Author Profile: Padmé Amidala

Character Name: Padmé Amidala
"Real" Name: Shannon Entin
Age: 36
Gender: F
Global Location: Northwest New Jersey, USA
Day Job: Homeschooling Mom

Bio:
Shannon founded FitnessLink, an online fitness information magazine, in 1995 and served as writer, editor, publisher, and web designer. With her writing talent and her husband’s marketing genius, the site grew to become one of the most popular fitness sites on the web. In late 2000, she sold FitnessLink to a web content portal. Shannon also co-authored The Complete Idiot's Guide to Online Health and Fitness (Macmillan, 1999) and contributed numerous feature articles in newspapers and fitness magazines.

Shannon is now focusing on homeschooling her children, while writing and blogging fanatically in her “free time.” Read Shannon’s full profile here.

Q1: What made you decide to start a blog like this?
The seed was planted after reading the creative genius of "The Darth Side" blog, when I became intrigued by the challenges of fiction writing and character development. I decided that creating a Star Wars character blog would be a fun way to keep my writing skills sharp and to marry three of my greatest loves – Star Wars, writing, and the web.

Q2: Why did you choose your particular character?
I see so much more in Padmé than is portrayed in the movies. I was also very disappointed in how her character was handled in Episode III. I’m looking forward to fleshing out her character and providing the story line she truly deserves.

Q3: Where do get ideas?
From the movies. From other blogs. From my everyday life. There's a lot of me in Padmé.

Q4: Any blogging tips and tricks?

• Post regularly.
• Compose in a word processing program to check spelling and grammar.
• Edit your blog template. There are tons of free “linkware” templates out there that can make your blog look more exciting and professional.
• If you’re blogging as a character, have a plan. Do some character development and outline your story line.

Q5: Where do you find pictures for use on your blog?
Google Images and Padmé fan sites.

Q6: What's the last book your character read?
”Life Makeovers” by Cheryl Richardson. Pads is big on self improvement.

Q7: What's the last book you read?
I’m reading Star Wars expanded universe books with my son. We’re now reading “Jedi Apprentice #11: The Deadly Hunter” by Jude Watson.

Q8: Other hobbies/interests?
I enjoy scrapbooking, blogging, and skiing.

Q9: Other blogs you work on?
PHAT Mommy