A newspaper journalist for more than 25 years, I have now settled into a somewhat less demanding vocation that has allowed me to pursue some of the things on my bucket list. Dabbling in creative writing, fiction, again after so long, I discovered fanfiction just a few years ago and realized that I was writing what's now known as fanfiction 30 years ago. Notebooks full of "Partridge Family," "Bonanza" and "Starsky and Hutch" stories attest to that.

I am so enjoying reading the great work of so many talented fanfiction writers.

Like many of you, I am addicted to certain television shows and/or certain characters. NCIS and Tony DiNozzo was at the top of my list, but I'm somewhat disenchanted by NCIS at the moment. I also love NCIS-LA, especially Deeks, and I think the writers are largely overlooking the potential for storylines involving him. I love Hawaii Five-O, especially Danno; and lots of old classics, like Emergency! and Johnny Gage. I'm an avid westerns fan as well, so I appreciate those of you who delve into that genre. My favorites are Laramie with my western hero, Jess Harper (Robert Fuller); the Big Valley and Heath (Lee Majors); Lancer and Johnny Madrid Lancer (James Stacy); and of course, the iconic Bonanza and Gunsmoke. Thank you to all those writers who have given me many hours of enjoyment for several years now. Perhaps I should say that you've been taking me on an emotional roller coaster with each story - and I love it!

I have finally taken a giant step and posted a very short "Big Valley" story. I am one of those writers who find it extremely easy to write scenes and start stories, but have trouble finishing them. I want to. But when I get to a hump, I seem falter. Maybe now that I've taken this step with fan fiction, I'll be more motivated to complete stories so that someone besides me can enjoy them like I have enjoyed your stories.

I'm open to suggestions from the more seasoned veterans, especially about how to find the time to write regularly.