUFS #1 and the new Dawning.
=========================================================================
Date:         Wed, 24 Sep 1997 11:18:16 -0700
Reply-To:     "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
Sender:       "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
From:         Vicki Krell <Vicki.Krell@ASU.EDU>
Subject:      Re: Reading,              Writing & 'Rithmetic . . . oops
wrong
Comments: To: dom-mel@dial.pipex.com
MIME-version: 1.0
Content-type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"

Dom, I keep trying to send you an e-mail but it never goes through. If
you can, please e-mail me at Vicki.Krell@ASU.Edu. It's about flakes and
the fanfic you wrote (at least, I THINK you wrote it!!). Thanks!

        -----Original Message-----
        From:   Dom Melaragni [SMTP:dom-mel@DIAL.PIPEX.COM]
        Sent:   Wednesday, September 24, 1997 12:05 PM
        To:     LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU
        Subject:        Re: Reading,              Writing & 'Rithmetic .
. . oops wrong

        >Oh, and then there are the Scots. Would I like Clark in a
        > kilt? Ya bet ya, I would. <vbeg>

        The campaign continues <g>  Latest theory is......

        Planet Hollywood are scheduled to open in Edinburgh soon.  I'm
        considering writing to them to tell them that all the stars
should be
        in kilts and btw, why don't they invite Dean <g>.....a Flying
        Scotsman!

        Dom - go look at Jackie's website for lots of pictures of Dean
in a
        kilt - http://ds.dial.pipex.com/jacmac

=================================================================
        Dom Melaragni (FlakeyDom)   The LnC drinking game and Fest pics

http://ds.dial.pipex.com/dom-mel/index.htm

        ?8-)] Clark Kent smiley with the superhero squarejaw chin
=========================================================================
Date:         Wed, 24 Sep 1997 20:18:00 -0600
Reply-To:     "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
Sender:       "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
From:         Debby Stark <debby@SWCP.COM>
Subject:      Re: Reading (was Ideas)
Mime-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"

At 12:48 PM 9/22/97 CST, you wrote:
>Not much time for reading books anymore, but I did manage to fit one
>in about a month ago. It was a Tony Hillerman mystery. Can't
>remember the name of the specific book but his are always good.
>Kay II

Tony, an exOklahoman, lives here in Albuquerque and I've heard him speak (it
was a brown-lunch-bag talk at the University: "What would you say if this
were your last speech?). Funny guy--Excellent writer.  His descriptions of
the desert are marvelous.  His mysteries are well thought out and riviting,
and his characters are always interesting.  The Navajos and the Hopi think
he does a good job writing them into his novels.

Debby
Debby@swcp.com
who can recommend Tony Hillerman, too :)
=========================================================================
Date:         Wed, 24 Sep 1997 20:18:45 -0600
Reply-To:     "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
Sender:       "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
From:         Debby Stark <debby@SWCP.COM>
Subject:      Re: Looking for Lois Lane
Mime-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"

At 05:15 AM 9/22/97 -0400, you wrote:
>In a message dated 97-09-21 21:20:26 EDT, debby@SWCP.COM writes:

[snip my scenario about Jack]

>To quote alternate Clark "This is exactly what I was afraid of"<g> That
>sounds awfully close to Batman and his boy companion Robin ;) I was glad
Jack
>vanished.

Only if Clark knew about it, but I think Jack would wisely have kept it to
himself. I liked Jack. I like characters with promise (I'll make them
promising) who enhance the main characters :) That's why I was disappointed
as the number of continuing characters dwindled.

>>>>Some argue that he hadn't had a steady relationship before, and this may
>be the case<<<

>"Flying is a piece of cake. I've been doing it since high school. What
>happens if I screw up? I lose a little altitude, but being in a
relationship,
>that's completely new..."  So, yes, that was the case. He never had a
>relationship by his own admission.

Ah, but he took Rachel to the prom. In Honeymoon in Metropolis, both of them
admitted to not having lived with anyone. I suspect by "relationship" he
meant the kind he wanted to have with Lois. I suspect he had quite a few
girlfriends.

After all, he didn't learn to kiss like he was able to (and he sure wasn't
shy about endulging in it) from his mom...

>>>>However, I don't think this translates into the relationship he wants
>being hard to maintain. If he had not yet had such a relationship of his
own, let's
>look at the most influenial relationship he experienced through
observation,
>that of Martha and Jonathan<<<<
>
>How much worth was his parents as examples when it came to a courtship?
Clark
>didn't know what his parents dating history was like. If anything, I think
>Clark's idealized vision of his parents relationship sometimes caused some
>unrealistic expectations for him.. He wanted instant 'happily ever after',
>but because he only saw the "after" with his parents, he had absolutely no
>clue what they went through to achieve that.

We know that he didn't know that his dad had to ask his mom 4 times. But as
far
as I know, that's all he knew about their history (which is a little hard
for me
to believe). However, having high expectations doesn't mean unrealistic
expectations. Instead, to me it means he had hope. Unfortunately(?) for him,
he tried his hopes on Lois, who's parents went through hard times.  *That*
part was hard on him. Was it hard because his parents' romance was atypical
or because Lois's parents' romance was? Difficult to say...

>>>>Clark could have solve that by simply telling Lois the truth<<<
>
>Telling Lois the truth only solved part of the problem (his dashing off
>appearing to be a fear of commitment, etc) but it still didn't give him
>relationship skills, and no matter how good an example Jon and Martha were,
>Jon was never two people who had to balance a job, being a superhero and a
>marriage. Martha didn't have to adjust to something like that either. Lois
>and Clark were on their on with that scenario.

I still don't see the difficulty. Once she knows why he rushes off, then
what's difficult? She would still get into trouble all the time even if he
weren't super because it's unlikely she'd give up her job just to get
married. It's the same as before, when both of them were still willing to
make the commitment. No, I still
don't see why he had this trouble. I can understand her wariness, just not
his.
He must have thought he could make it work or he wouldn't have proposed to
her.

What made it so difficult after that? Was it Lois having to think about it
and
not saying yes right away? Maybe. But where did CK get that sulky attitude?
(poor writing?) (yes) Was it Lois abandoning her independent ways and
assuming
he'd always be there to rescue her and thus throwing herself into dangerous
situations? (Contact) Maybe. (that never made sense to me anyhow; a plot
device
--a "road block.") So to stop her from doing that, he dumped her. Huh?

I guess all this is because "he didn't have any experience"... but his way
of expressing his lack of experience sure never made any sense to me...

>>>blundered into his relationship
>with Lois Lane and came out looking like a heavily stressed chunk of
>granite<<<

>I enjoyed their "blunders". It made their bliss all the more well earned ;)

What bliss? Those little bits wedge in between the villains explaining their
next move? I think we can agree we would rather have seen more bliss than
bandits.

>>>hen, seeing that his mind was made up and that he was going to make his
>announcement the next day, Lois rushed out to find a better solution.
Which,
>of course, she did. Hooray, Lois<<<
>
>I think ultimately the decision has to be Clark's. I know it's supposed to
be
>50/50 in a marriage,. but there are some points where one partner has the
>ultimate decision to make and stand by. If a wife doesn't want any more
>children, but the husband does, I say ultimately *she* makes the decision
>because she is the one who has to endure the pregnancy.

I agree.

>Now, if both men and
>women could get pregnant, that would be different. The wife could say,
"Okay,
>you want another baby? It's your turn to get pregnant."

Amen (A women, too)

>Lois had a great deal to do with the creation and the maintainance of
>"Superman", but when push comes to shove, Clark is the one all alone out
>there having to make the decisions by himself, often in a split second.

Agreed, except this particular decision wasn't one made in a split second.

>Jon and Martha made great points about Lois and Clark losing their privacy
and
>Lois being known from there on out as "Superman's wife",

and they politely didn't mention that their own lives would be
in jeopardy from then on...

>but Lois accepts
>what might befall her and Clark if the truth comes out, what she *can't*
>accept is what happens to Superman if the truth comes out. She's trying to
>let Clark know that the truth could be as bad or worse for "Superman" as
the
>scandal. Superman's "fate" can be discussed and argued by all parties who
>might be effected by "the truth", but ultimately the decision can't be made
>by committee, it is up to one person--Clark Kent.

Who, from how I saw it, failed to take all of this into account. The effect
on his own parents alone I feel should have prompted him to talk it all out
with them before coming to any major decision.

However, it made for "melodrama," and talking heads aren't interesting, so
we got him going off to prepare and Lois rushing off to save the day
(hooray!!)

>>>It took her most of the episode to say this, too. Yawn.<<<
>
>Having been married 16 years, I can tell you that it takes a lot longer
than
>"most of the episode" sometimes to tell your husband what's upsetting you.
>This phrase, "Well, if you don't know what's wrong, I'm certainly not going
>to tell you" didn't become a cliche from lack of use<g> ...
>...One reason Lois drew the whole
>thing out is because she thought Clark knew about his molecular structure
>"stablizing and slowing" the aging process and she was angry he never told
>her.

Thus making my argument for her to simply ask him about it. Did she think he
was purposefully keeping it from her? If not, all the more reason to simply
ask him. But that wasn't dramatic enough.

>>>>That's not what was said, that much I recall. His body had already
>compensated. It had made up the difference, he had revitalized, he was the
same as
>before.<<<

>Well, here's the dialog, make of it what you will, but to me it sounds like
>Clark did "lose something".
>
>"Dr. Klein said my body has already compensated for the age drain."
>"Compensated? Then you have lost something."
>"My friend is healthy. I'm sitting here with my wife. I haven't lost
anything."
>"You gave up years."
>"I gave them up for a friend."
>"How many?"
>"I don't know. The truth is, no one knows how long they've got. Anyway,
it's
>not the years that count, it's the moments. Right now, as they happen."

     I heard: "Dr. Klein said my body has already compensated for the age
drain."
     She went on to say "You gave up years.... how many"
     He said "I don't know."

>You'll recall right after Superman came out of the machine (after resetting
>Carter Shank to infancy and Jimmy back to a 22 year old) he said "I feel
>okay"  Lois asks Doodsen "Is he?" and she says "It's too soon to tell"

     I go with Klein, who knows Superman pretty well, than Doodsen, who
didn't know him at all.

> Remember that Jimmy looked fine right after he came out of the machine and
>the rapid aging took a while to start. Superman looked fine right when he
>came out, but because of his long lifespan, then even the 100+ years it
cost
>him to restore Shank (over restore him ;) and Jimmy was something his body
>could "compensate" (counterbalance).

It doesn't matter, Jimmy and Shank are both human. Supes isn't.

>That is, suppose you have a 50 year old man (want one? ;)

     depends ;) that is, if he's not wearing them ;)

>and you age him
>five years. It's not likely that it'll make that big a difference in his
>appearance. However, if you take an infant and age *him* five years, the
>difference is startling. What I'm getting at is say that Superman's
lifespan
>was 200 years, but then you take about 130 from that (to restore Shank and
>Jimmy) and his lifespan now becomes 70 years. In other words, Superman
still
>had 70 years left to him, and so the "drain" wouldn't show on him. Whereas,
>you take Jimmy, whose lifespan is about 70 to begin with and take 50 years
of
>that away from him, then he has no "years" left to compensate the loss.
He's
>going to be an old man. I don't know if any of that made any sense, but
Lois
>and Clark's dialog seems to indicate Clark did in fact lose years.

No, that doesn't make any sense to me (though I can see it might make good
fanfic).  What was *said* was:

     "Dr. Klein said my body has already compensated for the age drain."

and Dr. Klein was not only Superman's doctor but was the one Supes went to
for
the sperm count :) I trust in Klein.

>>>>That's my very point. I certainly expect them to *try*, on the ceiling,
on
>the kitchen floor, or wherever they wanted, and have lots of fun at it! But
>to go into the marriage assuming they could have kids<<<

>Before they got married, Lois was in the alternate world and Wells helped
her
>recall their previous adventure, and in that adventure Wells tells Lois
that
>Superman's descendants create Utopia. Wells also assures her that she "will
>be" good at handling babies.

Too bad he didn't mention Soulmates or the adoption agency, or Tempus and
the time machine trap, the baby from the future, etc. Wells' record wasn't
that good...

>Then if we go back to The Foundling, perhaps
>Clark read too much into Jor-El saying that Earth was chosen because of its
>compatability with Krypton and its people.

I assume (for fanfic anyhow) that compatibility means that the atmosphere
wouldn't kill the baby and probably the human inhabitants might adopt him :)
I like the mystery.

>Either way, even human couples
>assume they can have children until they start trying and nothing happens.

"even human," I agree! However, only Lois was human.

>>>>I suspect that he did know. I wouldn't expect Clark
>to rat on Lois because I would expect Perry to already know about it.<<<
>
>Okay, let's assume that for whatever reason not indicated in the episode,
>Perry knew Lois stole the story and so *he* sent her on that wild goose
chase
>through the sewage reclamation plant.

I wouldn't assume this. I'd have Perry take Lois aside and ask her if she's
okay, she doesn't usually upset her coworkers like this. After some heming
and hawing she'd breakdown (as she was wont to do) and admit to him (her
father figure) that she had no idea what she was doing. He'd counsel her and
let her off with a warning :)

>>>>Clark, sitting quietly at his desk, speaking from the heart, looking
>right at Lois (note that the newsroom is nearly empty). "Lois, I don't
>appreciate you stealing other people's stories."<<<
>
>Even if a more subdued scene had been feasible for the Lois of Neverending
>Battle fame, all we'd get really is an apology from her,

That's bad? That would be a major step forward! :)

>and it still ices out Jimmy's part.

Maybe as part of the apology L&C could help Jimmy get the story :)

>I think the show handled it well and with good humor, and
>Lois knew she had it coming and learned a lesson about underestimating
Clark
>Kent when he's the victim of story stealing ;) In fairness though, if you
>want to rewrite NB, that's okay, as long as I get to rewrite IGACOY ;)

Gladly! When I have time ;) Until then, I'd rather just drop IGACOY
from the canon ;)

>>>>Well, we know where to go to find out what CK's idle fantasies are...
>;)<<<
>
>Are these sexual or non-sexual? ;)

Hey, you're the one arguing his having no relationship experience... what
kind of fantasies does a guy like that have, hmm?

>Zoomway@aol.com (what the heck, it's 4:00a.m., the gutter's open ;)

It's 7:38pm here, though I started pretty early this morning myself :)

Debby
Debby@swcp.com
sitting through dreadful country music
(I ran away from Oklahoma due in part to this)
so Dean and Mindy *better* show up!!!
=========================================================================
Date:         Wed, 24 Sep 1997 22:32:27 -0400
Reply-To:     "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
Sender:       "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
From:         No Name Available <Larus2407@AOL.COM>
Subject:      Re: Ideas/books

In a message dated 97-09-22 01:12:43 EDT, you write:

<< I was the only
 female in the class to choose Fahrenheit 451 so I begin to wonder if I'm an
 anomaly among others of my gender<g>  >>

Maybe a minority, but not an anomaly (those are those things like
singularities that Voyager is always encountering <g>).

I think the first science fiction I read was as a small kid: The Magic Ball
from Mars (yup, really a children's book) and then on to The WOnderful
Mushroom Planet... The first adult science fiction--at about age 12 or 13
was
Heinlein's Door Into Summer which was sitting around cause my dad had read
it. That launched me into reading almost nothing but science fiction and I
read many of the "classic" type stuff at age 14 or so--I remember combing
the
Jr High school library for some of it.

My favorites? Zenna Henderson and Ursula LeGuin (but not her really newest
stuff which isn't very science fiction-y).

--Laurie (who is VERY behind on reading mail but who also went to hear
Asimov
and Arthur Clarke speak at a local college at age 16--only 26 years ago)

P.S. I don't have time to read much anymore--it's all I can do to keep up
with work, e-mail and fanfic...
=========================================================================
Date:         Thu, 25 Sep 1997 18:39:41 +1000
Reply-To:     "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
Sender:       "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
From:         Jenny Stosser <jenerate@OZRAMP.NET.AU>
Subject:      Re: A fanfic idea
In-Reply-To:  <19970923.204945.3358.0.GutterFic@juno.com>
Mime-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"

At 08:49 PM 23/09/97 -0400, Susan E VanCott wrote:
>Well, it's been a couple days since I saw Honeymoon in Metropolis again,
>and I had a kind of a thought.  Did anyone else notice the similarities
>between HIM and Superman 2?  L&C have to go undercover as a married
>couple in a honeymoon suite.  The bellboy makes cracks at them.  Okay,
>maybe there aren't THAT many similarites, but the big one is there:  L&C
>being an undercover married couple at a honeymoon suite.  I think it
>would be awesome to combine the movie and the ep.  There were parts of
>the movie that I just didn't like, such as "Don't you know this is
>killing me?" prompting CK to erase Lois' memory of his secret.  ARGHH!

I loved that scene!  I didn't like the resolution, but I did write a
proto-fan (n?) fic after seeing the movie, where Lois discovers she's
pregnant and doesn't remember having done anything to get that way, and how
clark and lois dealt with it.

>And there were some stupid lines such as, "I don't know why I did that."
>"Maybe you wanted to."  "I don't think I did."  Sheesh.  But I loved Lois

Yeah, that wasn't delivered too well, was it.

>jumping into a river because she thinks CK=S.  And the brush line.
>"Where's my brush?  Where's my brush?  God, not only have I lost my mind,
>I've lost my brush!"  And the bellboy saying "Have a happy...whatever."

--
Jenny Stosser -*- jenerate@ozramp.net.au -*- (Jenerator or MoiAussie on IRC)
This message is umop ap!sdn -*- David is 5 and Megan is 2! Photos on the
web-page!
Visit the Stosser Family HomePage: http://www.ozramp.net.au/~jenerate
=========================================================================
Date:         Thu, 25 Sep 1997 04:54:39 -0400
Reply-To:     "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
Sender:       "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
From:         The Zoomway <Zoomway@AOL.COM>
Subject:      Re: Looking for Lois Lane

In a message dated 97-09-25 00:48:26 EDT, debby@SWCP.COM (Debby Stark)
writes:

<< Only if Clark knew about it, but I think Jack would wisely have kept it
to
 himself. I liked Jack. I like characters with promise (I'll make them
 promising) who enhance the main characters :) That's why I was disappointed
 as the number of continuing characters dwindled. >>

Jack was a "gimmick" that didn't pan out.  I also think near the end of Fly
Hard, the cryptic exchange between Jack and Clark gave the hint that Clark
was aware of what Jack suspected. I really can't think of a reason for a
juvenile boy to be Clark's confidante. Jimmy's, sure, but not Clark's.

>>>h, but he took Rachel to the prom. In Honeymoon in Metropolis, both of
them
admitted to not having lived with anyone. I suspect by "relationship" he
meant the kind he wanted to have with Lois. I suspect he had quite a few
girlfriends.<<<

I knew a guy who went to the prom with his cousin because he couldn't get a
date<g>  Clark said he'd dated and had girlfriends, but if he excludes
'relationship' from either of those definitions, then it sounds like he knew
girls he could go to the movies with or a school dance, but not someone who
even qualified as a "steady". In COTOC he referred to Lois as the only woman
who's ever really been in his life. I gotta say too that when he hugged
Rachel, it was like two good friends, and not two people who had anything
terribly hot going on<g>

>>>After all, he didn't learn to kiss like he was able to (and he sure
wasn't
shy about endulging in it)<<<<

I learned to kiss playing "truth or dare" not in a relationship<g> I can't
speak for everyone, but kissing is something I learned before even had a
date. The kissing I learned back then did help once I was in a relationship
though<g> I think before truth or dare, there was spin the bottle.

>>>Was it hard because his parents' romance was atypical
or because Lois's parents' romance was? Difficult to say...<<<

No, the supposition was that Clark's parents were good examples. They were,
but Clark didn't know what their courtship was like and due to that he had
unrealistic expectations. He wanted the perfection he perceived his parents
lived, but didn't know what hard times they may have had to go through to
achieve that.

>>>No, I still
don't see why he had this trouble. I can understand her wariness, just not
his.
He must have thought he could make it work or he wouldn't have proposed to
her<<<

You still don't see why Lois had to adjust to the truth when she thought
originally she was in love with a guy from this planet who only had one
job?<g> You make it sound like finding out the truth about why he was
dashing
off solved *all* their problems, like the "truth" was no more profound than
discovering he slurped soup loudly. He also proposed without telling her the
truth, that's an interesting concept of thinking "he could make it work"
right there.

>>>But where did CK get that sulky attitude?
(poor writing?) (yes)<<<<

Clark blatantly sulked all the way back in Requiem for a Superhero. It was
apparently part of his character, or something he was most definitely
capable
of. I call that "continuity" not "poor writing"<g>

>>>and Dr. Klein was not only Superman's doctor but was the one Supes went
to
for
the sperm count :) I trust in Klein.<<<

Well, we'll agree to disagree on this. The dialog made it plain to me that
Clark had lost years, what was uncertain was how many.

>>Too bad he didn't mention Soulmates or the adoption agency, or Tempus and
the time machine trap, the baby from the future, etc. Wells' record wasn't
that good...<<<<

Since Tempus was a villain who used time as a weapon, then Wells couldn't
always have the answers because Tempus was always changing the questions<g>

>>>After some heming
and hawing she'd breakdown (as she was wont to do) and admit to him (her
father figure) that she had no idea what she was doing. He'd counsel her and
let her off with a warning :)<<<

That's fairly anticlimactic, and it doesn't give her co-workers any sense of
importance, or that what they went though was valued in any way. Also it
would be deep denial for Lois to tell Perry she didn't know what she was
doing. A breach of journalistic ethics that big, she'd know what she was
doing, or if she didn't, she had no business being a journalist. Perry
giving
her a slap on the wrist also would send a bad message to the rest of the
reporters. That's why the best way to handle the infraction was to put it on
a peer level because Perry to be fair to everyone who had suffered the
infraction and to make an example of Lois's behavior being unacceptable,
would have to suspend her a couple of weeks or something equally punitive.

>>>Maybe as part of the apology L&C could help Jimmy get the story :)<<<

It was courage standing up to Perry that Jimmy needed, not the story.

>>>Hey, you're the one arguing his having no relationship experience... what
kind of fantasies does a guy like that have, hmm?<<<<

Um, you're not really saying that guys who aren't in a relationship don't
have sexual fantasies, are you? I have this wild hunch that a lot of guys
have sexual fantasies whether they're in a relationship or not<g>

>>>sitting through dreadful country music
(I ran away from Oklahoma due in part to this)
so Dean and Mindy *better* show up!!!<<<<

Hey, because of my job I had to sit through the Tony Danza show, believe me,
there are worse fates and there was *zero* chance Dean would put in an
appearance there ;)

Zoomway@aol.com (who kept looking at the clock wondering why time had slowed
;)
=========================================================================
Date:         Thu, 25 Sep 1997 19:24:38 +1000
Reply-To:     "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
Sender:       "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
From:         Jenny Stosser <jenerate@OZRAMP.NET.AU>
Subject:      Re: Reading (was Ideas)
In-Reply-To:  <2.2.16.19970924201342.095f7356@swcp.com>
Mime-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"

At 08:18 PM 24/09/97 -0600, Debby Stark wrote:
>At 12:48 PM 9/22/97 CST, you wrote:
>>Not much time for reading books anymore, but I did manage to fit one
>>in about a month ago. It was a Tony Hillerman mystery. Can't
>>remember the name of the specific book but his are always good.
>>Kay II
>
>Tony, an exOklahoman, lives here in Albuquerque and I've heard him speak
(it
>was a brown-lunch-bag talk at the University: "What would you say if this
>were your last speech?). Funny guy--Excellent writer.  His descriptions of
>the desert are marvelous.  His mysteries are well thought out and riviting,
>and his characters are always interesting.  The Navajos and the Hopi think
>he does a good job writing them into his novels.
>
>
>Debby
>Debby@swcp.com
>who can recommend Tony Hillerman, too :)
>
Am I totally confused (probably! <G>) or is Tony Hillerman the guy who was
in Blazing Saddles and in Magnum P.I?
--
Jenny Stosser -*- jenerate@ozramp.net.au -*- (Jenerator or MoiAussie on IRC)
This message is umop ap!sdn -*- David is 5 and Megan is 2! Photos on the
web-page!
Visit the Stosser Family HomePage: http://www.ozramp.net.au/~jenerate
=========================================================================
Date:         Thu, 25 Sep 1997 07:09:48 -0400
Reply-To:     "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
Sender:       "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
From:         "Eileen F. Ray" <Eraygun@AOL.COM>
Subject:      Re: Reading

I thought it was time for me to jump on the bandwagon before we moved on to
a
new thread ;)

In a message dated 97-09-23 00:43:46 EDT, Georgia wrote:

<< Before, though, I read constantly and skipped around: science fiction,
 fantasy, romance both historical and contemporary, mysteries, and the
 occasional thriller.  I also like non-fiction - politics, linguistics,
 science, popular culture. >>

If you subtract the romance novels (I never could get into those <g>) this
reading list sounds a lot like mine. (Gee I wonder why ;)) I love Science
Fiction/Fantasy and I guess the first novels I read in 2nd and 3rd grade
were
by Jules Verne,( Twenty Thousand Leagues under the Sea, Mysterious Island
and
Around the World in Eighty Days etc.) After that I generally would read
anything I could get my hands on.
I read the classics ,Dickens, Twain, Hawthorne, Steinbeck, Faulkner etc. and
more contemporary works such as To Kill a Mockingbird (which is one of my
favorites).

I would have to say that right now my reading is more heavily weighted
towards the non-fiction side, I still love Star Trek though, I have all the
books including the James Blish adaptions of the TV shows that came out in
the 1960s. The last book I read was California Faults an collection of
essays
about the state of California (big surpise ;)) and right now I'm working on
Locked in the Cabinet by Robert Reich, A Walk to the Western Isles by Frank
Delaney and Ashes to Ashes Richard Kluger. I read more than one at a time
for
some reason it could be because I seem to spend so much time in airports ;)

Cheers,
Eileen
=========================================================================
Date:         Thu, 25 Sep 1997 12:55:36 -0400
Reply-To:     "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
Sender:       "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
From:         Gary <gar8434@RITVAX.ISC.RIT.EDU>
Subject:      Re: Looking for Lois Lane
In-Reply-To:  <970925045438_1043613541@emout03.mail.aol.com>
MIME-version: 1.0
Content-type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"

At 04:54 AM 9/25/97 -0400, you wrote:
>
>>>>Hey, you're the one arguing his having no relationship experience...
what
>kind of fantasies does a guy like that have, hmm?<<<<
>
>Um, you're not really saying that guys who aren't in a relationship don't
>have sexual fantasies, are you? I have this wild hunch that a lot of guys
>have sexual fantasies whether they're in a relationship or not<g>
>
>>>>sitting through dreadful country music
>(I ran away from Oklahoma due in part to this)
>so Dean and Mindy *better* show up!!!<<<<
>
>Hey, because of my job I had to sit through the Tony Danza show, believe
me,
>there are worse fates and there was *zero* chance Dean would put in an
>appearance there ;)
>
>Zoomway@aol.com (who kept looking at the clock wondering why time had
slowed
>;)
>
Uh, first of all I represent that! er...I mean resent that!...

and from the Tony Danza show...

Guy: "When are we going out on a date?"

Gal: "In your dreams!"

Guy: "In my dreams, we are *WAY* past dating!"

Gary
insomniac :(

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
| Gary A. Rudick mailto:gar8434@rit.edu <http://www.rit.edu/~gar8434> |
|  "You decide what you feel heaven is worth" - Deborah Gibson, TWYH  |
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
=========================================================================
Date:         Thu, 25 Sep 1997 18:41:14 -0500
Reply-To:     "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
Sender:       "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
From:         Genevieve <NightSky@EROLS.COM>
Subject:      Sources for out-of-print books (Was Re: Reading)
Mime-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"

>After I sent Pam down memory lane, talking of Elswyth Thane's novels, Pam
wrote:
>
>
>Oh, and reading "Tryst" by her [Elswyth Thane] was the most magical,
>wonderful, enchanted afternoon I've ever enjoyed - something in it really
>touched me.
>
>(If anyone out there has this book and would be willing to sell or lend
>it - please e-mail me :-)

I don't have this one, but it was a wonderful book, and I've been looking
for a different book by her for a while, too.  So today, I went out on the
Web to <http://www.bibliofind.com>, which is a catalog of books available in
a number of used book stores around the country.

They didn't have "Tryst", although they did have the one I was looking for.
("From This Day Forward", in case you are wondering).  I then went to
BookPlace UK <http://www.bookpages.co.uk/bookplace.htm> which list "in
print" books in the UK, and they did have Tryst, Pam.  They take credit
cards, calculate the price in any currency for you, and weren't all that
expensive.

Anyone trying to find out-of-print books should check "Bibliofind" out.  It
really works.

And, yes, Pam, I did like "The Light HEart."  It was happy enough, the right
two people ended up together at the end, it just took them a while.  It was
"Kissing Kin" I didn't like, where he *dies* and she ends up with second
best.  And I have a rather large collection of Georgette Heyer books, too.
=========================================================================
Date:         Thu, 25 Sep 1997 18:56:56 -0600
Reply-To:     "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
Sender:       "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
From:         Debby Stark <debby@SWCP.COM>
Subject:      Re: Reading (was Ideas)
Mime-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"

At 07:24 PM 9/25/97 +1000, you wrote:

>Am I totally confused (probably! <G>) or is Tony Hillerman the guy who was
>in Blazing Saddles and in Magnum P.I?
>--
>Jenny Stosser -*- jenerate@ozramp.net.au

Nope. I think that was John(?) Hillerman and he is a Texan who cultivated a
British-style accent to get better acting jobs :)

Tony Hillerman was an Oklahoman who didn't lose his accent but is a
New Mexican now :) Maybe they are related distantly, but I don't know.

Debby
Debby@swcp.com
in Albuquerque
=========================================================================
Date:         Thu, 25 Sep 1997 18:59:28 -0700
Reply-To:     "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
Sender:       "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
From:         Leanne Shawler <volterra@ZNET.COM>
Subject:      Season 5: Episode 1
Comments: cc: Lois & Clark <LOISCLA@VM.EGE.EDU.TR>
Mime-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"

A reminder that Season 5's first episode (we're not TUFS!) is due to air
this Sunday. A notice will be posted to LOISCLA, the whole fic posted to
the indiana fanfic list and uploaded to our website Sunday 5pm EST.

The following "TV Guide" promo is brought to you by one of our editors,
Diane Levitan!

>Back To the Future(1 of 2)
>
>Lois and Clark must try to explain the baby left on their doorstep, and
>figure out where- or when- he came from.  Written by Barb.
>
Leanne

Leanne Shawler
aka Volterra on IRC
volterra@sd.znet.com
http://www.znet.com/~volterra/leanne.html
***********************************************************************
Lois and Clark Season 5 Fanfic:
        http://www.fortunecity.com/tattooine/mothership/60/season5.htm
***********************************************************************
Midnight Dreaming: The Original Anthony Warlow Home Page:
        http://www.zweb.com/volterra/anthony.html
***********************************************************************
=========================================================================
Date:         Thu, 25 Sep 1997 20:07:10 -0400
Reply-To:     "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
Sender:       "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
From:         "Ethel \"Terri\" Addison" <jvladdisons@JUNO.COM>
Subject:      Re: Ideas (specifically:  Lois's would-be reaction to Clark's
              cheating [as IF!])

Dear Fellow Authors:

I definitely have a contribution to this discussion, but I won't have
time to type it until this weekend.  Will the topic still be open by
then?

Grateful and hopeful for your patience,

Carol A.
Editor, TSCG
~*~

"Help me out, here."
LOIS & CLARK:  THE NEW ADVENTURES OF SUPERMAN
(don't remember the ep.  Sorry.)
=========================================================================
Date:         Thu, 25 Sep 1997 19:56:32 -0400
Reply-To:     "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
Sender:       "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
From:         "Ethel \"Terri\" Addison" <jvladdisons@JUNO.COM>
Subject:      About THROUGH SUPER-COLORED GLASSES
Comments: To: TAdams@clarku.edu, font@grex.cyberspace.org,
          fchisham@indiana.edu, joyceef@mcs.com, Beth012400@aol.com,
          M.M.Lawson@mailbox.uq.edu.au, Cmreeves1@aol.com, debby@swcp.com,
          zoomway@aol.com, dthoward@sprynet.com, SO94215@huntcol.edu
Comments: cc: LOISCLA@vm.ege.edu.tr

It's a frustratingly S-L-O-W process....It's not going to come out until
the beginning of next year--at BEST!  It's becoming obvious to me that I
had NO IDEA what I was getting myself into.  That doesn't mean I'm
dropping the project (No WAY!), it just means that it's going to take
longer than I told everyone it would.  Sorry if that disappoints anyone.

Sincerely,

Carol A. Addison
Editor, TSCG

p.s.  Keep sending me stuff!  As soon as I finish this issue, I want to
start on the next one without interruption.  : )

p.p.s.  I am still unable to take subscriptions.  You will hear more from
me as things progress, and I will eventually post an advertisement for
subscriptions.  Thank you for your continued patience--AND your INTEREST!

Peace be with you, wherever you are.
~*~
=========================================================================
Date:         Thu, 25 Sep 1997 23:22:02 -0400
Reply-To:     "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
Sender:       "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
From:         No Name Available <Larus2407@AOL.COM>
Subject:      Re: Clark Fic

In a message dated 97-09-24 07:47:30 EDT, you write:

<< Clark Fic is an interesting term. I'd like to explore more of Clark's
life
 and journeys/adventures before he decided to give Metropolis a try.
Whenever
 I think up an idea for this, though, I tend to think: where the heck am I
 going to put Lois? Should I try to give her equal time? Does it matter?
What
 could Lois have done at this age that wsa as interesting? Is this post to
 ask if it's all right to do pure Clark Fic?  >>

It's ok with me. SOme of my favorite fanfics fall into this category--your
(that is Debby's) Carry Tiger to Mountain and Louette's story about Clark at
13. I'm much more interested in exploring Clark's struggles with his growing
differences than Lois's more normal-human growing up.

--L
=========================================================================
Date:         Thu, 25 Sep 1997 23:24:34 -0400
Reply-To:     "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
Sender:       "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
From:         No Name Available <Larus2407@AOL.COM>
Subject:      Re: Ideas (specifically:  Lois's would-be reaction to Clark's

>>I definitely have a contribution to this discussion, but I won't have
time to type it until this weekend.  Will the topic still be open by
then?<<

No offense meant, but I'm getting so much mail now and I'm so busy that I'm
having trouble keeping up with reading it all. I subscribed to this list
'cause I thought I'd be getting fanfic. I, for one, would appreciate each of
us thinking about whether an individual response is more appropriate than a
group response before posting.

--Laurie (who once again, spent several hours dealing with e-mail instead of
working--or sleeping!)
=========================================================================
Date:         Fri, 26 Sep 1997 02:22:08 -0400
Reply-To:     "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
Sender:       "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
From:         Julie Mack <Mackteach@AOL.COM>
Subject:      Fanfic:  FOR NOW, Chapter 1

In our own ways, we are all Lois and Clark.  We just go by different names.
 Dean and Mindy.  Teri and Jon.  You and I.  He and she.  This is dedicated
to *all* the "Lois"s and "Clark"s out there.  <G>  I hope you enjoy reading
this as much as I did writing it.
************
FOR NOW
by Mackteach (Julie Mack)

CHAPTER 1:  A Close Encounter of the Unexpected Kind

        "Miss? Are you all right?"
        Her eyelids fluttered as she came to her senses.  She looked around
her.
 Her eyes still weren't focusing, but she could make out shapes, figures.
 She again heard a voice, the same voice that she had heard from a distance,
but now it was closer.
        "Miss?"
        Her head turned towards that voice.  It was soft and soothing, with
a note
of concern.  And very masculine.  Her eyes began to focus.  She saw a face
and deep brown eyes.  As she became more aware, she focused on her
surroundings and tried to remember.
        Where was she again? Oh yes, the airport.  She had just gotten off
from a
long flight.  Typically, the airport was crowded with people arriving and
departing for that last bit of summer vacation.  The baggage claim.  That's
where she was.  Suddenly, everything came back to her.  She had been
reaching
for her luggage when suddenly everything had gone black.
        "Miss?"  This time there was more concern in the voice.  She looked
at him
again.  What she saw almost made her faint again.  But, she wasn't the
fainting type.  She concentrated on what he was saying and tried to ignore
the fact that his big strong arms were cradling her.  How could a man be so
gorgeous, she wondered.  Seeing that he now had her attention, he whispered.
        "Are you all right?  Can I help you with anything?"
        She swallowed and had to stop from pinching herself.  "No, I mean,
yes, I'm
all right."  She tried to stand by herself, but he insisted on helping.
 "Thank you.  I'm fine."  She was.  Really.  Just a bit woozy and dazed.
She
didn't know if it was from being this close to him or the ....
        "You hit me!"
        He stuck his hands into his jeans pockets and grinned sheepishly.
"Yeah,
I'm sorry, it was an accident.  I didn't realize that my swinging her
luggage
off the belt would smack you on the head.  Are you sure you're all right?"
        "Yeah, I'm okay.  Just a bit woozy.  By the way, I love your
acting."
        "Thanks.  Can I help you with anything, a ride home maybe?"
        "But...what about her?"
        "Her who?"
        "Her.  Your girlfriend.  She's right over there, isn't she?"
        He sighed audibly.  "She's not my girlfriend.  It's all a publicity
stunt to
help her break into the business.  Her publicist is with her, see him? He's
the big guy who looks like he'd have no problem chewing me up and spitting
me
out."
        He turned and gazed into her eyes.  Something silent passed between
them, an
unspoken message that surprised both of them.
        "I'd rather be with you.  That is, if you'll let me take you home."
        All she could do was smile and nod in agreement.
        His face broke into a smile that lit up the room.  "Great.  Wait
right
here."  He headed over with the suitcase to where the woman was waiting.  He
talked to her and her publicist for a few minutes.  She smiled and gave him
a
light peck on the cheek.  She and her publicist turned and walked away,
luggage in hand.  He looked after them for a few seconds before turning
towards her, a huge grin on his face.
        "OK, let's go." He picked up her luggage and took her hand.  It took
a few
minutes to reach his car.  By then, the long flight coupled with the knock
on
her head made her even woozier.  He stopped and looked intently at her.  He
placed her suitcase in the back seat, lifted her up and carried her around
to
the passenger side of his Bronco.  He carefully placed her in the seat and
fastened her seatbelt, softly kissing her on the forehead before closing the
door
        "If this is a dream, I don't want to wake up."
        He hopped behind the wheel. "This is no dream, beautiful." As he
switched on
the ignition he placed one hand on the wheel and the other one tentatively
on
her thigh.  She looked at him and saw something in his face that made her
real
ize that she had nothing to fear.  What was it? Hesitancy? Insecurity?  She
placed her hand over his and gave him a reassuring smile.
        "Do you trust me?"
        "I do.  I don't know why, but I do."
        As they left the airport and headed down the freeway, she leaned
back and
closed her eyes.  A sigh escaped as she let herself relax and enjoy the
ride.
        "For you, I'd give her up and all of the girlie bars", he whispered
coolly.
        "Just give her up.  I'd be satisfied with that."
        "What about the girlie bars?"
        "Well, a guy's gotta have a hobby."  She smiled and turned to look
at him.
 She was rewarded with his smile.
        His hand reached up to cup the side of her face.  Softly, he
whispered,
"Maybe I'll find another hobby."  His hand moved into her hair and began to
massage her scalp.
        "Hmmmmmmm."  Her eyes closed as she drifted off to a light sleep.

        He was a careful driver but snuck occasional glances to look at the
woman
dozing in the passenger seat.  Who was she?  Why was he so attracted to her?
 She had said she liked his acting, so she obviously knew who he was.
 Instinctively, he knew that she wasn't one of those "groupie" types.  He
sensed a kindred spirit, someone he could talk to and get to know.  He
sensed
a friend, a true friend.  He needed a friend.  He needed her.  He exited the
freeway and drove onto Pacific Coast Highway.  He loved this road and this
part of southern California.  He had grown up here and knew it like the back
of his hand.  At the first opportunity, he pulled off to the side of the
road, unwilling to continue on without talking to her.

        She felt the car stop and slowly opened her eyes.  She was greeted
by a pair
of dark brown eyes gazing intently at her, a slight frown creasing his
forehead.
        "What's wrong?"
        "Who are you?"
        "Who am I? I'm the gal you conked on the head, that's who!"  Her
teasing
tone told him that she had forgiven him for the incident.  He smiled, but
was
still cautious.
        "No, seriously, who are you?"
        She looked at him and realized that he was unsure of himself.  So
was she.
 She had never been as quickly attracted to a man as she was to him.  She
looked deeper into his eyes and saw something else.  Mistrust.  Who could
have hurt you so badly, she wondered.  She decided that in order to gain his
trust, she would have to open up to him.
        "Who am I? Well, that's difficult to say.  Let's see.  Let's just
say that
I'm someone who wants to be with you.  Enough?"
        "For now.  I feel like I've known you for a long time.  That's
scary."
        "I know.  I feel the same way.  I don't usually drive off with a guy
I don't
know."
        "I need you.  Now."
        "Here? Now?"
        "Here.  Now."
        "But, we've just met."
        "You said you trusted me."
        "I do.  But that was when you were taking me home."
        "What's changed? I'll still take you home.  But, you should know
that your
home is with me now."
        He leaned over and placed his hand under her chin, gently stroking
her soft
skin, the words "with me" echoing in his eyes.
        "Just one question."
        "Yes?"
        "Can I have your autograph?" Again, her teasing tone put him at
ease.
        He smiled.  "Personalized, from head to toe, gorgeous."
        "Yeah?  Autograph? Address?  Phone number?  Screen name?  The whole
thing?"
        "Everything.  It's all yours.  Just ask."
        "Oh, be careful.  That's a lot you're offering."
        "But that's not all..."
        "It's not?"
        He pulled her close and whispered the first digit of his telephone
number in
her ear and proceeded to gently suck on her earlobe.  She stifled a groan,
closed her eyes, and gave herself over to the feelings and sensations that
his touch created.  He whispered the second digit and left a trail of kisses
down her neck as both of their hearts begin to unify in beat.
        Of their own volition, her hands began an exploration of his upper
body.
 His arms, his shoulders, his chest.  Her hands buried themselves in his
hair
and pulled him closer.  He slid his hands down her back and pulled her even
closer, if possible.  He couldn't seem to get close enough to her.
        She groaned as she realized the intimate closeness that they were
in.  She
was convinced that even through the layers of clothing he could feel her
heat
and how aroused she was.
        He completed the final digits as he calmly unfastened the buttons on
her
blouse.  He felt her body against his as he ran his fingers through her
hair.
        Their breathing quickened.

        The glare from the Highway Patrolman's flashlight temporarily
blinded them.
        "Sorry, kids, but there's no stopping along PCH.  Too much of a
chance of an
accident of some sort."  Seeing her state of disarray, he immediately turned
off the flashlight and directed the conversation at him.  "Um, that stuff is
probably better done in the privacy of your home.  Why don't you two head on
home?"
        He cleared his throat and looked at her questioningly.  She grinned.
"Let's
go home."  Again, she was rewarded with his dazzling smile.
        "Right you are.  Thanks, officer."
        "You're welcome.  Anytime."  The patrolman headed back to his car.
        He looked at her again.  "Home?"
        She heard the hopefulness in his voice and returned his smile with
one of
her own.  "Home."
        He started the Bronco and headed towards Malibu and his home.
=========================================================================
Date:         Fri, 26 Sep 1997 02:22:50 -0400
Reply-To:     "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
Sender:       "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
From:         Julie Mack <Mackteach@AOL.COM>
Subject:      Fanfic:  FOR NOW, Chapter 2

CHAPTER 2:  Getting to Know You

        As the door unlocked and opened, he reached in and turned on the
lights.
 "Come on in."  He led the way into his home carrying her suitcase.  He
looked back and watched as she hesitantly stepped inside and looked around.
 He was proud of his home and hoped that she would be like it.  "Can I get
you something to drink?  Water?  Soda?  Make yourself comfortable."  He knew
he was babbling, but he couldn't seem to stop himself.  If I keep talking,
then maybe she won't disappear, he thought to himself.  He rambled on about
his home telling her how he had remodeled it, painted it, and decorated it.
        She half-heard what he was saying, knowing that he was as nervous
and unsure
as she was.  She looked around and was pleasantly surprised at what she saw.
 She had expected something, but certainly not this.  This
looked.....normal.
 Pleasant.  Lived-in.  Comfortable.  She started to imagine herself sitting
in the couch, cooking in the kitchen, waking up...... She shook her head to
clear her thoughts.  What was she thinking?  There was no way that she could
live out this fantasy.  She had duties, responsibilities.  This was just an
short interlude, a break from her normal routine.  Tomorrow she would be
back
on schedule.  Tomorrow.  But tonight was different.
        "You know, this is not at all what I expected."
        He looked at her with caution in his eyes.  "What do you mean?"
        She silently sighed, noting that the barriers were again up around
him.
 Stop it! she wanted to shout.  I am not going to hurt you.  "Just that I
always pictured important people in large elaborate mansions.  This isn't.
 This is...nice."  She smiled to show him that she was being sincere and
honest.
        He relaxed a little and gave her a cautious smile.  "I'm glad you
like it.
 I don't have too many people over."  He walked towards her.  "In fact,
you're the first one who's not family."
        She took a step towards him.  "Well, then, I'm honored.  Do you have
a
Coke?"
        He stopped arms length away from her.  He wanted to just reach out
and
embrace her, but didn't want to seem needy.  He smiled warmly at her.
"Sure,
let me get it for you."   He turned back towards the kitchen and was
surprised to find her falling into step with him.  He looked at her
curiously.
        "I expect a complete tour, you know."  Her teasing tone helped put
him at
ease.
        "Oh, absolutely.  Now, this is the kitchen.  And this is the
refrigerator."
        "No, really?  Do you actually have food in there?"
        "Yup, I do."
        "Um, do you have a phone I could use?  I need to make a call."
        "Sure.  Do you need some privacy?"
        "If you don't mind."
        "No problem, there's one in my den."  He showed her where the den
was and
returned to the kitchen.
        As he got the ice cubes, his thoughts turned back to her.  He didn't
know
the first thing about her.  Why should he be jealous of whomever she was
talking to?  But he was.  He didn't like the feeling, but he couldn't stop
himself.  He was jealous.  Jealous of the fact that she had a life that he
didn't know anything about.  Jealous of the fact that there was someone
else.
 He finished pouring the soda into a glass and headed back towards the den.
 He stopped at the doorway as he heard her voice.
        "...OK then, sweetheart.  I'll see you tomorrow.  I love you."
        His heart sank as he listened to her conversation.  Who am I
kidding, he
thought.  This would never have worked out.  He entered the den.  "Here's
your Coke."
        She hung up the phone and looked at it for a moment.  At the sound
of his
voice, she looked up and smiled warmly at him.  "Thanks.  I never acquired a
taste for coffee, so this is how I get my caffeine."
        She reached for the glass he offered her, brushing her fingers
across his.
 A jolt of electricity seemed to pass between them.  He looked at her.  She
looked at him.  Their gazes locked and neither was willing to be the first
to
look away.  Still looking at him, she raised the glass to her lips and
sipped.  What are you thinking, she wondered.
        "Is something wrong?"
        "No, why do you ask?"
        "Just that you're staring at me."
        "Am I? Well, that's probably because you're staring at me too."
        He looked away.  "Let me show you the rest of the house."
        "Actually, I'd rather sit and talk if that's okay with you."
        "Talk? Oh, yeah, sure."  He led the way back to the living room and
sat in
his favorite chair.  She sat on the couch, her leg up under her.  After she
had settled, he asked the question at the front of his mind.  "Who are you?"
        She smiled and continued to sip her soda.  "Does it matter?"
        "Yeah, it does.  I don't know why, but it does."
        "Why?"
        "I don't know."
        "Yes, you do.  Think about it."
        He took a deep breath and slowly let it out.  "OK.  It matters
because I'm
attracted to you.  For some reason, you've gotten into my head and I think
my
heart, and I can't get you out.  I've only known you for a couple of hours
and already I feel like we should be together.  I know, you think I'm
crazy."
        "If you're crazy, then I'm certifiably insane."  Her soft reply,
almost to
herself, startled him.
        "So, you feel it too?"
        "Feel what? An immediate connection?  An immediate sense of
belonging? A
feeling like you're exactly what I've been waiting for all my life and never
thought I'd be able to find?"
        "Yeah, all of that.  And more."
        "Nope.  Don't feel any of that.  Not at all."  She took another sip
from her
drink, her eyes twinkling over the glass.
        "Liar."
        She put her glass down and looked him squarely in the eyes.  "I do
not lie."
        He smiled and got up out of his chair and sat next to her.  He
reached out
and tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear, slowly moving his hand
towards the back of her neck to pull her towards him.  All the while, he
looked deeply into her eyes, searching for a sign for him to stop.  Seeing
none, he continued to pull her towards him, intent on kissing her.
        As his lips barely touched hers, she whispered, "I just don't always
tell
the truth."  She moved minutely forward, just enough to complete the touch
and the kiss.
        His mouth closed over hers and his tongue began an intimate
exploration of
her mouth.  She tasted of soda, with a lingering taste of chocolate.  He
loved chocolate.  His tongue swept the roof of her mouth and touched her
tongue, teasing it.  He loved how she tasted and how she softly moaned at
the
back of her throat.  He deepened the kiss as his hands began an exploration
of her upper body.
        She lost herself in his kiss.  She never thought that she could be
kissed as
thoroughly as this.  Her tongue played tag with his and after a while she
forced her tongue into his mouth to more fully taste him.  She was drunk.
 She had never gotten drunk before, but was sure that this was how if felt.
 She was drunk on him.  She moaned softly at the back of her throat.
=========================================================================
Date:         Fri, 26 Sep 1997 02:23:10 -0400
Reply-To:     "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
Sender:       "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
From:         Julie Mack <Mackteach@AOL.COM>
Subject:      Fanfic:  FOR NOW, Chapter 3

CHAPTER 3:  We've Got Tonight

        Her moan startled her out of her reverie and back to reality.  She
pushed
against his shoulders and broke off the kiss.  She took deep breaths as she
watched his reactions to the abruptness of the break off.  He opened his
eyes.  Oh god, his eyes, she thought.  I could get lost in those eyes.
        "Wha- What's the matter?"
        "Nothing.  Everything.  Oh god, I'm making a mess of this."  She
looked at
him, avoiding direct eye contact.  She didn't want to hurt him, but
apparently there was no way to she couldn't do that.  She hated the thought
of leaving him all alone.  Be honest, she reminded herself.  It's the best
way.  She took another deep breath, slowly letting it out, forming her words
in her mind before saying them out loud.
        "I am attracted to you like I have never been to any other man.  I
want you
to know that.  But...."  She saw him start to retreat from her and hated
what
she had to say next.  She hurried on with what she had to say, afraid that
if
she didn't get the words said, she never would.  "But, I shouldn't be here.
 I mean, I can't be here.  I don't belong here.  This thing between us, it's
magic.  I'm too much of a realist to believe in magic.  I'm sorry."
        With every word she spoke, he began to withdraw back into the shell
that he
had built around himself.  His voice took on a formal, neutral tone.  "Don't
worry about it."
        At the cold informality in his voice, she looked into his eyes and
again saw
caution and mistrust.  Her eyes glistened with unshed tears.  "I don't want
to hurt you.  I know someone has hurt you in the past.  I don't want to add
to that.  I don't want you to be alone."  The words were out of her mouth
before she could stop them.
        She is so beautiful, he thought.  I could easily fall in love with
her.  He
heard the longing and regret in her voice and wanted to reach out and
comfort
her.  But her words came back to him.  I don't belong here she had said.
You
do, he thought.  I need you.  He tried one last time.
        "Everyone needs a little magic in their life."  Please hear me, he
silently
pleaded.  I need you here if even for just a little time.
        She wiped at her eyes and gave him a shaky smile.  "I know.  Please
believe
me.  I know."
        He gently took her hand and watched her face.  "You told me when I
first met
you that you trust me.  Do you still trust me?"
        "More than you know.  But, I still can't be here like this."  She
willed
herself to ignore the way his thumb was softly stroking the back of her
hand.

        "Can you at least tell me why?"
        "Please don't ask me.  I have my reasons."  Her eyes pleaded with
him to
understand.
        She has her secrets, just like I do, he realized.  "Will you at
least stay
and talk with me for a little while longer?"
        "I shouldn't...."  She felt her resolve slipping away as her body
began to
react to his nearness.
        He heard the hesitation in her voice, and decided to press his small
advantage.  "I still haven't finished the tour of my home."  He smiled.  He
watched as she mentally weighed her choices.  He saw her facial reaction as
she realized that the choice had already been made for her.
        "Well, how can a girl ignore that?  I have a curiosity about other
people's
bathrooms."  She smiled and he breathed a silent thank you.
        "Shall we continue?"
        He got up off the couch and reached out towards her.  She placed her
hand in
his and again felt that jolt of electricity between the two of them.  Their
smiles got wider.
        "By the way, what's your name?"
        "No names.  Just call me.....friend."
        "Friend.  I like that.  I don't have very many.  In this business,
you can't
be too sure of anyone."
        "Well, since I'm not 'in the business' as you say, trust me on this.
I'm
your friend."
        "I know."
        They walked through his home, hand-in-hand.  He told her about how
he had
remodeled this room and painted that room.  She oohed and aahed over his
bathroom and teased him about his very masculine and "jock mindset" den.
 They spent some time on the Internet, lurking and laughing over what people
thought about his latest movie.  They discussed the pros and cons of having
a
professional football team in Los Angeles.
        They returned to the living room and sat side-by-side on the couch
and
talked.  She turned the conversation to his work and was glad to realize
that
he hadn't become "Hollywood".  In her mind that made it easier for her to
spend some time with him.  He was real.  Down-to-earth.  The guy next door.
 The kind of guy you bring home to meet the parents.
        The more he talked to her, the more he wanted her.  He was hooked.
He knew
it.  She smiled at him, laughed with him, and teased him.  He loved it.  He
asked her questions about herself, but she subtly deflected them and always
turned the conversation back to him.  He sensed that she was genuinely
interested in his work and so opened up to her about the trials and
tribulations of being a working actor.  He told her about the insincerity
and
hypocrites he sometimes encountered.  As he was telling her about a funny
incident on the set, he noticed that she was staring at him.
        "What?"
        "Nothing.  Just that you have the most beautiful eyes I have ever
seen on a
man."
        He felt himself blush.  He had never taken compliments very well.
"Thanks.
 Your eyes are pretty spectacular too."
        "That's because I'm near-sighted."
        He chuckled and the sound turned her stomach into knots.  "No,
really."
        "Really.  I'm near-sighted."
        He reached out to cup the side of her face.  "Don't you know that
friends
are supposed to agree with friends."  That simple touch again caused the
electricity to jump between them.  Can't you feel that, he thought.  We do
need each other.
        She placed her hand over his.  I need you, she thought.  "Yes, but
friends
can also disagree."
        He moved closer to her, his hand moving down and stroking the side
of her
neck.  "Don't you know that the eyes are the mirrors to your soul?"
        She closed her eyes for a moment, said a quick prayer, and
figuratively
jumped in.  "And what are my eyes saying right now?"  She opened her eyes
and
stared directly into his heart.
        He gasped as he saw the yearning and desire in her eyes.  The same
yearning
and desire he felt.   His heart skipped a beat.
        "They're saying that you want me to kiss you as much as I want to
kiss you."
        "Is that all?"
        "For now."
        Their lips and mouths came together and they both surrendered to the
desire
that they felt, their hands stroking and caressing each other through their
clothing.  The kiss went on for what seemed an eternity.  When they both
came
up for air, they were awed by the emotions that had been contained in that
one kiss.  Longing.  Desire.  Hunger.  Need.  Love.
        "Wow.  Friends don't kiss like that."  Her attempt at humor diffused
the
tension in the air.  They both nervously chuckled.
        "No, they certainly don't.  Can we be friends?"
        The question instantly sobered them both.  She reached out and
placed her
hands on either side of his face.  "I think we already are, don't you?"
        He grinned.  "Yeah.  We are, aren't we.  The next question is what
now?"
        She smiled warmly.  "Now? We leave things where they are and you
call me a
cab.  It's morning and this Cinderella has to return to where she belongs."
        His smile left him.  "So, this is it?  Will I ever see you again?"
He hated
sounding so needy, but wanted her to know that he wanted to spend more time
with her.  Talking.    Getting to know each other.  Kissing.  Doing more
than
kissing.
        "No, this is a big town.  We'll probably bump into each other.  But,
reality
has a way of waking a person up.  You've got your life and I've got mine.
 The two don't necessarily mix."
        "But, friends stay in touch with each other."
        She placed her hand on the side of his neck and pulled him towards
her until
they were forehead to forehead.  "We're more than friends.  You know that.
I
know that.  You are important to me."
        He sighed.  "I need you."
        "I know.  I feel it too.  You and I are more alike than either of us
realize.  It's like we're .......peanut butter and jelly."  She smiled.
        "Salt and pepper."
        "Bacon and eggs."
        "Black and...."
        "No, bacon and eggs.  Let me make you breakfast before you call me a
cab."
        "Can't I take you home?"
        "It's better if you didn't."
        "Why? What are you hiding?  I still don't know anything about you,
but you
seem to have found out everything about me."  His voice and tone got louder
and harsher.  He was scared.  Scared that she would be out of his life and
he
would be left with the same feelings of loneliness and need that he always
had.
        "You know everything about me that you need to know.  I'm your
friend.
 Probably one of your best friends.  And more.  You know that.  Please,
don't
make this any harder than it already is."
        He resignedly sighed.  "I'd rather have eggs and toast.  Bacon has
too much
fat in it."
        She lightly kissed him, but broke it off before it became another
soul-searing kiss.  "Eggs and toast it is."  She rose from the couch and
headed towards the kitchen.
        He watched her walk out of the living room, trying to figure out
what had
happened over the past couple of hours.  He got up and went to his den.  He
sat down at his desk and wrote on a pad of paper.  He tore off the top page
and brought it with him as he went towards the kitchen.
        She was in the kitchen cooking the eggs and softly humming to
herself.  This
looks so right, he thought.  Can't she see that?
        As if she had read his thoughts, she looked up and smiled at him.
"I know.
 I would love nothing more than to cook for you every day.  But...."
        "I know.  Here."  He handed the piece of paper to her.
        She put the spatula down and took the paper.  "What's this?"
        "My autograph.  Address.  Phone number.  Screen name.  The whole
thing."  He
tried to smile and make a joke of it.
        She laughed softly and his heart skipped a beat.  "You remembered."
        "I always will."  Their gazes locked and again an unspoken message
passed
between them.  Trust.  Friendship.  Caring.  Loyalty.  He cleared his
throat.
 "If you ever need anything, no matter wh--"
        "I know."  She looked away briefly as she blinked back tears.  "Your
eggs
are done."  She placed them on a plate along with the lightly buttered
toast.
 "The cab should be here in about ten minutes.  I called while you were in
the other room."
        "OK."
        An awkward silence descended between the two of them as they waited
for the
cab.  The eggs and toast were left untouched.  They tried to make small
talk,
but both of them were wrapped up in their own thoughts.  Regret and longing
did silent battle with responsibility and reality.
        The cab arrived.  She reached for her suitcase, but he picked it up
first.
 They walked silently to the cab.  She turned towards him and raised her
hand
towards his face, stopping inches away.
        "Good bye.....friend."
        He looked deeply into her eyes and saw her unshed tears.  "Oh hell,"
he
growled.  He grabbed her and pulled her closely to him.  He kissed her.  He
kissed her with all the longing and desire that had been building up in him
for the past few hours.  He kissed her to let her know that he cared for
her,
that he wanted her in his life, that he needed her.  That he loved her.
        Tears fell from her eyes as she poured her soul into the kiss.  She
returned
his kiss with all the longing and desire that had been building up in her.
 She returned his kiss to let him know that she regretted not being able to
share his life as completely as possible.  She returned his kiss to let him
know that he had a friend that he could trust.  She returned his kiss to let
him know that she cared for him, that she cherished him, that she needed
him.
 That she loved him.
        The honk from the impatient cab driver startled them both.  Still
embracing
her, he pulled his head back and searched her face.  What he saw seemed to
satisfy him.  He kissed her again lightly, released her, and stepped back.
 He smiled brightly.  "See you around, friend."
        She smiled and affectionately squeezed his hand.  "Bye."  She
stepped into
the cab.  He shut the door and watched as the cab pulled away.  He turned
and
slowly went back inside.  He yawned.  The long sleepless night coupled with
the emotional roller coaster he seemed to have been on urged him to seek the
comfort of his bed.  He heeded the call.
        Several hours later, he awoke.  By routine, he went to his computer
and set
it to retrieve his mail.  As he cleaned up, his mind wandered back to the
night.   He thought of her.  Her smile.  Her voice.  Her laugh.  Her kiss.
 He wasn't sure how he was going to get through the day.  He heard the tinny
little voice from his computer telling him that the download was done.
 Download?  He didn't usually get files in his mail, just short emails from
his family.  Curious, he went into the den.  He saw that the downloaded file
had been displayed on his monitor.  He smiled.  Suddenly, the day didn't
look
so dreary.  He clicked on "Print".  As he waited for the printout, he sat
back and stared at the monitor.
        She was there.  Or rather, a picture of her was there on his
monitor.
 Underneath it, were words that went straight to his heart.  "I will always
be your friend.  I love you."
        He sighed.  It was enough.  For now.
=========================================================================
Date:         Fri, 26 Sep 1997 02:23:36 -0400
Reply-To:     "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
Sender:       "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
From:         Julie Mack <Mackteach@AOL.COM>
Subject:      Fanfic:  FOR NOW, Chapter 4

CHAPTER 4:  Could I Have This Dance?

        She watched as the groom waltzed his bride around the dance floor.
Anyone
watching her would only see her bright smile and a slightly wistful look.
 The same look that was on the faces of all the other single women at the
reception.  That's the way it was at weddings.  You could almost read their
thoughts.  The married women looked on with world-weary eyes, knowing what
was in store for the young couple.  The single women looked on with
hopefulness, seeing only the beauty of the moment.
        She sighed.  She had resigned herself to the fact that she would
always be a
bridesmaid, but never the bride.  How cliche, she thought.  But, that was a
decision that she had made.  Not necessarily of her own choice, but based on
the circumstances and situation.  And her own perchance for picking the
wrong
guy.  Every relationship that she was ever in had ended badly.  She supposed
that what they said was true.  Some girls are just attracted to that type of
guy.
        Unintentionally, her thoughts wandered back to him and their night
together.
 She had never felt as comfortable and at the same time as uneasy as she had
in the short time she had been with him.  They had only shared a few kisses.
 But in those kisses, an entire relationship and connection had formed.
        Over the past couple of months, she had thought of him often.  She
had read
the stories and heard the newscasts.  She had even, believe it or not,
bought
the tabloids to read any little blurb that they had about him.  His new
movie.  His girlfriend.  She had to smile at that.  She remembered his
telling her that it was all a publicity stunt.  Along with all of the
articles, there were always pictures.  Pictures of him.  Smiling.  Laughing.
 At a movie premiere.  At a benefit dinner.  Advertising some product.  His
career was going well and she was happy for him.
        If she really scrutinized her feelings, she would admit that she was
proud
of him.  It's funny how a few hours can change a life, she thought.  Hers
would never be the same.  Every guy she had met or been set up with since
that night had all paled in comparison to him.  Face it, you've been
spoiled,
she berated herself.  You found the one guy who could work his way into your
heart and you walked away from him.  She sighed.  She had had this internal
debate with herself countless times before.  She shook her head to clear her
thoughts.  She put on her best smile as she saw the mother of the bride
walking towards her.
        He stood leaning against the doorway apparently watching the people.
But he
didn't see anyone else but her.  She was talking to someone, he guessed the
mother of the bride and she looked as beautiful and as breathtaking as the
night he had accidentally hit her with a suitcase.  He inwardly chuckled at
that memory.  Other memories came forward.  He remembered a kiss in his car
along Pacific Coast Highway.  He remembered other kisses too.  Kisses that
gave as much as was taken.  Kisses that touched him deep in his heart and
soul.  He remembered the feelings that came along with those kisses.
 Longing.  Desire.  Caring.  Completeness.  Friendship.  Love.
        Over the past couple of months, he had thought of her often.  He had
cursed
his computer several times over for automatically deleting the email of her
picture.  At least he had printed it out.  And he had her voice.  On tape.
 She had called, always when he was wishing that he could talk to her.  Not
that he ever did.  She always called and left a message.  Sometimes it was a
simple "Hi Friend."  Sometimes it was a funny joke.  Sometimes it was to
tell
him that she was thinking of him.  Sometimes it was a few words of
encouragement just when he needed them.  But always her messages ended with
the same words.  Words that he had memorized and needed to hear.  "I'll
always be your friend.  I love you."  Eight words.  It was amazing how eight
simple words could be so important to him.   It was amazing how important
she
was to him.  It's funny how a few hours can change your life, he thought.
 His would never be the same.
        His musings stopped as she moved towards the back of the room.  He
kept her
in his line of sight, but made sure that she did not see him.  He wanted to
get closer to her.  He heard the orchestra begin another song and people
start to move towards the dance floor.  He watched as several men came up to
ask her to dance.  She declined each invitation with a gentle smile and kind
word.  He smiled to himself, pleased that those guys had been rejected.  He
moved closer to her.  As the last gentleman walked away, he came up behind
her and softly whispered.
        "Care to dance with a ..... friend?"
        Her heart stopped for a moment as the familiar voice registered.
She closed
her eyes and willed herself to remain calm.  Slowly, she turned towards the
voice and opened her eyes.  She saw a dazzling smile and those same deep
dark
eyes that she had lost herself in months ago.
        She let out the breath that she didn't know she had been holding.
 "Hello.....friend."
        "Hello yourself.  You look beautiful."
        "Thank you.  You look pretty good yourself."
        "Thanks."
        "Do you feel as awkward as this sounds?"
        He smiled.  "Yeah, kind of.  Would you like to dance?"
        "With you? I'd love to."
        He led the way onto the dance floor.  Once out there, he turned
towards her.
 She went directly into his arms.  She wasn't surprised at how natural it
felt for her to be there.  In his arms.  Dancing with him.
        As she went into his arms, he closed his eyes and enjoyed the
feeling of
completeness that came over him.  This is where she belongs, he thought.  I
can't let her walk away from me again.
        "You're a great dancer."
        "Thank you.  My mother insisted on my learning.  I'll pass the
compliment on
to her."  He smiled and looked directly into her eyes, gauging her feelings
and emotions.  What are you thinking, he thought.
        "You do that."  She softly laughed and he fell deeper in love with
her.
  She sighed loud enough for him to hear.  "This is very nice.  I haven't
danced in a long time."
        "I would never have guessed.  You're very good yourself."
        "That's because you have on your steel-toed dress shoes."  Her eyes
twinkled
with mischief.
        Her teasing nature was infectious.  "I sure do.  Especially polished
for the
occasion."
        "Why are you here?  Sorry, that came out sounding badly.  I mean,
why are
you here?"
        He chuckled.  "Same reason as you.  Friend of the family.  I went to
high
school with the groom."
        "Good friends?"
        "Were.  We lost touch when I went away to college.  You know how it
is."
        "Yeah.  I do.  I only keep in touch with one friend from high
school.  And
even that is only on special occasions."
        "But, didn't you just graduate a few years back?"
        She playfully punched his shoulder.  "Flatterer.  No, it's been a
while.
 Are you happy?"
        The sudden change in conversation startled him for a brief second.
"As
happy as I can be.  I could be happier.  I'm happy right now."  He looked
directly into her eyes as he said his last statement, daring her to
contradict him.
        Her smile wavered, but her gaze never left his.  "I know.  I see
your
picture in the magazines and papers.  You look happy, but then I see your
eyes and know differently."
        He grew serious.  "Is it that obvious?"
        She shook her head.  "Only to me.  Only to a best friend."
        He nodded in agreement.  "Yeah.  My best friend."  He lowered his
voice to a
whisper.  "I need you."
        "Here? Now?"
        "Here.  Now.  Always.  Forever."
        "I know."
        He was getting frustrated with her one-syllable responses.  The
music had
changed and he didn't feel like dancing anymore.  He took her by the hand
and
headed for the balcony.  He looked for a quiet spot.  He spied a bench at
the
far end of the balcony walk.  He sat her down next to him.  "Will you stop
saying that.  How do you know?  What do you know?"
        She could see he was getting upset.  She began to stroke the back of
his
neck in an effort to calm him down.  Her soft touch seemed to have the
desired effect.  Once he was calmer, she answered him.  "I can't.  You know
that as much as I do."
        "No, I don't.  I don't know anything.  All I know is that I need you
and
love you."
        "Don't...."
        "Don't what?  Tell you how I feel?  I haven't forgotten that night.
I
haven't forgotten how attracted I was to you.  How attracted I still am.  I
haven't forgotten how I felt an immediate connection to you.  Like we were
meant to be together.  I haven't forgotten how you reacted to my touch and
to
my kisses.  I haven't forgotten how you smiled and my heart skipped a beat.
 I haven't forgotten how your laughter touched my heart.  I haven't
forgotten
any of that.  Have you?"
        As she listened to him, all the memories and emotions came rushing
back.
 She looked down at her hands in her lap.  She remembered.  She remembered
all of it.  How his dazzling smile took her breath away.  How his concern
for
her well-being touched her.  How his kisses left her weak in the knees,
wishing they would never end. How his eyes mirrored what his heart was
saying
to her.  She remembered all of it.  The warmth.  The caring.  The longing.
 The desire.  The love.  A tear fell down her cheek.
        "No, I haven't forgotten."  Her reply to his question was so soft he
had to
lean forward to hear it.  She raised her head so suddenly, that he almost
didn't get out of the way.  "But, that doesn't change anything.  Reality is
still here.  You have your life and I have mine."
        "I still don't know why."
        She sighed.  "My life is....complicated."
        He took her hands into his.  "Life isn't easy.  What makes your life
more
complicated than anyone else's?"
        "You don't understand."
        "Then help me to---"
        "Mommy! Mommy!"  He turned to watch a little girl in pink lace come
running
up to them.  She stopped in front of them and looked from one to the other.
 Her eyes twinkled with glee.  She looked directly at him, the unashamed
stare of a four-year-old who was trying to figure out if someone was a
friend
or a stranger.  "Hello."
        He couldn't help but be charmed.  He smiled back.  "Hello to you
too."
        "You talking to Mommy?"  The child looked at her.  Frowning, she
turned back
to him.  "You make my mommy cry?"
        "No, honey.  He didn't make me cry.  He's my friend.  Friends don't
make
friends cry.  Friends make friends happy."
        "You happy, Mommy?"
        She looked at him and smiled.  "Yes, sweetheart.  I'm happy."
        "That's good."  The little girl looked at him with a direct and
serious
look.  "Mommy not happy for a long time.  She cry when Daddy go away---"
        "Sweetheart, the gentleman doesn't want to hear about us."
        "Yes, I do."  He got off the bench and squatted down in front of the
little
girl, level to level with her eyes.  They're just like hers, he thought.
 "Daddy went away?"
        "Uh huh.  He past when me was three.  But me four now.  Mommy says
me a big
girl."
        Pieces of the puzzle that was her were starting to fall into place.
"And a
very pretty girl too."
        "What do you say sweetheart?  He just gave you a compliment."
        "Mommy, what'a copiment?"
        "It's something nice.  Now, what do you say?"
        "Tank you."
        "Not to me, honey.  Look the man in the eyes and say it."
        "Oh."  She looked him directly in the eyes.  "Thank you.  Mommy?"
        "Yes, sweetie."
        "Me wanna hug from the man."
        "Do you want him to give you a hug?"
        "Uh huh.  I like him."
        "You have to ask him."
        He quietly watched the exchange between mother and daughter.  She's
going to
grow up to be a heartbreaker, he thought.  But, she'll be okay.  She's
teaching her well.
        The girl turned to him and threw her hands wide apart.  "Hug?"
        "Sure."  He opened his arms and the child placed her arms around his
neck.
 She walked right into his embrace.  And into his heart. He was careful not
to squeeze too tight.  Being a four-year-old, she squeezed with all her
might.  He made some choking sounds and she immediately stopped.  She pulled
back and again looked directly into his eyes.  A silent message went between
them.  He winked and she broke into a giggle.  He gave her another quick
squeeze and released her, standing up.  The little girl went to her.  She
picked her up and placed her on her lap, heedless of how her dress was
getting wrinkled.  She wrapped her arms around her.  The little girl stuck
her thumb in her mouth, laid her head on her chest and promptly went to
sleep.
        She looked up at him and grinned sheepishly.  "Out of mouths of
babes...."
she whispered.
        He reached out and gently stroked the child's head.  "She's
beautiful.  And
special."  He looked directly at her.  "Like her mother."
        Her eyes watered and she broke off her gaze, planting a soft kiss on
top of
the sleeping child's head.  She gently rocked her and lost herself in
thought.
        He realized she was thinking and sat back down to wait.  Well, part
of the
mystery is solved, he thought.  He thought of the little girl and everything
she had said.  His thoughts were suddenly interrupted by her voice.
        "We need to talk.  Let me put her down.  Will you still be here?"
        He looked into her eyes and saw her warring emotions just below the
surface
of her calm exterior.  He nodded.  "I'll be here."
        She rose and carried the child back inside.  The curtains to the
ballroom
were open so he could watch her as she gracefully moved across the dance
floor towards a couple.  She briefly talked to the woman who rose and went
with her out the entrance.  He felt a slight tug of fear as she left.  He
knew she would be back, but he hated not being able to see her.  He let his
vision take in the rest of the room.  The groom was chatting away in a group
of their fellow high school pals.  It seems so long ago that we were all
playing football together, he thought.  Where had the time gone?  He vowed
to
take more time to keep in touch with the few friends that he had.
        She stood at the entrance to the ballroom.  She had changed from her
bridesmaid dress to a pair of dress slacks and a silk blouse.  She walked
towards the bride and groom and briefly chatted with them.  She hugged them
both and headed back towards him.
        He stood up as she came out onto the balcony and walked towards him.
He
could see her smile and noticed that she seemed to walk with a lighter step.
 She held out her hand and he took it.
        "OK.  My sister will take care of her for the rest of the day.  I'm
all
yours."
        His smile made the bright day even brighter.  "OK.  Let's go."  They
went
down the back entrance and headed towards his car.   He suddenly stopped.
 "Where are we going?"
        "Home.  Mine.  I want to tell you about myself for a change."
        "Are you sure?"
        She cupped his face and lightly kissed him.  "As sure as I'll ever
be.  All
right with you?"
        He hugged her to him and kissed her thoroughly.  "Uh huh.  For now."
=========================================================================
Date:         Fri, 26 Sep 1997 02:24:17 -0400
Reply-To:     "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
Sender:       "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
From:         Julie Mack <Mackteach@AOL.COM>
Subject:      Fanfic:  FOR NOW, Chapter 5

CHAPTER 5:  Book of Revelations

        He got into the driver's seat of his car and smiled.  "Haven't we
done this
before?"
        Her laughter sounded wonderful to him.  "Yeah, I seem to recall
sitting next
to you in a car.  But, this isn't the same one, is it?"
        He started to back out of the parking space.  "Yeah, I sold the
Bronco.  It
got too recognizable.  Luckily, my dad had kept the car I had in high
school."  He proceeded to tell her about how he had worked summers to earn
enough money to buy the car.  How he had continued to work to fix her up.
 She leaned back, letting his voice and his nearness wash over her, relaxing
her.  She smiled.  When she asked him why there was no brand new sports car
waiting for him when he turned sixteen, he looked at her with an indignant
glare.
        "My parents raised me and my brother and sister as normally as
possible.  We
had to do chores around the house to get extra money.  We weren't the
stereotypical 'business family'."
        She put a hand on his thigh and gently squeezed.  "I know."
        He placed one hand over hers.  "Yeah, you would."  They traveled
along for a
while in companionable silence, enjoying the ride and each other's company.
        She gave him directions as they drove along.  "That's it there.
Third one
on the left."  He pulled up in front of a small, neatly kept California
bungalow-style house.  "Home."
        They got out of the car and walked up the front walk.  He liked the
neatly
trimmed lawn scattered with toddler toys.  He also noticed the flowers
planted along the side of the house.  Lilies of the Valley.  He had always
liked those flowers and the delicate scent that they gave off.
        She saw him stop and bend down to smell the lilies.  "They're my
favorite."
        "Somehow, I'm not surprised.  They're mine too."
        "I know."
        "I still---"
        She placed a finger on his mouth to silence him.  "Come inside.
We'll talk
there."  She led the way.  As soon as they were inside, she pointed to her
left.  "The living room is in there.  Make yourself comfortable.  I'll get
us
some sodas."  She walked to the right, leaving him standing alone in the
entrance.  He headed towards the living room.
        He intended to sit on the sofa and wait for her return.  But, as
soon as he
saw all the frames and awards on the baby grand piano, he was drawn towards
them.  He looked at them one by one.  He looked at them and tried to fit
them
into the puzzle he was putting together in his mind.  The puzzle of her.
        He saw pictures of her daughter.  The formal baby portraits.  The
informal,
candid ones of her sleeping and playing.  He chuckled over the picture of
the
little girl with what appeared to be chocolate cake all over her face.  He
marveled at the mother-daughter portraits.  He could see that they had the
same eyes.  The same smile.  He smiled at the inner beauty of the two of
them
that the photographer was able to capture.
        He saw the awards.  Letters of commendation.  Certificates of
appreciation.
 Scholar-athlete.  Salutatorian.  Math.  He shuddered at that one.  Honor
Roll.  Dean's List.  And then he saw one, inconspicuous by its size.  He
picked it up.  It was heavy.  A marble paperweight more than an plaque.  The
words, engraved on the plate, jumped out at him.  "Favorite Teacher.  Voted
by the Senior Class."  He was impressed.
        He saw pictures of her.  High school graduation.  College
graduation.
 Volleyball action shot.  Nice legs, he thought.  Glamour shots.  He was
again struck by how her entire face smiled.  Her eyes, especially.  He
noticed something that made him stop and think.  He looked again at the
pictures of her and her daughter.  Then he looked at the pictures of her
from
a few years ago.  The eyes, he thought.  Her smile doesn't reach her eyes
anymore.
        He placed the picture frame down and saw one that he hadn't noticed
before.
 A picture of a man.  Formal.  Serious.  In uniform.  With a black border.
 The little girl's words echoed in his mind.  He went away she had said.
 When she was three.  Last year.  It was all starting to make more sense.
        He felt her beside him.  "That's her father."  He replaced the
picture and
turned to take the glass of soda from her.  He slowly sipped it as he
watched
her move and sit down on the sofa.  He had heard the sadness in her voice.
 But, he had also heard something else.  What was it?  Bitterness?  Guilt?
 He walked towards her and sat down next to her.
        She looked at him and took a deep breath.  "He was killed last year
in the
line of duty."  He nodded silently, waiting for her to continue.  He
instinctively knew that she hadn't talked about him to anyone before.  She
needs this more than I do, he thought.  He waited.
        "He was the one.  The only man I had ever totally, completely,
instantly,
fallen head over heels in love with.  And it was the same for him.  We met
at
my school.  He had been assigned there for the school year.  But it wasn't
enough.  He wanted more action.  So, he applied to the regular police
department.  He got assigned to the worst division in the city.  He loved
it."  She stopped as the memories came flooding back to her.
        "What happened?"
        She didn't seem to hear him, lost among her memories.  "I hated it.
I hated
the lonely nights.  I hated the not knowing if he would be alive at the end
of his shift.  I hated it all.  But I never told him.  He was happy.  So I
never told him."
        She turned to look at him with sadness in her eyes.  "I took the
baby and
moved out.  He begged me to come back.  He said he loved me.  He told me
that
he had passed the exam, he was being moved to detectives.  I...we came
back."
        She sighed.  "But it was still the same.  He was assigned to Vice,
and then
Homicide.  He loved the thrill.  The action."
        She stared straight ahead, focusing on something only she could see.
"One
night, on a stake out of a homicide suspect, he was ambushed.  Turned out
that the suspect was also into the drug trade.  He didn't have a chance.
 They found him in his car.  Shot in the back of the head."
        She turned and looked directly into his eyes.  "The day he was
buried, I was
buried too."
        "No, you weren't."  He reached for her hands.
        She snatched them away.  "Don't you understand?  My heart died when
I buried
him.  I can't love you!  I won't love you!"  She stood up as if to run away,
but sat back down, her shoulders slumped in defeat.  She whispered, "I loved
him.  With my heart and my soul.  I have never loved anyone like that.
Until
you."
        He had been lost in his thoughts, thinking of reasons he could use
to
convince her that they  belonged together.  At her last words, his head
jerked up and he looked at her.  He saw her tear-stained face and never
thought her more beautiful.  He looked deep into her eyes.  What he saw
there
convinced him that his was not a lost cause, in spite of what she had said.
 He kept silent and let her continue.
        "You know how I knew he and I were meant to be together?  I looked
into his
eyes.  You said once that the eyes are the mirrors into a person's soul.  Do
you remember that?"  He nodded.  "It's true.  The first time I looked into
his eyes, I knew.  The connection was immediate.  It was the same way with
you.  That night at the airport.  I looked into your eyes and felt that same
connection.  That same bonding.  I didn't think it was possible to fall in
love at first sight.  It's happened to me twice."
        She took a deep breath and squared her shoulders.  "But, I won't
fall in
love with you.  It's too painful.  I have my daughter.  I have my life here.
 I have my career.  And I have your friendship.  That's all I need."
        He listened to everything she said.  He reached for her hand.  "Who
are you
trying to convince, me or yourself?"
        She sobbingly sighed.  "I don't want to be in love with you.  I--"
        He cupped the side of her face and looked intently into her eyes.
"I have
been in love with you from the first time you opened your eyes and looked at
me.  It scared me.  I didn't know what to do.  I only knew that my life
would
never be the same.  I've been going through the motions.  I've only let a
few
people get close to me.  My parents.  My brother.  My sister.  I've played
it
safe, not wanting to hurt anyone.  Not wanting to be hurt.  I've never had a
great love in my life.  I've never had what you and he must have had, in
spite of your problems."
        He removed his hand from her face and again clasped both of her
hands in
his.  "Life isn't easy.  Sometimes it isn't fair. I'm not a police officer.
 I'm an actor, and personally I think not a very good one."  He smiled as he
saw her eyes widen in surprise at his last statement.  "I've been very lucky
in my life and my career.  I've met the right people, been in the right
place
at the right time, had the right audition when I needed it.  I've been
lucky.
 I guess luck is still with me, because I met you."
        "I can't promise that I won't die on you.  Hopefully, we'll both
live long
lives.  I can promise that I'll love you, I'll cherish you, and I'll take
care of you as best I can."
        She listened to everything he said.  As he talked, she felt the
walls she
had built around her heart begin to crumble.  She wanted to love him.  She
wanted to be with him.  If she were alone, she knew what she would do.  But,
she wasn't alone.  She had responsibilities and obligations.
        He watched her as she debated with herself.  He knew that what she
wanted
was fighting a losing battle with her sense of responsibility and
obligation.
 He quickly spoke.
        "You've always put your needs second to everyone else.  I know.  I'm
the
same way.  But, even the helpers need to be helped themselves.  Take a
chance."  He saw that she wanted to grab at what he was offering, but was
still unsure.  He moved closer to her, his hand moving  to stroke the side
of
her neck.  "Don't you know that the eyes are the mirrors to your soul?  What
are mine saying to you?"  He smiled and waited for her reply.
        She looked into his eyes.  She physically shivered at the
friendship,
caring, and concern that she saw reflected in them.  Beyond that, she saw
something that convinced her to take what he was offering and hold it close
to her heart.  She saw love.  She saw a second chance at complete happiness.
 She closed her eyes, said a quick prayer, and took a deep breath.  She
slowly opened her eyes, smiled, and let him see how she felt.  He gasped.
 Her smile had reached her eyes.
        "They're saying that my sister is going to have an overnight guest."
        His smile widened and he drew her closer.  "It's enough.  For now."
        She met him halfway.  As their lips met, she whispered against them.
"I
love you."
        "I know."
=========================================================================
Date:         Fri, 26 Sep 1997 02:27:12 -0400
Reply-To:     "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
Sender:       "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
From:         Julie Mack <Mackteach@AOL.COM>
Subject:      Fanfic:  FOR NOW, Chapter 6 (Finale)

CHAPTER 6: The Eyes Have It

        He was awakened by a noise that sounded suspiciously like a thumb
was being
sucked.  He cautiously opened one eye to see a pair of solemn brown eyes.
 The source of the noise was standing a few feet away from the bed,
clutching
a Winnie-the-Pooh doll close to her chest.  She was studying him, her gaze
never wavering.  He sat up, opened his other eye, swung his legs over the
side of the bed, and stared back, locking gazes with the little girl,
looking
directly into her eyes.  She stared back, looking directly into his eyes.
        He had always won staring contests with his brother, and he wasn't
above a
little trickery to win.
        He winked.  She continued to stare.
        "Does that taste good?" he asked.  She continued to stare, slowly
nodding
her head up and down.
        The kid was good, he admitted.  Nerves of steel.
        Then, as he was about to concede his defeat, she took her thumb out
of her
mouth, walked towards him, and proceeded to climb up the bed.  He watched as
she struggled, still clutching Winnie-the-Pooh.  He almost reached out to
help her, but something told him to let her do it by herself.  After a few
attempts, she finally succeeded in climbing up onto the bed.  She then
scrambled onto his lap, laid her head on his chest, stuck her thumb back in
her mouth, and promptly fell asleep.  His arms reflexively went around her,
hugging her closer to him.  He planted a soft kiss on top of her head,
inhaling the sweet smell of shampoo.  Trying not to wake her, he looked
behind him and saw that the rest of the bed was empty.  He brought one arm
under the child's legs and stood up, cradling her.  He gently placed her on
the bed and brought the comforter up under her chin, tucking her in the way
his mother used to do to him.  The child snuggled deeper under the cover,
clutching the doll and loudly sucking on her thumb.  He gently stroked her
hair and smiled.  He was hooked.  She had captured his heart as easily as
her
mother had.
        Thinking of her, he remembered back to last night and their
lovemaking.
 They had both been so nervous, it was almost like the first time for both
of
them.  In a way, it had been. She had been incredible.  He had always
enjoyed
sex, but with her it was different.  He had never been with a woman who was
so responsive to his touch and to his kisses.  It wasn't just about the
physical act of joining with her, though.  It was about the sharing that had
occurred.  The bonding.  The promises.  It was if admitting that she loved
him had opened a dam of emotions in her.  She shared everything with him.
 She told him her life story.  She told him her dreams.  She told him her
fears.  They had made love and cuddled and talked and made love again.  The
memory of her moans and cries as her orgasms came over her triggered a
reaction from his body.  He needed to see her.  To prove that it hadn't been
all a dream.  That he really was here.  With her.  He reached for his shirt
and pants.  Taking another look at the sleeping child, he left the room.
        He found her in the kitchen, standing at the stove, softly humming
to
herself.  He stood at the doorway and smiled.  She felt his presence.  She
looked at him and smiled.
        "Well, there you are.  Good morning."  Her eyes smiled and sent him
a
message of love and warmth.
        He walked over to her and planted a soft kiss on her lips.  "Good
morning to
you too."
        "Eggs?"
        "Sounds good, but---"
        "No bacon.  I know.  Too much fat."  Her eyes twinkled with
merriment.  She
put her spatula down and reached for a piece of paper.  "Here."  She held
the
paper out to him.
        "What is it?"
        "My autograph.  Address.  Phone number.  Screen name.  All of it."
        He laughed and her heart skipped a beat at the sound.  "Touche.  You
remembered."
        "Yeah, I did."  Her voice felt like a warm caress.
        "I had an interesting wake up call."
        "Oh, she found you.  Who won the staring contest?"
        "She did.  Is her gaze always that intense?  I felt like I was being
dissected and examined."
        She nodded and bit into a piece of toast, holding another piece out
him.
 "Mmm hmm.  I've told her to always look people in the eyes.  That way she
can tell if they're a good person or a bad person.  Why? What did she do?"
        He described to her what had occurred.  As he related the events,
her smile
got bigger and wider until she was grinning from ear to ear.  She turned off
the stove and walked over to him.  She walked into his embrace and kissed
him.  Thoroughly.  Deeply.  Intensely.  She kissed him to tell him that she
was happy.  She kissed him to tell him that she was his friend for life.
She
kissed him to tell him that she loved him.
        "What was that for?"
        "She likes you."
        "Yeah, well, I like her too."
        She shook her head as if she were talking to a child.  "No, you
don't
understand.  She likes you.  What she did?  The climbing into your lap and
all that?"
        "Yeah?"
        "She's only done that with two people.  Me --"
        He finished the sentence for her.  "And her father."
        Her smile lost a little bit of its brightness.  "Yeah.  Her father."
She
moved to leave his embrace.
        "Hey, hey, hey.  Not so fast."  He held her close.  "You okay?"
        She looked at him and saw the concern in his eyes.  "Yeah.  I'm
okay.  We've
got to talk."
        "Okay."  He released her and sat down at the kitchen table.  She
finished
preparing his breakfast and came and sat down across from him.
        "Last night --"
        "Was incredible."
        She smiled.  "Yeah, it was.  I've never been like that with anyone.
It was
special.  Magical."
        "But?"
        "But, it's time to face reality."
        "Even Cinderella got her Prince Charming."
        "Cinderella is a fairy tale."
        "And I'm not Prince Charming.  But, I'm here.  Now.  In your
kitchen.
 Eating your eggs and toast. Got any jam?"
        She got up and went to the refrigerator, returning with a jar of
strawberry
preserves.  She sat back down and took a deep breath, slowly letting it out.
 "What now?"
        He spread the jam on his toast.  "You tell me.  I'll do anything you
want.
 Except let you leave my life again."
        "I don't know if I can do this."
        He put down his knife and toast and reached across the table for her
hand.
 "I love you."
        "And I love you."
        "That's enough.  For now.  I'm new at this love stuff myself.  I
don't know
what to do next."
        At that moment, a loud yell of "Mommy!" interrupted them.  They both
grinned
and got up from the table together.
        "Well, I know what's next.  Rugrats."
        "Huh?"
        "Hello? Rugrats.  Tommy.  Chuckie.  Phil and Lil.  You know, the
cartoon."
        "Oh yeah.  Right.  The cartoon."
        They both laughed as they watched the little girl come into the
kitchen,
still clutching Winnie-the-Pooh.  "Mommy? Why you laughing?"
        He reached down and picked her up.  She stared into his eyes.  He
winked.
 She giggled.
        "Mommy? The man is funny."
        "Yes, sweetie, he is.  Should we keep him around?"  Please say yes,
he
silently pleaded.
        "Okay."  He quickly glanced at her and then at her mother.  What he
saw in
both their eyes made him smile.  He passed the girl over to her.
        "Well, you passed inspection, big guy.  But...."
        "But?"
        "If you're gonna hang with us gals, you're gonna have to stay up to
date
with all the cartoons.  Sweetheart, why don't you show the man where
Nickelodeon is on TV and tell him all about Rugrats?"
        She put the girl down and she promptly walked over to him.  She
placed her
hand in his and led him away, chattering about Phil and Chuckie.
        As he was dragged away, he turned back and said the one thing that
made him
perfect to her.  "This doesn't change anything.  I will always be your
friend.  I love you."  With that he swooped up the child and ran out of the
kitchen, silly noises and a little girl's laughter following their exit.
        She stood there, arms crossed, shaking her head and smiling
indulgently.
 "And I love you.  That's enough.  For now."

        "....and, as it fades to black, the credits begin to roll.  Well,
waddaya
think?  Lights!"  The lights came on in the screening room.
        The director looked anxiously at the producer.  He stared silently
at the
darkened screen, apparently lost in thought.  He removed his glasses and
rubbed at his eyes.  He turned to talk to the man sitting behind him.  "And
you wrote this?"
        He grinned lopsidedly.  "Well, you know me.  I never was very
comfortable in
front of the camera. The commercials, the television, the movies?  They were
all just a way to allow me to do what I really wanted to do."
        "And that is?"
        "Write.  I've always wanted to be a screenwriter."
        "That's it?  Just a writer?"
        "That's it."
        The producer shook his head.  "Too bad.  I always liked your work in
front
of the camera.  But I can see that you're going to be in demand as a
writer."

        He turned to the director.  "This is good.  Very good.  Let's talk
about how
we want to distribute this."
        The producer and director got up and left the room, deep in
conversation.
 They watched them leave.  He turned to her and asked, "So?"
        She looked into his eyes and saw the uncertainty and the need for
reassurance.  She warmly smiled and cupped the side of his face.  "I loved
it.  I love you.  He's right you know.  It's very good."
        "Really?"
        "Really.  But, you don't need me to tell you that."
        "I know.  But, I needed you to tell me."
        "I know."
        He leaned towards her and placed a gentle kiss on her lips.  "Let's
get out
of here."
        She saw the love and desire in his eyes.  She knew that she had the
same
look in hers.  "Yes.  Let's go home."
        "Home?"
        "Home."
        He stood up and reached for her.  She placed her hand in his and
again felt
that familiar jolt of electricity.  She carefully stood with his help.  He
placed his hand over her rounded abdomen.  "You okay?"
        She nodded.  "I have my daughter.  I have you.  I have this baby on
it's
way.  It's enough."
        "For now?"
        "For always."
        She moved into his open arms and looked directly into his eyes.  He
smiled
at what he saw.  She really is beautiful, he thought.  Especially when her
smile reaches her eyes.
        "I love you."
        "I know."

THE END

Well, FoLCs, that's it.  Again, I hope you enjoyed this little journey
through Fantasyland (BTW, this was written *way* before a certain green
twistie-tie ended up on a country music singer's finger <G>).  Any thoughts,
comments, compliments, or criticisms are welcome at Mackteach@aol.com.

;) Julie (a teacher by choice, a FoLC by the grace of God)
=========================================================================
Date:         Fri, 26 Sep 1997 04:32:04 -0400
Reply-To:     "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
Sender:       "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
From:         The Zoomway <Zoomway@AOL.COM>
Subject:      Re: Reading,
              Writing & 'Rithmetic . . . oops wrong group [was Re: Ideas]

>>>I haven't read. I do seem to remember a
story where Superman ends up in bed with Lois before telling her . . . the
secret, not that they're in bed, hehehe . . . thought I might want to clear
that up. I would hope Lois might figure out the other on her own . . <<<

No, sounds like a different story from mine. In my story Clark thinks he's
lost his powers and goes to Lois for help as Superman. Faced with perhaps
never having his powers again, and thus never being Superman again, he's
ready to tell Lois that he's Clark after he gets angry during this brief
scene from the story:

  Lois looked at him and her expression seemed to change rapidly
from shock to anger.  She grabbed his cape, and pulled it out
slightly. "Is this all you think you are, Superman? A costume? A
bag of tricks?"
   Clark felt his anger rising as well. That was exactly how he had
viewed Superman, and it galled him that Lois pretended to see
some other significance.  "All right, Lois. You tell me. What am I
without my power?"
   "Not 'what', Superman--'who'!  Without the costume and the
power you're still a decent man, a good person."  She shook her
head.  "I've always cared about the man underneath the
costume, Superman."
   This had angered Clark even more. Lois was coming
perilously close to her 'I'd love you even if you were an ordinary'
man speech from last year. "Okay, Lois. What kind of person
am I?"  He had asked this question in hopes she would more or
less describe her partner Clark Kent, and then he would derive
great pleasure in revealing to her--that is precisely who he was,
and had always been.  With his powers gone, he felt he had
nothing to lose in making the revelation because his life as
Superman would be effectively over.
   Lois placed one hand on the back of the sofa, and the other on
her hip. It was a rather striking prosecuting attorney pose.  "If the
costume and the power define you, then let's hypothetically give
them to someone else."
   "Give them to--"
   "Lex Luthor, for example."
   "That's not a fair example, Lois."  Clark shook his head. "He
abused power even when it was just in human terms.  What
about the decent people I know?  Perry, Jimmy, you...Clark."
   "Okay, Perry then. I can tell you right now, Perry White would
hate having your power and responsibility.  He loves the Planet,
but just like you, he's a decent guy and would go out and try to
do the right thing, but he'd be miserable. You've never seen
Perry when he's on to the 'big' story. He's like a kid, Superman,
and the idea that he'd be constantly dragged away from that--"
   "Jimmy then."
   Lois Laughed. "Poor, Jimmy. He's at an age where he wants to
prove himself, but doesn't quite have the experience to pull it
off. He wants to make Perry proud, and at the same time make
women fall at his feet.  If he got your power he'd have all that
overnight.  As much as I like Jimmy, he'd probably become
pretty obnoxious."  Lois shuddered.  "He'd probably try and
make your costume look cooler too, like wearing a leather jacket
instead of a cape."
   Clark smiled. She was right about Jimmy. "And Lois Lane?"
   Lois dropped onto the sofa. "She'd be the worst.  She'd
probably be resentful of people always needing her help. She'd
probably have cards printed up saying 'get a life' and leave one
with anybody she saved."
   Clark laughed. "I don't think you'd be that bad, Lois."
   "No, but I'd be close. I wouldn't want your job."
   "That just leaves--"
   "Clark." Lois smiled.  "He'd come the closest to filling your
shoes...well, your boots.  I'm just afraid he'd be too sweet and
compassionate to be truly affective."
   "What?"
   "Now don't get upset, Superman. You're sweet and
compassionate too, it's just that I think Clark would go overboard
a little."  Lois thought for a moment. "Superman, do you
remember what you said to Baby Rage after you restrained him
for the police?"
   "Not precisely."
   "You said, 'I hope you enjoy showering in groups'."
   Clark winced. He had said that, and it did sound a bit mean-
spirited.  "I guess I did."
   "Clark would 'never' have said anything like that," she smiled.
"In fact, knowing Clark, he probably would have talked to Baby
Rage for two hours trying to get his life back on a positive track.
Heck," she shrugged.  "He even got a job for a kid named Jack
who had burglarized his apartment!  That's just the kind of guy
Clark is."
   Oh, my God! Clark thought. She's right. He did act differently
as Clark and Superman.
*********************************
Remember I wrote this story way back in early 2nd season before there was
any
hint of romance really going on between Lois and Clark. The series at that
point kept throwing Lois and Superman together, usually in the last five
minutes of the episode<g> At any rate, Joe had chosen me to write this story
for him because he had read one of the first fanfics I'd written titled It's
About Time where Clark comes to a similar realization that Superman does in
this story, re: that Lois views both Superman and Clark as having different
temperaments, personalities, character traits, etc. Only in the other story,
he's "Clark" when he comes to this realization. In Joe's story he's
"Superman" Confused yet?<g> To make a short story shorter, the above scene
continues and then Clark initiates a kiss, it intensifies and ...well...
nature takes its course<g> What cheesed people off is that Clark enters into
an intimate, romantic relationship with Lois *as* Superman and doesn't tell
her he's really Clark. If it had been a story I was writing for myself, I
wouldn't have had Clark take that route, but that's what Joe wanted and the
story was for him ;)

I did have Lois concede that Clark and Superman shared many of the same
positive traits, just that Lois felt they shared them to a different degree
and that there was a bit more of an "edge" to Superman than to Clark and
that
Clark had more patience (hee hee ;) I hadn't read the story in a long time
and so it was funny noticing I had Lois speculating how she'd cope if given
Superman's powers<g>

>>I'm always amazed when someone says they've never read a romance before
because any love story in any format is a romance.<<<

I think those of us who said we never read a romance were referring to that
genre of novel, not that we haven't run across a novel in some other genre
that contained a romance. I've certainly run into romances in science
fiction
and fantasy ;)

Oh, and my favorite author, as un-hip as it might be, is Dickens ;)

Zoomway@aol.com (my favorite part of A Christmas Carol is where the ghost
says to beware of the children he has hidden under his robe. One is named
"want" and the other is named "ignorance". He tells Scrooge to beware of
them
both, but especially the boy named "ignorance" because written upon his brow
is "doom" for all mankind...I just thought that was so cool ;)
=========================================================================
Date:         Fri, 26 Sep 1997 08:56:58 -0500
Reply-To:     "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
Sender:       "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
From:         Farah Meitzen Chisham <fchisham@INDIANA.EDU>
Subject:      kool-aid fanfic
Mime-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"

I found this on Yahoo and thought it was rather humurous:

     >
>     Kool-Aid Fan-Fic - a series of adventures featuring the Kool-Aid Man
endlessly battling the forces of evil in the name
>     of all that is good (Kool-Aid).
>

Here is the url:  http://www.winnipeg.freenet.mb.ca/~qqs450/kaff.html

farah :)
fchisham@indiana.edu
=========================================================================
Date:         Sat, 27 Sep 1997 07:43:27 +1000
Reply-To:     "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
Sender:       "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
From:         Jenny Stosser <jenerate@OZRAMP.NET.AU>
Subject:      Re: Zoom's story/ies
In-Reply-To:  <970926043203_-2066978472@emout19.mail.aol.com>
Mime-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"

At 04:32 AM 26/09/97 -0400, The Zoomway wrote:
>No, sounds like a different story from mine. In my story Clark thinks he's
>lost his powers and goes to Lois for help as Superman. Faced with perhaps
>never having his powers again, and thus never being Superman again, he's
>ready to tell Lois that he's Clark after he gets angry during this brief
>scene from the story:
>
>  Lois looked at him and her expression seemed to change rapidly
>from shock to anger.  She grabbed his cape, and pulled it out
>slightly. "Is this all you think you are, Superman? A costume? A
>bag of tricks?"

<snip zoom's quote from her story, and her comments on it>...

Zoomie, zoomie, zoomie!  Now that you've tantalised us with part of your
story, I think you need to either tell us the names of both the stories you
mention here or repost them both to this list.

I don't think I've ever read either of the stories you mention here, and I
suspect there are other's who would like to see them (again) too!

--
Jenny Stosser -*- jenerate@ozramp.net.au -*- (Jenerator or MoiAussie on IRC)
This message is umop ap!sdn -*- David is 5 and Megan is 2! Photos on the
Stosser Family HomePage: http://www.ozramp.net.au/~jenerate  Please Visit!
=========================================================================
Date:         Fri, 26 Sep 1997 18:59:37 -0400
Reply-To:     "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
Sender:       "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
From:         Julie Mack <Mackteach@AOL.COM>
Subject:      whoa! check this out....

I found this on the AOL Mindy McCready Message Board.......

>>Subject: Re: Dean and Mindy
Date: 25 Sep 1997 04:20:22 EDT
From: Writer JCM
Message-id: <19970925082001.EAA01181@ladder01.news.aol.com>

Hey gang, I have never posted here before but thought I would cruise through
to see what is happening here....Boy was I in for a shock.....is back-biting
in all over the board?!  Word up crew...I PERSONALLY talked to Dean a week
ago(Mindy was signing autographs in another room) and he is blissfully
happy..as for where they will be living..he says that they haven't decided
but WERE leaning towards Nashville because it was a better place to raise
a family ( and,no, Mindy isn't pregnant).  He is not giving up his
career...rather he is going to be choosier about the roles he takes and
doesn't feel he needs to be in LA to do his job( most assignments are out of
state anyway).  Mindy also seems very happy about the impending marriage.
She
was giving him some pretty passionate kisses. They haven't set a date yet
and
are trying to find time between their busy schedules.  I hope that clears up
any of the fussing that have been going on.  How do I know all of this...I
interviewed Mindy and did a mini interview with Dean......  <<

What I find kind of interesting are the words used to describe Dean and
Te....ooops! Sorry, force of habit! :/  I mean, Dean and *Mindy* (memo to
self:  It's Mindy, lunkhead, Mindy!)...

>>...Dean *is* blisfully happy......<<
>>...Mindy *seems* very happy....<<

Ah, semantics! A wonderful thing.....

;) Julie
=========================================================================
Date:         Fri, 26 Sep 1997 18:59:03 -0600
Reply-To:     "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
Sender:       "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
From:         Debby Stark <debby@SWCP.COM>
Subject:      Re: Looking for Lois Lane
Mime-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"

At 04:54 AM 9/25/97 -0400, Zoomway wrote:

>Jack was a "gimmick" that didn't pan out.

*Superman* is a gimmick. We can all thing of episodes where the gimmick
panned out, and others where it didn't

>I also think near the end of Fly
>Hard, the cryptic exchange between Jack and Clark gave the hint that Clark
>was aware of what Jack suspected. I really can't think of a reason for a
>juvenile boy to be Clark's confidante. Jimmy's, sure, but not Clark's.

So? Jack plays it cool and Clark stops suspecting him. Jack, in awe of him,
tries to help. Maybe I'll fanfic this... :)

>>>>h, but he took Rachel to the prom. In Honeymoon in Metropolis, both of
>them
>admitted to not having lived with anyone. I suspect by "relationship" he
>meant the kind he wanted to have with Lois. I suspect he had quite a few
>girlfriends.<<<
>
>I knew a guy who went to the prom with his cousin because he couldn't get a
>date<g>  Clark said he'd dated and had girlfriends, but if he excludes
>'relationship' from either of those definitions, then it sounds like he
knew
>girls he could go to the movies with or a school dance, but not someone who
>even qualified as a "steady". In COTOC he referred to Lois as the only
woman
>who's ever really been in his life. I gotta say too that when he hugged
>Rachel, it was like two good friends, and not two people who had anything
>terribly hot going on<g>

Okay, I'll agree that Rachel was not the one with whom he stepped right up
and
got a good look at the intimacy threshold... yet, like it or not, according
to
Dean (in VD) Clark did it with *someone*... ;)

>>>>After all, he didn't learn to kiss like he was able to (and he sure
wasn't
>shy about endulging in it)<<<<
>
>I learned to kiss playing "truth or dare" not in a relationship<g> I can't
>speak for everyone, but kissing is something I learned before even had a
>date. The kissing I learned back then did help once I was in a relationship
>though<g> I think before truth or dare, there was spin the bottle.

Well... okay. We'll have to fanfic CK learning how to kiss, too :)

>>>>Was it hard because his parents' romance was atypical
>or because Lois's parents' romance was? Difficult to say...<<<
>
>No, the supposition was that Clark's parents were good examples. They were,
>but Clark didn't know what their courtship was like and due to that he had
>unrealistic expectations. He wanted the perfection he perceived his parents
>lived, but didn't know what hard times they may have had to go through to
>achieve that.

And I guess he didn't know how many roadblocks Lois, who clearly did not
want
to be in that relationship at all, would throw before him to make it so
very, very hard, thus making his expectations unrealistic.

[sorry, turning off sarcasm mode...]

There. I don't think his expectations--a job, a home, a family--were
unrealistic, mainly because he had attained nearly all of them by the end of
the series. Clark got the job, he made a home for himself and then one with
Lois (who was the one pushing him most for the relationship and who accepted
him as Superman pretty well, so I don't see Superman as being a roadblock
any more), and the family need not mean Lois giving birth, for CK also got
all the other Lanes in the marriage deal.

Of course, you may indeed mean all the villains, and I agree they made
things difficult but in theory they should not have made L&Cs relationship
itself difficult (forgetting the Frog thing).

The only problem I saw in the courtship itself (other than it being, IMO,
too short and marred by A plots) was Lois uncharacteristically deciding she
could throw herself into any danger and Superman would be there to protect
her. Then CK, thinking Lois being around Superman too much was endangering
her, broke off his--CK's--relationship with her. If this is the "hard times"
you mean, I agree. He had no clue about how stupid he would be seen to be by
the chorus out here in the hinterland. His dumping Lois made no sense and
Lois was right to dump him right back.

>>>>No, I still
>don't see why he had this trouble. I can understand her wariness, just not
>his. He must have thought he could make it work or he wouldn't have
proposed to
>her<<<

>You still don't see why Lois had to adjust to the truth when she thought
>originally she was in love with a guy from this planet who only had one
>job?<g> You make it sound like finding out the truth about why he was
dashing
>off solved *all* their problems, like the "truth" was no more profound than
>discovering he slurped soup loudly. He also proposed without telling her
the
>truth, that's an interesting concept of thinking "he could make it work"
>right there.

Yes, he's from another planet (a fact of life), and, yes, he proposed before
he told her (not smart).

However, I see that she seemed to have gotten over both things by the end of
WHALTTA and by the end of OP had decided it was nicer to fly home with
Superman
than to do the ordinary thing with Clark and wait for the boat.

I also see her as being flexible and capable of maturely assessing her
situation
and as realizing how good she now had it.

Maybe the problem is that *he* didn't see it that way? That could be it.
Maybe he really didn't believe he'd ever see his dreams fulfilled?

>>>>But where did CK get that sulky attitude? (poor writing?) (yes)<<<<
>
>Clark blatantly sulked all the way back in Requiem for a Superhero. It was
>apparently part of his character, or something he was most definitely
capable
>of. I call that "continuity" not "poor writing"<g>

Maybe he was more New Kryptonian than we realized... ;) I say it was poor
characterization because writing Clark Kent as sulky, somewhat juvenile and
immature person (IMO) was easier for a string of writers (hmm, how many
writers did work on the show...?) to handle than someone with a complex,
detailed character with a past full of world-wide experiences. Fortunately,
we can handle such a person in fanfic :)

[some snips]

[re why Perry talking to Lois would have been better, IMO, than CK teaching
Lois a lesson]

>>>>After some heming
>and hawing she'd breakdown (as she was wont to do) and admit to him (her
>father figure) that she had no idea what she was doing. He'd counsel her
and
>let her off with a warning :)<<<
>
>That's fairly anticlimactic, and it doesn't give her co-workers any sense
of
>importance, or that what they went though was valued in any way.

Have you ever been in an office setting where someone is having or causing
problems
and they are called into the boss's office for a little chat? It makes
everyone
left behind feel a lot better that management has clearly (finally) taken
some
notice of the situation. It tells those left behind (who are busy grinning
at
each other) that their work *is* valued and the trouble maker is going to be
at minimum counselled about disrupting that work.

>Also it would be deep denial for Lois to tell Perry she didn't know what
she was
>doing.

But that's what she told Lucy. She had a good relationship with Perry,
better
than that with her father. She'd admit her problems and her fears to him.

>A breach of journalistic ethics that big, she'd know what she was
>doing, or if she didn't, she had no business being a journalist. Perry
giving
>her a slap on the wrist also would send a bad message to the rest of the
>reporters.

Not the Perry I know. He'd listen to her and let her get it out of her
system,
then he'd counsel and advise her (this is first season Perry I'm talking
about
here) and personally I think she'd feel better. She'd buckle down and work
twice
as hard to make up for it. Perry and the staff already know she's a hard
worker
and a good journalist. Thus they find her behavior toward Superman bizarre
even
for "Mad Dog Lane." They value her, but they'd like her to calm down on that
one
thing. Clark values her, but he doesn't have the experience working with her
that
all her peers do.

So were I one of those (not Clark) left behind when Perry called Lois in for
a little chat, I'd hope she'd come out still spitting fire (I think Perry
would
know precisely how to encourage that, too), but having gotten over her
uncharacteristic behavior. The staff would know this, they'd feel it. She
*might*
even apologize to Jimmy and turn around and help him get a story even
though,
as you point out, what Jimmy needed was the courage to stand up to Perry.
(As we know, Perry was waiting for this, too.) Lois might not be able to see
this (for
she has a good relationship with Perry), but helping Jimmy with a story (as
he
helps her with her stories) might be her way of apologizing.

I do though understand that this would be unlikely to get on TV (other than
on
PBS), but I'd still like to have seen it done this way :) It might have
been instructive to everyone.

>That's why the best way to handle the infraction was to put it on
>a peer level because Perry to be fair to everyone who had suffered the
>infraction and to make an example of Lois's behavior being unacceptable,
>would have to suspend her a couple of weeks or something equally punitive.

I might agree with you if we saw this happen every day in the newsroom,
peers
handling infractions at peer level, but we didn't. It would be interesting
if
after that it became CK's job to act as judge and jury to his peers. He
might
be good at that kind of relationship.

>>>>sitting through dreadful country music
>(I ran away from Oklahoma due in part to this)
>so Dean and Mindy *better* show up!!!<<<<
>
>Hey, because of my job I had to sit through the Tony Danza show, believe
me,
>there are worse fates and there was *zero* chance Dean would put in an
>appearance there ;)

At least you get paid for it (I assume). Also, I could fast forward :)

>Zoomway@aol.com (who kept looking at the clock wondering why time had
slowed
>;)

Debby
Debby@swcp.com
who notes that a burglar in Santa Fe
should consider a career change
(or going into network TV programming)
as he decided to steal a python...
=========================================================================
Date:         Fri, 26 Sep 1997 21:32:15 -0400
Reply-To:     "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
Sender:       "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
From:         Kathy Brown <kbrown@TOOLCITY.NET>
Subject:      Re: Zoom's story/ies
In-Reply-To:  <3.0.1.32.19970927074327.006d2254@mail.ozramp.net.au>
Mime-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"

At 7:43 AM +1000 9/27/97, Jenny Stosser wrote:

>Zoomie, zoomie, zoomie!  Now that you've tantalised us with part of your
>story, I think you need to either tell us the names of both the stories you
>mention here or repost them both to this list.
>
>I don't think I've ever read either of the stories you mention here, and I
>suspect there are other's who would like to see them (again) too!

These stories are on the Archive. They are called "If You Can't Beat 'Em"
(Joe's story, written by Zoom) and "Join 'Em", the sequel that wraps it up
very nicely (and I can't remember the author's name right now .. Kari?)

Kathy

______________________
Kathy Brown
kbrown@toolcity.net
<http://www.toolcity.net/~kbrown/>
KathyB on IRC
______________________
=========================================================================
Date:         Sat, 27 Sep 1997 00:00:04 -0400
Reply-To:     "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
Sender:       "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
From:         "Ethel \"Terri\" Addison" <jvladdisons@JUNO.COM>
Subject:      "...thinking about whether an individual response is more
              appropriate...."

To ALL List Members (which is why I'm posting this to the list):

I definitely have an opinion about this, too.

I'm a very fortunate writer, as I have a live writers' group I can rely
on to give me feedback.  Other people on this list aren't so lucky.  This
list is the perfect opportunity for them to bounce ideas off each other,
to read each other's thoughts and feelings on the L&C TV series, and to
have ideas of their own spark as they read the posts by other people.

If we start saying that the only thing allowed on this list is fanfic,
and that all other messages should be sent to the individuals, a lot of
opportunity will be lost for brainstorming.  As ALL of my writers'
workshop professors said, "You get ideas from the darnedest places--IF
your mind is OPEN to them."

Point #2:

No offense meant, either, but list members can't be responsible for other
list members' e-mail habits.  I must admit that when I first got on
e-mail, my mother hardly got to USE her new computer because I was
hogging it all the time.  I also still have LOISCLA Digests that date
back to mid-July that I haven't even read.  The latter is because I
realized that other parts of my life were beginning to suffer because of
my obsession with e-mail.  So I now read only the messages pertaining
directly to me (I don't even read family e-mail anymore unless my name is
in the subject), so I can keep up with the things I consider to be more
important--like my sleep, and so my health.

If a member of this list is unable to care about himself or herself
enough to tear away from the monitor and get the required Z's, that is
not the list's problem.  That is that person's problem.

If I am wrong, or if I have spoken out of turn, I will accept a
tongue-lashing from  FARAH--and NO ONE ELSE.

Sincerely,

Carol A.
=========================================================================
Date:         Sat, 27 Sep 1997 01:12:25 -0400
Reply-To:     "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
Sender:       "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
From:         Kathy Brown <kbrown@TOOLCITY.NET>
Subject:      TAN:  Re: "...thinking about whether an individual response is
              more               appropriate...."
In-Reply-To:  <19970927.001410.14246.1.jvladdisons@juno.com>
Mime-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"

At 12:00 AM -0400 9/27/97, Ethel \"Terri\" Addison wrote:

>If we start saying that the only thing allowed on this list is fanfic,
>and that all other messages should be sent to the individuals, a lot of
>opportunity will be lost for brainstorming.  As ALL of my writers'
>workshop professors said, "You get ideas from the darnedest places--IF
>your mind is OPEN to them."

I agree that this list should be for fanfic discussion as well as actual
stories.

However, that's not how I interpreted Laurie's post.  She didn't make that
request in response to the "Reading" thread or the "Looking for Lois Lane"
thread.  She made it in response to a post that basically said "sorry I
haven't posted lately, but I've been busy and I'll post again soon."

IMO, her request was legitimate, and it's the same guideline that's been on
LOISCLA from the beginning.  Whenever you have this many people posting on
a listserv, the mail volume gets difficult to deal with.  When people are
responding to a thread about L&C, great.  But when we have people posting
off topic or "me too" posts, it contributes unnecessarily to the mail
volume.

Some people even have to pay for the time it takes to download their
messages.

We don't have an FAQ yet, as far as I know.  We are a new group, spun off
from LOISCLA and feeling our way as far as rules go.  Most of us have been
on LOISCLA at one time or another, so I don't think it's unreasonable to
use that list's rules as a starting point for our own.

Combo posts, signal to noise ratio (i.e. "does everyone need to see
this?"), not quoting someone's entire message in your response, keeping sig
files short, no "me too" messages ... the list goes on.

Or, for example, putting TAN on a thread that is off topic (short for
TANGENT).

>If I am wrong, or if I have spoken out of turn, I will accept a
>tongue-lashing from  FARAH--and NO ONE ELSE.

You gave your opinion, and I'm giving mine.  You want to be free to post
what you want, so I'm sure you weren't intending to limit my right to do
the same.  Were you?

Kathy

______________________
Kathy Brown
kbrown@toolcity.net
<http://www.toolcity.net/~kbrown/>
KathyB on IRC
______________________
=========================================================================
Date:         Sat, 27 Sep 1997 03:36:53 -0400
Reply-To:     "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
Sender:       "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
From:         Julie Mack <Mackteach@AOL.COM>
Subject:      Re: FOR NOW/A slight change

Thank you to all the FoLCs who have commented on my fanfic.
Your comments and encouragement have shown me that these other stories
running around in my head will find a welcome home <G>

One slight change is necessary, though, in FOR NOW.  The little girl should
be about *two* years old.....not four.  I'm slightly embarrassed about this
seeing as I have a four year old and a six year old of my own.  My two were
talking in complete sentences and using *I* by the time they were three.
All
I can say is....duh!

It's not a glaring mistake.  Well, except to those Mommy FoLCs with their
own
little "rugrats".  Thanks.  At least the story stays the same <G>

Thanks again for all the kind words
;) Julie
=========================================================================
Date:         Sat, 27 Sep 1997 05:19:22 -0400
Reply-To:     "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
Sender:       "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
From:         The Zoomway <Zoomway@AOL.COM>
Subject:      Re: "...thinking about whether an individual response is more
              app

>>>This
list is the perfect opportunity for them to bounce ideas off each other,
to read each other's thoughts and feelings on the L&C TV series, and to
have ideas of their own spark as they read the posts by other people>>>

Well, there's things I agree and disagree with in this post. I do agaree
that
this e-mail list is more than just "fanfic". If it were not, then it would
be
rather empty most of the time<g> I would hope with this though, that it
would
be kept on topic. The 'search for Lois Lane' did start out in that vein but
drifted. I responded to Debby's latest post, but responded to it on LOISCLA
where the "drifted" thread is much more in line with LOISCLA's function and
topics. In fairness to Debby though, she posted in one of our "back and
forth" debates about "Keeping the fanfic list alive" and she was right. At
that point in time, there was little traffic of any kind on this list
including fanfic. So little that some subscribers were writing asking if the
list was down.

I apologize for asking subscribers of this list what they like to read in
the
sense of professional, published works. I did not ask for a private e-mail
response because I thought it would be fun for us to find out where we're
alike and where we differ in our taste as far as fiction goes. I honestly
didn't intend to cause an emotional upset for one of the subscribers.
Something similar had been done on LOISCLA "what TV shows do you watch other
than Lois and Clark?" And that thread caused no problem and subscribers
enjoyed participating. It was discovered that fans of L&C are pretty
esoteric
in their taste since many who responded said they watached very little
network television outside of Lois and Clark.

>>>No offense meant, either, but list members can't be responsible for other
list members' e-mail habits<<<

This I agree with given the proviso that we're talking about subscribers
obeying the rules when posting. Through the years running or co-running
LOISCLA there have been attempts by some posters to cow fellow subscribers
into posting only what to their mind is legitimate. This in turn forces me
to
post and remind them that LOISCLA is a dictatorship and I'm the dictator<g>
 On this list Farah is the dictator and what she says goes. I bring up this
point because there was a post made a couple of years ago where a poster
made
a comment that anything other than what she considered important was
"clutter" and so that hurt the feelings of a lot of people who simply had
"fun" with the things she relegated to "clutter" status. They suddenly
became
embarrassed or reluctant to post feeling their contribution would be judged
unimportant.

>>>
If a member of this list is unable to care about himself or herself
enough to tear away from the monitor and get the required Z's, that is
not the list's problem.  That is that person's problem.<<<<<

I think from time to time we're all a bit guilty of giving a bit more time
to
the fandom than we should, but if it does start impacting a person's work
and
personal life then there's a problem. Right now with the new TV season I
don't have nearly as much time to post (stop cheering ;) because I have way
too many clients this time of year. I set aside two hours a day to read
and/or respond to list mail (one hour of it is during lunch ;) and that's
it.
The rest of the day belongs to my work and my family. Fun stuff I had more
time for before the new season started like reading and posting to MBs or
writing fanfic or nfic on the IRC (not to mention just generally goofing
around) have to be curtailed (waaaaaaahhhh! sorry, it was cry of sorrow ;)
It's like Clark said, you have to learn to prioritize<g> I may actually get
a
break on Saturday because my work is nearly caught up...at least till Monday
;)

For the time being, I think we should have a litte patience with each other
and wait for Farah to post whatever rules this listserv has. This list isn't
as broad-based as LOISCLA and realistically shouldn't be. That is topics
like
Dean and Mindy, or Teri's latest movie, soundtracks and on and on wouldn't
have a legitimate place here. However I agree strongly with you that the
list
shouldn't just be fanfic stories. I think it should also be a forum for
discussing fanfic and issues that might impact on fanfic (like copyright
laws) and sharing ideas of fanfic, etc.

>>>f I am wrong, or if I have spoken out of turn, I will accept a
tongue-lashing from  FARAH--and NO ONE ELSE.<<<

Well I don't think I gave you a tongue lashing, but you have to be prepared
for others to offer differing opinions once in a while ;)

zoom
=========================================================================
Date:         Sat, 27 Sep 1997 05:26:55 -0400
Reply-To:     "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
Sender:       "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
From:         The Zoomway <Zoomway@AOL.COM>
Subject:      Re: Zoom's story/ies

In a message dated 97-09-26 21:31:44 EDT, you write:

<< >Zoomie, zoomie, zoomie!  Now that you've tantalised us with part of your
 >story, I think you need to either tell us the names of both the stories
you
 >mention here or repost them both to this list.
 >
 >I don't think I've ever read either of the stories you mention here, and I
 >suspect there are other's who would like to see them (again) too!
  >>

The two stories I spoke of were "If You Can't Beat 'Em" (the one I wrote for
Joe) and the other was "It's About Time"  Another writer asked permission to
write a sequel to the "beat 'em" story because she was so disturbed by Clark
living with Lois intimately as Superman<g>  It was so long ago I don't even
recall the author but I think the title was "Join 'Em".   Any L&C fanfic
I've
written is at my site: http://members.aol.com:/zoomway   I'll work on an
index that will give a synopsis of the stories.....if I get some free time
anytime soon ;)

Zoom
=========================================================================
Date:         Sat, 27 Sep 1997 12:31:56 -0500
Reply-To:     "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
Sender:       "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
From:         Farah Meitzen Chisham <fchisham@INDIANA.EDU>
Subject:      rules will be appearing
Mime-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"

At 05:19 AM 9/27/97 -0400, you wrote:

>For the time being, I think we should have a litte patience with each other
>and wait for Farah to post whatever rules this listserv has. This list
isn't
>as broad-based as LOISCLA and realistically shouldn't be. That is topics
like
>Dean and Mindy, or Teri's latest movie, soundtracks and on and on wouldn't
>have a legitimate place here. However I agree strongly with you that the
list
>shouldn't just be fanfic stories. I think it should also be a forum for
>discussing fanfic and issues that might impact on fanfic (like copyright
>laws) and sharing ideas of fanfic, etc.

>zoom

Hey fellow folcs!

Sorry I have been so lazy on this subject.  I am in the middle of
job finding and quitting my wonderful serving job that I have
at a great resturaunt.

For one, I created this list for fanfic posting, discussing fanfic
or anything else regarding this subject may want to, or for
general information like "the list at trearn is down again".

What's so fun about this list is I haven't noticed anything
that i would consider not being appropriate on this list.
Well, except for something that happened early on ;).

There has been alot of new subscribers recently ..
and welcome to those who have joined in the last
week!  I will write a new welcome message for this list
and will post it on the list.  I have been really busy,
but within the next month, my life should settle down.

So keep writing and don't get frustrated.  New lists
have to have some time to get the kinks out.  GOtta fly!
farah

farah :)
fchisham@indiana.edu
=========================================================================
Date:         Sat, 27 Sep 1997 14:59:37 -0400
Reply-To:     "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
Sender:       "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
From:         Margaret Brignell <brignell@CAPITALNET.COM>
Subject:      Re: Clark Fic
Mime-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"

At 11:18 AM 24/09/97 -0700, Sara Kraft wrote:
>I've read several Clark fics and thoroughly enjoyed them.  In fact, I think
>they were some what of a series by this wonderful lady named Margaret
>Brignell. <g>  I found that I was able to understand the present Clark much
>better with reading his background.  Margaret writes Clark wonderfully, his
>emotions and mannerisms and such.

Why thank you:D

I should point out that if it hadn't been for Debby, the "series" would
never have happened:)  (It all started with a few paragraphs to explain why
Clark wears glasses.  Then Debby asked if I didn't think something exciting
should happen to Clark...and the rest as they say is history<g>)

>Sara Kraft (tmax@azstarnet.com), who can't wait to find some free time in
>which to read TUFS #1 and the new Dawning.

Free time?  What's that?<g>

Margaret
Who'd be a second-stringer for the Weehawkin Gazette without the people who
proof her work;)
******************************
Margaret Brignell
brignell@capitalnet.com
Ottawa, Canada
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
My fanfic now available at:
http://www.capitalnet.com/~brignell/
******************************
=========================================================================
Date:         Sat, 27 Sep 1997 13:59:05 -0500
Reply-To:     "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
Sender:       "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
From:         Adrienne Perez <perezas@XTRABOX.COM>
Subject:      List Expectations was ("...thinking about whether an )i
In-Reply-To:  <19970927.001410.14246.1.jvladdisons@juno.com>
Mime-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"

At 12:00 AM 9/27/97 -0400, you wrote:
> This
>list is the perfect opportunity for them to bounce ideas off each other,
>to read each other's thoughts and feelings on the L&C TV series, and to
>have ideas of their own spark as they read the posts by other people.
>
>If we start saying that the only thing allowed on this list is fanfic,
>and that all other messages should be sent to the individuals, a lot of
>opportunity will be lost for brainstorming.

I missed the first week this list was running but I don't know if there's
been a real discussion of what people expected to get from the list.  It is
also early yet for a specific FAQ.  I didn't write the post that Carol is
apparently responding to...but I could have written something similar.  I
almost did.  Right now I'm taking a wait and see attitude as to what this
list will evolve to be.  What I expected to be able to do was read and
discuss fanfic.  By discussing fanfic I mean talking about specific pieces
or types of fanfic, the process of writing, characterization as it relates
to fanfic, etc..  You know...literary stuff<g>.  I considered the Reading
thread a nice one-shot way for peolpe to come out of lurkdom.

I really hope this list doesn't turn out to be a mini-LOISCLA.  By that I
mean that I don't want to discuss "where the series went wrong", Sightings,
birthday cards, nicknames for abc, etc.  Don't get me wrong, I like like
LOISCLA.  I just don't need two.

A suggestion for slow periods.  Maybe some of the authors would be willing
to repost their old fanfic and put it up for discussion.  Sort of like
reruns or maybe we can call it "Classic Fanfic"?!

>Point #2:

>If a member of this list is unable to care about himself or herself
>enough to tear away from the monitor and get the required Z's, that is
>not the list's problem.  That is that person's problem.

You're right.  But as others have suggested many of us hope that other list
members practice some self restraint in their posts. Such as:

Kathy wrote:
>Combo posts, signal to noise ratio (i.e. "does everyone need to see
>this?"), not quoting someone's entire message in your response, keeping sig
>files short, no "me too" messages ... the list goes on.

My personal pet peeve is when a tread has gone on for a looonnngg time and
is essentially just a debate between two people.

>If I am wrong, or if I have spoken out of turn, I will accept a
>tongue-lashing from  FARAH--and NO ONE ELSE.
>
>Sincerely,
>
>Carol A.
>

Carol,  if you insist on posting what are private issues with other list
members to a public forum...then IMO you have to be prepared to receive a
public repsonse.

Adrienne
perezas@xtrabox.com
=========================================================================
Date:         Sat, 27 Sep 1997 16:34:11 -0400
Reply-To:     "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
Sender:       "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
From:         Jeanne Pare <Jea111nne@AOL.COM>
Subject:      Reading

At 1:12 AM -0400 9/22/97, The Zoomway wrote:

> I think that's what I'd be
>interested in hearing on the fanfic list. What do the readers and writers
>read when they get an honest-to-goodness published novel?
> Anyway, I'd really be interested in favorite novels, authors, genres, etc.

Well, I know I'm responding to this a little late.  I am just today catching
up on my email.  First, my 'puter was down for a few days. I had to go to
court with my daughter Wed. night (She slipped and fell 35 feet down a 70
foot precipice  in August-The Palisades- breaking her collar bone and some
ribs.  The police officer gave her a ticket for climbing (which she
wasn't-It
was 20 feet from a picnic table-no signs-we should sue, but I'm not that
way).  The judge thought this was very funny because in all his years as
judge he had a case like this...Anyway, a good laugh for the judge...a
wasted
night for us).  Thurs, night was "Back to School Night."

When I was a child I would read all the Superman comics.  I also loved Zorro
and Robin Hood.  The first novel I remember loving was Gone With the Wind
which I read when I was 13.  That started my joy of reading.  I was very
much
into SF during my teens, reading authors whose names I have long forgotten.
 I remember particularly being entranced with The Lord of the Rings trilogy,
but there were many others.  During this time period I also read many of the
classics (usually required reading).  I especially liked Dickens, Cervantes
(Don Quijote), and Edgar Allen Poe (I read the complete works..almost..even
his essays).

During my adult life I have always liked to read mysteries and historical
fiction.  I guess I have read every Agatha Christie available  ( I tend to
enjoy a certain author and read everything I can get my hands on written by
that person).  I also read a great deal of Taylor Caldwell, Tony Hillerman,
and Michael Crichton.  One of my present favorites is Lillian Jackson Baun
(The Cat Who...) probably because it combines my love of murder mysteries
with my love for my cats (I have 3 Tonkinese, a hybrid of Siamese).  I was
engrossed in Jean Auel's series on The Cave Bear, etc.  I find her work
fascinating, and I can't wait for her to come out with another book.

These days (I'm in my third computer year :),  I seem to read more
non-fiction than fiction.  If I get interested in an area I will search for
information until it becomes exhausted.  I love libraries and information
books.  Over the years I have read up on nutrition, linguistics,  historical
things that catch my fancy such as Andersonville (My great grandfather was a
Civil War POW), and trivia.  Presently, I seem to have my nose into computer
manuals, and recently, grammar books <g>(a few of you will get this joke) .
 The computer creates a whole plethora of endless information.  It is both
overwhelming and exciting.  L&C fanfic seems to be my main area for pleasure
reading nowadays.  I sometimes think I should make myself read some of the
classics instead, but in this life filled with stress it is so relaxing to
just read something I really enjoy.  Besides I love the interchange of ideas
and discussions that we have on the internet, something you can't get with a
book unless you belong to a book group or are taking a course.

Jeanne Pare
=========================================================================
Date:         Sat, 27 Sep 1997 17:35:32 -0400
Reply-To:     "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
Sender:       "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
Comments:     RFC822 error: <W> Incorrect or incomplete address field found
and
              ignored.
From:         Pam Jernigan <jernigan@COMPUSERVE.COM>
Subject:      "...thinking about whether an individual response is more a
MIME-Version: 1.0
Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1

I've been thinking about this myself...

Yes, we've maybe been *way* off-topic in talking about our favorite
authors (although I've found it very interesting and even useful <g>)  (a=
nd
the thread was quickly retitled to "Reading").  And I agree that you shou=
ld
take a second to think whether what you have to say needs to be seen by
everyone.  However, when I heard about this list, I was told it would be
for both the distribution and *discussion* of fanfic, which is why I
joined... if all you want is fanfic, you can always just go to Lauren's w=
eb
front end to the archive.  I can really sympathise with having too much
e-mail to read (that why I have chosen *not* to subscribe to LOISCLA), bu=
t,
well... just delete the posts that don't say "fanfic" in the subject line=
,
maybe.

>> If a member of this list is unable to care about himself or herself
enough to tear away from the monitor and get the required Z's, that is
not the list's problem.  That is that person's problem. <<

Well, I wasn't going to be quite that blunt <g> but I agree.

PJ

!^NavFont02F034F0015MGHHI7DMI7FHJcMJeHJ51DF6A
=========================================================================
Date:         Sat, 27 Sep 1997 23:26:56 +1000
Reply-To:     "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
Sender:       "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
From:         Rochelle Harrison <folc@MAILBOX.UQ.EDU.AU>
Subject:      Re: TAN: "...thinking about whether an individual response is
              more appropriate...."
In-Reply-To:  <l03010d04b052408d1252@[208.11.233.82]>
Mime-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"

Carole wrote:

>If we start saying that the only thing allowed on this list is fanfic,
>and that all other messages should be sent to the individuals, a lot of
>opportunity will be lost for brainstorming.  As ALL of my writers'
>workshop professors said, "You get ideas from the darnedest places--IF
>your mind is OPEN to them."

I definitely agree here. It's tremendous fun being able to discuss the
latest fanfiction you've read with other folcs.  It's also nice for some
folcs to have a forum in which to put forward any fanfic ideas they've had
if they don't have time to write the story themselves. Writing fanfic is
very time consuming so if all we were to post was the stories themselves,
then the list wouldn't be very active, well at least not at the moment I
don't think.

I still have all the fanfics saved to read but I have read Zoom's fic and I
must say I grinned because it seemed like a culmination of lots of things
we've wanted to see in the show and I liked that.

The ideas are limitless...

Rochelle
folc@mailbox.uq.edu.au
=========================================================================
Date:         Sat, 27 Sep 1997 23:32:31 +1000
Reply-To:     "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
Sender:       "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
From:         Rochelle Harrison <folc@MAILBOX.UQ.EDU.AU>
Subject:      Re: whoa! check this out....
In-Reply-To:  <970926185613_23050374@emout03.mail.aol.com>
Mime-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"

Julie noticed:

>>>...Dean *is* blisfully happy......<<
>>>...Mindy *seems* very happy....<<

>Ah, semantics! A wonderful thing.....

Hehe. Now I wonder if the writer would change the phrase if it was brought
to her attention? Ie, perhaps she didn't realise it would be analysed and
didn't choose her words that carefully. <bg>! :)

Rochelle
folc@mailbox.uq.edu.au
=========================================================================
Date:         Sat, 27 Sep 1997 20:08:27 -0600
Reply-To:     "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
Sender:       "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
From:         Debby Stark <debby@SWCP.COM>
Subject:      Re: "...thinking about whether an individual response is more
app
Mime-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"

At 05:19 AM 9/27/97 -0400, Zoom wrote:

>...In fairness to Debby though, she posted in one of our "back and
>forth" debates about "Keeping the fanfic list alive" and she was right. At
>that point in time, there was little traffic of any kind on this list
>including fanfic. So little that some subscribers were writing asking if
the
>list was down.

Whew! :) Further in my own defense... ;) I think it's probably okay to talk
about characters and the way they were developed on the show, but more how
they can be developed in fanfic.

          (I hear you saying, huh?)

Okay, on the other list, we might discuss "Lois did this and Clark did
that",
but on this list, it could be turned to "*since* Lois did this and Clark did
that,
would it be feasible for either of them to..." This might be particularly
useful
when it comes to the second-teir characters in the show (Jimmy, Perry and
the
Kents), and those seen even less often. I can see this happening on the list
because it would possibly assist all fanfic writers.

This might also go for situations and potential plots, particularly for
those
who think they can't write. They can use this list to present the idea.
("I'd
like to see a story where in...")

I'm reminded of other things that might be discussed off list: I'm currently
watching the Pilot as I tape it for a friend and Jonathan is saying,
paraphrasing, "Remember when you were young and we watched the moon
landing?" That happened
in 1968. CK would have been a mere tot on his father's knee and it would
have
been quite early in the morning, if I recall correctly (I was, um, 16 or
17).
Somebody might want to write up this little scenario (what he family looked
like,
how CK reacted, etc), but maybe that writer is too young to recall what was
really going on then, all the history, the feeling of the time, etc.

This list is the perfect venue--for an advertisement. The writer could
advertise
for ideas and people who wanted to help could send the ideas to her/him, and
help
them out.

Debby
Debby@swcp.com
There was a bomb.
He... he... he ate it.
=========================================================================
Date:         Sun, 28 Sep 1997 00:14:04 -0500
Reply-To:     "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
Sender:       "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
From:         Farah Meitzen Chisham <fchisham@INDIANA.EDU>
Subject:      Re: List Expectations was
Mime-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"

>>If I am wrong, or if I have spoken out of turn, I will accept a
>>tongue-lashing from  FARAH--and NO ONE ELSE.
>>
>>Sincerely,
>>
>>Carol A.
>>
>
>Carol,  if you insist on posting what are private issues with other list
>members to a public forum...then IMO you have to be prepared to receive a
>public repsonse.
>
>Adrienne
>perezas@xtrabox.com

I think what she meant was just a silly, funny jab at me.  We had
something come up regarding what is appropriate for this list
in the first few working days of this list BD (before digest
was enabled :). Is this right, Carol? :)

farah :)
fchisham@indiana.edu
=========================================================================
Date:         Sun, 28 Sep 1997 00:17:13 -0500
Reply-To:     "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
Sender:       "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
From:         Farah Meitzen Chisham <fchisham@INDIANA.EDU>
Subject:      help.. season 5
Mime-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"

>From: MDS9812@aol.com
>Date: Sat, 27 Sep 1997 23:17:39 -0400 (EDT)
>To: fchisham@indiana.edu
>Subject: Season 5
>
>Dear Farah,
>Hi!!!! I would really appreciate it if you gave me info on what I need to
>subscribe to Season 5. Thanks Very Much!!!!
>Michelle~
>

Does anyone have any information regarding Season 5?
There must be some kind of list that is sending out
Season 5 fanfic of some sort?  Can anyone help her
out?

farah :)
fchisham@indiana.edu
=========================================================================
Date:         Sun, 28 Sep 1997 00:32:41 -0400
Reply-To:     "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
Sender:       "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
From:         "Ethel \"Terri\" Addison" <jvladdisons@JUNO.COM>
Subject:      Re: Ideas (Lois's hypothetical reaction to Clark's
hypothetical
              cheating on her)

On Thu, 25 Sep 1997 00:00:24 -0500 Automatic digest processor
<LISTSERV@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU> writes:

>Date:    Wed, 24 Sep 1997 03:40:48 -0400
>From:    The Zoomway <Zoomway@AOL.COM>
>Subject: Re: Ideas
>
>In a message dated 97-09-23 17:39:27 EDT, NightSky@EROLS.COM writes:
>
><< Divorce, cheating, death -- they would all put our favorite
characters under a lot of stress, and different aspects of their
characters. >>

Yes, the kind of stress the characters of my mother's soap operas go
through on a regular basis....Next, we'll be suggesting that Lois gets
possessed by a demon (no, I did not say a ghost with an inferiority
complex) and Clark finding out that he was an ordained Catholic priest
before the evil Stefano DiMera kidnapped him and tortured and brainwashed
him into thinking he was Roman Brady....SHEESH.
>
>Rarer still among the "cheating" stories is the character not being able
to
>get over it, get past it. Inevitably forgiveness follows the
"gut-wrenching"
>agony. If Clark cheated on Lois, I would expect Lois to try, but fail at
ever
>truly getting over the betrayal.

Of COURSE Lois would have trouble getting over it.  From what I've seen
of Lois's character and what I've heard of her past life, I think if she
found out Clark had cheated on her, she would go off the deep end.

Think about it:  She was just starting to let herself fall in love with
Lex Luthor when she found out he was a horrible crook and that he'd been
hiding all sorts of terrible things from her.  She found out later that
one of her past boyfriends was a druid and was planning to use her as a
sacrifice.  And then there are those magical words:  Dear Old Dad.  There
are more cases, but I can't remember them all.

AND:  Think about how bolistic she went when Clark hurt her by breaking
off the engagement to "protect" her from harm.

Lois has devoted herself to the belief that Clark is "the last good man."
 She holds that to be true, and if he ever did anything--such as cheating
on her--to prove her belief to be false, that would be the last
heartbreak Lois could take.  It would send her over the edge, I think.

Lois likes to put up a tough front, but she has always impressed me as a
very vulnerable, easily crumbled shell.  She's been hurt too many times
in her life.  Clark was her lifeline when she was drowning in a sea of
confusion.

>Since cheating in general goes completely
>against everything we've seen established for Clark's character.

EXACTLY!  Never happen!

(snip)

>It's the ultimate betrayal and in a manner is a humilation to
>the person who is cheated on (was she prettier, was she sexier, was she
>better in bed).

We saw these feelings come out in "The Heir" series, did we not?  That's
why that piece of fanfic was so effective.  It held the reader because it
dealt with ALL the feelings that REAL people in similar situations would
have gone through--not just with the cheating thing, but also with the
post-war emotional stress.

>For me L&C are special, and the problems they face aren't the problems
>everyone else faces. They have to work ten times as hard just to make
some
>semblance of a relationship work, and for that reason alone they're more
>admirable to me and more "gut wrenching" moments can be achieved with
>them simply trying to make something work that nobody in the history of
the
>world has had to try and make work.

Yes!  And we watch them because we WANT to see a couple that's making it
work in this age of dime-a-dozen divorces and broken families leading to
more broken families.  They are there for the same reason romance novels
are.  We all want to believe that somewhere out there, we can find that
special someone and have an all-consuming love that keeps us going
through even the toughest times.  We need to have that fantasy to strive
for.  Lois and Clark--the characters--give us a model relationship in
which fights are as good as the romance, if for no other reason than the
fact that they get things out in the open that otherwise wouldn't have
been touched upon.

It would be completely out of character for one or both of these
characters to cheat.  Now, in "The Heir" series, Clark's actions were
believable because he was constantly kicking himself for them and
resisting the suggestions of his "counsel" at first.  THAT's how Clark
would behave if someone asked him to do ANYTHING he felt was a betrayal
of Lois.  He'd resist it with all his might.  He'd DIE before he'd see
her hurt.  And she loves him just as much.

>I'm not saying that devices or cliches
>like cheating or death of a character being used to elicit hand-wringing

>angst can't be good.  (snip)  As for a story with great impact without
having to >go the route of cheating or death in order to create a
situation that tests the >characters, there was Sheila Harper's "A Shot
in the Dark" which I thought was >excellent and challenged Lois and Clark
even in a sexual sense (Lois had been >paralysed by a gunshot wound) So I
think for me something that challenges >them while still keeping them in
character works a lot better.

I agree.  "A Shot in the Dark" was another piece that I felt worked well.
 It worked on Lois's fragile sense of security, but from a very different
angle.  The story was told with compassion and frankness, but it
accomplished all that while staying true to our characters--a tough thing
to do.

I think a good angst story would be one dealing with Lois and Clark's
incompatibility as far as reproduction is concerned.  I wrote a very
angry nfanfic and showed it to Debby Stark.  I, apparently, am unable to
stay true to the characters when writing angst.  I knew it before Deb
gave me her comments;  she just affirmed what I'd already decided.  As I
said, it's tough to do.

>>>>There's been very little fanfic written about one of the more
interesting
>parts of the legend to me -- Superman's refusal to kill.  How high a
price
>will he pay the keep his hands clean, what would push him accross that
>line?  How would he react after he killed someone, and how would Lois
>react?  Would she blame him, comfort him, try to justify it in his
eyes?<<<<

I would like to see this dealt with, as well.  I realize it's another
difficult thing to confront.  I've often imagined Clark coming home from
a natural disaster to be comforted by Lois after being unable to save all
the people.  I don't think I could write about him actually maliciously
killing someone, though--partially because I have no idea what it feels
like to be that angry.  I think it would take an awful lot for me to do
that.  Heck, I can't even hit a pillow!

(SNEE-IP!)
>
>I think everyone has their own "motive" for certain story lines.

We all have to keep this in mind.  It takes a lot of guts to show your
work to any other person.  It's like walking out onto the stage for the
first time to play your first solo.  Constructive criticism is great, but
remember that these people are timidly sticking their necks out when they
share their work with you, and if you're too rough on them, you'll never
see their work again.
>
>>>>>Stories that *end* with the divorce are the depressing ones.
>Although occasionally, as with Rhett and Scarlett, one can only say
"it's
>about time!" when the marriage *finally* breaks up.<<<
>
>With Rhett and Scarlet (as with a lot of romance of that genre and era)
it is
>almost a done deal from opening to close that their "love" (if it can be
>called that) is doomed. With Lois and Clark, their destiny lies in
another
>direction, at least for me, or they become just one more star-crossed
set of
>lovers like Vincent and Catherine, Heathcliff and Cathy (wow, it might
work
>if it were titled Cathy and Clark ;) where the angst flows like cheap
gin at
>the Ace o' Clubs<g> It's not that I have anything against melodrama or
gothic
>"doomed" romance, but sometimes they are so unrelenting that you'd
>personally volunteer to kill them both just to have it over with.   I
don't like
>soap operas, and they tend to have cheating and death angst all the
>time....oh...and amnesia<g>

My sister was really into the Christopher Reeve Superman (she was a
sucker for his blue eyes and sparkling smile), so last time she was here
from Seattle, I had her sit and watch Lois & Clark with me.  She lasted
about two minutes.  I had told her it was a very cute show with a lot of
campiness.  Unfortunately, it was at the "Lois is an amnesiac," point of
the series.  My sister walked away in disgust, saying, "It's a dumb soap
opera!"

Perhaps, in some parts of the series, this is true--okay, it's
undisputed.  However, there were things you'd NEVER hear on a soap opera,
such as the Perry White/Jimmy Olson exchange about being "supporting
characters on some TV show that's all about them."  THAT was GREAT!
That's the kind of stuff that I really enjoyed.  And the one time they
showed that Cat could actually be vulnerable!  That impressed the
daylights out of me!  (When she protested Lois refusing to admit that she
was scared because Lois had the perfect life and Cat needed to see her
vulnerable for just one second.)

Well, that pretty much does it for the comments I promised you.  Hope I
didn't offend or bore anyone.  All IMHO, of course!

Write on!

Carol A.
~*~
=========================================================================
Date:         Sun, 28 Sep 1997 06:51:36 -0400
Reply-To:     "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
Sender:       "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
From:         No Name Available <Larus2407@AOL.COM>
Subject:      Re: "...thinking about whether an individual response is more

In a message dated 97-09-27 05:19:50 EDT, Zoomway writes:

<<  This list isn't
 as broad-based as LOISCLA and realistically shouldn't be. That is topics
like
 Dean and Mindy, or Teri's latest movie, soundtracks and on and on wouldn't
 have a legitimate place here. However I agree strongly with you that the
list
 shouldn't just be fanfic stories. I think it should also be a forum for
 discussing fanfic and issues that might impact on fanfic (like copyright
 laws) and sharing ideas of fanfic, etc. >>

Thanks, Zoomie. You said what I meant to say but was too tired and
frustrated
to put well. I would very much like the two lists to be different. As I told
both Zoomie and Kathy B privately, I didn't subscribe to LOISCLA on purpose
due to the volume over there. I was really hoping this would be more
focussed.

Oops, gotta run. I'm late again. Is this what happens when you get old? <g>

--Laurie
=========================================================================
Date:         Sun, 28 Sep 1997 08:22:54 -0400
Reply-To:     "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
Sender:       "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
From:         "Georgia E. Walden" <GWalden@AOL.COM>
Subject:      SIGHTING: John Shea
Comments: To: LOISCLA@vm.ege.edu.tr

I don't usually do these, but since Lex has been on our minds lately...<g>

AMC (American Movie Classics) cable channel is showing a movie called "Magic
Moments" (1989) this Sunday afternoon at 4:05 p.m. Eastern time.  John Shea
is the romantic lead, which is not his usual kind of role.  He plays a David
Copperfield-type magician in a story based on a romance novel by Nora
Roberts.  As those of us who read the genre know,  it doesn't translate well
to the screen, and this one is no exception, even though Roberts is one of
the best in the field.  For Shea fans, it's a nice opportunity to see him in
action.  If you miss it, don't worry - AMC repeats their movies often.

Georgia
=========================================================================
Date:         Sun, 28 Sep 1997 09:47:05 -0600
Reply-To:     "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
Sender:       "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
From:         Alyssa Mondelli <agmondelli@STTHOMAS.EDU>
Subject:      Re: help.. season 5
In-Reply-To:  <2.2.32.19970928051713.0068c918@copper.ucs.indiana.edu>
MIME-version: 1.0
Content-type: TEXT/PLAIN; charset=US-ASCII

> >Dear Farah,
> >Hi!!!! I would really appreciate it if you gave me info on what I need to
> >subscribe to Season 5. Thanks Very Much!!!!
> >Michelle~
>
> Does anyone have any information regarding Season 5?
> There must be some kind of list that is sending out
> Season 5 fanfic of some sort?  Can anyone help her
> out?

Actually, we're planning to send out the Season 5 episodes through *this*
list. They'll also be available in HTML and plaintext at the Season 5 web
page (the URL below will get you there). Episode #1, "Back to the Future",
should be up around 5:30 PM CST.

I don't know what the other Season 5s are doing, but there are links to
their pages on ours, so you can investigate on your own.

== Alyssa in St. Paul == (agmondelli@stthomas.edu)
http://www.fortunecity.com/tattooine/mothership/60/index.htm
Web-hostess, Season 5 - coming to a monitor near you September 28th
=========================================================================
Date:         Sun, 28 Sep 1997 11:53:17 -0700
Reply-To:     "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
Sender:       "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
From:         The Krafts <tmax@AZSTARNET.COM>
Subject:      Re: help.. season 5
Mime-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"

>Does anyone have any information regarding Season 5?
>There must be some kind of list that is sending out
>Season 5 fanfic of some sort?  Can anyone help her
>out?

The Krypton Club is sponsoring TUFS (The Unaired Fifth Season).  They are
currently sending it out on the same list as the newsletter.  You can
subscribe by writing Craig Bryne at KryptonFX@aol.com.  Or there is the TUFS
website at <http://members.aol.com/thenando/tufs.htm>.

Sara
=========================================================================
Date:         Sun, 28 Sep 1997 15:22:15 -0400
Reply-To:     "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
Sender:       "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
From:         Barbara Garonzik <Bsg2351@AOL.COM>
Subject:      Re: SIGHTING: John Shea

In a message dated 97-09-28 08:23:13 EDT, GWalden@AOL.COM writes:

<< AMC (American Movie Classics) cable channel is showing a movie called
"Magic
 Moments" (1989) this Sunday afternoon at 4:05 p.m. Eastern time.  >>

Actually, I think it's Romance Movie Classics.

Barb
=========================================================================
Date:         Sun, 28 Sep 1997 17:06:29 -0700
Reply-To:     "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
Sender:       "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
From:         Leanne Shawler <volterra@ZNET.COM>
Subject:      S5: Prelim to Episode One
Mime-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"

Hi all!

To follow is five parts (of five) of Episode One of Season 5, called "Back
to the Future". Now as this is the first time I've done this, I'd
appreciate any comments, etc.

If you'd like to review this ep -- go right ahead! We're setting up a
review section on our website (where you can read this ep right now)

Coming soon, a promo for ep 2!

Leanne

Leanne Shawler
aka Volterra on IRC
volterra@sd.znet.com
http://www.znet.com/~volterra/leanne.html
***********************************************************************
Lois and Clark Season 5 Fanfic:
        http://www.fortunecity.com/tattooine/mothership/60/season5.htm
***********************************************************************
Midnight Dreaming: The Original Anthony Warlow Home Page:
        http://www.zweb.com/volterra/anthony.html
***********************************************************************
=========================================================================
Date:         Sun, 28 Sep 1997 17:06:38 -0700
Reply-To:     "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
Sender:       "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
From:         "Leanne Shawler (by way of Leanne Shawler)"
<volterra@ZNET.COM>
Subject:      S5: Episode One (part 1 of 5)
Mime-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"

This story continues the legacy created by Deborah Joy Levine and all of
the wonderful writers of Lois and Clark, The New Adventures of Superman.
For four fun-filled seasons, we laughed, we cried, and we even screamed and
threw things at the TV screen.  But mostly, we fell in love along with Lois
Lane and Clark Kent.

Few TV series have captured the hearts and imaginations of its audience
quite like Lois and Clark.  As testament to its ability to completely
enthrall its audience, the fans of L&C have been unable to let the series
end.    Season 5, coordinated by Leanne Shawler and written by a group of
fanfic writers and editors, hopes to continue this tradition for the fans.

This is the first episode in a 22 episode "virtual season" picking up
where the series left off.   We've borrowed Eugenie Ross Lemming and Brad
Buckner's final scene to set the stage, and acknowledge that all rights to
this scene and these characters belong to Warner Bros., ABC, TNT, December
3rd Prod., DC Comics, and any other owning entity.  We borrow them purely
for fun and the enjoyment of the reader.

Finally, to the actors, the writers and the producers of Lois and Clark,
we thank you for four wonderful years!

******

Back to the Future

Season 5, Episode One

by Barbara  (Bml44@aol.com)

(with plotting assistance from Peace)

(edited by Diane Levitan)

Metropolis, June 15, 1997  1:00am

        Lois and Clark had hoped that once they were married, settled into
their new brownstone, "putting down roots" as Clark had called it, they
would finally be able to have a normal life.  They would start a family,
get involved in the PTA and Little League - just be 'Joe and Judy Regular'.
But normal for Lois and Clark also meant continuing to be the Daily
Planet's best news investigative team, which kept them tracking down leads
at all hours of the day and night, and getting them caught up in the
schemes of some of the world's most nefarious criminals.  And, of course,
normal meant keeping Clark's true identity a secret from the rest of the
world.  Then there was the question of whether they would be *able* to
conceive a child.  Okay, so normal was a relative term.

        At least they could do something about determining whether or not
they could conceive a child.  They had Dr. Klein running some tests and had
even looked into what was involved in the adoption process.  It all seemed
like a logical plan.  A logical next step to a normal life.  So why did
everything seem to be unraveling?

It all started with their latest story.  They had been investigating a
string of mysterious deaths which led them to Klaus Mensa, a convicted con
artist recently released from prison.  Mensa was obsessed with developing
his mind into the ultimate weapon and using it to control the people and
objects around him.  He was set on getting revenge on those he thought had
double crossed him, and of course, one of those people just happened to be
the business partner of Lois' father, Sam Lane.

        Sam Lane, the eternal dreamer, was working on the latest in his
series of *medical* miracles.  After the success of "Abs in a Bottle," he
was now working on "Breasts in a Bottle," destined to go down in
infomercial history.  Then there was the "Bummer-Be-Gone," which would
strip the wearer of unpleasant memories.  But, by far, the greatest miracle
Sam had been working on was his reconciliation with Lois' mother, Ellen,
and his relationship with his two daughters.

        It was this reconciliation that helped Lois and Clark take a
gigantic step when Dr. Klein's research determined they could not conceive
a child.  They decided to have Sam review Dr. Klein's test results in the
hopes that he could find yet another miracle.  As luck would have it, this
only resulted in both Lois and Clark's parents being held as hostages and
both of the Lanes finding out Clark's true identity.  It had all turned out
all right; their parents were rescued unharmed and Sam's "Bummer-Be-Gone"
had even managed to rid them of any unpleasant memories in the process.

        So, while relieved that their parents were safely tucked away in
their guest rooms, Lois and Clark were seemingly back where they had
started.  Back to wanting a normal life and no closer to being able to have
one.  As they lay in their bed that night, they tried to sort out the
madness of the whole adventure.

        "Well," Lois sighed, "My parents are back to normal.  Clueless that
their son-in-law moonlights in tights."

        Clark chuckled.  "I guess knowing I'm Superman brought them nothing
but unpleasantness.  So now that memory is gone."

        "Mmm.  I don't think Mom remembers being mad at Daddy, either."

        "Mmm," Clark grinned, "Apparently not, because I caught them
kissing on the terrace."

        Lois let out the breath she had been holding.  "Oh, Clark, I'm
sorry."

        "For what?"

        "I'm sorry that Daddy can't find anything wrong with Star Labs'
data.  He doesn't think we'll be able to have kids."

        "Honey, I have not, for one second, doubted in us.  We live the
impossible.  Now, a child is something brought about by love, isn't it?"
He paused, searching her eyes for understanding.  "Well then that, above
all else, has got to be possible for us."

        Lois held his gaze, lifting her head from his shoulder to thank
him, once again comforted by his incredible faith in love.  Looking into
his eyes, she could see that all-too-familiar look.  The look that meant he
was going to be called away from her.  "What?  What are you hearing?"

        "I'm not sure."  Looking around the room, as if to gain a better
understanding, he sat up, looking a bit confused.  "I can't actually
*believe* what it sounds like."

        Clark climbed out of bed and began to head downstairs.  Lois
followed closely behind, anxious to see what had Clark so bewildered.  As
they entered the living room, they saw a light coming from the dining room,
a light they both remembered turning off before going upstairs.
Cautiously, Clark slid the pocket doors open and walked towards the
bassinet that was sitting just inside.  They were both stunned to find a
baby, wrapped in Clark's S-shielded baby blanket, lying inside the
bassinet.

        Noticing a small note left with the baby, Clark picked it up and
began reading it aloud.  "Lois and Clark, this child belongs to you."

        Overwhelmed with emotion, Lois reached down to pick up the infant,
afraid to believe that the child could truly belong to them.

        Hearing their parents coming down the stairs, Clark quickly turned
to try to make some explanation of what had just happened.

        "Son," Jonathan called, "Is everything all right?"

        "Everyone okay?" Sam asked.

        "We saw the lights," Martha added, moving towards the dining room.

        "Lois," Ellen called.

        Clark emerged from the dining room, suddenly unsure of just what to
say.

        "Uh...uh...yeah...uh...everyone, everything is absolutely fine.
Uh, Mom and Dad and...uh...Mom and Dad...  Uh...we have something to tell
you."

        Slowly, from behind Clark, Lois emerged holding a baby.  Not quite
knowing what to say, Clark simply grinned, presenting the child to the now
stunned *grandparents*.

Metropolis, April 2, 2079  8:00pm

        "Ah, what a beautiful evening."  Passing up her usual wait at the
bus stop in favor of an early spring stroll, Eva leisurely made her way
through the now emptying streets of Metropolis.  She lived only 15 blocks
from campus, but she usually found it more convenient to make use of the
city's public transportation than to try to carry an overloaded bag of
evening work.  She had decided to stay late tonight to finish up, opting
for a quiet evening at home curled up with her latest mystery novel.  With
her work now left neatly on her desk until morning, she pushed her hands
deeper into her coat pockets and headed for the park.  "Might as well take
the long way home and enjoy the walk by the river."

        From where he was standing in the shadows of the alley, he could
just make out her last words, thanking the gods for his good fortune.
Taking a quick glance around to check for passersby, he quietly followed
her into the park.

        Lost in thought, Eva stopped and watched the moon as it danced
across the water.  It had been a long couple of weeks at work.  Her
department had just been awarded an enormous research project with quite a
substantial grant.  The project was going to be a great benefit to the
university and had been sought after by all of the staff archivists.  She
was honored to have been chosen to coordinate the project with Lori.  But
then, who wouldn't be honored to work on a research project about Superman.

        Superman had done so much for Metropolis and the world in the past
80 years.  She had heard all of the stories about his many rescues, peace
missions and scientific discoveries over the years; but since getting into
the project, she was truly amazed at just how much he had been able to
accomplish.

        Looking around, she realized she was walking through an example of
Superman's efforts.  Twenty years ago, the harbor area was filled with
run-down row houses used by drug dealers and rat infested warehouses used
by Intergang.   Spearheading a campaign of urban renewal, Superman cleaned
up Intergang and the drug dealers while the city planners cleaned up the
harbor.  The neighborhood was now filled with vintage brownstones,
apartment buildings, storefronts and even a city park.

        Even more amazing than Superman's efforts to change Metropolis,
were his efforts to assist the world in peace.  With the world moving and
changing so rapidly since his emergence in the late 20th century, Superman
dedicated himself to assisting emerging nations in their struggle for
freedom.  He was instrumental in helping the former Republic of China
become a nation of independent democratic countries and had just returned
from helping celebrate the fifth anniversary of  peace in the holy lands.

        Turning back and looking out across the water, Eva couldn't help a
small grin.  As exciting as it was to work on a project about Superman, she
had to admit that she was more excited about being able to work so closely
again with her best friend, Lori.

        Lori had started at the university about a week after Eva.  They
had quickly formed a friendship, bonding together in their attempt to get
used to their new surroundings.  Lori was from a small town and adapting to
life in a big city, and Eva had just returned to Metropolis after finishing
up at her parents' alma mater in the south.  Eva had always found it best
to keep people at arm's length, but Lori was the type that would just sneak
up on you.  Before you knew it, you had told her your life story.  She had
rediscovered the city while introducing it to Lori and had rediscovered
herself through their many late night chats.  It felt good to have a best
friend again.  It felt good to fit in again.

        Lori had always amazed her; she approached life so completely
differently, embracing and reveling in its many joys and pleasantries.  No
matter where they went, people seem to brighten in her presence.  Eva had
always marveled at this and had tried desperately to figure out just what
it was that made people respond this way.  She finally decided that it was
just impossible to stay gloomy with someone so cheerful around.   Somehow,
that energy just seemed to rub off on you.  Maybe it was something in that
water they drank in that speck of a town she was from.   Maybe she was just
terminally happy.  Whatever the source, Eva was glad it seemed to be
contagious, because she hadn't felt so alive in years.

        Thinking back on those first few months, she remembered watching
her best friend fall in love.  Lori had been rushing through the halls of
the history department to deliver some papers to the dean.  As she rounded
a corner, she literally ran into a young professor on his way to class.
After hastily trying to sort out their papers, they hurried on their way.
Even in her embarrassment, Lori managed to tuck one of his papers in her
folder in hopes of meeting him again.  He was all she could talk about for
the next few days.  After finally getting up the nerve to call him, they
met for coffee and had been inseparable ever since.  They were married
after a brief courtship and had just had their first child.  She would be
returning to work in just a few days after her pregnancy leave.

        "That's what I've forgotten," her mind now back from its reverie.
"I've got to get things going on her welcome back party.  It's going to be
so great having her back!"  Smiling to herself, her thoughts now on
decorations and hors d'oeuvres, she set off down the path towards home,
still unaware of the figure in the shadows.

Metropolis, June 15, 1997  1:15am

        Since there had not been time to discuss how they were going to
explain the baby, all Lois and Clark could do was look at one another and
hope that one of them would be inspired.  Thankfully for Clark, Lois seemed
to have formed a plan.  He just hoped that even Superman would be able to
survive this particular parting of the seas.

        "Isn't he adorable?" Lois grinned, holding the baby up for
inspection.

        Finally coming back to her senses, Martha dared to ask what was
foremost on all their minds.  "Honey, where did he come from?"

        "Well," Lois paused, "I'm not sure.  We just found him with a note
saying that he belonged to us."

        "Someone just left a...a baby...on your doorstep?" Ellen stammered.

        Thankful for an easy out, Lois and Clark quickly agreed.  "Yes,"
they said in unison.

        Martha moved towards Lois for a better look at the baby, tears
welling up in her eyes.  "Who could do such a thing?"

        "I don't know, Martha.  I guess that's something Clark and I will
have to figure out."

        Looking down into his big brown eyes, Martha could see the baby
struggle to keep them open.  "It looks like whatever he's been through has
worn him out.  Why don't we put him to bed and get some rest ourselves.  We
can try to figure this out in the morning."

        "That sounds like a great idea, Mom."  Turning to Lois, Clark
continued, using facial expressions to convey what his words could not.
"Honey, why don't you guys take the baby up to our room and I'll bring up
the bassinet."

        Understanding that he needed to hide a certain blanket and note,
Lois tried to corral the parents towards the stairs.  "Okay, Clark.  Daddy,
could you and Mom take a quick look at the baby, just to make sure he's all
right?"

        "Of course, princess," Sam answered.  "There's no telling what he's
been through."

        "I'll get your bag, Sam," Ellen added.

        As they all began climbing the stairs, Clark ducked back into the
dining room and quickly lifted the blanket.  Looking around the room for a
safe place to deposit it, he saw his Dad walk through the door.

        "Okay, son, they've gone upstairs.  What's the real story."

        Relieved to be able to quit pretending, Clark let out a long
breath.  "I don't know Dad.  I heard a baby whimper and we came down and
found *him*.  He was wrapped in this," Clark finished, holding up the
blanket to reveal the familiar crest.

        "What else did the note say?"

        "Nothing."  Turning around to pick it up, Clark lowered his glasses
to give it a better look.  "Wait a minute, there is something here at the
bottom."  Taking another glance, he could just make out the indentation of
writing.  "It's signed, H.G. Wells.  He must have used some kind of ink
that would disappear, knowing I'd still be able to see it."

        "Well, at least that explains a little more..."

        "I guess.  I was just worried that someone else knew about me.  I
wonder where he got the blanket?"  Thinking about what he'd just said and
seeing the amused expression on his father's face, Clark waved him off.
"Okay, stupid question.  When *couldn't* he have gotten it."  Grinning,
Clark handed the blanket to his father.  "Could you hide this in your room?
Sam and Ellen don't know about this and I'd rather keep it that way for
now."

        "Sure, son.  Come on, we'd better get this bassinet up there before
they come looking for us."
=========================================================================
Date:         Sun, 28 Sep 1997 17:06:53 -0700
Reply-To:     "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
Sender:       "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
From:         "Leanne Shawler (by way of Leanne Shawler)"
<volterra@ZNET.COM>
Subject:      S5: Episode One (part 2 of 5)
Mime-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"

Metropolis, April 5, 2079  8:20am

        Lori made her way up the familiar stairs to the third floor, hoping
that Eva had not planned a big todo on her first day back.  It had been
hard enough leaving CJ at day care for the first time, the last thing she
needed was to enter a room full of people twenty minutes late, with mascara
lines under her eyes.  Even though Clark had tried to assure her that they
were gone, she knew they were still there.  'Maybe I can take the back
stairs,' she thought.

        As she opened the door to her department, she could see that things
were much the same as she had left them eight weeks before.  Thankfully,
there were no banners or balloons, just the gentle hum of the staff going
about their day.    Approaching her desk, she did notice something
peculiar.  Eva's desk had been next to hers since the day she started.  She
couldn't help but laugh every time she saw the silly little clown she
always kept next to her phone.  She had apparently won it at a carnival
years ago and it had become a sort of good luck charm.  It was missing.
And come to think of it, no matter how busy Eva was at a given moment, her
desk was always orderly.  Not only was the clown missing, but there were
files and papers everywhere.

        Looking around the room, she couldn't seem to spot Eva anywhere,
but her chair was pushed out and there was a coffee cup among the disarray.
Assuming she had just stepped away for a moment, Lori sat her things down
at her desk and tried to get acclimated once again.  She noticed a few
coworkers approach with smiles just as the phone rang.

        "Hello, gorgeous."

        Whispering, she grinned.  "I've told you to stop calling me here.
What if my husband finds out?"

        She could hear him laugh.  "Well, I won't tell if you won't."

        "Okay, but I have to warn you...he can be pretty intimidating.  I
know he takes my breath away with this little smile of his...sort of like
the one he probably has right about now."

        "Well, Mrs. Kent, I'll take my chances.  I'm sure even Superman
couldn't resist you when you, standing there looking so coy."

        "Where are you?"

        "In my office.  I just missed you and thought I'd use the video
feature on the phone again."

        "Uh huh.  I guess it's a good thing the trees on campus aren't lead
lined."

        "Well they would just have to go if they were.  And by the way, CJ
is fine.  He's asleep in the crib, just as we left him."

        "Thanks for checking.  I miss him already."

        "So, I see Eva didn't embarrass you with a big party.  Where is
she?  I would have thought she'd have you cornered with the photo album by
now."

        "I don't know.  I haven't been able to find her.  She must be down
in the stacks."

        "Well, I have a class in a few minutes.  Just wanted to make sure
you were all right.  I had missed walking to campus with you.  Meet me here
at 12:00 and we'll have lunch with CJ."

        "Thanks.  I hope I can make it that long without seeing him.  I
love you."

        "I love you too, sweetheart.  Now...get to work."

        "Yes sir..."

        Lori had never seen a more devoted father than Clark Kent.  She was
convinced that he had just about every breath, and drool, of CJ's first
eight weeks on film.  She often teased him that CJ was only going to
recognize his father if he had a camera or CD recorder attached to his
face, so having pictures to show the office was not a problem.  Weeding
them down into a small album had been her biggest challenge.  After hearing
the 'oohs' and 'ahs' from the office staff, she knew Clark's time had been
well spent.

        She had been so caught up showing off her son that she didn't
realize Eva still hadn't made it to her desk.  She had been going through
the album with Jeremiah, the newest archivist on staff.

        "Ah, now here's one for the mantle.  The whole family in front of
the fireplace."

        Lori turned back to the album and laughed.  "It ought to be, as
long as it took to get that one.  It took about 20 minutes for Clark to
figure out how to work the timer setting.  CJ and I almost fell asleep."

        "Well you certainly make a handsome family."

        "Thanks, Jeremiah.  Have you seen Eva?  I haven't seen her all
morning."

        "Um...she's not here.  She took a leave of absence.  Didn't she
tell you?"

        "What?  When?"

        "She called Sylvia on Monday and said there was something personal
she had to take care of and would be out indefinitely.  I thought for
certain she had spoken with you about it.  I know you two were close."

        "I spoke with her that night and she never mentioned it.  Where did
she go?"

        "You'd have to ask Sylvia.  I was helping Eva while you were gone,
so Sylvia asked me to work with you until she returned."

        "I'm going to go talk with her and see what's up.  I'll be back in
a minute."

Metropolis, June 15, 1997  1:55am

        Lois and Clark sat staring at the child sleeping peacefully in the
bassinet beside their bed.  Neither wanted to speak, afraid they might wake
the baby or rouse themselves from an incredible dream.

        "Clark, is it just me or does he really look like you?" Lois
whispered.

        "No, honey, it's not just you.  He does look a lot like the
pictures of me at his age.  And there's a little more to the story.  I
couldn't tell you until your parents were asleep."

        "What?  What do you know?" Lois cried, her need to find an answer
overriding the need to suppress her voice.

        "Shh...you'll wake the baby."

        Whispering, Lois continued.  "Okay, sorry.  So...out with it..."

        "Well, the note was signed by HG Wells.  He must have brought the
baby here.  Why, I have no idea."  Clark could see the information as it
was processed in her mind and could anticipate her response.  "And as to
who the baby's parents are...I'm afraid to even go there."

        Smiling, she looked back over at the sleeping infant.  Exhausted by
the events of the day and secure in the circle of her husband's arms, Lois
drifted off to sleep.  "Gee, I hope he's ours..."

        Pulling her tighter into his embrace, he placed a soft kiss on her
forehead.  "Me too, sweetheart, me too."

Metropolis, April 5, 2079  12:15pm

        Lori watched as her husband gently rocked their son.  This had
become their lunch time routine.  Clark would come home and bring lunch for
the two of them and hold CJ while they ate.  He always wanted to know every
detail of their morning.  While she ate one of the delicacies the world had
to offer, she would fill him in on anything new CJ had mastered.  Today, he
had chosen Chinese from her favorite restaurant in new republic of Canton.

        "Honey, something weird is going on with Eva.  Apparently, after
she called me on Monday, she called Sylvia and said she had something
personal to take care of and would be taking a leave of absence."

        "Really?"

        "Yes.  She never mentioned anything like that to me.  All she could
talk about was how great it was that I was coming back and that I'd better
bring lots of photos of her godson."

        "Maybe she got a call after she talked with you and didn't want to
wake you or the baby."

        "Maybe."

        "Did she say anything else to Sylvia?"

        "No.  Sylvia said she was really vague as to where she was going.
Eva's always been a private person, so she didn't really think anything of
it.  She figured I'd know."

        "Well, if anything were wrong, she'd have told you.  She probably
just hasn't had time to call.  I'm sure you'll hear from her soon."

        "I guess."

        "Come here," he whispered, motioning to her.  "I have an arm that's
really empty."

        Clark watched Lori as she walked back across campus, making sure
she arrived at her building safely.  He didn't want to worry her, but he
was concerned with the way Eva had just left town.  Over the years, he had
come to think a lot of Eva as well, and he knew she would never just leave
without letting Lori know where she was going.  Just in case, he decided to
call his grandfather at The Daily Planet to see if he could check things
out.  If something had happened to Eva, he'd be able to find out about it.

Metropolis, June 15, 1997  3:00am

        Clark awoke from a dream he seemed to be having a lot lately.  He
was sitting in their bedroom watching Lois cradle their child in her arms.
But something about this particular dream seemed so real.

        Reaching over, he found Lois' side of the bed empty.  Looking
around the room, he could see her sitting in the chair at the foot of the
bed, gently rocking an infant in her arms.  She looked up and caught his
gaze, smiling gently.

        "I know...I thought the same thing when I woke up.  I heard him
whimper and thought I was still dreaming."  Looking down at the baby
sleeping in her arms, she simply shook her head.  "He really is beautiful,
isn't he?"

        Clark moved to her and kneeled by her side, still captivated by the
image of his wife with the child.  "You both are."

        "Clark, what do you think Wells meant that this child belongs to
us?  Why would he leave us a baby?"

        "I'm not sure."

        "Could this really be *our* child?  Could Dr. Klein have been
wrong?"

        "Lois, you know how much I want us to be able to have a child, but
maybe we shouldn't..."

        "...get too attached?  Yeah, I know."

        "Honey, it's just that wherever he came from, he has to go back."

        "I know, Clark, but that doesn't mean we can't enjoy him while he's
here."

        Just then, the baby turned his head, slowly opening his eyes.
Seeing the smiling couple, he grinned.  Clark, no more immune to the baby
than Lois, started making cooing noises and tickling him.

        "Uh, Clark...what was that about not getting attached?"

        Blushing slightly, he tried to explain.  "Well, like you said.
Might as well make him feel at home while he's here."

        "Uh huh..."

Metropolis, April 5, 2079  1:10pm

        Lori returned to her desk, reassured after her talk with Clark.
Seeing Jeremiah arranging the stacks on Eva's desk, she decided it was
about time she did something productive.  Besides, work would take her mind
off of Eva.  And CJ.

        Picking up her notepad, she slid her chair over next to him.  "So,
where do we start?"

        "Well, I was just about to move down to the stacks.  Eva had mapped
out how the project should be tackled pretty well.  I've just continued
working with that.  Unless you want to change it?"

        "No.  If Eva had a game plan, I'm sure it's a good one.  Let's go.
You can fill me in on what you guys have done down there."

        "Okay."

        The main office space for the historical society was located on the
third floor of what had once been the main library.  One of the
university's benefactors had donated a considerable sum to fully fund a new
library, with state of the art equipment and room to combine what had
previously been squeezed into two facilities.  This left the old space
available for the university's many research departments to expand.  Each
had office space in the what had once been the open reference areas and
storage space in what had been the stacks.  This gave each department the
ability to house projects that would have been impossible before.  Their
new project took up almost a single floor in the stacks, which was the
department's total storage space before the renovations.

        Lori and Eva had been hired while the renovations were being made
and had started just before it had been discovered that the new library
would be delayed.  As a result, the two ended up sharing a makeshift desk
in the basement stacks.  They spent their first four months working
together, which gave them a lot of time to talk and they had quickly formed
a strong friendship.  They were almost disappointed when the renovations
were finished and they joined the rest of the staff in the main office.
They continued to work together off and on over the next three years, and
both were thrilled to be working on this new project, as it would ensure
they would be partnered for the next two years.

        Lori realized that she and Eva had sort of fallen out of sync since
her marriage.  She never realized how much being the wife of Superman would
change her life.  The moment she had met Clark, she knew that he was the
one she wanted to spend the rest of her life with, but it had taken a while
to incorporate his second job into their lives.  She found herself avoiding
inviting people over in case he had to leave - even Eva.  Clark was really
bad at making up excuses on where he had to go, and while he had gotten
pretty good at excusing himself from his classes, he also had a grad
student that could always step in.  It was a little more difficult to leave
in the middle of dinner in your own home.  But, they had finally fallen
into a routine.  With a little help from Clark's parents and grandparents,
they found that together their excuses were more plausible.

        Then there was CJ.  From practically the moment he was conceived,
she and Clark could hardly think of anything else.  It was something they
had both wanted for so long.  Lori was an only child and Eva had become the
sister she never had.  They included her in the many events along the way
and were thrilled when she agreed to be CJ's godmother.  This had been a
special time for all three of them, and that's why it hurt so much that Eva
would just leave without so much as a word.

        Pushing these thoughts away, Lori made her way down to the stacks.
Jeremiah began explaining what had been completed and what Eva had mapped
out to be worked on next.

Pointing to the boxes marked and filed on the shelf behind him, he
explained what was in each section.  "This is where we left off on Monday.
Eva must have stayed late, because there was a revised todo list on my desk
Tuesday morning.  I simply continued working on what she had outlined.  As
I said, if you have another idea, we can change it."

        "What she has is fine.  You two have gotten a lot accomplished
while I was gone."

        "She does tend to be a workaholic.  I usually had to force her to
leave the office."

        Smiling, Lori nodded.  "I know what you mean.  I had to do that
every day for three years.  Thanks for taking over for me."

        "Anytime, dear."

        "Jeremiah, did Eva say anything at all about taking a trip?  It's
so unlike her to just leave."

        "I've tried to think back since Sylvia told me, but I can't
remember anything.  I left around 6:00pm...that's chess night.  She was
here when I left and said she would be leaving soon."

        "She called me about 7:30 and was still here.  She must have gotten
a call after that."

        "I guess so."

        "I hope everything's okay."

        "I'm sure she's fine.  She would have told you if it wasn't."

        "That's what Clark said."

        "Well, he's a smart man.  You should listen to him."

        Grinning, she added, "I'm sure that's just what he would say."

        "Actually, I sat in on a few of his lectures.  He's incredibly well
versed for a man his age.  He seems to have traveled extensively."

        "Yes, he has.  He would take the summers off and travel all over
the world.  He has some of the most remarkable stories."

        "I'd love to hear them sometime."

        "Well, sit next to him for two seconds and you will."

        He grinned.  "I'd love that.  From the lectures I attended, I can
tell he's an excellent storyteller.  And I'd love to hear his stories of
Superman.  They would make an interesting addition to our collection."

        Lori glanced up, uncertain of just how to take his comment.  Seeing
her questioning look, Jeremiah continued.

        "The lectures I attended were on the attempts at world peace in the
past century.  Superman figured prominently in the discussions and Clark
mentioned having met him personally."

        "Yes, well, Superman is a friend of his family.  By the way, Eva
told me that we have something in common."

        "Really?" Jeremiah wondered.  "What might that be?"

        "Our interest in Superman."

        "Well, I will admit to a certain fascination with the man of steel.
I take it Clark doesn't mind your interest?"

        "Well, I overlook his obsession with Ultrawoman and he overlooks
mine with Superman."

        "I see."

        Uncomfortable with getting into a discussion about Clark and
Superman, Lori tried to steer the conversation back to safer ground.
"Actually, there is one thing that Clark loves more than telling his tall
tales...chess.  Why don't you come for dinner and take him on?  I'm not
much competition for him...maybe you could be."

        "I'd love nothing better."

        "Great.  I'll see what his schedule's like for the rest of the
week.  I will warn you, you may have baby cries interrupting your game."

        "It's been a long time since I've been around a little one.  It
would be refreshing."

        "Okay, but you've been warned.  I'll let you know tomorrow."
=========================================================================
Date:         Sun, 28 Sep 1997 17:07:09 -0700
Reply-To:     "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
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From:         "Leanne Shawler (by way of Leanne Shawler)"
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Subject:      S5: Episode One (part 3 of 5)
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        Jeremiah Thomas was a retired Ivy League professor who had returned
to Metropolis to escape the harsh New England winters.  Unable give up
academia altogether, he had decided research would be a good change of
pace.  Eva and Lori were thrilled to have someone with his background
working with them on the project.  Lori really didn't know that much about
Jeremiah, other than what Eva had told her during her visits.  She got the
impression that Eva had begun to think of him as a surrogate father.  With
his gray hair and beard, he did look remarkably like the picture Eva kept
on her desk of her father.

        Eva's parents were both professors and were well in their 40s when
they decided to have a family.  When Eva was in high school, her parents
had been killed in an explosion in one of the labs on campus.  Lori had
asked Clark's father about the explosion, and he remembered getting there
in time to put out the fire, but too late to save anyone that had been in
the lab.  Eva had planned to carry on their work at the university, but
finally decided there were just too many painful memories.  She finished up
her graduate studies and returned to Metropolis to get a fresh start.  Lori
couldn't begin to imagine how devastating it must be to lose both of your
parents, but she was glad Jeremiah seemed to be a willing substitute.  He
seemed nice enough, and he must be a good judge of character, since he was
so impressed with her husband.

        Smiling, Lori opened the box in front of her and began to lose
herself in her work.

Metropolis, June 15, 1997  5:45am

        Morning was announced at the Kent house not only by the gentle
stream of light peeking through the blinds, but by the soft cries of the
newest *Kent* making his presence known.

        Without thinking, Clark walked to the bassinet, picked him up and
began hushing his cries.  Lois slowly opened her eyes and waited for her
mind to register what was going on.

"Clark, is there an emergency?"

        Moving to the bed and sitting beside her, he smiled.  "Well if you
consider a hungry baby an emergency...yes."

        Snuggling close to Clark, she smiled and stared down at the baby.
Comforted by being Clark's arms, the baby's cries were abated for the
moment.  His earlier comment finally registering, Lois stirred.  "Clark,
what are we going to feed him?  And he'll need to be changed.  We don't
have any diapers."

        Turning, he tried to calm her.  "Honey..."

        "And he'll need something to wear..."

        "Honey..."

        "And toys...and..."

        Grabbing her arm to get her attention, he tried again.  "Honey."

        "What?"

        "Mom called the 24 hour pharmacy and had them deliver what he'd
need.  We can pick up anything else this morning."

        "Thank God for Martha," Lois sighed.

        "What would be do without your parents?"

        Before Clark could respond, there was a gentle knock at their door.
Clark turned and looked to see who it was.  Smiling at Lois, he gently
handed her the baby and got up to open the door.  "I guess you can thank
her yourself."

        Clark opened the door to reveal a smiling Martha, peering at them
from behind an overloaded tray.  She had obviously been up for a some time,
as the tray had everything from breakfast for Lois and Clark to a bottle
and diapers for the baby.  Clark took the tray from Martha and she quickly
moved to sit by Lois, making funny faces at the infant.  Through all of the
commotion, the baby finally decided it was past time for breakfast, and
time to let his dissatisfaction with the situation be known.  What had
started earlier as a soft cry, could now most likely be heard throughout
Metropolis.

        Lois had never felt very comfortable around babies.  Somehow, the
cute little creatures that would smile and coo in other people's arms,
would immediately begin to wail if she were to pick them up.  So, she had
made it a point to just avoid them.  Since children were not something that
had fit into Lois Lane's pursuit of a Pulitzer, this had seemed like a good
plan.  And it had worked just fine until she met Clark.  Lately, she seemed
to keep finding herself eavesdropping on the baby conversations in the
office that she had once so studiously avoided.  She would catch herself
smiling at children as they passed on the street.  And since they had
gotten married, she had even started daydreaming of what it would be like
to have a child.

        But nothing could have prepared her for the real thing.  Holding
the screaming infant, she was at a complete loss of what to do.  Could she
be the same woman allowed an interview with the President of the United
States?  The same woman who had earned three Kerth awards?  She could get
information on a story at a moment's notice, but she was completely
helpless when it came to the child in her arms.  'Shouldn't there be
manuals that come with these things?' she thought to herself.

        Martha recognized the signs of distress on Lois' face and quickly
grabbed the bottle from the tray.  Handing it to Lois, she smiled.

"Here Lois, this will do the trick."

        Taking the bottle from her, Lois quickly stuck it in the child's
mouth in an attempt to pacify it.  Fortunately, he eagerly drew from the
bottle, quieting his cries.  Turning to a grinning Martha and Clark, she
sighed.  "It worked!  You're a genius, Martha."

        Martha placed her arm around Lois.  "At this age, they're pretty
easy to figure out.  They're either hungry or need a diaper change."

Nodding her head in Clark's direction, she laughed.  "And since you took
care of the bottle, you can let Clark here tackle the diaper."

        Laughing, Lois nodded.  "I like the way you think, Martha."

        All Clark could do was shake his head.  He knew he was no match for
the two women in his life.  He was putty in their hands one-on-one; when
they teamed up on him, look out.  So, he did the only thing he could under
the circumstances.

        Smiling, he lifted his head toward the window.  "I think I hear a
bank robbery..."

        "Don't even try it, mister," Lois warned.  "You wouldn't want me
printing an article that Superman is also vulnerable to dirty diapers,
would you?"

        Setting the tray down on the sofa behind him, Clark joined his wife
and mother as they watched the child slowly pull from the bottle.  Putting
his arm around the two of them, he gently gave them a kiss on the cheek.
"Might as well add two certain women to that list while you're at it."

        Lois laughed and gave Martha a quick wink.  "Well that goes without
saying..."

Metropolis, April 6, 2079  3:00am

        Lori awoke to the all too familiar sound of her son's cries.  One
of the benefits of being married to Superman, however, was that he always
heard them before she did.  As she turned to try to make it out of bed, she
saw her husband cradling their son, trying to hush his cries.

        "Morning honey," he grinned, climbing into bed next to his sleepy
wife.  "I *know* I had a talk with junior here last night that we wanted a
6:00am wake up call, but I forgot he doesn't know how to tell time yet.
We'll work on that tonight."

        "You do that."  Looking over at the clock, she grinned.  "He's only
three hours off..."

        "Well, he is your child.  I guess he was bound to get that stubborn
streak of yours."

        "Watch it mister," she laughed, hitting him with her pillow.

        Clark grinned, leaning down and whispering to CJ.  "Close your eyes
son, I don't want you picking up any bad habits from your mother.  Next
thing you know, she'll be teaching you how to babble."

        Threatening him once again with her pillow, she couldn't help but
laugh.  "Oh, you are going to pay for that one, Kent."

Ducking from the pillow, he floated just out of reach.  "Hey, I'm holding
a baby here, Kent."

        "And that's only going to save you for so long, buster.  When you
least expect it..."

        Floating down next to her again, he gave her a devilish grin.
"Promises, promises..."

        "Okay," she laughed, laying down the pillow.  "Hand over the baby
and no one gets hurt."

        "Do you hear how she talks to, me CJ?  You'd never talk to Superman
like that, would you?  Of course you wouldn't."

        Taking the baby from Clark, she leaned back against the headboard
and began to feed him.  Looking down at his small features, she still
couldn't get over just how much he looked like her husband.  She looked up
at Clark who was just staring at the two of them.  The look in his eyes
took her breath away.

        Reaching over, he kissed her softly.  "You have no idea how happy
you've made me.  You've given me more than I could have ever dreamed."

        "I love you too, sweetie.  It's hard to believe how much our lives
have changed in the last eight weeks."

        "You know, I used to listen to the stories my grandfather would
tell me about his parents.  About how they met and how he created the
Superman persona to have a life with her.  I used to watch my Mom and Dad
together and see how they fit Superman into their lives.  I always wondered
if they got tired of all of the lies, of all of the intrusions into their
lives.  Looking at the two of you, I know why it was worth it to them.
Because I know how much the two of you mean to me."

        "Clark, I told you the night I discovered  your big secret that it
didn't matter to me.  I've loved you from the moment I saw you, all nervous
and worried that you'd hurt me."

Reaching up to touch his face, she could see the love in his eyes.  "And
hurting me is something I know you could never do."

        "I have a small confession to make.  I wasn't worried that I'd hurt
you that day.  I was just too nervous to say anything.  You took my breath
away.  I didn't know what to say.  The longest three days of my life were
the ones I spent waiting for you to call.  I left that sheet with my name
on the floor, hoping you'd pick it up.  I almost went crazy trying to
decide if I should call you."

        "Clark Kent, I can't believe you.  You knew what I was doing?  You
set me up?"

        "What is it they say about all's fair in love and war?"

        "Well I don't know anything about the war, but I guess I can't
complain about your tactics."  Looking down at their now sleeping son, she
smiled back up at him.  "Especially when this is the result."

        "Have I ever told you how incredible you are?"

        Handing him their son, she let out a yawn.  "I forget, have you?"

        "Guess I'll have to remind you, then," he grinned, gently settling
his son back in the bassinet.

        "Promises, promises..."

Metropolis, June 15, 1997  6:30am

        Jonathan the room just in time to catch Clark in the middle of his
diaper changing lesson.  Lois was looking on, all smiles, but mentally
filing all of Martha's pointers.  She couldn't help but tease Clark, but he
really did look like a natural with the baby.  She only hoped that some day
she might feel that way.

        As Clark was putting the finishing touches on the diaper, he
decided it was a good time to enlist his parents' help.  Tickling the
infant's stomach one last time, he gently lifted him, cradling him
effortlessly in the crook of his arm.  With his needs sated for the moment,
the infant snuggled further into Clark's embrace and drifted off to sleep,
eliciting a sigh from them all.  Turning and closing the door, Clark led
the group towards the bed and floated down next to Lois, careful not to
stir the baby.

        "Before Lois' parents wake up, we need to decide on a few things
about this little guy."  Looking over at his mother, Clark continued.
"Mom, I'm sure Dad filled you in on the note.  We need to agree on a story
to tell everyone until we can figure out what Mr Wells needs us to do.  And
we're going to need your help trying to figure out just how to return him
to *whenever* it is he came from."

        With a quick glance at Jonathan, Martha agreed.  "Honey, you know
we'll help out in any way we can.  Do you have any idea whose child this
is?"

        "No, Martha," Lois answered.  "All the note said was that he
belonged to us.  But I can't get over his resemblance to Clark."

        Grinning broadly and moving in for a closer look, Martha nodded
briskly.  "Well, I didn't want to say anything before, but Clark, he does
look just like you did at that age."

        "I know, Mom.  He does look like the pictures you've shown me."

        Trying to get the group back to the problem at hand, Jonathan slid
his arm around Martha and pulled her to him.  "Son, if this is your child,
why would Mr Wells bring him here?  From what you two have told us, hasn't
he tried to keep you from *knowing* what was going to happen in the future?"

        "Yeah Dad, that's what we've wondered too.  The only thing I can
think of is that, whoever he is, he must be in danger, and mr Wells trusts
us to protect him."

        Lois joined the discussion, now in *reporter mode*,  working with
protective maternal instincts she swore she did not possess.  "Well, if he
is in danger, it would've been nice for Mr Wells to let us know what's
going on.  I mean, Clark and I *are* investigative reporters, but even we
can't investigate in a time we can't get to or even know when it is..."

        "Honey, it's okay," Clark interrupted.  "I'm sure Mr Wells will let
us know what he needs us to do when he's able.  Until then, the four of us
need to be on our toes, in case this is our child.  If this is a *super
baby*, we don't exactly know what to expect.  And we still have to explain
his being here to everyone, including your parents."

        Gaining her composure somewhat, Lois nodded.  "You're right.  Let's
just stick with him being left on the doorstep.  I mean he was, right?
While we try to figure out what Mr Wells was thinking, we can tell everyone
we're trying to figure out who left him.  Perry's sure to think there's a
story in there somewhere."

        "Son, you know your Mom and I will stay and help out as long as you
need us.  And we do have a little experience with *super babies*."

        "Thanks guys, I'm sure we'll need it."

        "Clark, what about my parents?" Lois asked.  "What if they see him
do something...super.  How are we going to explain that?"

        "Well," Martha added, thinking out loud, "Clark didn't develop any
of his powers until he was a teenager, and he had two Kryptonian parents.
If this baby is only half Kryptonian, there's no reason to assume he would
get them any earlier.  Maybe even later than Clark."

        Lois and Clark shared a glance, amused at Martha's never ending
source of support.  Reaching over, Lois took her hand.  "Martha, you're
better at this than Clark and I.  You sure you don't want a job down at the
Planet?"

        Laughing, Martha gave Lois' hand a gentle squeeze.  "Heavens no.
Babies and *super babies* I know.  I'll leave the rest of it to you two.
I'm afraid Jonathan has spoiled me for big city living."

        Dramatically wiping his brow, Jonathan pulled Martha close once
more.  "Whew!  For a minute there, I was worried.  Besides, Clark has his
hands full rescuing one Kent, already.  I don't think even Superman could
keep up with the two of you."

        "You took the words right out my mouth, Dad."

        Lois and Martha shared a knowing look.  "They're just jealous,
Martha.  You and I make a good team."

        "Precisely," Clark agreed.  "That's what we're worried about."

        Just then, there was a knock on the door.  Knowing that it was her
parents, Lois walked to the door to let them in.  Smiling back at Clark,
she couldn't resist one last comment.  "Saved by the bell, again, Kent.
But we'll discuss this later..."

        "And I'm sure you'll win then, too."

        "See Martha, marriage has been good for him."

        The four *Kents* were sharing a laugh when Lois opened the door to
find her parents, obviously aware that they had come in the middle of a
conversation.  Not to be hindered, Ellen quickly kissed her daughter and
pushed past her to get a look at the baby.  Sam gathered his daughter in a
hug, wishing her good morning and leading her back to the others.

        For all of their faults, Lois's parents truly did love both of
their daughters.  It seemed that reconciling their differences with one
another had allowed them the freedom or ability to express it to their
children, something that was new to all of them.  They were both thrilled
at the prospect of being grandparents and having a second chance with their
daughters.  Hearing the cries of the infant coming from Lois and Clark's
bedroom, neither could resist the urge to come have a look.

        Lois sighed.  She never realized just how much she needed Clark
until it came to dealing her parents.  None of the Lanes had ever been good
at expressing their feelings to one another, and as a result, they had
spent most of their lives walking on eggshells around each other.  But
Clark just welcomed them in like he would anyone else.  With his support,
she found it much easier to spend time with her parents and avoid it
dissolving into a shouting match.  He seemed to know just when to steer the
conversation to another topic or Lois out of the room.

        Seeing the potential for some difficult questions, Clark attempted
to distract everyone.  "Well we certainly have a long day ahead of us.
Lois and I need to figure out how this little guy found his way here.  And
until we can return him to where he belongs, he'll need a few things."
Turning to his mother, Clark got the plan underway.  "Mom, could you and
Ellen find the baby some clothes, some more food...and anything else you
think we'll need?  Obviously you two know more about this than Lois and I
do."

        "Of course, dear," Martha said, with a gleam in her eye.  "Come on,
Ellen, let's go get ready and hit the baby stores."

        Smiling, Clark turned to his father.  "Looks like you and Sam are
going to be needed, as well.  From the sound of it, there will be a few
packages to carry.  Lois and I can work from here and watch the baby."

        "Okay, son.  Sam and I will try to make sure they leave a few
things in the stores."

        Sam moved over to Clark and gave him a pat on the back.  "Clark, my
boy, you thought Ellen got excited about your wedding?  You have no idea
how much she's been wanting grandchildren."

        "Daddy..." Lois exclaimed.  "Mother *wants* grandkids?  My mother?
The one in the next room?  Doesn't she realize that will make her a
grandmother?"

        Putting his arm back around Lois, he couldn't help but laugh.
"Yes, princess, but she has really been looking forward to you two having
children someday.  But don't worry.  Jonathan and I will make sure she
doesn't spend his entire college fund."

        "Daddy, this baby isn't ours..."

        "I know.  We'll remind her of that, too."

        "Thanks, Daddy.  I think."

        "Well, Jonathan, I guess we'd better get going before they leave us
behind."

        "You're right, Sam.  We'll call you two later to see if there's
anything you need."

        "Thanks, Dad, Sam.  We appreciate your help."

        Walking them to the door, Clark slowly closed it and turned to look
at his bride.  Still in awe to see her holding the baby, he quietly sat
back down beside her.  He could see her emotions getting the best of her,
now that the rest of the family had been dispatched.  Putting an arm around
her, he tried to add his support.

        "Shh, it's all going to work out.  We'll figure out how to help
this little guy.  And, we'll figure out a way to have one ourselves."

        "Clark, I know I should be focusing on how to help him, but I can't
help but want to just keep holding him.  Pretend for a while that he really
is ours."

        "I know, honey.  I want that just as much as you do, but we have a
lot to do before our parents get back."

        "I know.  We need to put up the appearance of working on a story."

        "Right.  Why don't you go get dressed and I'll watch him."

        Smiling back at Clark, Lois handed him the baby.  "And you're just
holding him so I can get ready, right?"

        Giving her his best look of innocence, Clark nodded.  "Of course."

        "Yeah right..."

Leanne Shawler
aka Volterra on IRC
volterra@sd.znet.com
http://www.znet.com/~volterra/leanne.html
***********************************************************************
Lois and Clark Season 5 Fanfic:
        http://www.fortunecity.com/tattooine/mothership/60/season5.htm
***********************************************************************
Midnight Dreaming: The Original Anthony Warlow Home Page:
        http://www.zweb.com/volterra/anthony.html
***********************************************************************
=========================================================================
Date:         Sun, 28 Sep 1997 17:07:27 -0700
Reply-To:     "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
Sender:       "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
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From:         "Leanne Shawler (by way of Leanne Shawler)"
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Subject:      S5: Episode One (part 4 of 5)
Mime-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"

        Lois and Clark had made their way down to the kitchen by the time
Martha and Ellen came in, inspecting a sheet of paper.  Looking over at
Lois, who was feeding the baby again, they moved in beside her.

        "Lois," Martha began, putting the list on the table, "there are
enough bottles in the fridge to last until we get back.  He'll probably
need to eat every two hours.  I showed Clark how to warm them, but you'll
probably want to check them too.  You might as well check his diaper after
you feed him.  And he'll most likely just sleep between feedings.  We've
written all of this down, but Ellen and I have our phones if you need us."
The baby had drifted off to sleep, so Lois handed the bottle back to Clark.
Not missing a beat, Martha continued.  "And we can change him for you
before we leave, if you like?"

        Getting up to head upstairs, Lois shook her head.  "That's okay,
Martha.  I watched Clark.  I can do this."

        "Okay, honey, we'll see you when we get back."

        Lois headed up the stairs, wishing she had Clark's photographic
memory.  She had listened to everything Martha had told Clark about
changing a diaper, but Lois had never done diapers.  She had gone out of
her way to avoid it when Lucy was a baby and didn't baby-sit infants for
that reason.  And now she had opened her big mouth again and would have to
wing it.  'Maybe it won't be so bad.  *Please* sleep through the whole
thing,' she thought, trying to will it so.

        Martha had left the diapers and changing supplies on the sofa next
to the bassinet.  Picking up a diaper, Lois mentally checked off everything
Martha had told Clark.  She opened the diaper, found the baby wipes and
looked for the baby powder.  Pleased with herself, she began to remove the
baby's diaper.

        Martha and Ellen were almost out the front door when it suddenly
hit her.  Turning to run upstairs, Martha quickly made her way to Lois and
Clark's bedroom.  "Lois," she called.  "I forgot to tell you..."

        Turning to see Martha in the doorway, Lois finished the sentence
for her.  "Not to leave him without a diaper..."

        Seeing a wet and somewhat discouraged Lois, Martha tried to
suppress a grin.  "Umm...yes.  Sorry.  I'll send Clark up so you can get
cleaned up."

        "Thanks, Martha.  Anything else I should know?"

        "No, honey," she grinned, unable to help herself.  "I think you've
been baptized now."

        "Thanks a lot, Martha," Lois grimaced, finally giving into laughter
herself.

        When the *grandparents* returned, you'd have thought that the
entire baby department of Bloomingdale's had been delivered to the Kent's
living room.  Obviously, the grandfathers had gotten caught up in the
shopping spree as well.

        Calling through the living room, in spite of a possible sleeping
baby, Ellen announced their return.  "Lois, Clark.  Where are you?"

        Clark rushed down the stairs to head off Ellen, who was now
approaching the steps.  "Shh.  Lois just put him down for a nap."  Seeing
the mass of boxes still being carried in by Jonathan and Sam, he shook his
head in disbelief.  "You guys do remember that there is just one *very
small* baby here, not an entire orphanage."

        Martha walked over to Clark and gave him a quick hug.  "Honey, even
a *very small* baby needs lots of things...even if it is for just a short
time."  Moving to the packages, she softly added, "And you'll need them all
someday, anyway."

        Clark heard Lois coming down the stairs and turned when he heard
her gasp.

        "Mother!  Martha!  What have you done?  Did you leave anything at
the store?"

        "Now Lois," Ellen interjected, "I know it may look like a lot, but
you'll see that you'll need every bit of it."  Motioning to Sam, who was
just helping Jonathan with the last of the packages, she included him in
their defense.  "Sam, tell her."

        "Uh...yes, princess.  You'll need all of it."

        Clark moved to Lois and took her hand.  "Well, lets see what
they've bought, honey."

        "Okay.  Okay," Lois conceded.  "So what is all this stuff?"

        With the rest of the *family* upstairs turning Lois and Clark's
bedroom into a temporary nursery, Lois and Martha withdrew to the kitchen
to prepare another bottle.  While showing her how to operate the bottle
warmer, Martha could see that Lois was a bit preoccupied.

        "Lois, what is it?  I can tell something's bothering you."

        "Oh Martha, I don't know.  I mean, I thought I was ready for this.
When we talked about all this before, I really felt ready.  Now I just
don't know if I can do it."

        "Do what, honey?"

        "All of it.  I mean, today alone, I've been thrown up on twice
and...well...you saw the diaper incident.  I've changed three times and
it's not even 1:00.  I haven't been able to help Clark one bit on preparing
a story or figuring out how to return the baby to where he belongs."

        "Lois, taking care of a baby's not easy.  It's a 24 hour a day job."

        "That's what I mean.  Clark and I already have two 24 hour a day
jobs.  How are we going to take on a third?  Maybe Miss Bailey was right.
Maybe we shouldn't be responsible for a child."

        "Honey, what are you talking about?  Who's Miss Bailey?"

        "When Clark and I were talking about whether or not we could have a
child, we thought we'd explore all of the options.  So, we decided to get
some information about adoption.  Miss Bailey is from County Adoption and
she did a preliminary work up on us.  Out of a possible 100 points, she
gave Clark a 97 and me a 19.  Can you believe that?  She said that I was a
'thrill addict' and that I 'dangled above the jaws of death like an hors
d'oeuvre.'  And, she said she couldn't recommend placing a child with us."

        "What did Clark say?"

        "That any child would be lucky to have me as a mother."

        "And he's right.  Lois, being a parent is one of the most demanding
jobs you could ever take on.  And it's not something you do for just a few
years.  It's a lifetime commitment.  It takes all of the patience, courage
and love two people can muster.  If ever there were two people that possess
that strength, it's the two of you."

        "Martha, that sounds wonderful, but after today, I just don't know."

        "Lois, you've had a baby just dropped in your laps.  Of course
there will need to be adjustments.  We weren't exactly *expecting* Clark,
either.  For the first few weeks, I thought I must be the dumbest woman in
the world.  Everything was new to me.  I made every mistake possible."
Placing her hand on Lois' arms, she grinned.  "How do you think I knew to
warn you about the *diaper incident*.  Clark got Jonathan and I more than
once."

Lois looked up and laughed.  "Really?"

        "Really.  But, together, Jonathan and I found a way to make it all
work.  And so will you two.  Together."

        From behind the two women, another voice joined the conversation.
"She's right, Lois," Clark said, putting his arms around Lois.  "We will
make it work...together."  Lois fell back into Clark arms, comforted again
by the warmth of *family*.  Remembering her earlier comment, Clark turned
to Martha.  "Mom, do you have to tell everyone about the diaper thing?
Next thing you know, you'll be pulling out all of those old naked baby
photos to show Lois."

        Martha reached up and patted his flushed cheeks, "I'm sorry,
sweetie, I didn't mean to embarrass you.  And anyway, Lois saw those photos
a long time ago."

        "What?  When?  Where was I?"

        "When you two came to Smallville for the Corn Festival.  We looked
through some old photos when you were out helping Jonathan in the barn."

        Lois couldn't help but chime in.  "You sure did have a cute little
tushie, Clark."

        "Mom, I can't believe you did that..."

        Lois and Martha couldn't contain themselves any longer.  Lois
looked up at him and gave him a quick peck on the lips.  "Gotcha."

        "Okay, that's it.  I'm going to have to separate you two..."
Giving in to laughter himself, he dropped his head on Lois' shoulder.
Suddenly unsure of *anything*, he looked back and forth between the two.
"You really didn't, did you Mom?"

        Lois and Clark had finally gotten the baby tucked safely in the
bassinet and both sets of parents off to the guest rooms.  They were just
about to head upstairs themselves when Clark heard a soft knock on the
door.  Opening it cautiously, he discovered a rather concerned HG Wells.

        "Oh, good.  I had rather hoped to find you two alone."

        Clark quickly ushered them into the vestibule so their voices
wouldn't be heard upstairs.

        From past experience in dealing with Lois, HG thought it best to
offer a quick explanation.  "Clark, my boy, I'm afraid I need your help.  I
was..."

        Before HG could continue, Lois decided that she'd heard enough.
"Wait a minute.  Wait just a minute.  First you leave a baby at our house
without any explanation and then you waltz back in here and want to take my
husband off...to God knows where...and just leave me here?"

        "Lois, my dear, I entrusted the baby to your care because I knew
that only the two of you could understand."

        "Mr. Wells," Clark asked, taking Lois' hand, trying to calm
everyone down.  "Who is this little boy and why did you want us to take
care of him?"

        "I was just about to explain.  I was traveling to the future and
found that Utopia had somehow been disrupted.  More to the point, it was
stopped before it could be created.  I traveled back in time to determine
the cause and discovered the most distressing situation.  Someone was
trying to harm your descendants to keep Utopia from being formed.  I did
the only thing I could think of under the circumstances.  I brought the
infant here until we could set things straight in the future.  Clark, we
really must hurry."

        Trying to take in all of the information, Lois had to clear
something up in her mind.  "Mr. Wells, you said that someone was trying to
harm our descendants.  What do you mean by *our descendants*.  Who is this
baby?"

        "Lois, think back to your first trip through time, when you went
back to save Clark as a baby.  There was one bit of information I didn't
restore to your memories.  If you both focus your minds, I think it will
come back to you."

        Lois and Clark looked at one another, trying to make sense of his
words.  Watching them, HG continued.  "Lois, remember that this is when you
first found out that Clark was Superman.  You were quite upset that Clark
had not shared his secret with you.  Tempus even taunted you for not seeing
beyond Clark's glasses.  Do you remember what I told you?"

        Images began racing through Lois' mind.  She saw the time machine
and heard Tempus' ravings.  "I remember.  He said he wanted to meet the
woman who was *galatically stupid*.  You said that I was just blind to love
and that our story was one that parents would tell their kids time and
again."  His words finally sinking in, Lois turned to Clark as she repeated
them.  "And that our descendants were the ones that created Utopia."

        Afraid to believe what he was hearing, Clark turned to HG.  "Are
you saying that Lois and I are...we *are* able to have kids?  That this is
our...what...grandchild?"

        "Well, your great great grandson, to be exact."

        Lois and Clark looked at one another in disbelief.  They were both
overjoyed that they would be able to conceive a child, but both still
uncertain how to help the infant upstairs.  Emotions getting the better of
him, Clark pulled Lois to him for a kiss.  No words were needed.

        HG found himself in a situation he seemed to find himself in quite
often with the Kents.  Clearing his throat, he tried to return them to the
task at hand.

        Looking up into Clark's eyes, Lois smiled one last time and turned
to HG.  "Okay.  I understand why you brought
our...great...great...grandson..."  Pausing, she thought of another
question.  "By the way, what is his name."

        "Lois, the less you know about the future, the better.  I will,
however, tell you that they call him CJ.  I'd rather not tell you what that
stands for."

        "Fair enough.  Okay then, I understand why you brought CJ here.
What I don't understand is what it is you want Clark to do.  And why you
only want him to help."

        "Lois, whoever has disrupted Utopia must also have discovered your
great grandson's identity.  I need Clark's assistance in explaining the
danger he and his son are in.  He has no reason to believe me, but Clark's
abilities will be very difficult to refute."

        "But if someone has discovered our great grandson's identity, won't
they recognize Clark as well?"  Lois asked.

        "It's possible, but I'm afraid, my dear, that it's a risk we'll
have to take," HG added, turning to Clark.  "Clark, there should be very
little risk to you.  The work you started with Star Labs was completed by
your child.  Kryptonite does not exist in the future."

        "So," Lois wondered, still unconvinced, "what is the threat to the
future?  How exactly is this Utopia kept from being formed?"

        "I'm still not sure.  This is what I need Clark to help uncover."
HG turned his attention to Lois, hoping to explain his actions.  "My dear,
however this appalling plan is to be accomplished, Clark's abilities will
be needed to stop it.  Even Clark may have a hard time convincing your
descendants of the danger.  I'm afraid it will take *Superman* to set
things straight again.  And time really is of the essence."

        Turning Lois to gather her in his arms again, Clark tried to
reassure her.  "Lois, honey, I've got to go with him...we've got to set
things right!"

        "I'm not arguing with you on that...of course you have to go."
Lois pushed back against Clark's arms to catch his attention, the
determination on her face matching his own.  "But I'm going with you."

        "No."

        "I can help you!"

        "Lois...no!"

        "I don't want to lose you..."  The sudden tremor in her voice
threatened to shake Clark's resolve, but he knew...somehow, he just
knew...that it was vitally important for her to stay behind this time.  He
drew her back into his arms, feeling her relax slightly against him,
wrapping her arms around his waist, although he knew better than to
interpret that as acquiescence.  Even as she rested her head on his
shoulder, he heard her mutter, "You've got to take me with you."

        Clark sighed, resting his head against hers.  He kissed her hair,
then tilted her chin up to look her in the eye.  "You're not going to lose
me," he assured her.  "But right now, this baby...our great great
grandson..." he grinned, still overwhelmed by that thought, then sobered
again, "this baby needs you here.  HG said his life was in danger in the
future...if that danger follows him here...  My parents are great, but
you're the one who knows tae kwon do."

        Lois still looked unconvinced.  She started to protest, "Clark..."
but his lips silenced her.

        "You said you wanted to help," he reminded her as he pulled back.
She nodded, the mutinous look in her eyes starting to fade.

        "This is the help I need.  I need to know that CJ and my parents
are safe."

        "But Clark, Martha and Jonathan can take care of him...obviously,
better than I can.  And who's going to come *here* looking for a child
from..."  Looking over at HG, she silently asked him to complete her
sentence.

        "2079,"  HG answered.

        "Wow."  Turning back to Clark, she continued her defense.  "Like I
said, who is going to come here looking for a child from 2079.  And what
was it you said about us getting through this together?"

        "We are.  Lois, if this were our child, what would you do?  You
would protect it like you do me...with your life.  Don't you remember?  I
fight the bad guy, you write the story.  Someone needs to stay here and
*write* the story."

        "But, Clark..."

        "Honey, do you think Mom and Dad can explain all of this to
Perry...or your parents...or even to County Adoption, if they find out."

        Sighing heavily, Lois agreed.  "No...but Clark..."

        "Lois, you know I don't want to leave you."  Leaning down, he
whispered in her ear.  "I can't stand the thought of not spending *every*
moment with you."  He pulled back to look deeply in her eyes.  "But we have
to save CJ's future...our future...this is how *we* get through things."

        For all her independence, Lois could never deny Clark anything when
he gave her *that* look.  The look that cut straight to her heart and sent
shivers up her spine.  And as much as she hated to admit it, she knew he
was right.  "Okay...you go fight the bad guy."  Reaching up to cup Clark's
face in her hands, she gazed at him silently, trying to quell her fear by
memorizing every detail of his beloved face.  Then she drew his head down
toward hers.  "Come back to me," she whispered an instant before their lips
met again.

        He held her tightly, kissing her hard.  "Always," he murmured
against her mouth.

        HG, who was once again forgotten by the couple, quietly cleared his
throat.  "I'm afraid we must be going, my boy."

        Turning to HG, Clark nodded.  Giving Lois one last kiss, he
whispered against her lips.  "I love you, Lois Lane."

        "I love you, Clark Kent."  Pushing him towards the door, she
sighed.  "Now go before I change my mind."

        Lois watched the two men disappear as they made their way down the
street towards the time machine.  Closing the door, she slowly walked up to
their room alone, trying to figure out what to do next.

Leanne Shawler
aka Volterra on IRC
volterra@sd.znet.com
http://www.znet.com/~volterra/leanne.html
***********************************************************************
Lois and Clark Season 5 Fanfic:
        http://www.fortunecity.com/tattooine/mothership/60/season5.htm
***********************************************************************
Midnight Dreaming: The Original Anthony Warlow Home Page:
        http://www.zweb.com/volterra/anthony.html
***********************************************************************
=========================================================================
Date:         Sun, 28 Sep 1997 17:07:44 -0700
Reply-To:     "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
Sender:       "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
From:         "Leanne Shawler (by way of Leanne Shawler)"
<volterra@ZNET.COM>
Subject:      S5: Episode One (part 5 of 5)
Mime-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"

Metropolis, April 6, 2079  7:30am

        Leaving CJ at day care the next morning wasn't any easier than the
first morning, although Lori had been pleased to hear that CJ was accepting
a bottle from the workers there.  Clark and Lori once again set him in the
crib, and watched him as he drifted back to sleep.  As soon as he was
settled, Clark ushered Lori out  before she could object.  It wasn't any
easier for him to leave CJ than it was for Lori, but the longer they would
dwell on it, the harder it would be to leave.

        The university provided a day care center for the faculty which
happened to be housed in the building next to Clark's.  Lori's concerns
with leaving the baby with strangers were alleviated somewhat, knowing that
Clark could *look* in on him at anytime, and be there in a matter of
seconds if he was needed.  Even though her mind understood all of this, she
still had a hard time explaining it to her heart.

        They walked in silence as they made the trek across campus to her
building.  This had become their daily routine, walking to campus together,
Clark kissing her goodbye when they reached her building.  He continued to
walk her across campus, even though he was at his building when they
dropped off CJ.

        "Honey, you do not have to baby-sit me.  I'm okay.  And it's silly
for you to walk all this way to turn around and walk right back."

        "I know you do not need baby-sitting.  I just love having these
last few moments alone with you."  Clark stopped and pulled her into the
gardens they were passing.  Pulling her to him, he kissed her deeply.  "And
you know I never like to waste time alone with you."

        Returning the kiss he started, they lost themselves in each other.
They were quickly brought back to the present when the sprinklers suddenly
turned on, showering both the spring flowers and the young lovers.
Giggling, they ran back to the pathway.

        "I can't wait to hear how you're going to explain this to your
students."

        "Well, heat vision does have it's advantages."

        "Yes it does.   Now dry me off before anyone comes along."

        "You know, we are married.  We're allowed to kiss.  And it is
spring...time for a young man's fancy to turn to love."

        "I know, but I already get teased around the office enough as it
is.  No sense giving them ammunition."

        "So, if I were to whisk you off to a deserted mountaintop for a
little more *spring fancy*, you would object?"

        "Well, I never said that...  But how would you explain being late
to your class?"

        "No problem.  Tim is always after me to let him take some of my
classes."

        "I see you've been putting some thought into this," she grinned,
turning to continue on their trip to her building.

        "Like you said, when you least expect it..."

        "I think the world be shocked to see this side of their superhero."

        "Oh, I think they would understand."

        "You think so?  Well, just the same, I don't want to read about it
in your grandfather's paper."

        "Where do you think I got the idea?"

        "Clark...  I knew the two of you shouldn't be left alone.  Your
mother warned me."

        "Well," he grinned, leaning down to whisper in her ear.  "He said
my grandmother considered it one of the perks of being married to Superman."

        Smiling, she couldn't suppress a giggle.  "And so do I.  But the
last time you did that was what...eleven months ago?  And look what
happened then."

        "Well, you said yourself you wanted more children."  Kissing her
softly on the cheek, he continued.  "So far, you've just supported my plan."

        "I do want more children, but I'd kind of like to have time to
enjoy CJ first."  Pausing to regain her train of thought, she pulled back
and smiled.  "And you are not making it any easier to remain sane here, Mr.
Kent."

        "I wasn't trying."

        "I noticed.  And don't think I don't appreciate your efforts, but I
do need to get to work.  I've already been gone eight weeks.  And my
excuses for you *making me late* are no better than yours."

        Holding up his hands in defeat, he relented.  "Okay...okay.  I know
when I'm beat.  But remember...when you least expect it..."

        "I'm going to hold you to that."

        "Don't think I won't make you."

        "So," trying to change the subject before she was late, again,
"what time should I tell Jeremiah to come for your big chess battle
tonight?"

        "Tell him to drop by around 7:00.  I'll have dinner ready by then
and hopefully CJ will be settled.  We can have dinner and then retire to
the chess board."

        "Okay.  He's such a nice man and he seemed to be really impressed
with you."

        "Well," he said, grinning wickedly, "You're the only one I try to
impress anymore, but it will be nice to have a good challenge at the chess
board.  I've kind of gotten tired of letting you win when we play."

        "Hey..."  Seeing the familiar look, she quickly kissed him goodbye.
"Go.  I'll call Tim and tell him he's on."

        "Thanks.  I love you, honey."

        "I love you, too," she whispered as he rushed off, knowing he could
hear her.

Metropolis, June 15, 1997  11:00pm

        Lois sat alone in their bedroom, looking down at the sleeping angel
in Clark's bassinet.  She would never have thought that having a child
around for such a short time would tear so at her heart.  Since Dr. Klein
had told them that they were unable to conceive, she couldn't shake the
feeling that they had somehow lost something.  Something she was unable to
describe, until now.

        In the four years she'd known Clark, they had lived through more
than most people would in a lifetime.  Even after wars in other galaxies,
amnesia, alternate universes, kryptonite, diabolical government agencies
and countless plots set on tearing them apart, they had just drawn closer
to one another.  Incredibly, nothing any psychopath could design had the
potential of tearing at their hearts as much as this.

        They had talked about having a family before they were married and
Lois knew how much it meant to him.  Before Clark, there was nothing that
could have made her want to share the misery of her childhood with another
generation.  But after becoming a part of Clark's family, she finally
realized what being part of a family was truly like.  She couldn't help but
be envious of his childhood.  And she had to admit, that even after being
married for only a few months, she was looking forward to starting a
family.  It didn't make it any less frightening, but for Lois, this was a
monumental leap.

        But now that she knew they *could* have a child, she couldn't
figure out how she felt.  She was relieved, overjoyed, overwhelmed...
'Face it, Lane...you're scared to death.'  Looking down at the infant's
tiny features, she couldn't help but wonder what their child would look
like.  Would he look like Clark?  Would it even be a he?  What did CJ stand
for anyway?  Could it just be coincidence that those were Clark's initials?
HG didn't tell her what his last name was, so she didn't know if he even
was a Kent.

        With more questions than answers, she dropped back on the bed,
letting out a long breath.  "Ugh..."  Closing her eyes, she tried to settle
her mind.  She never realized how exhausting it was taking care of a child.
Before she knew it, she had drifted off to sleep.

Metropolis, April 6, 2079  7:00pm

        Jeremiah arrived at the Kent's apartment promptly at 7:00, a
carefully chosen bottle of wine tucked neatly under his arm.  He had been
looking forward to the evening all day, mentally playing out each move
carefully.  He relished having such a formidable partner again.

        Lori and Clark treated him to a wonderful Italian dinner, the
recipe said to be passed down from Clark's great grandfather.  Try as he
might, Jeremiah could not get Clark to divulge the recipe, saying only that
he had been sworn to keep the family secret.

        "Well, I hope I'll have better luck at the chess board," Jeremiah
joked.

        "Why don't you two go play," Lori added, placing CJ in his
bassinet.  "CJ and I will take care of the dishes."

        "Okay, honey.  Just yell if you need anything."

        With the two men locked in battle at the chess board and CJ
sleeping soundly, Lori tried to get back to her thank you notes.  Every
time she thought she was through, another gift would appear.  She had a few
more to do since returning to work and she was determined to get them
finished.  With five more notes to write and only two cards left in the
box, she decided to drop down to the corner pharmacy and pick up some more
cards.

        She entered the living room to find her husband and Jeremiah
staring intently at the chess board.

        "So, who's winning the battle?"

        "Well," Jeremiah answered, "Clark had me running for a while there,
but I'm holding my own now."

        "Yes," Clark grinned, "I think he's on to me now."

        "Well, I'll leave you to it.  Clark, I'm going down to the store to
pick up some more thank you cards.  CJ's asleep in his room.  Can you watch
him until I get back?"

        "Sure, honey.  Be careful."

        "I will.  I'll be back in about half an hour.  Go get him,
Jeremiah."

        "I intend to, Lori."

        "Hey," Clark protested.  "Whose side are you on, anyway?"

        "I like pulling for the underdog." Lori grinned, patting his
offended cheek.  "You always win."

        "Well I'll see if I can be the one to finally defeat him, Lori."

        "Good luck."

        Watching Lori gather her things and head out the door, Jeremiah
turned to Clark with a smile.  "You have quite a woman there, Clark.  She
reminds me of someone I knew long ago."

        Still watching her as Lori made her way down the street, Clark
turned back to Jeremiah, unable to wipe the silly grin from his face.  "I'm
the luckiest man on the planet."

        Jeremiah's comment finally sinking in, Clark was intrigued with his
new chess adversary.  "So, what about you?  Is your family here in
Metropolis?"

        "No, no family left.  I never married and my parents died many
years ago."

        "Sorry to hear that.  Well, this young lady obviously made a quite
an impression."

        "Yes, she did.  Just when I thought she was gone for good, she
would always show up again."

        "I know what you mean.  I was a goner from the moment I saw Lori.
She's had me just where she wanted me ever since."  Peering down at the
chess board, Clark made his next move.  "So what happened to this young
lady of yours...if you don't mind me asking."

        "Uh...no, of course not," Jeremiah answered, quickly countering
Clark's move.  "I don't mind.  I had to move on and never saw her again.
And as I said, it was a long time ago."  Anxious to move the topic away
from his past, Jeremiah glanced around the room.  Noticing a well used book
of baby names on the table next to him, he quickly picked it up.  Leafing
through the pages, he noticed names circled and crossed out throughout the
book.  Grinning, he turned it to  Clark.  "I see you did quite a lot of
research naming your son."

        Clark laughed, nodding his head.  "Well, you know Lori.  She had to
know all of the options before we decided.  I think I have that thing
memorized now."

        "Well, Clark is a very strong name.  What does it mean?  Is it a
family name?"

        "It's actually Old English for 'cleric.' It's been in the family as
long as the recipe for tonight's dinner.  Now let me see if I can
remember...Jeremiah...doesn't that mean one who is pessimistic about the
future?"

        "Very good," Jeremiah grinned, putting the book down.  "You must
have it memorized."

        "Well, you certainly don't appear to have lived up to that moniker.
Guess Lori did all of that worrying over names for nothing."

        "Guess so."

        The two returned to their game, each impressed with the other's
skill and knowledge of strategy.  After weighing his options carefully,
Clark was about to make his next move when he was interrupted by the phone.
Excusing himself from the game momentarily, he made his way across the room
to answer it.

        "Kent residence."  Recognizing the familiar tenor of his
grandfather's voice, Clark was quick with a greeting.  "Pops, how are you?"

        "Well, I'm afraid I have a bit of bad news.  I looked into your
friend's disappearance and you were right.  There is something strange
going on.  I had one of our reporters check with some of her neighbors and
they say she never made it home that night.  I even had him check the Jane
Does down at the morgue, and I'm sorry to say that one of them matches her
description.  You might want to go take a look to be sure."

        "Thanks, Pops.  I will."

        "I hope it turns out to be a coincidence, but I thought you'd want
to know."

        "So do I.  And please don't say anything about this to Lori.  I
don't want to worry her if it doesn't end up being her."

        "Sure, son.  Now, you taking good care of my great grandson?"

        "Of course.  Spoiling him every chance I get."

        "Good.  Now say hello to Lori for me.  I've got to get home before
your grandmother comes here after me."

        "Now isn't that why you stay late?"

        "You're on to me.  Just don't tell her, okay?"

        "Mums the word.  Take care, Pops."

        Returning to the chess board, Clark couldn't seem to shake a
feeling of dread.  After a few minutes of watching Clark stare blankly at
the chess board, Jeremiah broke the silence.

"Everything okay?"

        Not wanting to mention his concerns about Eva until absolutely
necessary, Clark looked up and politely smiled.  "Yes, everything's fine."
Moving his queen to threaten Jeremiah's king, he announced, "Check."

        Jeremiah searched the board for his next move, intent on making the
proper defense.  Reaching into his pocket, he slowly pulled a small chess
piece from its case and placed it on the board.

        Immediately, Clark felt a piercing pain shoot through his body and
started to gasp for air, unable to discern the cause.  Looking at the
board, he saw the new chess piece's bright green glow.  As he slowly sank
from the chair onto the floor, he could hear Jeremiah's final words.

"No, Clark, checkmate."

(To be continued in Episode 2 - Time After Time)

Leanne Shawler
aka Volterra on IRC
volterra@sd.znet.com
http://www.znet.com/~volterra/leanne.html
***********************************************************************
Lois and Clark Season 5 Fanfic:
        http://www.fortunecity.com/tattooine/mothership/60/season5.htm
***********************************************************************
Midnight Dreaming: The Original Anthony Warlow Home Page:
        http://www.zweb.com/volterra/anthony.html
***********************************************************************
=========================================================================
Date:         Sun, 28 Sep 1997 20:33:41 -0500
Reply-To:     "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
Sender:       "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
From:         Genevieve <NightSky@EROLS.COM>
Subject:      The Krypton Club's Fifth Season (TUFS) : How to get it
Mime-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"

Sara wrote:

>The Krypton Club is sponsoring TUFS (The Unaired Fifth Season).  They are
>currently sending it out on the same list as the newsletter.  You can
>subscribe by writing Craig Bryne at KryptonFX@aol.com.  Or there is the
TUFS
>website at <http://members.aol.com/thenando/tufs.htm>.

Wait a minute, FoLCs!  Don't do this!  Big changes are coming to the Krypton
Club.

I'm working with Craig on TUFS; they have finally got a majordomo to handle
their mailings.  (You may not know that Craig has been sinding out all 3,000
plus newsletters via 30 or so separate e-mails to 100 members at a time.)
While the Krypton Club *is* currently sending out TUFS to all KC members; it
will not continue to do so.  Details will be in the next newsletter, but to
get TUFS, and to continue getting the Krypton Club Newsletter, *everyone* is
going to have to subscribe to their brand-new majordomo!

So, do *not* write to Craig.  (It took him weeks to add anybody to his old
manual mailing list anyway <g>).  Instead, to subscribe to the Krypton Club
*and* to the Unaired Fifth Season:

send a message to: majordomo@midnight.postino.com
with the body:
                                subscribe krypton

Then you're on! You'll get a confirmation mail to respond to, and then a
welcome message telling you all about the list. READ IT.

Again, this new mailing list will be used to send out Krypton Club mailings
and TUFS episodes.  Current members of the Krypton Club will have to
subscribe to the mailing list to continue getting the newsletter and the
TUFS episodes.

More information (and the First Episode of The Unaired Fifth Season) can be
found at the TUFS website: <http://members.aol.com/thenando/tufs.htm>  New
episodes will be posted to the web site after they mailed out.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Genevieve    (NightSky@erols.com) ; <http://www.erols.com/nightsky>

To find out anything you want to know about Superman (in comics, cartoons,
television, or movies, from Bud Collyer to Dean Cain) -- check out
  THE SUPERMAN HOMEPAGE <http://www.geocities.com/Area51/Vault/7771/>
=========================================================================
Date:         Mon, 29 Sep 1997 00:13:36 -0400
Reply-To:     "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
Sender:       "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
Comments:     RFC822 error: <W> Incorrect or incomplete address field found
and
              ignored.
From:         Pam Jernigan <jernigan@COMPUSERVE.COM>
Subject:      "Classic" Fanfic
MIME-Version: 1.0
Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1

Someone recently mentioned the idea of re-posting older stories, as a sor=
t
of "classic" fanfic (like the stories Zoom's been talking about).  I thin=
k
it's a great idea, and I offer the following wrinkle -- repost older fanf=
ic
stories in synch with the reruns on TNT.  See, I've been reading fanfic f=
or
a long time, and it seems to me that fanfic stories follow trends - usual=
ly
one step ahead of the show :-)  So I think it'd be fun to coordinate the
show reruns with fanfic reruns.  We just finished the first season, so
now's the time to pull out "Dirty Bubbles" for instance <g> or any number=

of good first season revelation stories.  As the second season progressed=
,
we became desperate for romance.  Then we were once more crying out for a=

revelation... and then, in third season, wow, she *knew* and they were
working together... that kind of thing.

Anyone game?

PJ
who thinks the S5 premiere episode was *great* and not just 'cause she's
on the S5 team or because she knows Barb personally :-)

!^NavFont02F03300006MGHHJy774F
=========================================================================
Date:         Mon, 29 Sep 1997 00:30:59 -0400
Reply-To:     "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
Sender:       "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
From:         Peace Everett <PEverett9@AOL.COM>
Subject:      Re: "Classic" Fanfic

In a message dated 97-09-29 00:14:53 EDT, jernigan@COMPUSERVE.COM writes:
> So I think it'd be fun to coordinate the
>  show reruns with fanfic reruns.

I think this is a great idea -- means you'll be ready to re-read
"Merry-Go-Round" in a week or so, huh? <g>

Peace