Timothy Zahn is a Hugo award winning author who introduced Mara Jade in his novel Heir to the Empire. Our guest reporter Erin Nance sat down with guest of honor Zahn at the TusCon in November 2002.
This is Erin Nance here at TusCon, interviewing Star Wars author Timothy Zahn for Jade Crusades. Thank you for allowing Jade Crusades to pick your brain a second time!
*laughter* All right, no problem.
It has recently been announced that you will be writing two novels: one set during the Prequel era, dealing with the Outbound Flight Project, and another novel featuring Luke Skywalker and Mara Jade. What can you tell us about these two books?
Actually, it’s Mara Jade Skywalker at this point. That book, called Survivor's Quest, takes place about three years after the “Hand of Thrawn” duology. Which is about two years before New Jedi Order. The basic setup is that the Chiss have discovered the remains of Outbound Flight out in Chiss Space, and invite Luke and Mara to come out with them to examine the wreckage, and to make arrangements to get it back to New Republic Space. And there are of course, various problems along the way. We won't get in to that - that'll be for the book.
The other book will actually come out a year later, and is going to be the story of Outbound Flight, and its destruction by the young Thrawn at the edge of Chiss Space. In a sense I'm doing a book and a Prequel, similar to what Lucas himself is doing. We’ll see the results of a lot of the details of what happened to Outbound Flight in Survivor's Quest, but not exactly how it got there.
Will your Prequel novel expand on Mara's origins?
No, it will be before she's born. It will probably be between The Phantom Menace and Attack of the Clones. Obi-Wan and Anakin will make an appearance, but it won't be the major thrust of the story.
Do you have any plans on revealing Mara's past? Specifically, how she was taken from her parents and trained by Palpatine?
No, no plans. There are two schools of thought on this. One group really wants to find out everything they can about Mara. The other group would rather leave her past shrouded in mystery. I haven't quite decided which way I want to go with that.
How do you think Mara has been sufficiently redeemed for what she did as the Emperor's Hand?
How has she been redeemed? She’s been a pretty good friend to the New Republic, I think. I went into that in the “Hand of Thrawn” with the fact that she wasn't really of the Dark Side because she was serving as best she knew. Many of the people she assassinated were corrupt, and were evil in their own way. Not just enemies Palpatine was trying to get out of the way, they were actually people who - I hate to say it - deserved to die. She was actually doing justice in many cases.
How will your Luke and Mara novel deal with Mara's development as a Jedi?
She’s going to be pretty well developed at that point, I think. Most of what this is going to be is just showing how she and Luke will work and operate together in situations of crisis and danger, and intrigue and all that. I think most of her development has been done, now it's just going to be turning her loose and seeing what she and Luke can do together.
Will the novel expand on her relationship as Jaina Solo's Jedi Instructor?
No, none of the other main characters make appearances. This whole thing takes place out beyond the edges of the New Republic. A couple of other minor characters come out and they are mentioned here and there, but nobody else really shows up.
In your novel, Dark Force Rising, Mara reflects on her tenure as a server girl, a mechanic, and a come-up flector for a swoop gang. We've seen stories in which Mara is depicted playing out the former jobs, but what exactly is a “come-up flector,” and what are the chances of us seeing you tell that story?
*laughter* I don't know what the chances are. A come-up flector is what would be called a "come on." She is a come up deflector. It's someone who will deflect or divert people's attention; a diversionary type of person. I just made up the term. A throwaway comment, but I actually went along and wrote some stories. I may do that one next - who knows?
Have any plans been made to expand on Mara's "missing" five years between the Emperor's death and the “Thrawn Trilogy,” either in comic, short story, or novel form?
I did the Mara Jade comic, which picks up right after the Emperor's death. I did a story for the Star Wars Tales anthology for Dark Horse. And I did the story for the Star Wars Gamer that fits in that gap. I'd be happy to do more. At the moment, the Insider is more interested in doing Clone Wars Era stories. I'm going to hopefully be doing a three-parter for them on that. I've been offered that. I've just finished the outline, and I need to send it in and get it approved.
What else was Mara doing during that time, besides hiding from Ysanne Isard?
I don't know. She was moving around, trying to make a new life for herself. Probably running into problems, executing justice as she's been taught to do, as she's done in a couple of the other stories. The details at the moment are shrouded in mystery. I haven't thought of them yet.
You've written two Mara Jade short stories in which Mara rescues a character that appears in your other novels as an employee of Talon Karrde. Given the opportunity to write another similar story, which other character would you like to cross paths with Mara?
I don't know if there are any other characters that I want her to specifically cross paths with - nothing comes to mind. There is one story involving Mara I would like to do some day, if the Insider is interested. There is a reference in Vision of the Future when Karrde and Shada D’ukal are searching for Jorj Car’das. They run into a crime lord, and mention offhandedly that a young lady and an elegant gentleman saved him from an assassination attempt. That was Lando and Mara, when they were doing their preliminary investigation. I'd like to do that story. Of how it was they came to save this crimelord, and why he was so deeply in dept to Karrde.
Are there any chances of seeing a reoccurrence of Shada D’ukal in future written works by you?
Nothing planned at the moment, but I'd like to. I think she and Karrde are an interesting team. Very different than Karrde and Mara were, but with some of the same potential for good stories. Again, there's not that much outlet for fiction except for the Insider, and they're mostly interested in Clone Wars Era material. It's a setup I'd like to come back to sometime, but no idea when.
There are many different versions of Mara Jade, from comic books, book covers, and reference books, action figures and live model. What is your preferred image of Mara Jade?
I have a very hard time with a real physical image of any of my characters. I tend to think of them more as their personality. Several of the Maras have been fine. Shannon Baksa is the “official” Mara Jade now. If it's got the correct Mara Jade attitude and expression, it's probably something I can live with.
Speaking of comic books, what is the current status of your and Michael Stackpole's Mara/Mirax and Luke/Corran series?
We don't even have a complete story worked out, let alone pitched it to Dark Horse. Actually, before that, Mike and I do have a complete story worked up that Dark Horse has never been interested in called The Reenlistment of Baron Fel. That shows how Fel went from the New Republic, as in Mike's “X-Wing” comics, to being out at the Hand of Thrawn with Admiral Parck. We have a six-part comic, or a four-part story. But so far, we haven't found anybody interested in taking it. If we do, we'll probably do that one. Then the Luke/Mara and Corran/Mirax is definitely a possibility. We would both very much like to do that one. There would be trouble for everybody around them.
*laughter*
Jade Crusades and many Mara Jade fans are pushing to see Mara appear in more Star Wars comics. It has been hinted that Dark Horse may be interested in creating an “all Mara Jade” issue of the Star Wars Tales comic book. What would it take to see you writing one of those Mara stories, and would you be interested?
It would take them asking me, and that's about it! I haven't even heard this was a possibility. Dark Horse and I have not talked for quite a while. I don't know what's happening over there. That would be something I'd very much like to do though. Probably another intermediate type of story, in Mara’s 5-year gap. Basically, all they have to do is say, "Would you like to do a story for us?" And I'll say, "When do you need it?"!
The following questions were submitted to Jade Crusades from other Mara Jade fans:
What were your impressions with Michael Stackpole's Star Wars: Union comic book?
We talked about it some. I'm not sure I actually ever got a final version of the whole thing. Again, that was the time when I was out of the loop with Dark Horse. It would have been nice if they had asked me to do it. Mike and I discussed the story, and it seemed reasonable. I'm not sure if I actually saw the entire thing.
Where did Luke and Mara spend their honeymoon?
*laughter* I have no idea.
If you had written about Luke and Mara having a child, would it have been a boy or girl, and what would he or she have been named?
I probably would have made it a boy. Not for any particular reason, but I probably would have. I have no idea what I would have named it - the question has never come up. Ben is a fine name. I like that reference to Ben Kenobi.
Were any of the character for the Thrawn Trilogy inspired by people you knew in real life?
There are several people that have sort of been tuckerized, I think the term is, when you put someone else's name into a book. There are something like eight references to a club and convention down in Tampa called Necronomicon in the first book. There are two people who got their way in a charity auction in that book as well. And there are a couple of people, again names only, in The Last Command. Not the people themselves, but names and maybe a little bit of description. I don't usually take people's characteristics. I wouldn't take my son’s personality, for example, and put him into a book. I might put his name in. I don't generally put real people into books.
Do you know if Mike Stackpole's short story for the Star Wars Insider will contain Mara Jade?
The upcoming one? No because again, they're wanting Clone Wars Era. That's before Mara is born.
Well, that's it. Thank you again for the opportunity to interview you.
Not a problem!
Thank you.
Okay, thank you!
Andi Ficara Interview
Before Shannon McRandle was the official model, Andi Ficara posed for images of Mara produced by Matt Busch. She recently completed an online interview for us.
We’re interviewing Andi Ficara, the woman who modeled as Mara Jade for artist Matt Busch’s illustrations of Jade Solitaire. Thank you for taking the time to answer a few questions.
Can you tell us a little about yourself?
I'm not sure where to start from for this question. I guess you could say I'm a 'Jack of all Trades' in terms of activities I enjoy doing. I love to be outdoors enjoying things like swimming, horseback riding, camping, hiking, fishing (a little bit...my grandpa taught all the grandkids how.)and lots of other activities like those. I also do enjoy getting my fill of creativity and culture. I love going to art galleries and museums, listening music (no, I don't play an instrument but I enjoy singing and my CD collection), concerts, reading, movies, dancing (clubs, ballroom, swing),etc. I'm currently looking to finish my art degree sometime in the near future. Until then, I'm busy being a new mom to my 7 month old daughter.
What other projects have you modeled for?
I've had a few tiny things over the years but mostly I've worked with Matt on a few of his projects. The biggest one being a supporting character in his graphic novel/comic book Alizarin's Journal. I get to play German parapsychologist, Dr. Andrea Schwiegen. My guinea pig is in there, too! I'm really more excited about my guinea pig than my stuff. It's just all really fun.
Are you a Star Wars fan?
Yea, but not as much as my sister! I do enjoy Star Wars/Sci-Fi but I almost always end up watching it by accident! Don't worry all you Star Wars fans! I am not an imposter in the Star Wars realm. I know my stuff; I keep up on the trivia.
In Busch's interview, he said that he had you read Timothy Zahn's first novel to get to know the character. Did you like the character?
I love the character of Mara Jade. I related to her much more than any of the other characters. She's so wonderfully feisty.
What parts of her character intrigued you?
As I mentioned before, I really related to her. What really intrigued me was how much I understood her thought processes (after her stint with the Emperor). Her loyalty to herself, her crew members, and Luke. Also the way, she protected her softer side with wit and sarcasm. It was kinda crazy to read something like that!
What was Busch’s process of turning you into Mara?
Matt did have me read her story but I also did some research on my own to understand her on a more 'personal' level. After that, we raided my closet for the costume of what we thought she would wear. I then did my hair and make-up. Matt set up some lighting, handed me a sword (to use for a light-saber reference), set the pose, and *poof* Mara Jade incarnate. With Matt's artwork 'what you see is what you get', meaning he presents his models with incredible accuracy in a very readable layout/format.
What was it was like portraying Mara Jade for Busch’s illustrations?
Are you kidding?! I get to be a Star Wars character! How COOL is that?! It was a lot of fun to do.
Were you able to see any of the finished illustrations, before they were sent to West End Games?
Yes. That was a hoot to see how he set up the scenes and stuff. Also, even though he was already going to send in his work he wanted to see how I liked them just for fun.
Are you still keeping tabs on Mara Jade and Star Wars?
Of course! Now, even more just because of my additional research into Mara Jade and Star Wars. Hey, "May the Force Be With You!" I always wanted to do that. Thanks!
Thank you for participating in this interview.
You are very welcome!
We’re interviewing Andi Ficara, the woman who modeled as Mara Jade for artist Matt Busch’s illustrations of Jade Solitaire. Thank you for taking the time to answer a few questions.
Can you tell us a little about yourself?
I'm not sure where to start from for this question. I guess you could say I'm a 'Jack of all Trades' in terms of activities I enjoy doing. I love to be outdoors enjoying things like swimming, horseback riding, camping, hiking, fishing (a little bit...my grandpa taught all the grandkids how.)and lots of other activities like those. I also do enjoy getting my fill of creativity and culture. I love going to art galleries and museums, listening music (no, I don't play an instrument but I enjoy singing and my CD collection), concerts, reading, movies, dancing (clubs, ballroom, swing),etc. I'm currently looking to finish my art degree sometime in the near future. Until then, I'm busy being a new mom to my 7 month old daughter.
What other projects have you modeled for?
I've had a few tiny things over the years but mostly I've worked with Matt on a few of his projects. The biggest one being a supporting character in his graphic novel/comic book Alizarin's Journal. I get to play German parapsychologist, Dr. Andrea Schwiegen. My guinea pig is in there, too! I'm really more excited about my guinea pig than my stuff. It's just all really fun.
Are you a Star Wars fan?
Yea, but not as much as my sister! I do enjoy Star Wars/Sci-Fi but I almost always end up watching it by accident! Don't worry all you Star Wars fans! I am not an imposter in the Star Wars realm. I know my stuff; I keep up on the trivia.
In Busch's interview, he said that he had you read Timothy Zahn's first novel to get to know the character. Did you like the character?
I love the character of Mara Jade. I related to her much more than any of the other characters. She's so wonderfully feisty.
What parts of her character intrigued you?
As I mentioned before, I really related to her. What really intrigued me was how much I understood her thought processes (after her stint with the Emperor). Her loyalty to herself, her crew members, and Luke. Also the way, she protected her softer side with wit and sarcasm. It was kinda crazy to read something like that!
What was Busch’s process of turning you into Mara?
Matt did have me read her story but I also did some research on my own to understand her on a more 'personal' level. After that, we raided my closet for the costume of what we thought she would wear. I then did my hair and make-up. Matt set up some lighting, handed me a sword (to use for a light-saber reference), set the pose, and *poof* Mara Jade incarnate. With Matt's artwork 'what you see is what you get', meaning he presents his models with incredible accuracy in a very readable layout/format.
What was it was like portraying Mara Jade for Busch’s illustrations?
Are you kidding?! I get to be a Star Wars character! How COOL is that?! It was a lot of fun to do.
Were you able to see any of the finished illustrations, before they were sent to West End Games?
Yes. That was a hoot to see how he set up the scenes and stuff. Also, even though he was already going to send in his work he wanted to see how I liked them just for fun.
Are you still keeping tabs on Mara Jade and Star Wars?
Of course! Now, even more just because of my additional research into Mara Jade and Star Wars. Hey, "May the Force Be With You!" I always wanted to do that. Thanks!
Thank you for participating in this interview.
You are very welcome!
Cory Allemeier Gallery
LucasArts and Cory Allemeier have generously allowed Jade Crusades to post these exclusive concept sketches of Mara Jade! Click the thumbnails for larger pictures.
Concept art from “Mysteries of the Sith” and “Masters of Teräs Käsi”
Box cover art from “Mysteries of the Sith”
Want to know what kind of research was involved creating Mara Jade for LucasArts? Find out in our Cory Allemeier Online Interview!
Concept art from “Mysteries of the Sith” and “Masters of Teräs Käsi”
Box cover art from “Mysteries of the Sith”
Want to know what kind of research was involved creating Mara Jade for LucasArts? Find out in our Cory Allemeier Online Interview!
Mike Vilardi Gallery
Artist Mike Vilardi has generously allowed Jade Crusades to post his Mara Jade art from the Star Wars Roleplaying Game, and was kind enough to send us some exclusive sketches! Click the thumbnails for larger pictures.
Mara Jade from the short story First Contact
Illustrations from the Dark Force Rising Sourcebook
Concept work for the Dark Force Rising Sourcebook
Jade Crusades exclusive sketch!
What was it like being one of the first artists to illustrate Mara Jade? Find this out, and more in his Online Interview!
Mara Jade from the short story First Contact
Illustrations from the Dark Force Rising Sourcebook
Illustrations from The Last Command Sourcebook
Concept work for the Dark Force Rising Sourcebook
Jade Crusades exclusive sketch!
What was it like being one of the first artists to illustrate Mara Jade? Find this out, and more in his Online Interview!
Dan Veesenmeyer Gallery
Star Wars artist Dan Veesenmeyer has generously supplied an exclusive sketch to Jade Crusades, and has allowed us to post his inked Mara Jade art from the Star Wars Insider #57. We're also lucky enough to have another original piece of his, a lovely pin-up style drawing of Mara as Arica. Click the thumbnails for larger pictures.
Mara Jade from the “Who’s who in the New Jedi Order” article in the Star Wars Insider
Arica pin-up commission
Want to know what Dan's process of creating Mara was? Find out in his Online Interview!
Mara Jade from the “Who’s who in the New Jedi Order” article in the Star Wars Insider
Arica pin-up commission
Want to know what Dan's process of creating Mara was? Find out in his Online Interview!
Terese Nielsen Gallery
Fantasy artist Terese Nielsen has generously allowed Jade Crusades to post some of her Mara Jade art. Included are scans of paintings and exclusive sketches! Click the thumbnails for larger pictures.
Union trade paperback cover
Edge of Victory II: Rebirth Book Cover
Convention Sketch from San Diego Comic-Con 2001
Wondering what is was like for Terese to illustrate two of the most important events in Mara’s life? Find out in her Online Interview! Check out more of Terese’s work at http://www.tnielsen.com/
Union trade paperback cover
Edge of Victory II: Rebirth Book Cover
Convention Sketch from San Diego Comic-Con 2001
Wondering what is was like for Terese to illustrate two of the most important events in Mara’s life? Find out in her Online Interview! Check out more of Terese’s work at http://www.tnielsen.com/
Brandon McKinney Gallery
Jade Crusades was fortunate enough to track down Star Wars: The Essential Guide to Planets and Moons artist Brandon McKinney. In addition to the Essential Guide, McKinney also illustrated the Star Wars Mighty Chronicles book series. Brandon McKinney also created the Jade Crusades masthead, seen on our Main Page! Click the thumbnails for larger pictures.
Talon Karrde and Mara Jade as seen in Star Wars: The Essential Guide to Planets and Moons
Our beautiful Jade Crusades masthead design!
Exclusive sketches from San Diego Comic-Con 2001 & 2002
Make sure to check out Brandon McKinney's website!
Our beautiful Jade Crusades masthead design!
Exclusive sketches from San Diego Comic-Con 2001 & 2002
Make sure to check out Brandon McKinney's website!
Carlos Ezquerra Gallery
Star Wars artist Carlos Ezquerra has generously supplied us with some sketches of his work on the Dark Horse comic series Mara Jade: By the Emperor's Hand. Click the thumbnails for larger pictures.
We interviewed Carlos about his work on Mara Jade: By the Emperor's Hand. Make sure to check it out!
We interviewed Carlos about his work on Mara Jade: By the Emperor's Hand. Make sure to check it out!
Storn Cook Gallery
Star Wars artist Storn Cook illustrated the West End Game Roleplaying book Cracken’s Threat Dossier back in 1997. His art of smuggler Mara Jade and her ship, the Jade’s Fire can be found as they were depicted in "The Corellian Trilogy." He also illustrated a scene from Jedi Search for The Jedi Academy Sourcebook. He has generously agreed to allow Jade Crusades to post his images. Click the thumbnails for larger pictures.
Mara Jade as seen in "The Corellian Trilogy"
Mara's ship, the Jade’s Fire
Mara as seen in the "Jedi Academy Trilogy"
Wondering how much time Storn had to illustrate Cracken’s Threat Dossier? Find out in his Online Interview! If you would like to see more of Storn’s art, check out his website at http://stornart.com/
Mara Jade as seen in "The Corellian Trilogy"
Mara's ship, the Jade’s Fire
Mara as seen in the "Jedi Academy Trilogy"
Wondering how much time Storn had to illustrate Cracken’s Threat Dossier? Find out in his Online Interview! If you would like to see more of Storn’s art, check out his website at http://stornart.com/
Joe Corroney Gallery
Star Wars artist Joe Corroney has generously allowed Jade Crusades to post his Mara Jade art. Included are rough sketches, inked illustrations, and never before seen exclusives! Click the thumbnails for larger pictures.
Star Wars Gamer #5 “Emperor’s Pawns” article illustration
Convention sketch from San Diego Comic-Con 2001
Promo art from a convention Corroney attended
Mara Jade Sketch commissioned by Shada
Wondering how Mara ended up in an article she wasn’t planned on being in? Find out in his Online Interview! Check out more of Joe’s work at http://www.joecorroney.com/
Star Wars Gamer #5 “Emperor’s Pawns” article illustration
Convention sketch from San Diego Comic-Con 2001
Promo art from a convention Corroney attended
Mara Jade Sketch commissioned by Shada
Wondering how Mara ended up in an article she wasn’t planned on being in? Find out in his Online Interview! Check out more of Joe’s work at http://www.joecorroney.com/
Matt Busch Gallery
Artist Matt Busch has generously donated the use of some of his Mara Jade art. Click the thumbnails for larger pictures.
Mara Jade from the short story “Jade Solitaire”
Illustrations for AlphaCon and Pittsburgh ComicCon
Wondering who Matt modeled Mara after, before Shannon McRandle was cast? Find out in his Online Interview! Check out more of Matt’s work at http://www.mattbusch.com/
Mara Jade from the short story “Jade Solitaire”
Illustrations for AlphaCon and Pittsburgh ComicCon
Wondering who Matt modeled Mara after, before Shannon McRandle was cast? Find out in his Online Interview! Check out more of Matt’s work at http://www.mattbusch.com/
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