I mentioned back in May that my family was interested in joining the 501st Legion, a Star Wars costuming organization that makes appearances for charity. (Their motto is "bad guys doing good.") Last week, my husband and I were officially accepted into the Legion. (Alex can't join until he's 18, so for now he has to enroll in the Galactic Academy--if he ever agrees to let me submit pictures.) Here I am as a Jawa:
I made the Jawa robes and hoods myself; I even bought a simple sewing machine and taught myself how to use it. I also prepared the mask and glowing eyes. BB-8 is not officially approved as an accessory for Jawas, but I hope to take him trooping someday.
Of course, the last thing I need is another activity to take away from my limited writing time. It will be a family activity, though, and depending on where we troop, I may be able to write en route.
As an indie, I'm not worried about whether trooping will conflict with a "professional author" image. It may give me a chance to meet more SF fans, but while I will talk about my books if asked, I don't think it's right to use the 501st to promote my own work. It might be interesting, however, if we decide to attend C2E2 next year with the 501st. Do I troop the entire time, or do I set aside some author time? Even if I can't bring balance to the Force, I hope I can do that with my multiple identities as writer and fan.
Have you ever done costuming, or would you like to? What character(s) would you play?
7 comments:
Love your costumes - and what a cool family activity. Good for you. I think it will be a great way to contact fans, as well.
Awesome costume, especially the eyes.
Well done on the costumes!
Family time is important. Go out and enjoy it together. And while it might not be ethical to use the program to promote your books, it will give you an opportunity to scope out places and meet people. You never know where it might lead.
Thanks, Greta and Pat!
Very true about family time, Alex.
Your costumes look great! Love the glowing eyes.
I have no skill with needle and thread so I'm doubly in awe.
I still don't consider myself very skilled, Maria! But I hope to learn how to make curtains. No sense letting the sewing machine sit idle forever.
What fun! I've never gotten into costuming. My mom sews and I grew up with it, but I hated patterns and that was the end of that.
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