Mia Mircada's News Book

Sith Rising: The Author's Thoughts

The author would like to share some of her thoughts about her first Star Wars fanfiction. THERE WILL BE SPOILERS!

Who was your favorite character in the story, and why?

I have a thing for Anakin, Obi Wan, and Ahsoka, simply because I was introduced to Star Wars via the Clone Wars TV series. But my favorite out of the trio is Anakin. I know he's not very popular because of his portrayal in the movies. Don't get me wrong, I wasn't a fan of it, either. Anakin is pretty relatable, if you ask me. We've both lost a parent, we've been given really high expectations, we can be moody, and such.

The challenge with writing the story was the fact that Anakin was much older than me---he's 22 with a family of his own and I'm not even 18 yet. And to top it off, I've never had nightmares of my loved ones in danger and I never conspired with the bad guy.

I also liked writing from Will's perspective. In the story, Will is a fish out of water, or a Muggle, as Anakin and I like to call him. He has a big heart and is willing to do anything to protect those he loves...but he can also be a little reckless and disorganized. I also like the bond between Anakin and Will. They're alike in so many ways, I cannot describe them all at once. Really, Will's concern for Anakin influences his decision-making, most notably the martial arts fighting scene. I was also really sad when I killed him off. I mean, Will's a really good guy at heart.

What was your favorite part and why?

I had loads of fun writing the Battle of Mustafar sequence. I've never written an action scene before, so this was a first for me. Order 66 comes a close second, but during the Battle of Mustafar, the stakes were really high. The good guys were risking their lives for the greater good, and Palpatine certainly wouldn't back down without a fight.

There's also a lot going on during the Battle of Mustafar. Before Anakin and company can actually land on Mustafar, Obi Wan and his squad have to disable the shield generator. As if that wasn't a pain, there also was a shield around the generator. Double trouble!

There also is the rescue of Padme Amidala, which takes place right before Ahsoka vs Kihara. These rescue mission scenes really excite me, and writing this one was a blast. I know Anakin rescuing Padme was very cliche, but I was debating about who should rescue Padme. I finally settled on Anakin because that was something Anakin would totally do.

And who could forget Mia's role in the whole thing? She started liberating her fellow prisoners in the first place, and she's only 18. Guess one could say she's the Katniss Everdeen of the story, but she's not the main character. That also saved Yoda and Luminara loads of trouble.

Then there was the space battle against the Star Destroyers. Writing those scenes were a bit of a pain in the neck for me, but it can't be Star Wars without a space battle! (Okay, Empire Strikes Back and Attack of the Clones didn't have one and I'm not sure if Finn rescuing Poe in Force Awakens counts)

My favorite part of the whole Mustafar sequence was the duel between Anakin vs Palpatine with Ahsoka vs Kihara a close second. All through the story, there were hints about a new Sith apprentice, and the reader doesn't know who it really is until Ahsoka vs Kihara, which really is a huge shocker. The big plot twist was when Palpatine revealed that he created Anakin. The latter was a fan theory, and I think that's what happened. That would totally explain why he tried to seduce Anakin. During these scenes, I can totally surprise readers with a shocking plot twist.

I'll totally admit that I loved killing off Palpatine.

What was your favorite scene and why?

It would either be the martial arts duel or Anakin vs Palpatine. The martial arts duel is basically deja vu of the beginning of the story, with Anakin being conflicted about his choices. This also showcases how much Anakin cares for Will, as he saves him from Palpatine.

And oh, the climactic duel between Anakin and Palpatine. I loved writing that sequence, especially that part when Anakin loses his lightsaber and is simply reminded that he had another one when he sees Windu's. There actually is symbolism behind that. Anakin wielding Windu's purple lightsaber symbolizes the fact that Anakin sees himself as exhibiting qualities of Jedi and Sith. The Jedi part of him is the fact that he's very kind and cares about those he loves. The Sith part of him...I shouldn't even have to describe that.

So you all know that most Jedi have blue lightsabers and Sith have red ones. Blue and red make purple. Anakin acts like both Jedi and Sith. Do you see what I'm saying?

What are the universal themes of the story?

Well, to start us off:

There is a lot of action in the story. There's Mace Windu vs Palpatine, the Separatist pursuit scene, and the Clash on Alderaan, to name a few.

Betrayal is prominent in the story. There's a scene where Mace Windu wrongfully imprisons innocent civilians, but what he doesn't know is that the real traitors are lurking around the corner. Some people think Barriss Offee is up to no good, which is why she doesn't appear at all during Order 66. But the real traitors are Dean and Kihara, the latter the new Sith apprentice. Anakin also feels betrayed by Palpatine when he realizes that Palpatine is a dirty liar.

The Battle of Mustafar is, according to me, a battle of hope. When it seems dark, Anakin comes back and the people rejoice. He also motivates them to take part in the battle. During the scenes right before Mustafar, Anakin is basically a symbol of hope, which is what the galaxy needed.

Love is a major theme in this tale. Will's concern and brotherly love for Anakin is what makes Anakin realize what he's doing is wrong. Anakin's love for Padme drives him to save her, and Palpatine's love for power brings him his untimely demise.

Protection is also important and kind of goes along with the theme of love. In the beginning, Anakin and Padme part ways for their safety because Anakin wants her and the kids to be safe. Mace Windu's desire to protect the Republic is understandable but fails miserably. During the Imperial Utopia scenes, Ahsoka, Obi Wan, and the others try to protect what is left of the Republic.

Secrecy is important as well. In the beginning, there are many things the characters don't know about. As time goes on, they learn the following:

Anakin is conspiring with Palpatine because Palpatine claims he can help save his loved ones

Anakin is a father to Padme's children

Palpatine is plotting to assassinate the Jedi

Etc.

Sacrifice plays a big part in the Battle of Mustafar. The characters are sacrificing everything they have for a better tomorrow. Of course, it's not easy going into battle where the stakes are extremely high. Some people even sacrifice their lives for the greater good, like Will, Petro, and Clay.

What can your readers expect in the sequel to Sith Rising?

The sequel's working title is Revival and it takes place around the time of A New Hope. We all know Anakin and Padme get a happily ever after, but what about Luke and Leia? Palpatine may have been destroyed, but the story is far from over. The basic plot is that Anakin goes missing after an assassination attempt has been made on his life. This leaves Luke, Leia, and Padme in despair, searching for answers. Luke goes off on his own to track down leads to the assassin while Leia and Padme head to Coruscant. Along the way, the three of them discover secrets that go as far back as the demise of Emperor Palpatine.

Along with classic characters like Obi Wan Kenobi, Han Solo, and Chewbacca, new characters have been added. Mia Mircada returns in this story, but instead of the rowdy teenager we saw in Sith Rising, she's now a single mother. Ahsoka Tano also makes a return in this story. She's older, but she still carries the burden of not killing Kihara during their duel on Mustafar all those years ago. Perhaps there might be a connection...?

Any last words?

I really hope you enjoyed Star Wars EpisodeIIIAU: Sith Rising, and may the Force be with you.