About Me...

Contact info: I can be reached via this email:

strikewolf@yahoo.com

I've had no true computer-related classes. I've self taught myself HTML,etc. mainly through trial-and-error and learn-as-you-go techniques. I've been working on websites since 1998. I've also never taken any art classes, so all of my fanart is generated the same way I learned computer stuff. Learning is great stuff and using that wonderful organic brain of yours is one of the greatest wonders of being human. I'm wary of the new worldwide slave master (technology) and choose to use my own brain as much as possible regardless of how inconvenient or difficult it may be. But I'll not ramble here on that. That's perhaps a good topic for my editorial section.

I excelled in my english classes in school and while I didn't like it at the time, once I graduated high school, I suddenly realized I enjoyed writing, when I didn't have to do it on a deadline or particular subject. So, I've been writing fanfics for many years now. Perhaps one day I'll write a real book or two, but it's not something I'll push or force myself to do. I have to want and enjoy such a thing and not on somebody else's deadline.  I've had several small, non-fanfic works published in minor publications such as high school and college compilations. I typically write humor or action/adventure though strangely you might even see some romance thrown in. While I despise romance as a genre, sometimes it's a necessary element for character development or plots. I am a well-rounded writer meaning I can write in any genre I put my mind to, this even goes from hetero- to homo- sexual works...from kiddie to very mature works. I'm also what is called a "free-writer" or "write on the wing" writer. This means that I do not plan out my stories in advance. I generally start out with a basic idea...enough to start a fic, then just let it flow from chapter to chapter without really knowing where it is leading myself. Usually my thinking is only one chapter ahead of the one I'm writing...but only so I know where to take the current chapter. That may sound strange, it's difficult to explain, but it's quite true. Sometimes I only know the beginning and how I want it to end. What will happen in-between is not even known to me. So, many of my stories are a surprising adventure to me just as it is to you readers. 

I have a relatively short attention span so my chapters/works tend to move quickly with only enough detail to accentuate the plot or character. Too much detail will slow a story or character down, or dull the work to the point where the reader (or writer, in my case) grows bored of the story. But the key element in all my writing and artwork is that I do it informally or "just for fun." I don't take it seriously whatsoever! If it becomes something serious then it is akin to work and if I lose the enjoyment & passion in writing, then my writing/art will suffer and I'll have to stop for months or years to come until it becomes 'fun' again. 

I also place my fanfics up at FanFiction.net, where I go by the nickname "RebelWolf" (similar to here) though I may stop doing so very soon due to ff.net's restrictions and rules. To me, those restrictions limit freedom of speech and expression. So I really don't want to support a site that does such.  In the near future I will be placing my fics at the "Freedom of Speech Fanfiction Archive" site (www.ffosff.net) where I can write without censorship or restrictions. "Rebel Wolf" is also my nick there. Most of my works in the past years are rated PG-13 or higher. I'm finding I don't really like to "talk down" or censor my creative works to cater to the chance of a child reading/viewing my works. It's not my responsibility to modify my works that are written by an adult for adults.  It is the responsibility of the parents to screen and monitor their kids' activities, not mine.

I have a Bachelor of Science degree in Zoology from NC State University (GO WOLFPACK!) . My age...uh, let's just say, I'm definitely legal for alcohol and I do remember a time when there was no space shuttle, cell phones or the internet and vinyl records came in 2 popular speeds (33's & 45's for those who are curious). Nope, not married and no kids and never want either (long story). I'm also not really religious though I do have pantheist tendencies.  I am devoted to animal and environmental causes and seek a return to nature of sorts. Some humans need to shirk off our own species' selfishness and represent those species who can't speak themselves. I'm one of them.

I spend much of my spare time doing physical activities such as riding my mountain bike, enjoying nature, or in winter, skiing. On those bad weather days or when my body just is too tired to do physical stuff I am here on my computer working on this website or my fanfics or fanart or sleeping. I'm not lazy...just spend so much energy doing so many physical things, that it leaves my body in need of much sleep. So yes, my spare time is very limited since it is divided among mundane real life activities such as housecleaning and my many other activities. I do work full time as well so between work and sleep, more than half the week is already spoken for! Ahh yes, living on one's own is not as thrilling as many young ones think! But, at least, when I get home, I can leave my shoes where ever I want to!

My nick, "Rebel Wolf" and theme reflect my love and affinity to the wolf and probably is the best selection I've ever had since having a web site. In Native American culture, 

the wolf is my soul animal based on my date of birth, etc. The college I attended, it's mascot was the Wolfpack. So, you can see I have a fondness for this intelligent, reclusive yet very powerful animal. The "rebel" part of my nick stresses the importance to go beyond the boundries and stereotypes of typical society. I like to be unique and have always walked to the beat of a different drum and don't fit into any societal or cultural mold. It takes a certain courage and strength to be different and not be like everybody else. A rare trait in today's "team play" environment.  I relish and take pride in it and allow it to spur creativity and innovation--a dying or rare trait in the US workforce molds these days. It also means, I'm perfectly comfortable writing about topics, etc. that might otherwise be controversial or uncomfortable with others. I try to place warnings where I can, but since I'm so comfortable and used to the subject matter, I might not even notice or could even forget. Please keep this in mind when reading my works or browsing my site.

And in case you haven't figured it out yet, I am female, but a die-hard tomboy. In other words, I think and act more male than female. I'm female only in the biological sense of the word. My lifestyle, activities, and interests are much more male-oriented than female to the point where I find it more comfortable talking and hanging out with males than females. I just have more in common with males. Yet another 'unique' trait about me. For me, the typical behaviors of females are as baffling to me as they are to biological males. A makeover...what the #$%# is that?! For me, mud on the face is a hard ride through a rain-soaked woods on my mountain bike!

Using a template that American Express did for an advertising campaign with celebrities, I will chart out a little more about me below.

childhood ambition: become anything I wanted to be

fondest memory: playing outside with my neighborhood friends

soundtrack: Alexander the Great

retreat: into nature, away from humanity

wildest dream: accomplish everything I ever want to do

proudest moment: being the first in my family to ever graduate from a 4-year university

biggest challenge: finishing college while working 2 jobs and being away from family and loved ones (as in living several states away)

alarm clock: my cat

perfect day: doing absolutely nothing unless I WANT to

first job: shoveling snow or raking leaves for the elderly or needy 

indulgence: eating junk food while watching a good show/movie or copping some z's at any moment I feel like it

favorite movie: Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith

inspiration: nature & animals

My life: has peaks like Mount Everest and valleys like the Grand Canyon, but that's normal right!?

My goal(s): to live comfortably and do the things I enjoy doing and perhaps make a little bit of difference in the world along the way