First, I would like to thank you for your interest in my story.  It's nice to know that fanfic works are read and appreciated by fans of the original's work.

Second, I would like to introduce myself.  My real name is Wes Terwey.  I'm currently a graduate student studying Atmospheric Science, which with my ample mathematical background, makes me both a true math nerd and weather weenie.  I'm an avid stormchaser, doing it not only for the fun, but also as a public service and as a learning experience.  My other big hobby is gaming of all sorts.  I'm an avid strategy and card gamer, and can be frequently found online in many different card games (cribbage and spades being my favorites).  I'm also a brother in the National Co-Ed Service Fraternity Alpha Phi Omega, acting as an advisor (in training) for this campus' chapter.

This is my first publishable work of fanfic, so I'm enjoying the learning experience.  I have written unreleased works for other comics, including Sluggy Freelance and GPF.  Please do not ask me to divulge these works, because I will not.  None had the plot and idea that this one did from the beginning.  I'm a relative newbie when it comes to creative writing, but I do not consider myself a novice writer.  Four years of tough high school English and writing along with 4 additional years of VERY INTENSE training in undergrad. in writing gave me a lot of skills which are easily applicable to fiction writing.  And yes, even in the sciences, clear writing is important.  I could go into a small essay in my writing process, but I'll spare you... at least currently.

Lastly, I would like to thank Timber Bram for his excellent editing job, Vince Suzukawa for the great comic (the comic's title was the drawing point for me...), my friends online who have lived (and are still living) through my occasional absences due to my writing, my little (fraternity) brother Chris Lingel who indirectly gave me the idea for this story, my parents who are always standing behind me in everything I do, and all the forum participants who gave me so many compliments (especially on that rough first chapter) that kept my spirits high about this story.  Lastly, I would like to reiterate my sincere thanks to you, the reader, for taking time out of your life to enjoy this story.  Having a reader who enjoys the story is an author's favorite thing!

Feel free to send criticisms, concerns, compliments, or comments (the 4C's) to me at jelliskyNOSPAMATmacNOSPAMDOTcom.  For the most part, I'm a nice guy and I respond to e-mails relatively quickly.  However, understand that most plot questions, especially while the story's being published, will probably be answered, "Just wait and you'll find out!".  I rarely divulge my plot before it becomes published.

Thanks again for reading, and enjoy The Valley of Deceit!

-Wes Terwey
-a.k.a. Jellisky