Parting is Such Sith Sorrow: A Look Back at Shakespeare’s Star Wars

The curtain is falling, the Death Star has been destroyed, the play is over, the final credits are rolling. Use whatever metaphor you like, the fact is that all six William Shakespeare’s Star Wars books are now out and available, which means I am officially caught up with the Star Wars movies.

And, exhale.

I’ll be the first to say that this doesn’t mean I’m necessarily done with the quirky universe that is William Shakespeare’s Star Wars. I thought I was done after the original trilogy; I thought the prequels weren’t going to happen. Now the prequels are released, as well as the Shakespeare Star Wars Sonnet Generator. And, what do you know, there’s a new Star Wars movie on the horizon. To preempt your question: will I write a Shakespearean adaption of The Force Awakens? Honestly, I don’t know. Will I say yes if I’m asked to write it? You bet your Republic credits I will. (And the other question: do I have any special insight about Episode 7? Nope, sorry. I’m just as excited for December 18^th as you are.)

For now, this starship ride is at an end, or at least a pause. Here are three things I’ve learned along the way:

1. I’m having way more fun than I deserve. Writing the William Shakespeare’s Star Wars series hit square in the center of my nerd/geek tendencies. You can probably imagine how much fun these books are to write. People sometimes ask me if it ever got tiresome. Really? I got to make Yoda speak haiku, put words into the rancor’s mouth, pretend Watto was Dogberry and write serious, dramatic monologues for the likes of Palpatine and Anakin. Who wouldn’t enjoy this?
2. Easter eggs are the icing on the cake. When I wrote the first William Shakespeare’s Star Wars book, I threw in a couple of Easter eggs, but was mostly putting them in for myself. Since then, I have been throwing in nods to various things left and right. In William Shakespeare’s Tragedy of the Sith’s Revenge, you’ll find references to classic poetry and common phrases, a tribute to the good people at my publisher, Quirk Books, a reference to Austin Powers, a line from a popular 80s song, a nod to a song from Disney’s Frozen, a reference to Gilbert and Sullivan, a hint at the origin of the prequels, a huge reference to Star Trek, and, coming full circle, dialogue from some of the earlier William Shakespeare’s Star Wars books. See point 1: I’m having way more fun that I deserve.
3. There is nothing like working with good people. From Quirk Books to the Star Wars fans and theater people who have encouraged me, from members of the 501^st Legion to high school teachers using the William Shakespeare’s Star Wars series to teach real Shakespeare to their students, I’ve met a ton of wonderful people thanks to these books. Thank you to everyone who ever bought a book, came to a book event, or emailed me and said hello. You are all the best.
    

Look for me soon—other projects are in the works! In the meantime, enjoy William Shakespeare’s Tragedy of the Sith’s Revenge. And remember, nothing says “I love you” at the holidays like buying your friends and loved ones ALL SIX William Shakespeare’s Star Wars books. </end shameless plug>

The Force be ever with ye, worthy friends!