This week's guest on the Readers' Choice is probably not all that well known to some people - but to others she is simply invaluable. She's mostly, but not entirely, a lurker, but behind the scenes she's known as one of the very best beta-readers in the business. Writers such as LabRat and MissyG swear undying gratitude to her. <g> She is:

Whereabouts in the world are you?
Currently, I'm in beautiful sunny Virginia.

How long have you been a FoLC?
I got a late start with the Internet, so I wasn't aware of the Fan Group until 1998 I think, but I've been a fan of Lois and Clark since the beginning. I can remember being very excited when I started seeing the previews for the series.

What drew you to Lois and Clark?
I've always been a fan of Superman since I first saw George Reeves in the role. My dad had a passing resemblance to him, so how could I resist? <g> I found as I got older that I liked the idea of Lois as an active partner rather than a "fluff piece." The additional element of romance was a definite factor in my enjoyment with the series.

When did you first discover fanfic?
Well, I actually stumbled over it while searching for information on the series. I ended up in the forum and discovered - to my wonderment - Fanfic! One story and I was hooked! Still am, for that matter. <g>

What's the very first fanfic you read? Do you remember what your first thoughts were about the concept of fanfiction?
My first fanfic was LabRat's Sugar and Spice. I remember thinking - what a great idea and how imaginative the writer was - thank goodness! This is what should have happened if the show were on just a little bit later in the evening. Well, that was just the beginning. I couldn't seem to get enough of the stories. Soon I was on Dawn's listing and Demi's and Zoomway's sites.

What are your favourite sites for reading fanfic?
Well. I have to say it's a toss-up between LCFanfic and Zoomway's Message Board.

List some stories you'd recommend to other readers.
Gee, that's a tough one. There are so many fabulous authors and stories. For someone starting out I think I would suggest that they start with anything by LabRat, Sheila Harper, BB Medos, Kathy Brown, Wendy Richards, Zoomway or Demi.

A new story goes up on the Archive or MBs. You drop everything - and we mean *everything* - to read it. So who would it be by? <g>
Hmmm, again that's a tough one, as I actually have a few authors that I do that for. <g> But if you need one, I'd say LabRat.

What type of stories do you most enjoy reading, and why?
Romance!! <g> elsewhere, first time, Waffy.

What's your opinion of:
Drama?
Perfect for a dark night! I especially like those where they discover that they can overcome anything when they work though it together.

Action?
What would Lois and Clark be without a little action? Putting away the bad guys is what they do best.

Romance?
Can't have too much romance for me, especially with all the angst that some of the authors throw in.

Tearjerkers?
This is a tough one for me. Tearjerkers are ok, but I don't particularly like Deathfics where Lois and/or Clark are the deceased.

WAFFy vignettes?
Yumm! Sometimes a simple warm and fuzzy vignette is just what you need to perk you up.

Elseworlds?
Ever since I saw how lonely the Alternate Clark was, I was *compelled* to read about him. I couldn't imagine him being alone and I'm so glad that the authors thought so too!

Alternate Universe/Beginnings?
Oh yes, I like these too. Hmm, are we seeing a pattern here? <G>
To read about how they could have gotten together had their original meeting been different. Soulmates finding their way to each other. <sigh>

Other (if we've failed to include your favourite type, here's your chance to set the record straight <g>)?
I don't really have a favourite - I guess it depends upon the writing. If it's good, it goes beyond genre.

Can you choose one, possibly two, stories you'd consider personal favourites, and tell us what you like about them?
Ooo, that's a tough one. If I have to choose, I'd say Sugar and Spice by LabRat because it combined all of the elements into one story. Romance, angst, episode tag-on and drama. The other would be Sanctuary by BB Medos. This story shows Lois as his strength, his hope. Beautifully written.

Has everything been done in L&C fanfic? Are there any unexplored scenarios? Or doesn't it matter? <g>
Well, there's always a new twist to an old story. I know I've read more than one version of the original episodes. And I think as long as there are fans and writers who love Lois and Clark, there'll always be a story to be written and read.

If you could be your favourite author's personal Muse, what would your dream story premise be?
Yikes! A muse? Me? My only contribution would be *please hurry up and finish this story, I can't wait for more*? Somehow I don't think that would be very productive. LOL!!

In your opinion, what makes for the best story? What ingredients, in your opinion, are essential to your favourite type of fanfic?
Well-defined characters are essential, but a good plot and a lot of romance make the best stories. Who could as for more?

Any other comments you'd like to make?
I just want to say thanks to all the writers for consistently entertaining me with their imagination. It's a privilege to be associated with some of the most talented and generous people I've ever known.