Aphelion? Where did you get that name?
By Dan L. Hollifield
The name Aphelion is a sentimental one for me because it was the title
of the fanzine published by the University of Georgia Science Fiction
Appreciation and Discussion Club. Other writers to have come from this
club include Tom Deitz and C.S. Freedman. I was a member during 1976-78
and was proud to have some poetry and a story published in the original
Aphelion Fanzine. The name is used with respect and many fond memories
of my fellow club members, and with the permission of the publishers of
the fanzine. Many thanks are due to my friends, especally Gil and
Margaret Head for allowing me the use of the Aphelion name, Tom Deitz
for advice when I first started writing, Celia for understanding, and
all UGASFADC members for their frendship and support. Although we've
all moved farther apart since way back then, you are always in my
heart.
Now, this is the successor to Dragon's Lair Webzine, which
has been closed down. I hope to keep up the high standards set by the
Lair and keep everyone coming back for a good time and some great
stories! Dragon's Lair Webzine was the brainchild of Roger Bennett.
Dragon's Lair was a lot of fun and a learning experience as well. I
became a much better writer because of it. It had a run of six issues
and I was proud to have a story in each one. I eventually rose from the
ranks of writers to the Assisstant Editor's position by virtue of
offering good advice to and finding new writers for Roger. There were
many truly excelent writers and artists published in the Lair. I hope
that more of the Lair's writers will see fit to contribute stories to
Aphelion in the future.
One thing you need to know is that this Zine is not meant to
stroke my own ego. It is meant to be a forum for new writers to hone
their skills, get their names in front of the public, and have a lot of
fun doing so. It's not just an excuse for me to commit Editry and put
my stories out ahead of everyone else's. Everyone's work is given equal
treatment because I can't afford to play favorites. I have sent stories
back to the writer (with suggestions I thought would improve them)
because I couldn't use them as they were. I've also added or changed a
word or two in some of the stories before I could put them online. I
firmly believe that the reader has to come first if we are to keep them
coming back for more.
I'd like to close by saying thank you to Roger Bennett for
all his help and for giving me the go-ahead to keep the spirit of
Dragon's Lair Webzine alive. Roger, without you none of this would be
possible. Thank you and best of luck as a pro writer!
Copyright 1997 by Dan L. Hollifield
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