queermail | Salutations

Name: I created the pen "Lady Shadow" in 6th grade. Since it's stubbornly remained around, we'll stay with that.

Age: 22

Location: Hell's Basement, USA

How do you identify?: I have been known, on ocassion, to wish I was born a man. For all that, I would be gay if that were the case - I like my menfolk.

Interests/hobbies: My interests are wide and varied. I have an intense desire to know things, so I love learning. (If you promise not to laugh, I'll let you in on a secret - I (honest to goodness) used to read the dictionary). I like doing things with my hands - I sew, embroider and cross stitch (not too well, but I'm getting better), I draw and would one day love to make miniature houses. I am enraptured by the cosmos and love history. My affair with history started in Egypt in second grade, and has since taken a leisurely path through the Fertile Crescent, Europe, India, China and Japan. I think ancient Chinese history is my favorite at the moment. If I had my own way, I would just travel and learn things for the rest of my life.

I am currently learning Japanese and one day would like to learn Korean or Mandarin as well. I practice judo, love swimming, and put up with the rest of the gym. On most days I am fortunate enough to like my job, and on the days that I'm not so fortunate, I go take it out on some otherwise undeserving fictional character.

I am a writer and great lover of language. I am working on several original novels that will probably fester for decades before they get to the level of being publishable. Despite my seeming lack of ability to finish any of these, I have written hundreds (if not thousands) of page of fanfiction (guilty as charged). I write for many fandoms and for a couple reasons a.) I am enraptured by the universe (Harry Potter) b.) I felt like there was much more there than was brought out (Dragon Ball Z) c.) It needs to be fixed. (Twilight xD)

Along with writing, I am an avid reader and love anime.

Favourite books: My favorites change day-to-day. When I'm in a more serious mood, I love Tad Williams, John Marco, C.S. Friedman, Louise Cooper. When I want an easy read that will pull at the chest, I pick up the Herald Mage Series. When I'm feeling adventurous and want to see how long my logic meter can hold out against sheer genre goodness, I select a number from Nicholas Seafort Saga.

Favourite films: The Labyrinth is my all-time favorite, I love The 13^th Warrior, The Rock, movies like Troy and Alexander, movies like Stargate, movies like Gattaca. I loved Avatar (who didn't?) and the new Robin Hood was decent. Other than that, I've really been on a Bleach kick lately, so I haven't been watching a lot of movies – though I did pull out Fast and the Furious and xXx the other day. I suppose I should find Riddick to make it a more complete marathon.

Favourite music: Again, pretty wide. One day might be Sarah McLachlan and Loreena McKennit, the next is Tool, Chevelle, Breaking Benjamin. Yesterday I found Adam Lambert's stuff and got a kick out of that.

What would you like to send/receive?: Up for negotiation. I like the idea of exchanging real letters, but one can never be too careful about handing out their address these days, as unfortunate as that might be.

Who would you like to send and receive mail from?: Storytellers, poets, comics. Articulate, eloquent, organic writers, someone who can put their soul in a pen. Travelers, and people who live in other countries, or speak other languages. I am fascinated by other cultures, and adore photographs and stories of beautiful places. If someone out there is willing to help me through my Japanese, I will fall at your feet!

What countries would you like to receive mail from and send to?: I'm not too picky.

What would be in your dream letter or package?: Little things that are valuable because they tell a story, new things with different textures and interesting colors, letters on decorated paper, common tidbits from uncommon places and a smile.

Anything else you'd like to add?: I've never had a penpal, but I've always wanted one. And I have excellent penmanship.