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

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

If you're familiar with anime or manga, you've probably at least heard of Akira, since it's a landmark of the genre (if one considers anime/manga to be a distinct genre, which tends to be a point of debate unto itself).

I'm guessing most of you have not, so this creates some confusion. There are other examples in my early stories, such as Books of Magik, that have been brought to my attention. As I became aware, however, that the target audience was actually people who are interested in TG who may or may not be fans of the comic book genre, I started either explaining my references, or even including a list of "who's who" at the end of a chapter, if I felt it was important.

Most times, the people and places I refer to I feel aren't actually important to the story, and are included more as "easter eggs" for those people who know what I'm talking about. One example I've used is the Free Spirit story- you don't need to know who Steve Rogers is to enjoy the story. Or in Heart Like a Lion, when I introduce Dr. Stephen Strange- it's not necessary to know he's the Sorcerer Supreme in Marvel Comics, because in the Retcon stories, he's just a (brilliant) doctor.

I still have a lot of bad habits and odd quirks as an author, and I tend to write at times when there's no one around to talk to about my stories- and I desperately need to get it out there, or I'll start picking it apart later (I'm my own worst critic, I think half the stuff I write is garbage). A lot of my work has gone straight to the Recycle Bin, never to return.

At any rate, I do apologize for any confusion I have caused my readers, as I'm really grateful that I have readers in the first place! And if something does confuse you, or you feel it needs more of an explanation, please, let me know, and I'll try to rectify the issue.

Thanks for your time,

-James